Back in the Branch

Week Four: Chicken Curry

2012-01-25T20:01:00.001-06:00

Week four.... and done.

Chicken Curry with Couscous and Garlic Green Beans!

I had another jar of curry from Williams-Sonoma and since we're trying to use up the food we have in the house before hitting up the grocery store again this was it!

Obviously I went real fancy here by using a premade jar of curry, microwaveable couscous (this brand is delicious!!) and canned green beans. The most laborious part was cooking the chicken before adding the curry sauce.

Finished product. It was good. And the parents both enjoyed it. I get a little nervous "making" curry since we never grew up eating Indian food and my mom doesn't do spicy so well. This one had a little bit of kick but nothing she couldn't handle!
(@Lyndsey - You could totally do this with veggies instead of chicken. One day I'll do a vegetarian recipe in honor of you... although Dad will need to get his protein somewhere!)

Tonight I went Bulgarian style and made Musaka. (No pics.) This was the first time I tried to make it since I've been back in the States. I was a little disappointed... but then I had the realization that it wasn't how I made it but that the vegetables in the Bulg have far more flavor as compared to what's available here. I kinda miss going out to the backyard to the garden and grabbing veggies there. The Bulgarians did always say they had the best produce!

And for your listening pleasure... Straight No Chaser.
This is my current jam. On repeat again and again. Love.

Oh Snap

2012-01-24T14:14:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I sent JLN an email showing him something I found on Pinterest...

This was his response....

I have no doubt that I'm an absolutely delightful girlfriend so this has never been an issue for us... :)

I had a good laugh from it. I even sent it to one of my sister's who forwarded it to her husband. He found JLN's response very wise.

(Sidenote: What's with all the quotes/saying on Pinterest? Do people print these out or just look at them whenever they're on their Pinterest account?!)

Week Three: Chicken Chipotle Soup

2012-01-19T20:50:00.003-06:00

Last night I made it to week three! Three weeks down, 49 to go!

I made Chicken & Chipotle Soup with Avocado & Lime from the Williams-Sonoma "Soup of the Day" cookbook. It was easy and pretty good. Originally I was going to do something from my Paula Deen "Southern Cooking Bible" but after the announcement of her diabetes, I decided her food probably wasn't what me (or my parents) need to be eating right now! Ha. (BTW, sorry Paula.)

Here's the book....

Here's the completed soup: topped with avocado and lime!

The soup wasn't too difficult to make although when I did my grocery shopping Tuesday night I couldn't find a mint sprig and I had no idea what kind of chile to get. There were about seven different options and there wasn't one labeled "Chipotle Chile in Adobo" sooooo I was confused. I ended up just buying a jalapeno, holding and roasting it over the gas stove, peeling and de-seeding and chopping. Worked well enough. (Plus Vic doesn't do too spicy so I wanted to make sure she could eat it!) There are chickpeas in the soup which added a nice flavor... and we even had some at the house so I didn't have to buy any.

Am I supposed to actually give the recipe on here? Does anyone care?? I guess it's easy enough to google if you want to create your own.

And just for good measure... here's an informal introduction to the man-friend:

And coming this weekend, my first book club with ladies from church. We'll be talking about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. If you click here you can find a stellar review of the book. (I found when I tried to explain it, I did it absolutely no justice!... Then you should bookmark that website.)

Yesterday I started Fame by Karen Kingsbury. I won this set of books from a blog of an old colleague (she's not old, just the job!). Check out her blog here. Thank you Sara! :)

Number of books for 2012: 2 (1 down, 1 in progress)

Week Two: Finished Early

2012-01-10T19:04:00.000-06:00

Monday night I went ahead and made my Week Two recipe: Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions.

It was good. Although I had higher ambitions to actually use the Slow Cooker but when I got home from work my mom said, "Why don't you just do those now?" So being the obliging/gracious/fantastic daughter I am, I gave her the night off. (The recipe has it for both oven and slow cooker so it wasn't an issue!)

Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Slow Cooking

(This is a fantastic cookbook, you should get it!)

The ingredients which were all on hand (Except you're supposed to use two yellow onions but I was using what was available!).

The dish.

I realize this presentation doesn't look as good as it tasted. We also had mashed potatoes and I probably should've taken the picture once I scooped the pork chop and onions onto the potatoes. Live and learn, eh?

At least I'm two for two so far.

(Tonight I made a Chicken Coconut Curry with Couscous. Williams-Sonoma sells a Coconut Curry starter - not the cheapest thing but the taste and ease of cooking is worth the cost! Dinner was pretty good if I do say so myself...)

Now, if the weather would only go back up to 65 degrees and sunny... that'd help resolution number two.

Or I could go to the gym. But I'll sit at my computer and blame my lack of exercise on the weather instead! :)

A not-so-hot start

2012-01-07T17:30:00.002-06:00

Ummm.... about this resolution... we can count Pinterest recipes too, right?

Sure, it's my resolution.

As I realized I nearly failed in my resolution during the first week, my man friend said to count what I made from a recipe via Pinterest this past Sunday. I'm gonna say Pinterest can count because who wants to have not failed the first week of a NY's Resolution?! Plus, it means I actually did something from Pinterest! (Although I don't have a picture because I had this other great plan on what I was going to do but this first week of 2012 didn't start in the most ideal way.)

Anyways, I made this. Or a version thereof.

Picture from here.

Recipe here.

Pizza Casserole!

Delicious. Mine didn't exactly look like this because the 13x9 pan is not in the house. (It got left at my aunt's at T-Give and we haven't gotten around to getting it again! Aunt Suzy, let's meet so mom or I can get this pan back!) I used another dish that made it go up instead of long. Either way. It's good.

I did make some changes to the recipe trying to do it somewhat "healthier". I used turkey pepperoni (tastes the same) and ground turkey instead of sausage. This recipe does make a lot though... I ended up eating it as lunch leftovers four out of five days this week! Even my dad and brother ate some too. I think next time (which there will most definitely be!), I can cut the recipe in half. Thank you Pinterest!

Let's see if I can make week 2....

New Year's Resolution - Starting Early!

2011-12-28T19:15:00.000-06:00

I have a New Year's Resolution.

And it's all thanks to sister the first, Lyndsey! For Christmas, she gave me two new cookbooks. "Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible" and "Milk & Cookies."

The resolution is that once a week I'm going to try out a new recipe. So I started today! Who cares that it's still 2011?! While I was working at Williams-Sonoma I bought a couple of good cookbooks ("Soup of the Day" and "Essentials of Slow Cooking") so I have plenty to check out.

(When I was living in Bulgaria, I cooked from scratch nearly every day. I miss it. I did have much more free time out there though...)

Today I made Ambrosia Chicken Salad from "Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible." It was super easy, we already had all of the ingredients on hand and everyone (myself and the 'rents) liked it. And here we are...

Ingredients: Cookbook, Lime Juice, 20oz. can of Pineapple, Mayo, Shredded Coconut, Salt, Chicken and Almonds.

Completed! I topped it off with Craisins and put it on a bed of lettuce!

One recipe down, 52 to go. Let's see how long I last.... :)

Remember that time I went to the Middle East?

2011-12-27T18:34:00.002-06:00

That one time back in October...? Over two months ago? Yes, well I finally had a day off with no commitments and am finally getting around to it.

(I wrote that yesterday. Why in the world is it taking me so long to do this?!)

Okay, so back in October my friend Spencer and I went to go visit his parents who live in Doha, Qatar. They moved there not long after I arrived in Bulgaria so they've been there since Summer '09. Spencer and I grew up together at church, went to ACU together and I love his parents so why not go visit them in the Middle East!

We drove from Dallas to Houston to catch a direct flight into Doha. Since his parents travel so much they've become friends with the Qatar Airways employees who then hooked Spencer and I up by putting us in the bulkhead seats. So much room! (Travel tip: Always ask for the bulkhead seats when you go to check in at the desk!) And the adventure begins with a 14 hour flight to Doha....

Diet Coke. Duh.

Here is where I learned my love for camels. We went on a quick camel ride with some of the Jackson's friends who also live out there. (This was after four wheeling in the sand dunes!)

Yes.

More Camels!

The Souk // The Market

Museum of Islamic Art

The Pearl (This is the development that Jerry, Spencer's dad, works at!)

The sashimi igloo platter at Magu. Who has ever seen such a display?!

My wonderful hosts! The Jackson family! The scale model behind them is of The Pearl development!

Now I'm in Dubai!

(Doha to Dubai is about a 45 minute flight.)

This is the view from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world! It was a little sandy but some crazy views from the 124th floor!

The Dubai Aquarium... I got excited about the SHARK TANK... IN THE MALL!

At the Sky View Bar in the Burj Al Arab. Spencer became famous at this bar where a drink was created in honor of him.

View of the Burj Al Arab from Pierchic.

I had so many wonderful pictures from this trip. This is a seriously quick overview. The Jackson's were such great hosts and fantastic tour guides. It was an awesome way to experience the Middle East. I mean, who doesn't love going to the pool at The Ritz in Doha?! This was far different from my other travels... where I couchsurfed, ate as cheap as I could and wandered around. I like this kind of traveling too! :)

The flight home was another... adventure... It took 16 hours, Spencer was sick and the altitude just about did him in! We had our own rows but on the way there we both fell asleep and slept through the whole trip. On the way back... not so much. Then we arrived in Houston, jumped straight in the truck and drove back to Dallas. It was a LONG day to say the least!

If you want to look at pictures, you can check them out HERE.

I realize I didn't write too much about the actual trip... kinda hard to do so many months after it happened.

But know this...

It was awesome.

You should go.

I still like to read.

2011-12-13T18:08:00.004-06:00

I still read a lot. No surprise there. On my lunch break I go to the cafeteria area with my Kindle and lunch and sit and read. I spend my lunch hour (typically) all by myself. And I like it.

Maybe I spent too much time by myself in Bulgaria and I've turned into a big loner. It's okay with me. Kind of annoying to the man friend. Oh well.

Anyways, here's a list of the books I've read since I've been back in America. I'm continuing the numbers from while I was traveling... because, hey, it's still 2011. I'll start a new list in 2012.

80- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
81 - One Day

82- Unbroken

82- Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2)

84- Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3)

85- Then Came You

86- Sarah's Key

87- The Night Circus

I just started "The Kite Runner" today. It's my new lunch book. And I've got a real copy of "Wonder Struck" waiting for me on my dresser. My mom and I read "Hugo" way back in the day. I want to see the movie.

Anyways, reading is cool. Anyone have any book recommendations?!

I still haven't forgot about a Doha/Dubai blog. Or a life update. Small steps.

Maybe 2012?

2011-12-04T20:54:00.001-06:00

I haven't forgotten about this... I've had the best of intentions to update!

In fact, I have two "drafts" I've started including my trip to Doha and Dubai. Complete with pictures. (Ones like this. Turns out I have a fascination with camels.)

Working two jobs and not having weekends free for the time being makes me have an attitude that does not include blog updates. (I am thankful to be employed though!)

Someday a real update will happen... if y'all are still out there.

The bike is finished!

2011-09-16T11:46:00.001-05:00

Wow, I've definitely turned into a terrible blogger. It might be better because otherwise I'd be telling y'all about how I'm jobless (though not putting forth much of an effort to find a job) and the Peace Corps money is definitely going out but nothing coming in. Whatever.

Good news is that I'm less than a month away from heading to the Middle East to visit some family friends! (Thus being the reason I'm not job searching too hard.) "Hi, please hire me. But I need a week off in October. Thanks." I don't think that would fly too well.

But I have worked on some of my craft projects including the bike! And it's finished. My amazing dad helped me completely revamp the bike. I learned all about grease guns, oiling joints and other things that my dad mysteriously knows about. (It's not really a mystery... he was raised on a farm and had one of those bikes from the old days!)

Before:

It doesn't look too terrible here but it needed a new paint job, work on the brakes, and a kickstand. It really just needed some love.

After:

We had a power washer that entertained me for awhile...

Painting

Putting back together

Cleaned and painted basket

All done!

My dad was so great about helping me and my mom enjoyed seeing her old bike get updated! We ended up keeping the original handles and streamers and we didn't paint the inside of the tires. Gotta keep some of the character! But it's working good and rideable... now I just need somewhere to go so I can put something in the basket! :)

Actual Travel Schedule Summer 2011

2011-08-23T23:43:00.000-05:00

While I was doing all of my travel research I realized it was super hard to find a lot of information about official Eastern European train/bus schedules. So I wrote all of mine how they actually happened. This won't be a very interesting entry unless you care about the particulars of Eastern Europe transportation! Mostly this one is for the travelers googling train or bus schedules!

The public transport itinerary was: Sofia - Beograd - Sarajevo -Split - Zagreb - Budapest - Vienna

(I went to some other places but was lucky enough to catch some rides for free!)

My travel information from July 2011:

Sofia, Bulgaria - Belgrade, Serbia

Train

Estimated Departure: 12.25 // Arrival: 19.19

Actual Departure: 12.25 // Arrival: 01.00

41.56 BGN // $30 USD // 21 EUR

* Terrible train! Ridiculously hot and way longer than what the people in Bulgaria said. Apparently the train is always 12ish hours. Be prepared.

Belgrade, Serbia - Sarajevo, Bosnia i Herzegovina

Bus

Estimated Departure: 08.00 // Arrival: 16.00

Actual Departure: 08.00 // Arrival: 15.50

2150 RSD // $31 USD // 22 EUR

*Stick with buses. They're air conditioned!

Split, Croatia - Zagreb, Croatia

Bus

Estimated Departure: 11.15 // Arrival: 16.00

Actual Departure: 11.20 // Arrival: 16.30

184 HRK // $36 USD // 25 EUR

Zagreb, Croatia - Budapest, Hungary

Train

Estimated Departure: 16.20 // Arrival: 22.19

Actual Departure: 16.20 // Arrival: 22.19

228 HRK // $44 USD // 31 EUR

*Train switch at 19.40 in Kopivrica. Easy switch. Air conditioned trains!

Budapest, Hungary - Vienna, Austria

Train

Estimated Departure: 09.00 // Arrival: 12.00

Actual Departure: 09.00 // Arrival: 12.05

6750 HUF // $36 USD // 25 EUR

Good luck traveling! Make sure to go to the coast of Croatia!

America! America!

2011-08-17T13:52:00.000-05:00

Blog fail.

I have no excuse for not updating in two weeks. It's not like a TON of things haven't been happening. I even have a list of entries to write.... but.... I'll get to it.

All sorts of fun things have happened. Like RETURNING TO AMERICA. (I love America by the way.) I've been meeting up with family and friends, my parents hosted a party to welcome me home and 60ish people showed up!

Things are good. Things are happening. But now I need a job. The readjustment allowance from Peace Corps is disappearing. Quick. I went to the Dallas Galleria and just had to have some new things! :)

But know that I haven't forgot about my blogging responsibilities. I even have pictures for this one.

The four kids together for the first time since C's wedding in October 2008!

Remember my craft projects? This is my mom's bike from 1954 that I'm going to give some love to! This is the before picture....

So close... yet so far!

2011-08-03T11:58:00.001-05:00

Turns out the last post was my 200th!

So Happy 201st Post!

(*It only took me six years!)

I'm in Sofia again. The three week Euro Trip has come to an end. And I didn't go to Bratislava. But all in all, it was a complete success. Even with super lame weather (rain, 20c/68f) I went out and explored everyday!

There is so much more to tell y'all but for now it's 8pm (Bulgaria time) and I have a taxi that will be waiting at 330am. Even though I woke up at 4am for a 430am train ride to the Vienna airport this morning. Here's hoping that all three of my flights go successfully tomorrow... and that I am on every one of them! The itinerary is not set up with a lot of grace time. So if you're awake at 345am (CST) or 1045am (Frankfurt time), send up a prayer that I made it on the flight!

The goal is to be at El Fenix eating chips and salsa, tortilla soup and nachos in the late afternoon with the parents (and my checked bag waiting in the car in the sweltering 41c/105f heat)!

Cheers (for the last time in awhile) from the great country of Bulgaria!

My Peepz!

2011-07-18T04:19:00.001-05:00

Just a quick update... and no pictures... sorry!

I've been traveling for five days and all is well! :)

I'm in Zenica, Bosnia (outside of Sarajevo) now and will soon head on to Mostar, Bosnia. After Mostar, I'll spend a couple of days in Split, Croatia (on the coast!). Then on to Zagreb, Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava! It's hot out here but super nonetheless.

Oh, and for anyone that will ever travel from Sofia, Bulgaria to Beograd, Serbia. Just know that the train is 11 hours. NOT the eight they tell you (or that's printed on the ticket). I took the 12.25 train and didn't arrive until after 01.00. (Incredibly delayed and unpleasant.) 13 HOURS in the heat. Not my favorite part of the trip.

If you ever travel from Beograd to Sarajevo... go with the bus! Only 4 euro more and AIR CONDITIONED! In the middle of summer, it makes a HUGE difference! Trust me!

And THANK YOU to all of y'all who have sent me emails and comments regarding the blog! I have no idea how many people follow this blog or check it out in Google Reader but I've been so thankful for the well wishes from people around the world! Once I get back to the States, we can all decide together what to do with my life!

...Any ideas or suggestions?! :)

Time for Mostar! (And traveling by CAR!)

The End!

2011-07-12T15:17:00.003-05:00

The end of a milestone is here. At midnight I officially become an RPCV. (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer).

27 months of Peace Corps Bulgaria is at an end and in 13 hours I begin my three week backpack adventure.

Right now I'm sitting in Gabi and Yavor's apartment (sweating) and being incredibly thankful for this family. The three of us just walked to the shop so they could buy me snacks, sandwich supplies, water and Cola Light for the eight hour train ride. (Sidenote: I'm sweating now at 11pm. My train is from 12 noon - 730pm. Good gracious, it's going to be hot. And un-air conditioned. Delightful, yes?)

I love that over two years later this family still takes me on as their own and takes care of me. It's a good feeling. Gabi has even taken off work for the day I fly back into Sofia and the day I fly out of Sofia to Dallas at 540am! Good people, for sure!

To my fellow PC-BGers.... love yall. Catch yall on the flip side. I'll be in charge of our 5... 10... 7.5(?) year reunion. Don't worry.

To PC-DC... No big complaints. Thanks for letting me serve in Bulgaria for 27 months.

To Bachevo and Bulgaria... Much love. It's (mostly) been fantastic.

To America... thanks for the emails/facebook messages/love. Spending over two years away has made me realize how much I love my country (and my State if we're getting specific). We have a lot to be proud of and thankful for.

There'll be plenty of time for these. Any special requests?! I've got all sorts of colors with me and nothin' but time... :)

There is so much more to write and to say and be thankful for but now, this is it.
I'm tired and hot and need to sleep!

Can yall believe it's over?!

Peace,
VGG
RPCV Bulgaria 2009-2011

The Final Week Plans

2011-07-05T07:32:00.000-05:00

Turns out this is my 198th entry. What actually might be pathetic about this is that I've had this blog since June of 2006. Which means that I've averaged 40 entries per year. Maybe for my 200th I'll do something special! :)

I'm out of the village but I haven't gone too far yet. I'm teaching Journalism for one week at a camp at the American University in Bulgaria. It's the same camp I taught at last year. Although this year there's 170 teenagers from 14 different countries. It's an awesome camp and such a great opportunity for these students! We've got our own blog (that all classes are contributing to)... check it out HERE. Not one of the kids is a native English speaker, so check out their writing and be impressed!

When I'm not chasing around groups of teenagers, I'm putting the final touches on my 3 week backpacking adventure... it should go like this:

Serbia (Beograd)

Bosnia (Sarajevo & Mostar)

Croatia (Dubrovnik or Split & Zagreb)

Hungary (Budapest)

Austria (Vienna)

Slovakia (Bratislava)

It's going to be pretty awesome if I do say so myself... There were so many more places I wanted to go but there just isn't enough time. I guess I'll just have to come back to Central Europe and go to Prague, Krakow, Warsaw, etc...

There are about six more days of being an official Peace Corps Volunteer. Come next Tuesday, I will become an RPCV. (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer)

Then the trip begins... and before I know it, I'll be arriving on Texas soil for the first time since May 19, 2009 and eating at El Fenix with my parents.

Life is good, y'all.

Only 2 hours left in the village....

2011-07-01T04:53:00.001-05:00

I've pretty much packed up all of my things. I put two years of stuff into two backpacks. And that's it.

I'm leaving Bachevo... the village that's been my home for two years. It's crazy that this day is finally here and our B25 group has started heading back to America! It's a bittersweet feeling leaving here. I've said my goodbyes and given my well-wishes. I'll be at a camp for a week and in 12 days, I'll begin my backpacking trip for three weeks. It'll be time for Texas before we know it!

So to the village of Bachevo, thanks for two years.
You've done me well.

(Except for the winters!)

Наздраве!

The Seven Rila Lakes

2011-06-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

Remember when I posted about the things I need to get done in five months back in February? (Click HERE for that post.)

I'm happy to say I've accomplished all of those things. I went to Varna. I've planned my after-PC trip and I finally hiked the Seven Rila Lakes!

The hike didn't work out exactly how we planned due to the weather on Saturday. But I knew I only had about two weeks left in country so it was a now or never opportunity. Thankfully on Sunday the weather cleared up (albeit windy) and I was able to go!

I can't believe it took me over two years to do this! It is so amazingly beautiful and the pictures can't even do it justice. But I'll try...

View from the lift.

Me & Stephanie

Still going... beautiful views

After many takes, this was our best shot. I love it.

Still going...

At the top!

We didn't stay at the top for too long... the weather up there was windy and the sun was disappearing. And Stephanie and I were wearing shorts. So we walked down. And it was spectacular.

Things you should know about the lakes:

*The micro-buses that supposedly run every day from Sapareva Banya to the lift were not running when we got there. (Go figure. It was Sunday but the locals told us that it didn't matter.) So we had to pay a car to take us up.

*It's 15 leva ($11) for a roundtrip lift ticket.

*The lift doesn't actually take you to the lakes. I was under the impression they did. But there's still a 2ish hour hike for the lakes.

*The weather changes very quickly in the mountains. Be like a Girl Scout (or Boy Scout) and be prepared.

(One day soon, I'll give y'all the scoop on my three week adventure.)

Countdown update:

1.5 days left in the village (I leave FRIDAY!)

14 days left in country

36 days until Texas

Beach Party

2011-06-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

For one of my final weekends in BG a huge group of us gathered in Varna on the Black Sea Coast. The 10 hour trip from the SW corner to the east coast of the country was totally worth it! I love my B25's!

A picture to prove I was actually at the beach (and one taken without my knowledge)! I realized that I didn't really take any pics at the beach. But that's okay because I'm pretty sure 9 out of 10 girls do not want a picture of them floating around the internet of them in their bathing suit.

I love Stephanie. She's one of my favorites. I'm sad she's not going back to Texas with me but instead going to Holland for grad school.

These two fabulous men will be reuniting with me in Dallas. I'm so excited thinking about Cory, James and I out on the town. Haha!

Seriously, this picture was not staged. Our usual dance party had started and I caught Raf in a moment. He's going to continue reppin' B25's for a third year! (Crazy.)

Then... then there was this lady.

Let me tell you the story of why me and this lady will never be friends.

This weekend was hot. Nothin' I couldn't handle though. But I was not excited about the heat that comes with a seven hour UNair conditioned train ride.

I should also tell you about a Bulgarian... myth... concern... whatever you want to call it.

It's the течение.

(Techenie)

The течение is the draft.

The concern with people of a certain age here is that if doors or windows are open you will get sick. Which means that you can sometimes get stuck in a train car with an elder who throws a fit if the window is open or the train car door is open.

At some point during the train ride, this woman got on and sat next to Caitlin. It was hot outside and inside but we had the window open. But I was still sweating. Eventually someone opened up the door to the outside and the door to the car. It gave us a beautiful (albeit strong) breeze. But it was good.

Then the lady shut the door into our car.

Caitlin tried to convince her it would be a "beautiful breeze" but she wasn't having it.

Then our train broke down.

Eventually they got us up and running but by this time I'd already changed into my cotton shorts, took off my shoes and was draped across some seats. It was hot, yall.

Someone opened up the outside door and the lady closed it.

No ma'am, that wasn't going to fly.

Caitlin and I looked at her, and Caitlin opened that door back up. We gave her the "just try to shut that door again" look.

She didn't. But the lady (who had been profusely sweating along with the rest of us) then draped a jacket and a scarf around her and mumbled to herself for quite some time. Dramatic, much?!

It was probably about 95F/35C.

It was not ideal.

But the weekend was fantastic.

And 9 hours later, we were in Sofia.

Proud to be a Texan

2011-06-13T15:07:00.002-05:00

...or a Dallasite more specifically!

Remember my post from a week and a half ago about the Mavs?!

Or should I say the 2011 NBA Championship team?!

I totally wish I was in Dallas celebrating with all the Mavs fans!
(Or with the Germans. They love Dirk. They know what's up!)

I was internet-less over the weekend and awoke early thinking about the Mavs. It was the confusing half awake/half asleep trying to decide if they had WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP. It inspired me to get out of bed (at the early hour of 10am) to check online.

Maybe the word "inspired" is more of a loose term.

I still had NO internet! So I called GNet and the woman informed there was no problem with the internet... it was my lack of paying the bill. MY BAD. I got ready with a purpose, went to Razlog, paid the bill, returned to the village and was oh-so-very pleased to see they won. I'm so proud. MFFL, yo!

Enough about the Mavs. Let's have some Peace Corps updates.

This past weekend I returned to where it all started. The village of Kravoder! It was great to stay for the last time with Emi and Kiril, na gosti with friends and see the B27 group become official Peace Corps Volunteers.

I can't say enough good things about the Davidovi family and their extreme hospitality. I'm so thankful I lived with them for 11 weeks and have been able to keep that relationship over the past two years. That family has done so much for me... lots of love!

Emi, Kiril and I

(I promise he was excited to have me there!)

My favorite people from Krav: Penka, Emi, Pile Prez, Kiril, Vinsi, Tsetska

On the way back from Vratsa, I had a layover in Sofia. What did I do? Go to the Mexican food place, then to Subway, then to the shop that sells American drinks in cans. How very American of me, right?! This is what I came home with.

Countdown update:

17 days left in the village

30 days left in country

51 days until Texas

Craft Help, Please!

2011-06-05T07:47:00.003-05:00

This weekend I've been on a craft kick. Or more of a craft search kick as I'm not actually doing anything. I'm planning projects for when I return.

Caitlin sent me a website: Craft Gawker and I have spent a lot of time going through that. It's fun. It makes me want to buy a sewing machine. And then learn how to sew.

Here's where I need help. I have some things from Bulgaria that I want to eventually showcase. But I'm not really sure what to do.

Project 1:

One of the things I have is old Bulgarian money from the Communist era. (And a lot of 1000 dinari bills from the former Yugoslavia.) It's pretty awesome. Too bad it's not real money.

I called my mom to ask her for some ideas. She was an Art major back in the day. We talked about a Mod Podge'd table top or TV trays. Right now I'm leaning towards the TV tray idea. I checked out Craigslist and found sets of 4 for about $20. (Or maybe my parents will give me theirs for free!)

Has anyone done one of those types of projects? I've found all sorts of how-to/DIY websites but I'm still scared. I have these crafty ideas but it seems like often they never turn out too cute...

Project 2:

My other non-existent project is with postcards. I've collected postcards from the places I've visited since I've lived in Bulgaria. And I have no idea what to do with them. Right now I have 12 but am planning on adding six more during my after Peace Corps travels.

I'd thought about doing some kind of framing but no doubt it would get ridiculously expensive for any kind of custom framing or matting. All the cards are different sizes. So my creative friends, what in the world should I do?!

I'm kind of begging y'all to comment... all you Google Readers or people who stumble upon this... any ideas?!

::Change of Subject:::

Yesterday, we finally had a non-rainy day with the sun out. So I finally did something I've been meaning to do for the past two years.... I walked to the edge of the village where the Bachevo welcome sign is and had a little photo shoot. I thought I needed to have some pictures here before I leave the village in less than a month!

MFFL

2011-06-03T05:06:00.001-05:00

I'm a Mavs fan. Although I've been slacking living in Bulgaria.

I would do the occasional NBA standings check and if DallasNews.com had a headliner about the Mavs, I'd check it out.

But I've kept up well enough to know they're in the NBA Finals right now!

Go Mavs!

This is the second time they've made it all the way to the finals (against Miami both times no less!) and I can't help but notice that I'm once again far, far away from the action! Wish I was there!

*I have spent five of the last seven summers abroad! Crazy!

Nonetheless, I love the Mavs. And in honor of last nights win, I am rocking my Dirk shirt in Bulgaria!

MFFL!

THIS IS AN ARTICLE of 20 reasons to pull for Big D! Check it out!
A couple of my favorite reasons are:

"Pull for Dallas because when you ask Nowitzki why he didn't bolt the way everybody else does, he simply says, "Because this is where my heart is."

"Pull for Dallas because it has the best locker room in the NBA, not a whiner among them. There are more good guys in that room than in some divisions."

"Pull for these Dallas Mavericks because the way things are going, the Dallas Cowboys may never win a title again."

Last Month in the Village!

2011-06-01T10:20:00.001-05:00

Today begins the last month in the village.

CRAZY.

I leave Bachevo on 01 July 2011 for good. In honor of my two years spent here, I went back through some pictures to remember the good times I've had here. Although I'm currently super bored, I'm thankful that I lived here, in the mountains and surrounded by some fantastic people.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Bachevo over the last two years...

First visit to Bachevo :: June 2009

Moved in :: July 2009

A view from the Mountains :: August 2009

Early morning view from my house :: August 2009

Babin Den - Grandmother's Day :: January 2010

Snowy village :: February 2010

St. George's Cliff above the village :: March 2010

Valentine's Day at the Kindergarten :: February 2011

Todorov Den :: March 2011

Наздраве, Бачево!

Cheers, Bachevo!

The Future Freaks Me Out

2011-05-27T09:04:00.002-05:00

I have too much free time to think about my ever-nearing future in the States.

And it makes me cry. Seriously. I just cried.

Over two years ago, before I actually arrived in Bulgaria, I was just sure that I would figure out what I wanted to do with life while in the Peace Corps. Much to my dismay, that hasn't happened.

Here I am, six weeks away from leaving Bulgaria... Peace Corps over with... and I still have no idea. It's frustrating. When will I ever figure it out?

I have ideas of what I could do but those keep changing. My current thought is taking me back to ideas I had awhile ago. But that involves going back to school and I don't get excited about taking out loans.

I'm just bored. Too much time to sit alone thinking about it. Surely it'll all work out in the end.

On a completely different note - earlier this week there were some crazy storms in the Dallas area. The tornado sirens were going off by my parents house so my brother and the dogs took cover. (Thankfully there wasn't much action there besides a little hail, thunder and lightening.) My brother emailed me this picture and it makes me smile.

Philip's dog is the one on the left. My poor pup is the old one on the right. (I use the term "my" loosely, my mom has really been taking care of her.) She's 16 and mostly deaf. She had tried to jump out of the tub but couldn't do it so decided to lay down and chill instead. I'm kinda surprised she didn't sleep through the storm because that's really all she does. But my brother assured me she could hear the hail and did not like it one bit.

Lifestyle Change 2K11

2011-05-23T14:38:00.000-05:00

Lifestyle Change 2K11 started today. I think I convinced a couple of my other friends to join in on the (not so much) fun.

I went to Razlog today and hit up the veggie market so food today was a success. Exercise. Not so much. But that's a whole other story. Tomorrow. I hope.

More importantly, this was a real conversation that happened today with my mom. It might be one of those stories that only my siblings and I think is funny but I was laughing so hard, I had to share with the world. Sorry dad. (But I'm pretty sure he never looks at this.)

I should preface with saying that my mom makes sugar free/fat free pudding on a regular basis as dessert.

Mom: I'm on way to the store because I have to buy soy milk, sprinkles and cinnamon.

V: What are you making?

M: Nothing. Philip wants soy milk and your dad wants sprinkles for his pudding.

V: When did dad start putting sprinkles on his pudding?

M: As soon as he discovered the 8 to 10 year old sprinkles in the pantry and decided he liked it.

V: (Laughing.) He's so olddddddd.

M: Yes, and the cinnamon is to flavor his morning oatmeal. Remember all this for when you put him in the home...

End of PC countdown: 7 weeks

Well, this will be embarrassing...

2011-05-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

Okay, friends.

I have an announcement.

No matter what you think or what stereotypes you've heard, not all Peace Corps Volunteers lose weight when they move to country. Maybe in some parts of the world but I'll tell you what... in Bulgaria... there is no shortage of bread (that's amazing) or pasta or rice or anything carb related. Or shortages of baba's making you eat and eat even if you tell them you can't. And also various foods fried in sunflower oil. In fact, when we got to country I remember one of the PC Directors telling us that in BG, men usually lose weight and women gain weight. Not me, I said. I ain't gonna let that happen.

And has that backfired on me! Goodness gracious, I went in for my COS (Close of Service) physical. I stepped on that scale... not feeling confident, mind you... but then... then Dr. Toni said ###. So I asked her to tell me what I weighed two years (!!!) ago.

Dr. Toni told me what I weighed in at in May 2009. Let's just say it was not a pleasant feeling. And I'm announcing to y'all - all over the world - that it was not a single digit weight gain.

I refuse to get back to America, get off the plane and have people immediately think, "Valerie's back! Yay! And she got fat." Eleven weeks until I make my Texas debut. So back to the grind. The winter blues and inflammation of popping hip syndrome (it's real - google it) put a downer on things. But the veggies and fruits have returned (some even in the village) and I am going to try an experiment.

I am going to attempt a week without carbs and exercise everyday. And I will report it to y'all.

You'd think with my vast free time this wouldn't be an issue... but you'd be amazed at how easy it is for me to do nothing. Seriously, it's embarrassing how okay I am with spending hours alternating between tv, reading a book, talking to my mom and not going outside. (I'm in Sofia right now and visiting a friend this weekend so on Monday I'll give it a go.)

Hopefully this public declaration will give me some motivation which is definitely lacking. Feel free to leave your support! :)

Or maybe I'll delete this post and never bring up the issue again. We'll see.

And on a final note, I learned today that if you plan on traveling to Bosnia, you need a Typhoid shot. So along with a depressing stand on the scale, growing an inch (???), I also had blood drawn, a Typhoid vaccine and some other unpleasantries.

And one day, I'll also post pictures which makes all posts way better.

Folklore

2011-05-16T03:56:00.000-05:00

This is definitely something I'm going to miss:

My director had asked me to be at the Culture Center to take pictures but (like usual) didn't tell me why. When I got there, the Women's Group and the small Men's Group were in traditional dress and a guy with video cameras was setting up. My thought was, "Huh, this is interesting." The groups performed, I took some pictures and never asked what the filming was for.

Good(e) Wins!

2011-05-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

And it is JAMES GOODE for the WIN!

Thank you to all who sent voted or sent up the positives vibes. The people of C-FB ISD will continue to be well served by my dad and Nancy Cline (who was also re-elected to the School Board).

Otherwise:

Today I went on a walk and the weather was finally amazing! Hopefully it stays at 75 degrees and sunny. But Accuweather tells me it will start raining. Again. Tomorrow.

Ohhh, will yall believe that I'm actually excited to arrive in Dallas during the hottest part of the year?! I can't wait to get to stay all day in tank tops and sandals. I am over always having to carry a jacket.

This week I'll be traveling to Sofia to begin some final things... final paperwork, final medical check-ups etc. (That includes my final weight. Yikes.) And so it all begins.... or maybe I should say "ends" instead.

Portrait of an Unhealthy American

2011-05-12T06:03:00.000-05:00

Seeing as I will be home in less than three short months, I can't stop thinking about food... restaurants, really.

Let's get started listing in no particular order except for the first one of all the not-so-healthy places I want to go:

El Fenix, Taco Bueno, Blue Mesa, Gloria's, Mi Cocina, Manny's, Chipotle, Sonic (for a Route 44 Diet Coke), Burger House, Marshall's BBQ, Ancient China, Paradise Bakery, Corner Bakery, Jason's Deli, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-Fil-A, Pei Wei, Texadelphia and Saltgrass Steakhouse.

Then we can top it off at Braums for ice cream... and somewhere in there I need some cupcakes. Maybe I'll wait until NYC for that one!

No doubt there are more. But I should probably go ahead and stop here.

Wow, I should also be embarrassed by this...

(I can see my mom shaking her head by this list... especially since I'll probably be dragging her to a lot of these places with me. Unless I have other takers. Do I have any other takers?!)

Full Disclosure: I plan on rejoining the Rec Center gym as soon as I get back. Especially since I plan on eating so much when I first return. :)

I guess we all know where my Peace Corps money is going once I get back. :)

COS and Cinco!

2011-05-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

Oh. My. Gracious.

The past week was a whirlwind! We had our COS (Close of Service) conference in Central Bulgaria with all of our 52 PC Volunteers! It was a bittersweet conference knowing that it was the last time all of would ever be together. The conference was pretty intense with lots of logistical information about how we will close out our service. (Duh.)

I'm pretty sure we had one of the best groups in Peace Corps history! We have such an amazing group of people ranging from those who came straight out of university to people who had recently retired after years of working in the professional world. There's so much more I could say about the B25 group but pictures will have to work for now...

We went from 62 in May 2009...

To 52 in May 2011....

Inside picture because it rained the whole time. Bummer.

Another contrast/compare picture!

Kravoder Training Group circa 2009

Kravoder Training Group circa 2011

This one might be a framer...

Our COS included a talent show which was hilarious and awesome all in one. We have some seriously talented people in our group who sing and play guitar. (Two skills I definitely do not have.)

After the Conference a group of us went to another PCVs place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. And celebrate we did! We made mexican food and had ridiculous amounts of chips and dip. 'Twas delicious. We totally PC'd out - cooking, drinking, sitting in a circle and having group sing-a-longs. Love.

Now I have LESS THAN TWO MONTHS to do everything I want to do before I leave. Also getting my after PC travels in order. I'm starting to get it all worked out and I'm pretty sure it'll be epic!

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY.... I have an official plane ticket home. I will have my feet on AMERICAN soil on August 4th!

My friends are talented!

2011-05-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

This past week we had our COS (Close of Service) Conference... it was pretty intense. I'll give you the DL later... but right now I want to show off one of my friends.

My good friend, Matt, is a fantastic writer. We worked the AUBG camp last summer where he taught Creative Writing and seriously inspired some kids. At our B25 Talent Show Matt showed off his own Creative Writing skills.

This will be four minutes of your life well spent...

Compassion

2011-04-21T12:37:00.004-05:00

I'm frustrated.

I have lived in Bulgaria for 23 months. And nearly every day I attempt to speak Bulgarian. I am fully aware that my Bulgarian language is not top notch. I wish it were. But that's not my point.

Being a Peace Corps Volunteer gives us a lot of opportunity to view things from a different perspective than we often would in America. One of those ideas that I've spent a lot more time thinking about are the people in America who are trying to learn and speak English, yet we become frustrated and irritated with them due to the lack of understanding. Living and speaking in Bulgaria has given me a whole new perspective. Because now the tables are turned... I am the person who people can't understand.

Let me acknowledge the fact that most Bulgarians have been patient and understanding with me. The majority of people in my village are fantastic. Many thanks.

But there are those chosen few who as soon as I open my mouth give me a look of frustration and annoyance. That look or tone makes me feel like an idiot.

I am so over feeling like an idiot. I am 26 years old. I have a university degree. I know that I'm not dumb. Yet every once in awhile there are people who do a stellar job of making me feel like just that. I think it might be the fact that they've never really interacted with people whose first language is not Bulgarian. I try to not take it personally, but being spoken to in such a belittling way is beyond discouraging.

Which got me thinking... how often do "we" do this in America? America is a hodge-podge of cultures and languages. (Which I think is awesome and one of the best things about the USA!) Places in America provide English language lessons and sincerely want to help the people who are new to the States and want to learn English. But those of us who don't deal with this on a regular basis, how compassionate are we towards those who are struggling to learn and get by? Or how often do we just think, "These people are in America. Learn English."?

I can't imagine how hard it is to learn English since it's my native language. But I now understand the struggle of being in an environment where you are forced to learn and speak a completely new language. It's hard. No doubt about it. It's daunting and often makes you not want to speak with people. (Or maybe that's just me... ha!)

I think about those times that I was less than understanding with those people in America. Now I know what it feels like. And it's not a good feeling. It's frustrating when people are short with you. Or automatically give up trying to converse because it's a little more difficult.

We should be lifting these people up, encouraging them to speak. Engaging them in conversation in order to improve their language. Listening to their words and what they have to say.

We need to be more compassionate and understanding of others. This goes to every single person, everywhere. Just because someone stumbles over their words doesn't mean that they are dumb, that they are not trying. No one should treat them that way.

So let's make it about compassion. It'll make the world (and us) better. Promise.

A Shameless Promotion

2011-04-19T14:44:00.001-05:00

Okay, if you're a Google Reader, click to come to the real blog.

Please.

I do realize that Google Reader is a great way to blog-stalk people which I totally do. So no judging.

Now that we're on the real blog page, look to the right. Do you see where it says "Support and Vote" and then there's a facebook button for James Goode? Yes? Sweet, so let's talk about James Goode.

Right off the bat, James Goode is my dad. And a super one at that. So maybe I'm biased. But whatever. He's running for reelection for Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District School Board. (That's a mouthful!) He has spent the past 12 years dedicating an incredible amount of time to support C-FB students, staff and administrators. Not to count the years he spent in PTA starting in 1984 with Lyndsey. (Sister, the oldest.)

He has worked so hard to make C-FB ISD a successful place for students to be. Our (I say "our" because even though I'm in Bulgaria, I still am officially an FB resident!). So, our school district is an incredibly diverse one. And he, along with his other board members, continue to work to promote a high education for all students no matter their background.

There is a definite need for experienced leadership on the board. He provides that. As no doubt everyone knows, the public education system in Texas (and everywhere else) is going through some serious budget cuts and shortfalls. He is ready to help guide the district in the most successful way possible with the funds that are received. The board has known this was coming and prepared the best way they could. You all should know that there are not being any teaching jobs cut for this next school year unlike many other districts.

Here's the point: James Goode knows what's up. Be a fan on facebook. You don't have to live in the C-FB area to be a fan. Go back to the top and "Like" him run for school board.

Most importantly, VOTE. Support. Spread the word.

Also, check out WWW.JAMESGOODE.COM. And definitely make sure to check the "Have You Heard" section which clears up statements and comments that have been made.

And since pictures make every post better... here's a couple of pictures from when my pops came to visit me in Bulgaria! <3

GO FOR GOODE!

Munich!

2011-04-16T07:37:00.000-05:00

Well, the Peace Corps vacation days are officially at an end. We had to use our 48 days of vacation by the end of April or lose them. Obviously I didn't let them go to waste!

I was able to spend about six days in Munich, Germany. This was my second time to Germany (the first time being Berlin in January) and I loved it just as much! And thankfully this time was snow/ice free. Although there was a run-in with some rain and hail. But just like in Berlin, that was not going to stop me! And neither were the stomach or nasty blister issues. So much so, I'm not even going to give you the details.

My friend Kali, who is originally from the village I live in now, has been living in Munich for nearly a year. She met me at the airport and whisked me off to downtown Munich. We walked and walked and enjoyed the beautiful weather. It was fantastic to spend some time with her on her days off of work!

Marienplatz

Kali and I at Marienplatz

First meal: Currywurst

View of the city from St. Peters Tower

OlympiaPark

This is my picture to prove I went to Nymphenburg Palace. I left after this picture because of hail and rain. I decided I've seen enough palaces in my time rather than be pelted by hail.

Beer and strudel at Hofbrauhaus

Entrance at Dachau Concentration Camp

I spent one of my days at Dachau. It was a powerful experience and one that I believe deserves its own post. I was traveling by myself that day and was thankful that I had the time to wander around by myself and think about the past horrors of that place. After the five hours I spent there, I went to a restaurant and wrote. Someday soon I'll post what I wrote in my journal that day.

It was such a fabulous vacation and a great way to end my PC vacation days. No doubt I'll go back to Germany again... any suggestions for the next cities?!

Good things.

2011-04-04T04:01:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks some cool things have happened....

Peace Corps recently celebrated its 50th year of existence while Peace Corps Bulgaria celebrated its 20th year in country. In honor of this, PCBG put up an exhibition in the center of Sofia representing 20 years of volunteerism. There are many posters set up representing current (and past) volunteers and our service in Bulgaria. I'm excited to say I have a featured poster!

And....

Recently, Meg had a grand opening with her village of the tire playground they constructed together. It looks great, the celebration had a big turn out and the kids all loved it! The playground was made with recycled tires, donated materials and village residents hard work!

Otherwise - My Munich trip begins on Saturday! It's my last vacation before I'm completed with my Peace Corps service! (And it might seem that I go on vacation a lot ... but know that PCV's get an allotted amount of vacation days and I don't believe in letting those go to waste!)

Only a few more months left... I can't believe it!

Romania!

2011-04-02T03:50:00.001-05:00

Meg and I randomly decided one weekend we should go to Romania. We both had vacation days available to use so off to Romania we went!

Romania is a beautiful country! We started our trip in Bucharest with pretty great weather. One this I learned is that in no way is the Romanian language related to the Bulgarian language. I could not understand any of it. But for the most part, people spoke English so no problem.

We were also able to check out the nearby town of Brasov. From Brasov we headed to Bran to see "Bran Castle" (or better known as Dracula's Castle). While we realize this castle isn't the "real" castle, it was still fun to pretend to be on the lookout for Dracula. The weather was not too great - dark, gray, rainy and foggy - but it made for some great pictures!

Meg and I in Bucharest

Palace of Parliament (the 2nd biggest building in the world!)

Bran Castle

Meg and I in the castle

It was a great trip and we met some pretty awesome people along the way.

Romania was the 10th country I've visited while being here. The list goes: Bulgaria, Italy, Switzerland, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey (x2), England, Spain, Germany and Romania! Not a bad gig! :)

Next up (and next week!): Munich, Germany!

Todorov Den: The Horse Races

2011-03-15T06:46:00.001-05:00

It's a good feeling to say that the past couple of weeks have been good. I'm 98.6% sure that the "Bulgarian Winter Blues" are finished.

Spring has been in full effect the past few days. A week ago today was a low of 5°F and today's low is 50°F. I'm definitely over the winter business.

This past Saturday was Todorov Den in Bulgaria. Toodorov Den is one of the biggest celebrations in my village. People from all over the region come to the village to watch the horse races.

The events began in the square around 1030 in the morning and lasted all day! I had five guests come to stay with me and we had a great time. Last year I missed the races because of a Peace Corps function and was so happy to be there this year.

After the introduction at the square, everyone made their way up a hill to where the races would be held. A group of us staked out and I had my friends with fancy cameras around to take the good pictures!

There was definitely a party going on at the races. There were trucks loaded with food, snacks and beer. Groups of people were grilling meat and had food stands set up. The sun was out, the weather was great and it was seriously one of the best days I’ve had in the nearly two years I’ve lived here! The only downside was the toilets. Or lack of. But don't worry, we were at the edge of the forest...

View of the square from the Culture Center

Babas on a bench

Nadia in traditional dress

Babas dancing

My friends dad - we like taking pictures of him without him knowing!

Horse racing - the horses feet aren't even on the ground!

Horse racing

Horse Racing

We had an apple core and a stick. Here I am destroying the apple mid-air!

Panties, Holidays and Photoshoots

2011-03-08T06:19:00.051-06:00

Happy Women's Day!

In honor of this holiday my counterpart gave me some panties. Very lacy panties. It was just about as weird as it sounds. I thanked her (with a laughing smile on my face) and went down stairs with the underwear in one hand and a plate of baklava in the other.

I'd been having an incredibly unproductive time in the village the past couple of weeks. The weather has been depressing and then my internet went out for a week. I read a lot and watched a lot of TV. I finally started watching "The Office." No joke, until last week, I'd never watched it. I might have seen an episode here or there but I'm now three episodes away from finishing Season 02 and moving onto Season 03.

(During this time of unproductivity, I did throw in some trips to the Chitalishte and the Kindergarten.)

March 1st is a holiday in BG known as Baba Marta Day / Grandmother March. She's supposed to bring the end of winter and the beginning of spring. So far, she's not doing so well in bringing on spring. But I did go to the KG and give all the five and six year olds martenitsis. (Red and white bracelets that symbolize health and happiness.) No pictures though.

March 3rd is another holiday. Bulgaria's Liberation Day. (From the Turks.) I'm pretty sure I didn't leave my house that day.

March 4th was my village's holiday! There was a concert with the Men and Women folklore groups and the Men's group from Sandanski came to perform as well. Afterwards there was a banquet for the folklore groups and the people who work with the Chitalishte. It... was... awesome.

The Men and Women's folklore group.

Vili, Krum and me.

March 6th was another Kukeri festival in Karlovo and a group from Bachevo went. No one actually informed there was anyone going but ya know... whatever. Some really strange events happened and some girls I know from PC/EVS ended up jumping on the bus with the group from my village and hitching a ride here to spend some quality time with me! I was so happy!

(The next four pictures are from Meg. A PCV who found my village at the Kukeri festival!)

Raminta and Meg with two of the performers.

Needless to say, Maria wanted us to come to the Chitalishte. We went. We were immediately told to change into traditional Bulgarian dresses and had an impromptu photo shoot. It was hilarious and awkward all at once. We were getting bossed all over the place, being told to pose all the while they took my camera and were snapping away.

(Pictures are of me, Meg, Raminta from Lithuania and Katia from Austria)

And to keep the holiday theme going Saturday is Todorov Den. Let the horse races begin. (Seriously, Saturday there are horse races in my village. It's going to be great.) The 17th is Saint Patrick's Day. Then my birthday. Then April. Whoa.

Happy V-Day from Bulgaria

2011-02-14T07:08:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day from Bulgaria <3

Честит Свети Валентин от България!

The pictures are from our V-Day craft time at the Kindergarten. I was happy with how they turned out and the kids were so excited when they saw the pictures of themselves. Presh.

I'm gonna have a real romantic V-Day in the village by not doing anything and packing a bag to head to Sofia for the International Tourism Expo. (Feel free to read into the sarcasm.)

A couple of random things:
- Check out the new header I made in Adobe Photoshop.
- I spent a good bit of time looking at Perez Hilton and watching clips from last nights Grammys. I'm actually starting to feel bad for Christina Aguilera. Forgetting the words of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl one week and tripping on stage at the Grammys the next week... I can see where that could be a blow to the ego. But Mumford & Sons performance? Wow. I love them. And Gaga.

Things to get done in 5 months

2011-02-03T05:25:00.000-06:00

There are five(ish) months left for me in the Bulg.

I need to write down the things I want to accomplish before I leave here:

* Hike to the 7 Rila Lakes

From Novinite.com

* Go back to the coast. I went to Varna this past summer but didn't get to spend too much quality time at the beach and the water was freezing! Maybe Nesebar or Sozopol. Hm.

From Brian Steger - Nesebar Coast

(Click his name to check out his blog. Good writer. Good photographer.)

* Plan my after-PC trip! Here's the thought so far. If you all have any thoughts/recommendations/advice, leave a comment!

- Sofia to Bucharest

- Bucharest to Belgrade

- Belgrade to Budapest

- Budapest to Bratislava

- Bratislava to Vienna

- Vienna to Prague

- Prague to Krakow

- Krakow to Sofia

(Gather all of my belongings, hang for a day or two... then...)

- Sofia to DALLAS, TEXAS

My current idea (which changes pretty often) is to spend two, two and a half weeks doing this. So I wouldn't be staying in any place more than a few days. All travel would be with bus or train except I would fly back to Sofia from Krakow. I'm still debating whether to visit both Bucharest and Belgrade. How does that sound? Thoughts or opinions...?

Bummer / Awesome

2011-02-01T04:04:00.006-06:00

First off: Sad news. When my brother and I were in Berlin we decided to send some of our souvenirs home so we wouldn't have to carry them. The box finally arrived in Dallas this past Saturday and my brother immediately knew something was up. Turns out during transit someone somewhere opened up the box and stole nearly everything out of it. Out of everything only two items were left in the box and everything else replaced with packing paper. (Stolen items include my brothers used clothes he wasn't wearing on the trip. Weird.) I'm bummed, but have to remember it's just stuff. Rest assured, we aren't going down without a fight against DHL. (If anyone is heading to Berlin and stops at Brauhaus Mitte, I'd greatly appreciate you picking up a few steins for me!!!!)

(Annoying news: the number "one" / "exclamation" button on my laptop stopped working the other day. Ihave to copy and paste the ! or the 1.)

Awesome news: My friend Shannon is opening up a new furniture design boutique called "4Love" in the Bishop Arts district of Dallas. Her and the co-owner Ashley are incredibly talented and everyone needs to check it out.

Check it out HERE and then like it on FACEBOOK.

And a picture of Shannon and I from her wedding because I love it.

And if you like books, my mom writes a super blog reviewing books. And she reads a lot. Ch-ch-check it out HERE.

Babin Den!

2011-01-24T08:40:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday was Бабинден or Grandmother's Day. And in my village, it's a big deal.

This is a day honoring all the 2010 Grandmothers. Meaning if they were blessed with a grand-baby in 2010 they get to participate in the 2011 celebration. Make sense?

And to celebrate, the grandmothers (and mothers) dress in traditional Bulgarian garb, strap the baby to their back and dance horo around the square. (Can you imagine a new mom in America strapping a baby to her back in this way?!) The Cultural Center presented the women with socks (for good luck, health, etc) and pinned them on to the baby carrier.

In my village of 1500 there were about 15 new babies to celebrate. Welcome to the world little Bachevo-ites. (Bachevans? Bachevoer? Bachevka? Obviously I have no idea what the proper term is.)

Baby on back

Locals dancing in traditional Bulgarian clothes

Baba Lena (She's so cute!)

He was putting on his own show in the middle of the square!

Two girls from the Kindergarten. So sweet.

Another baby strapped on!

Razlog Kukeri Festival

2011-01-23T07:35:00.001-06:00

On the 15th of January the city of Razlog hosted the 4th International Kukeri Festival!

"Kukeri" is an ancient Bulgarian tradition dating back to ancient pagan times, when it was believed the masks and costumes had the power to protect their wearers against evil.

It doesn't seem like a tradition that would be so wide spread in Bulgarian culture but it is and a sight to see. Towns and villages gather people to perform in the parade and in the square where they dance. The village I live in performed with horo dancers and men in costume.

Myself and some other PCVs from the region met in Razlog to watch the parade/event which lasted about four or five hours. (We took a lunch break in the middle.) This was my first Kukeri Festival to attend (no idea where I was last year!) and a lot of fun! There were hundreds of people gathered in the square to watch which made it hard to take good pictures. But with a little bit of pushing and shoving... well, here you are.

The following pictures are the groups from Bansko and my village....

Berlin - Part 3/3

2011-01-20T05:06:00.001-06:00

Alright, last part of the trip. Berlin, Germany!

Quick overview: Philip and I arrived in Berlin on the 1st of January to lots of snow on the ground and some serious cold. We headed to the hostel, put my bags up and then headed to Philip's hotel to put his bags away. His hotel recommended a local German restaurant called "Dicke Wirtin." Oh goodness, it was delicious! German food is fantastic!

The next morning the adventures began! I headed to Checkpoint Charlie, learned a lot about the Berlin Wall (and the fall of), then to the Topographies des Terrors Museum. It was intense. I also checked out the Jewish Museum. There are so many museums and so much history there. I loved it!

Every day was spent wandering around, going to museums, eating delicious food and hanging out. Berlin was my favorite part of the Western Euro vacay!

Traditional food at Dicke Wirtin

Checkpoint Charlie

A sidewalk sign signaling where the original Berlin Wall stood

Remains of The Berlin Wall

At Brauhaus Mitte

The Holocaust Memorial

The Berlin Cathedral with the TV Tower

And special shout out to "Geist" who became the 50th follower! :)

Honesty

2011-01-14T10:25:00.003-06:00

I am bored. And I miss Texas.

When I got back from vacation I was feeling excited about the last 6.5 months of service. I've been back for over a week and that little taste of the Western world got to me.

I want to be in Texas. Don't get me wrong, I'll be finishing my service with flying colors and know that once the time gets here, I'll cry my eyes out for leaving behind my village and my friends.

But right now... right this second... I want to be laying in my Queen size TempurPedic bed in Dallas, not sitting in my 10x10 room/apartment.

I have been spending so much time online looking at places to live in Dallas. Houses, apartments, condos. Why? No idea. It's not good for my psyche. (Not too mention I'll no doubt be living at my parents house when I get back.)

In October 2008 (@ Catherine's wedding) there was a friend of Brian's from UW who had been in PC-Africa. He told me I'd have a lot of free time. I didn't doubt it. And he was exactly right. I have a lot of free time. I work some but more often than not I'm sitting at home. Rotating between my desk and table and my not-so-comfortable twin size bed.

It's really not even the winter blues.... today was beautiful and not too cold. The problem is that the roads are still muddy messes and it'll probably be awhile before they dry out. So going for a walk is out of the question.

It's not just me. My friends here understand the antsy feeling of Peace Corps completion. I think I'm just excited to step foot on American soil. Eat at El Fenix and Taco Bueno. Get a Route 44 Diet Coke from Sonic.

But for now, I'm going to make dinner and be proud of myself for accomplishing my three goals of the day.
- 45 minutes cardio/Zumba video
- Read 100 pages of my book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"
- Find an online tutorial to learn something new. (I picked a Photoshop one. I have the program but don't remember at all how to use it since last time I really used it was sophomore year at ACU.)

The good news is that Razlog is hosting an International Kukeri Festival in the morning that I'll be attending with the Men's Folklore Group. (And meeting up with other PCV's.)

I'll write about what Kukeri is later... with pictures.
PS. I have 49 followers. Come on, somebody be the 50th!

Madrid - Part 2/3

2011-01-13T07:22:00.001-06:00

After our unexpected London/St. Albans adventure we boarded a plane and headed to Madrid. It was quite a relief to get there and be in 50 degree weather, with the sun shining and no snow on the ground!

Philip and I stayed at a hostel (terrible experience) that was near Gran Via/Puerta del Sol. A great location to be at. The Metro system in Madrid is by far the best I've seen in my Euro/USA travels. Incredibly clean, and efficient with trains that run every 2-3 minutes.

We spent a lot of time wandering the city and using our "Eyewitness Travel: Top 10 Madrid" which is my favorite travel guide book I've come across. It's great - highly recommended. Through the book we found lots of great museums, cafes, statues, parks, etc.

Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

At the entrance to Parque de Madrid (Their version of Central Park)

At the Parque

In front of Casa Labra - one of the top rated Tapas bars in Madrid

First picture of 2011 in Puerta del Sol

As a whole, I really did enjoy Spain. But... New Years was kind of lame. There were thousands of people in Puerta del Sol but there was no music, no food or drink stands, no fireworks, no COUNTDOWN. There was a big clock and once it struck 12 people started cheering (and spraying champagne) but I found it to be anticlimactic. (Plus, Zurich's public square NYE celebration last year was awesome and I had high expectations.)

Also, it was not as English friendly as I was expecting. Obviously living in Bulgaria, that's not a "make it or break it" deal for me and people in restaurants were helpful when they could be but I just expected more people to speak English. It wasn't a problem, just an observation.

Spain is a beautiful, beautiful place (with very beautiful people!) and I would 100% go back. Maybe Barcelona next time...

Next (and last)... Berlin!

London - Part 1/3

2011-01-09T06:58:00.000-06:00

I recently finished an epic vacation with my brother that involved London, Madrid and Berlin. And knowing that a post that involves the entire two week trip would be way too long, I'm going to break it up into three.

To start with, London was never on the agenda. Philip would have a layover at Heathrow but that was it. Until the snow storms hit London and British Airways canceled all flights out of Heathrow. He missed his connecting flight in Germany and there was no easy way he would make it to Bulgaria. We decided I would try to head to London and spend Christmas there with Sydne - our sister in law of sorts. Luckily, I was able to fly from Sofia - London Luton (no closures) a few days later.

London Bridge

221B Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes!)

Day trip to Oxford where I studied abroad in 2005. The Eagle and Child is a famous pub where JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis used to hang.

ACU@Oxford (One of the ACU houses)

Obviously, that's a quick overview. We hung out in London, Oxford and St. Albans where Sydne lives. 'Twas super. Cold and lots of canceled trains due to weather, etc. But I'm so thankful we had Sydne there to host us and hang out with us.

Coming soon: Madrid, Spain.

Christmas Tree Mural

2010-12-14T13:39:00.000-06:00

Some days in the Peace Corps are not so good. Today, on the other hand, was a good one.

Last week I found a Christmas Tree Mural printout that I wanted to do and was determined to get done. So, I recruited some kids (only six showed but I think that might've worked out better) to come to the Cultural Center to put it together!

If I do say so myself, I think it turned out great!

After I finished this project - which should be hanging in the window of the Cultural Center tomorrow - I headed to a cafe to have my last English Club of 2010. I had an awesome group of dedicated adults this 'semester' that I really enjoyed working with. We'll be starting up again in January! Tomorrow is my last day in the Kindergarten and I have a fun paint project planned. My fingers are crossed that green paint does not end up over the entire school tomorrow. :)

(PS. If anyone wants the PDF for this project, let me know!)

Thanksgiving Party... a week late!

2010-12-05T07:32:00.001-06:00

Честит Ден на благодарността!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I might've been about a week late in celebrating T-Give with my Kindergarteners. But in my defense, my sister was here on the actual T-Give and we still went to the KG, just no lesson.

We made turkey hands! We used colored pencils instead of paint because... well, I was going to be in there by myself and decided pencils would be a little safer for us all. They kept just giving me the blank stare when I called them "turkey hands" but I think towards the end they started to understand a little more. Maybe.

Istanbul vacation with Catherine!

2010-12-02T05:21:00.002-06:00

Blogging is a daunting task. For the past few days I've had blogger opened up but never got around to updating. I don't have an excuse but I do have a reason for a fantastic entry!

Catherine (sister #2/Arizona sister) came to visit!

Our plan was for her to arrive and head straight to the Sofia train station for the overnight to Istanbul. Due to some miscommunication, I thought that our train was going to leave around 1030pm but when the lady handed me the tickets it was for 730pm. I had a minor freakout since Catherine's flight was scheduled to arrive 430pm. Meaning if there was any kind of delay, we'd be in trouble. Luckily, her flight was only about 30 minutes delayed and we made it to the train station just fine!

I had a "Welcome to Bulgaria" meal ready for her to have some food on the train. Her welcome meal? Subway. Much more exciting for me than for her no doubt. The train turned out to be about 15 hours to Istanbul because the border stop at 3am took awhile. We got to sleep enough, arrived in Istanbul, wandered to our hostel, put our bags down and headed out for the day.

Our hostel was located in Sultanhamet Square which is the Old Town. We were a four minute walk to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the Basilica Cistern. It was beautiful! We also lucked out on the weather. It was sunny everyday. Chilly in the mornings and evenings but comfortable during the day. Чудесно!

Eventually we made our way over to Taksim Square on the other side of the water. It is so different than the Sultanhamet area. We walked the main street and checked out the shops like MAC, Lush and counted the Starbucks. Also, Istanbul knows what's up in public transportation. Their trams are new, nice, clean and the ticketing system is much more efficient than... another city that I frequent.

But my favorite, favorite, favorite thing was the Spice Bazaar. I LOVED IT! So many delicious smelling teas, spices and so much more. The pictures in there are great too, so many colors! Catherine and I also went to an authentic Turkish bath. The one we went to, Cagaloglu Hamami, is on the "1,000 Places to see before you Die" list!

Point is, everyone should check out Istanbul. The people of Istanbul were great, we felt completely comfortable and safe the whole time!

(Catherine also came to my village and did that whole thing - but that wasn't so much a vacation for me. I'm so glad she got to come. It was a lot of fun and she's an awesome travel partner!)

Border Patrol in Turkey

The Blue Mosque - women have to cover their heads to go in

Cool tile wall

Spice Market

Dinner at La Safron. (C&I recommend!) We had homemade ravioli and a chicken crepe.

Freshly squeezed OJ from a street stand and some crazy hair

Back in Bulgaria in my village

Day trip to the Rila Monastery where it was cold, rainy and not incredibly enjoyable.

Thank you for coming to visit Cather!

Promised Land Plan

2010-11-02T12:49:00.003-05:00

I've figured out my plan. For my future. After Peace Corps. For as much as I sit thinking/stressing/being annoyed over what I'm going to do after PC I finally came up with the plan. I'm going to....

...do nothing right now. Stop trying to plan. Mostly because of the following. Two of my favorite events/holidays in the whole wide world are the State Fair of Texas in October and T-Give in November. Both of those will be in The Promised Land and I'll need ample time to enjoy the festivities in Dallas/Baird. And enjoying both of those things are more important to me than some job. (For now, at least!) Two years without the Fair and T-Give with the Cardwell Clan is TOO long.

Plus, those sister's of mine don't live in TX and I'll need to road trip to visit them. There we go. January 2012 sounds like a good time to get things going! :) It's all planned and I feel good about it.

See? This is me. Right now at 752pm. Хайде! Наздраве!

Happy November!

2010-11-01T04:18:00.001-05:00

It's officially November. Which means Catherine will be here in less than three weeks! And then T-Give (Thanksgiving, duh) will be here! It's my favorite holiday! Yes!

Last week the six year olds and I had a Halloween party at school. There were masks to color and Halloween coloring pages with Mickey Mouse, Piglet and a regular pumpkin. Mickey was the top choice. At the end there were chocolate chip cookies from scratch - it was a lot cheaper than buying them all candy.

For the most part, fall in Bulgaria is really pretty. Especially in the mountain region. This is from my street on the 26th of October.

This was two days later. SNOW. What?!? It only lasted the one day and it's back to prettier weather. But gracious... I was not excited about snow. October is just way too early for that! This picture is from my porch.

Paint Fun

2010-10-20T06:36:00.000-05:00

It's turned into the time of year where the electricity and internet disappear for hours at a time.

Yesterday I had no internet except for in the morning. Today the electricity went off for nearly three hours. For no reason (that I know of). Kinda frustrating. Especially since we've been without rain for close to 24 hours! I think that's a record since the month began.

Today was a painting day at the Kindergarten. They were pretty pumped and wouldn't stop screaming. SCREAMING. I had cut string to dip in the paint and then put on your paper to make a stringy looking collage. They did good at first but then I turned into a finger painting smearing mess. But hey, they were still proud. And they're six. So all in all, it was a success.

I've been inside for over 24 hours

2010-10-16T06:15:00.001-05:00

It's true. I haven't been outside in awhile. Yesterday, I didn't even open the door to go outside. But I'm thinking I might venture out to the dumpster today since I've got some trash I need to take out.

Exciting life, right?!

For real though, it's about to get a lot more exciting. (Hopefully the constant rain and gray will disappear for a few days.) This past week I booked hostels for Istanbul, Madrid and Berlin! Oh man, I'm excited. Catherine will be here in about a month and we'll be off to Istanbul! And then Phil will get here, we'll have Christmas and then spend New Years in Spain and a few days in Berlin. Not too bad. Plans are falling into place.

This weekend I have nothing going on and I'm excited about that. I feel like I've been traveling every weekend since July. (Not true, but not too far off either.) It's nice to be able to just bum, read, watch tv and defrost my fridge. Yes, that's what my Friday afternoon consisted of. It's okay to be jealous. :)

Otherwise, I'm on track to finish my 50th PC read book by tomorrow. And put a good dent in Season 2 of The Wire.

And from Tuesday... my day trip to Sofia to see off some friends...

Sadly, I missed some people I wanted to see but I'll catch 'em on the flip side. In America. Billy is now in Istanbul on the beginning stages of his epic six month journey around the world. Neil and Ashley are somewhere in the Balkans.

All their travels are helping me to brainstorm what I'm going to do in nine months. Seriously, NINE months left in the Bulg.

So long B24's!

2010-10-11T05:36:00.003-05:00

The time is here for the B24's to leave! So in honor of a few of my favorite B24's, this is dedicated to y'all!

I had the intention of heading to Sofia today to hang out with them and say my goodbyes but unfortunately I think my head might be on the verge of exploding from sinus pressure. Tomorrow will be the day no matter how I feel. There's no way I'm letting Ashley or Andrea leave this country without me seeing them first!

This past weekend I was in the Gotse Delchev region for a workshop but more importantly for Callie's going away party! Nearly all of our B-Grad region was there and we had a good time. Saturday night there was a party for Callie including us and her Bulgarian colleagues. Callie is pretty awesome and she had so much support from her town and everyone had a super time at the "Hoe Down." (Including two-steppin' and line dancin'!)

Callie

Andrea

Ashley

So to my fav B24 ladies, y'all are awesome! Enjoy life as RPCV's! See you in America! (And all of you other B24's as well!)

Ще ми липсвате!

B25's... we're next. Whoa.

Speaker licking

2010-09-29T10:38:00.002-05:00

Just to follow up with last weeks kindergarten story...

Today has been rainy and cold so the kids had been inside all morning. I went in with my iPod and iPod speakers to do some movement songs. Instead of trying to get them to understand the songs I just let them dance around the room. They gotta dance out the energy! During one song (London Bridge) I look over at my iPod and there is a five year old boy licking the speakers.

Why? I have no idea. It was weird. I said, "Не пипай!" (Don't touch!) to get him to stop. Because why in the world would I know the Bulgarian word for "lick"?! He stopped. He stood. And then he danced...

These kids are entertaining to say the least.

Six? Or sex?

2010-09-21T03:31:00.000-05:00

Is it too early to teach a group of Bulgarian kindergartener's the difference between "six" and "sex"?!

Because, really, if I have to hear them start screaming with laughter every time we say "six" I'm going to go crazy. Today I just wanted to yell, "IT'S SIX! NOT SEX!" (Knowing full well they wouldn't know what I'm saying and probably laugh harder.)

It's just... weird... that of all the English words they know - that not being very many, but it's okay because they're in kindergarten - is "sex." (Therefore thinking that "sex" is also the number "six.") Why in the world does a six year old know what the word "sex" means in a foreign language?! Seriously. Why?

Waiting.

2010-09-19T05:41:00.001-05:00

So, as I've been bored out of mind this weekend I decided to start working a little more on my upcoming trips. (Pending PC approval, of course.)

But the plan is this: Catherine will be here in November and we'll head over to Istanbul, Turkey. So get ready for a lot of pictures like this:

Philip will be here during December/January and we'll do Madrid, Spain and Berlin, Germany. And then a lot of pictures like this:

(All pictures will be minus the bleach blonde hair and tan.)

Within the next three months I'll get to check out three countries I've never been to. BOOM! That makes me happy. (Although it really doesn't make me any less bored than I am at this very minute.)

Otherwise - things have started going again in the Chitalishte and in the Kindergarten. It's nice to actually have somewhere to go during the day. But let's just say I should be able to read quite a few books in the upcoming months...

And PS... anyone else want to come hang out with me?!?

Texas Fried Frito Pie with a side of Fried Beer, please

2010-09-14T04:14:00.002-05:00

No joke.

Both of those heart attack inducing delicacies are being offered at the Texas State Fair. (Texas Fried Frito Pie taking the award of Best Taste 2010 and the Fried Beer winning Most Creative 2010.) For all the fried food finalists, click here. I love Texas. And the State Fair! And pretty sure I'd try both of those! :)

Ever since I can remember the Goodes were a State Fair Family. Year after year the six of us ventured to the State Fair and it was glorious. Where else can you find the VitaMix, Salt Water Taffy (*Dad, are you reading this?!), and other things you don't really need. The State Fair is about to start and I'm feeling a little nostalgic. I mean, are there other towns where you get an official day off of school to have "Fair Day"?! I'm already waiting for the Texas State Fair 2011!

Otherwise, school in Bulgaria starts tomorrow. Shoutouts and best wishes to all my TEFL friends! We'll have a welcome celebration for all the kids tomorrow and then it's back to the grind. My English classes in the Chitalishte and in the kindergarten will start next week as well.

I'd say that I'd post pictures but my camera is hiding somewhere in Dimitrovgrad. Sad, but I'm hoping that I'll get it back. Otherwise, I'm searching for a camera to use tomorrow because my counterpart was visibly upset when I told her I lost my camera. (And I don't think she was sad for my sake if you know what I'm sayin'...)

I've got a good feeling about my upcoming time in the village and in Bulgaria. My trashy TV shows are all restarting to keep me entertained, I've got some good books and a lot of ideas for things to do with the kids around here.

Luckily, I finally decided to stop being a bum and go visit some friends around the country. I made it to Varna on the Black Sea Coast and had a blast. I'm pretty sure that I spent more time traveling to get there than I did in Varna but I wouldn't miss a party on Stephanie's turf for anything! This past weekend I went to Dimitrovgrad where another PCV had organized some activities for us within his community. A great way to end the summer!

Here's to another school year in the Bulg... Наздраве!

Channeling my inner Girl Scout

2010-08-30T12:58:00.000-05:00

This past week I was in VT for LA-GLOW. (You like those acronyms?!) LA-GLOW stands for "Leadership Academy - Girls Leading Our World." It's basically a free version of Girl Scouts. The actual scouting program in Bulgaria is co-ed.

GLOW was created in 1995 by Peace Corps Volunteers in Romania. Sustainability at it's finest! GLOW-Bulgaria began in 2000.

It was such an awesome experience! Myself and three other PCVs had the opportunity to help supervise the camp and teach a couple of sessions. There were 16 counselors and about 50 campers - all Bulgarian teenagers with one girl from Spain. It was refreshing to see a group of intelligent, smart, well spoken (English and Bulgarian), and goal oriented teenagers!

I think that the camp was so special to me because it reminded me of the Girl Scout camps I attended growing up. Looking back now, I realize how big of a role that Girl Scouts played in my life. Obviously, that's not always something you appreciate when you're 16 or 17. I began GS when I was five years old, went all the way through, earned my Gold Award (and some university scholarship money!) and became a lifetime member. (Pretty sure that goes for my two sisters as well.)

During the week we touched on topics ranging from professional etiquette to sex education to goal setting. All of the girls actively participated in small group workshops, various presentations, camp songs and so much more! I think I might've gotten a little over excited on "Bonfire Night" when Ashley, Jill, Alison and I led camp songs with the girls! :)

One of the great things about GLOW is that it's free and they actively encourage the girls to start up GLOW clubs in their towns, cities and villages. There is a definite need for female empowerment and leadership in Bulgaria and GLOW is doing its part to work with the future leaders here! Hopefully once school gets started, we can get something up and running in the region. I'm so full of ideas now!

Human Knot - Team Building

Team 6 preparing for the "Trashion" Show

"Trashion" Show models

Jill, Ashley, Valerie, Alison and the awkward group prom pose!

Bansko Jazz Fest 2010

2010-08-12T04:24:00.000-05:00

This week is the Bansko International Jazz Festival again. I'm 7km from Bansko and there's now a new PCV, Grant, living there so we decided to check it out!

I went last year with some friends and I wrote about it here.

Last night we heard Solomon Burke (USA) along with two other bands that I don't feel the need to mention. Burke was fantastic! Apparently he's a pretty big deal... in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. (In Cleveland. Somebody please explain to me why the Hall of Fame is in Cleveland.)

For your listening pleasure... it's Solomon Burke.

And for your viewing pleasure... it's me and Grant.

But I guess that'll be my last time at the Bansko Jazz Fest for awhile... since next August I'll be a RPCV and probably not in this country. Cuh-razy.

An Awkward Encounter

2010-08-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

Do any of yall recall the post from last year about a lady bathing in public at the mineral water place? It was a good one...

Today I had another one of those really awkward encounters. There wasn't much work so around 11am I went to my backyard area with the intention of laying out. After about 45 minutes in the sun my landlord lady comes outside with a 2L bottle of water and started pouring it on me. Then rubbing it in. It wasn't creepy, just, awkward.

Again, I'm sure she was trying to be helpful... maybe she wanted me to feel like I was at a pool instead of laying on a concrete slab with a full clothes line flying around me. Then she came back with an umbrella because she didn't want my face to burn. Don't worry though, it didn't weird me out enough to move. I stayed out there awhile longer.

But, yeah, I think I could've gone without that. Gotta love Bulgaria.

Makes Me Happy

2010-08-05T12:46:00.000-05:00

I first saw this months ago on Perez. Saw it again today. Reminds me of the early days when all the two sisters and I would watch this movie. Again and again.

One Year Check Up

2010-08-04T12:15:00.003-05:00

Today I got back from Sofia. I had some medical appointments and my One-Year check-up. Here's the report (because I know everyone wants to know!).

Good news: I'm the exact same weight as when I started PC 15 months ago. That's good because I was working with a little extra over the winter holidays but that's all gone now. Whew. It's also good because PC-BG says on average girls gain weight while they're over here and no one wants that to happen.

Bad news: I'm 25 and NOT cavity free. Sad. I brush. I floss. But the time has come for my first cavity and I'm a little disheartened.

Weird news: I began the process to get my old-lady hips checked out. I'm going to have to go back but for now I have some anti-inflammatory medicine called Movalis. For all of you younger than 70 or so, that's arthritis medication. The doctors didn't say they think it's arthritis but still, it's kinda weird.

Other news: While in Sofia I also took myself to a movie (Agent Salt) and finished two books. (Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident and The Great Gatsby.) Now that I'm back in the village I'm not completely sure what the month of August is going to hold. Not too much I fear. So maybe I can get a few more books in.

What else... this past weekend I went to the Pirin Pee (Пирин Пее) Folklore Festival in Predel. (You don't pronounce it "pee", it's more like "pay." Just to clear up any awkwardness.) My group performed Saturday and Sunday and they were awesome! There were also a few other PCV's at the festival and some of their groups. I was told that there were supposedly over 10,000 people there during the two days. And even more fun was running into a couple of my campers from AUBG!

Two cute old Bulgarian ladies that sat in front of us at the festival. I didn't take any more pictures of the festival. My bad.

A giant slug that crawled up my kitchen sink drain. It was promptly shoved back down the drain along with very hot water. And then I put the cap on the drain. Gross.

Peak of Summer

2010-07-27T09:58:00.002-05:00

Camp is over. Sad. And from what I hear, this might have been the peak of my PC service. Not to say that I don't expect any other great things to happen but this camp was a fantastic experience!

How often will I get the chance to teach 120 kids from 14 different countries throughout Europe?! (Not that I had all 120...) There were definitely some trying times at the camp and difficult campers. But what can you expect with 120 teenagers?! No doubt that the good outweighed the bad! During my journalism classes I was able to see kids who have great writing skills in a language other than their native one. I, and my seven other PCV teacher friends, were incredibly impressed. This was a stellar group of kids with tremendous talent. I expect to be hearing, seeing or reading some of their names within the next few years. Check out the blog - and their work - here!

For the first time in a while I was busy from morning to night. We'd wake up around 7am and not go sleep until 12am or so. I was tired a lot but the time spent with the students and my PCV friends made it incredibly worthwhile!

Suffice to say, I was speaking only English the last 3.5 weeks so my Bulgarian... well, I've got the folklore group tonight so we'll see if I can get any words out.

So, thank you Peace Corps for allowing us to work at the AUBG International Educational Summer Camp and to the students who made it great!

Anna, Valerie, Tobias, Andrea (All PCV's)

Three very talented Bulgarians! Georgi, Georgi and Ivan!

The students in the handshake/hug receiving line after they got their certificates. (I stole your picture Andrea!)

Once the whole camp photo becomes available, I'll be posting that as well!

July... finally

2010-07-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

Well, it's finally July... the thing I spent all of June waiting for. I spent the 4th of July at another PCV's house outside of Sofia and we all had a blast! From there I headed to Vratsa to meet with the other B25's and celebrate our one year of service. In true style, I got a massive stomach bug and spend the first night/second day in bed/at the toilet. I don't know what it is but I can't seem to go to a PC conference without some kind of virus!

More importantly - I'm now in Blagoevgrad at the AUBG International Educational Summer Camp 2010. That's a mouthful! (AUBG = American University in Bulgaria) I started my Journalism class today with 20 students. I think things are going to be busy but fun! In total there are about 120 kids from 14 different countries!

For the next week this group of students will be researching and writing their stories for a big presentation on Friday night! It's gonna be good! :)

Summer Lovin'

2010-06-19T10:04:00.002-05:00

...and a whole lot of nothin'. Well, a lot of heat (no AC's over in these parts) and some pretty sweet thunderstorms.

There's really not much going on in June that's why there's the lack of updates! Most of the month has been pretty quiet but July and August will be pretty busy. In July we have our Mid-Service Conference which will be a BLAST since all of us B25's will be together. As soon as that's over, I'm heading to Blagoevgrad to teach Journalism at the American University's summer English camp. There will be 120 teenagers from Buglaria, Spain, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. (That also means I won't be in my village for the majority of July!)

The new group of B26's just received their site placements and there will be 5 new PCV's moving within an hour of me! There are two new guys who will be pretty close and three others about an hour away. We're pretty excited to be adding to the SW-BG crew!

Other than that... I'm starting to brainstorm my travels for when I'm finished in Bulgaria. (Summer 2011!) I'm thinking about heading to SE Asia / Asia. Thoughts, opinions, advice and people are welcome! :)

Oh! PS: The Momster finally started blogging about their trip to visit me in May! Check out her blog and become a follower! Click here!

A Goode Vacation

2010-05-31T11:23:00.001-05:00

Well, I've been back from the most amazing vacation for over a week but due to... absolutely nothing... I've yet to tell the world about it. Writing about the trip could turn into a novel but my goal is not to do that. :)

The parents arrived late on a Sunday night and Monday morning we woke up and made a walking tour of Sofia. Which, in true Bulgarian style, meant stopping at about three cafes and relaxing. I took them to the Alexander Nevski Church and we walked around a lot checking out the city. On Monday evening the wonderful Gabi and Yavor took us out to a great dinner so the 'rents could experience a whole table full of Bulgarian food!

On Tuesday we headed back to my village and they got to check out where I live and experience my life for a couple of days.

After our time in Bulgaria we flew to Athens, Greece where we were meeting up with some of my parents friends... my friends too, of course! We were blessed enough to be led on our tours by Dino Roussos who is a tour guide/preacher in Athens. (And I went to ACU with Dino's son Stephen who I hadn't seen in years!) In Athens we visited Corinth, Mars Hill, the Acropolis, the Plaka and Zeus' Temple.

Corinth Canal

Ancient Corinth

The Parthenon

After our time in Athens we boarded the Aegean Pearl Cruise ship and set sail to visit some of the Greek Isles. Our stops were:
1. Mykonos (Part of The Bourne Identity was filmed - look for the windmills!)
2. Kusadasi, Turkey (Ancient Ephesus - which I had no idea was in Turkey)
3. Patmos (Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse)
4. Rhodes (Acropolis of Lindos and old-town Rodos)
5. Crete (Ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos)
6. Santorini (My favorite <3)

Mykonos

Ancient Ephesus (Turkey)

Kusadasi, Turkey

The Acropolis of Lindos (Rhodes)

Rhodes

Crete

Santorini

After our fabulous island trip we spent another day or so in Athens before we took very early flights back to our respective countries.

Ancient Agora in Athens

It was an amazing vacation and I'm so thankful I finally got to see my parents after a year! While we were on vacation I celebrated my one-year anniversary of being in the Peace Corps! One year down, one to go! B25 for Life!

you.MUST.be.kidding.

2010-05-24T15:43:00.001-05:00

Alright, so I just came back from an amazing vacation and I'll blog about it sometime... it's just going to take awhile.

But what's really on my mind. Nearly a year ago I killed my practically-brand-new laptop by spilling a drink on it. It never turned back on. I tried for months to revive it. I took it to Bulgarian computer shops and eventually contacted my insurance company to file a claim.

Nearly a year later I sent the laptop home with my parents and my dad tried to turn it on when he got back to Dallas. AND IT WORKED. There are some things that don't work (like the mouse pad and the internet card) but ALL of my pictures are still there! I told my dad to put them all on an external hard drive NOW!

But seriously, I tried for months for it to turn on. Technology and I... well, I think I can officially say we have a LOVE/HATE relationship. How ridiculous is this?! It took a YEAR for that computer to dry out? Hmmmm....

Bulgaria in Law and Order SVU

2010-05-08T02:08:00.003-05:00

I am definitely not ashamed to admit that I love Law & Order - except for Criminal Intent. That one's annoying. SVU is definitely my favorite. Last night I watched the most recent episode of SVU (S11.E22) and it was about Bulgaria!

First, I would like the writers to know that a Bulgarian woman always has a last name ending in "A". Also, your actors had terrible Bulgarian/English accents. There actually is a difference between Russian and Bulgarian. But this isn't the point.

The episode was based around Human Trafficking and more specifically pregnant women trafficking. The idea was that a young Bulgarian woman had been brought to America, would have her baby, the trafficker would illegally sale the baby to an American couple for thousands of dollars and then kill the woman.

Not to say that's exactly how it happens but this is a real problem in Bulgaria. The SVU episode hit on the organized crime problems, human trafficking and corruption within the government in Bulgaria. All of these issues are serious ones that the Bulgarian people deal with on a daily basis.

According to the State Agency for National Security:

"They (3 Bulgarian nationals) were involved in the smuggling of 16 newborn babies, 13 of whom were ferried to Greek couples. The other three were sent to Bulgarian parents.

Reportedly, the lawyers managed to persuade pregnant women to sell their babies for between 3000 and 5000 leva ($1950 and $3250) before selling them on to Greek couples for as much as 40,000 euro ($51,000) per child, the SANS report said.

The Greek couples claim that they were unaware of the illegal proceedings as they were listed by the justice ministry "and applied legally" for the babies.

In Bulgaria, DNA tests are not used to prove the legitimacy of the couples of paternity results, thus it was easy for the adoptive father to walk into the clinic and 'claim' his child."

Source

For the most part when I see this kind of tv show I think, "Oh, that's sad" but never give it a second thought. But with this one, it hit a little closer to home. Human trafficking is a problem in Bulgaria and Peace Corps is doing their/our best to get the message out. (Obviously, some of the work would be beyond the scope of our jobs... but our job is to educate the people about the issue.)

And just to give yall in the States some peace of mind, this is nothing I have ever seen. Peace Corps educates us about the issues and we have met with Bulgarian professionals whose work is to combat this. The corruption and organized crime is a little more apparent in everyday life. Really, just have a conversation with a Bulgarian. But for them it's just the way of life. It's what they know.

I finally left my region!

2010-05-03T05:22:00.002-05:00

After some harassment from a couple of friends, I finally ventured out of the Razlog region to visit one of my BFF's from training, Meg! She lives in Central Bulgaria so I had a nice 8 hour adventure to get there. (See why I don't leave?!) Meg was also having a clean-up project that I was going to help her with. Friday we hung out with a couple of other PCV's that live near to her and had a fun night. I also got to meet her incredibly entertaining family that she lives with!

Meg and I

Josh and Anne

Meg's Bulgarian Family

Saturday we woke up early in order to catch a ride up to the area in the Stara Planina (Стара Планина) that we'd be doing a clean-up in. A local Eco/Tourism group in her region owns a hija (хижa) a few kilometers from her village. We went to pick up the trash around the hija and had about 8 teenagers there from the local eco-club to help!

Meg leading the trash pick-up

Clean-up

There were two stacks like this... including two toilets that had been thrown on the ground

After the clean-up we went on a 2 hour hike up in the mountains and got to check out the new wind farm they're building at the peak of the mountains. Seeing the huge trucks carrying the wind-mills reminded me of driving down I-20 back and forth to Abilene! There's also the Buzludzha Monument built on one of the peaks that is a prime example of Socialist Architecture.

West Texas in Bulgaria

Hiking... you can see Buzludzha in the background. It's the things that looks like a space ship.

Buzludzha from far away

Sunday morning I headed home... it only took me about 11 hours. Either way it was worth it to finally get to visit a friend and see a new part of Bulgaria!

Disco

2010-04-25T05:47:00.002-05:00

Living in a village of 1500 people means that I pretty much see the same people all of the time. (Which for the most part is okay with me - I like 'em.) This past Friday a few friends and I went to the bigger town next to us to check out one of the discos. Apparently everyone else from the village had the same idea - and a whole lot of teenagers. Either way, turns out it was a "Chalga club" which means they were only plying Bulgarian pop. I know about 4 of the songs. The DJ's also have a tendency to make commentary throughout the songs. Slightly annoying for some of us.

But for your enjoyment... the four I know. (FYI, Bulgaria doesn't exactly have the censorship standards that the States do. Consider this your warning for those with sensitive eyes.)

Either way, I really don't know what they're saying. It's kind of like when the BG's sing the American songs. I can only imagine what I sound like.

And for you PCer's who will be out here in a couple of weeks... get ready for the world of ЧАЛГА!

Forest Week 2010

2010-04-12T04:49:00.000-05:00

In honor of Forest Week (4 April 2010 - 11 April 2010) myself and a few other people from the village went to plant trees! We planted 20 baby pine trees near the edge of the village. The trees were gifted to us from... I don't remember... but we are grateful nonetheless!

St. George's Cliff

2010-04-08T04:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday a few of my girlfriends from the village and I decided to go on a hike in the mountains (разходка в планината) a few kilometers from our village. People in the village had been telling me about "Гергьова скала" which translates into "George's Cliff."

Legend has it that way back in the day St. George lived up in those parts and protected the Christians. At some point, he was chased up to the end of the cliff. God gave his horse wings and they were saved. To this day you can still see some of the horse hoof prints. There is also a small gap between two huge rocks and if you can pass through it, you are purged of your sins. (I went halfway, took my picture then decided to not hoist myself between the rocks.)

Either way, the views are stunning. The view is a beautiful panoramic of the entire region of Razlog and even Bansko. I'm so thankful for where I live and lucking out by having friends around my age in the village!

Stuck between a rock and a hard place (For you, mom!)

I live here!

Mimi, Kali, Vania

My village

Edge of the cliff with Kali

To the left of Mimi and Vania are the horse hoof imprints

Kali and I

A terrible example in a Bulgarian textbook.

2010-04-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

During my Bulgarian lesson the following was an example in my textbook. It just seemed like an example to share.

Тя е на 25 години! Време е вече да cе ожени.

Which translates into:
She is 25 years old! It's time she got married.

Don't worry though, I'm 25 and happily UNmarried. :)

Makedonia!

2010-04-04T06:59:00.003-05:00

Just so you know, I'm aware that I spelled "Macedonia" with a "k." Over in these parts they say "MaKedonia" and not "MaCedonia."

Now that that's out of the way. I had the opportunity last week to go to Skopje with two other BG PCV's. (Bulgaria Peace Corps Volunteers) We actually had a goal to our trip besides going to a new place! Me and the two other guys I went with all focus on small village tourism through our job assignments. This is something that a few of the MAK PCV's focus on also so we headed to Skopje to meet with them and some Macedonian tourism experts.

On the 24th I headed to Sofia to meet up with Jon and Dan (along with other PCV's) for our Friday morning tourism meeting. Jon, Dan and I went to see Alice in Wonderland 3D. It was cool but I think I've decided I can do without 3D from now on. I had on my glasses and it was pretty annoying to have glasses on top of glasses.

We headed back to the hostel for my birthday eve party and met some other hostel guests and went out with them and had a good time. I, of course, don't remember most of their names and will probably never see them again but it was a fun way to celebrate turning 25. We had Americans, Germans and Canadians!

Friday morning came way too early and we headed to a tourism meeting set up by fellow PCV Felicia. It was good to see everyone and get all of our ideas thrown together and discuss. And Felicia even made cupcakes for me (and everyone else) for my birthday. She somehow sensed my cravings for a cupcake! Thanks, Felicia! Jon, Dan and I headed out early so we could catch our bus to Skopje.

Ideally, the trip shouldn't have been too painful but we were the last three on a full bus. Which means I was sitting in the very back corner of a bus and Jon was next to me with some dude practically sitting on him. The border crossing also took nearly 2 hours because it was so busy. But we made it Skopje, met up with Justin (MAK PCV), ate dinner at a great Arabic restaurant, went to the hostel and we all crashed.

Saturday morning we had our meeting and had a great time getting to know the three other MAK PCV's. The countries are pretty similar as well as the language but we all do completely different work. The three MAK PCV's were all in relatively big cities... especially compared to Jon, Dan and I. After the meeting we ate Mexican food and started exploring the city. Monday morning we met with a few tourism experts based in Macedonia - great contacts! They were all very encouraging about trying to do some cross-border projects. Monday afternoon we boarded a bus and made our way back to Sofia. Luckily this time there were only about 10 people on the bus and we were only stopped at the border for about 20 minutes. Although the bus broke down right outside of Sofia, the three of us made it back to the center by taking a bus, tram and a taxi.

The three of us with the Mother Teresa statue. She's from Skopje.

With Justin at the Old Bridge that separates the new town from the old town.

Macedonian Flag

Outside the Fortress entrance

The Fortress

Skopje is a beautiful city and a cool place to visit. Check it out if you haven't already!

Easter in Bulgaria

2010-04-04T03:08:00.001-05:00

Честит Великден - Happy Easter!

This year in Bulgaria, Easter coincides with Spring Break so many of my TEFL friends are out on their awesome vacations. They deserve it - no doubt! Over here there are (unfortunately) no rabbits or Cadbury cream eggs lining the shop walls. But there are plenty of eggs! A tradition here is to dye the eggs and today (Easter Sunday) you get with a friend and hit your boiled eggs together. Whoever has the stronger egg that doesn't break should keep it til the next year for luck. (Pretty sure I won't be doing that if my egg is a winner.)

There's also a traditional bread called "Kozunak" that's a sweet bread. My peeps I live with didn't make it because they said it takes too long so they just bought it at the store. Another tradition is on Friday and Saturday night to circle the church three times. This will bring health and prosperity for the year. As far as I know, there's still on traditional church service like we'd have in the States. (I'm only speaking for my village, of course.) But luckily I've got a live stream from Prestoncrest so I can still "participate" this year! I'm pretty sure this is the first time in 25 years (because I'm 25 now!) that I won't be at church on Easter Sunday. Sad.

Dying eggs

They also have something that's like a sticker to make fancy eggs

Me and the eggs after the dye party

This past Friday there was a festival in our "obshtina" that had performances from the local villages including kids singing, dance groups and folklore groups. Our village had a group of kids performing and they did a great job!

There's another festival tomorrow that the Men's Folklore Group is performing in... which is my favorite part of my job!

Livin' the hard life

2010-03-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

When I signed up for the Peace Corps, this is definitely not what I had in mind. But you know what? I'll take it.

On Wednesday my friend Kali and I decided it was time to go swimming. Since the weather has started to be spring like we were getting excited about spring time activities. Kali, who works in Bansko at one of the hotels, is pretty familiar with the area. She thought it would be a good idea to go to Hotel Strazhite (Хотел Стражите) and check out their Spa Centre. (Unfortunately, it's not like Embassy Suites in Abilene where you could just "visit" their indoor pool! So I busted out the bathing suit and hoped there wouldn't be any cute boys at the pool! :)

We paid our 15 leva ($10) and walked into a beautiful Spa Centre. Our money included the fitness center, pool, steam room and sauna. There was also a masseuse there. No doubt I paid a few extra leva to get myself a massage. I'm considering it a slightly early birthday present to myself! We spent about four hours hanging out in the pool and the other areas. What was awesome is that for about the first 3 hours and 40 minutes we were the only people there. We had the entire spa area to ourselves... it was wonderful. We also decided we're going to go check out the other hotels before most of them close down for the summer. (Peak season is ski season and when that's over, a majority of the hotels in Bansko close down temporarily.)

So there ya go... it's the hard life of a PCV in Bulgaria. (Or maybe one who just happened to be placed in one of the best regions in BG - SWBG!)

AND, way too early tomorrow morning I'm getting on a bus for Sofia. We have a tourism meeting on Friday and then on Friday night I'll be boarding another bus for Skopje, Macedonia with two other PCV's. (Guess I'll be celebrating most of my birthday on a bus!)

I need to go to NYC

2010-03-16T08:37:00.004-05:00

If I didn't live on the other side of the world I might have to take a quick trip to NYC. My NYC sista recently introduced me to what could possibly one of the best things in the world...

Beer and a cupcake pairing or wine and a cupcake pairing courtesy of Sweet Revenge in NYC.

Does this sound AMAZING to anyone else?! LAG is even going to celebrate my 25th birthday there in honor of me! I've done a relatively good job at going to cupcake bakeries in NYC whenever I go and I'm excited I've got a new one to visit! Check out their flavors! Mmmmm!

If only I could find a cupcake in Bulgaria...

Sisters at Magnolia Bakery in NYC

I'm alive... just not blogging

2010-03-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

After more than one email asking me why I'm not blogging...

Here is your answer:

I've been in a funk. This awkward winter/spring business is killing me. I don't particularly enjoy long periods of cold/snow and that's what I've been in since November. My director decided we were going on a month long spring break. Meaning that the few activities I was doing are non-existent for March. And no one wants to read the writings of a downer... there's also the lack of things to say.

Spring is trying to come which makes me happy. And I'm going to Macedonia the last weekend in March for my birthday (there's also a PC MAK - PC BG conference). Plus the parents are coming in LESS than two months!

Party Time

2010-03-08T06:30:00.001-06:00

(Again with the internet problems... this was written 04 March.)

On 3 March 1878 Bulgaria became an independent country after 500 years under Turkish rule. And you can rightfully assume that the Bulgarians have kept the party going on March 3rd.

Every city and village has a big celebration for Treti Mart which includes singing and dancing. And big bonfires that made me reminisce about college parties. Anyways, I went to Razlog to watch the program there and see one of my friends in his dance group. The bonfire was set up in the middle of the square and the stage was set up at one end. Towards the end of the program they started the fire and then fireworks started going. (And let me say, they sure don’t have distance restrictions for fireworks like they do in the States.)

Then I headed back to my village where the party had already started. There were hundreds of people gathered in the square dancing around the bonfire. There was a guy with a big drum and a couple of guys playing oboe-type things. (I’m sure there’s a more technical name for them. It’s not exactly my favorite sound.) But eventually the fire dies out. So I think it’s over… but naturally, it’s not. My friend tells me to get in the car, so I do and we drive to the top of the village where I see there’s another setup for a fire.

Then I hear the music and see the people all walking up to this area. So I stand and watch some more. Then I had the thought that I felt like I was at some crazy ritual tribal killing thing. I think a lot of it had to do with the music. But it was just tons of people standing and watching a fire with tribal sounding music. Of course it was a good time though.

And in recognition of Independence Day, the 2nd of March was Texas’ Independence Day. It was a short lived independence in the 1800’s but no doubt some good years! God Bless Texas!

Otherwise, our village holiday is this weekend. There’s a group of Macedonian’s coming to perform and I’m excited. But now, I’m going to watch Pocahontas. Yes, I’m serious.

Confusion of Epic Proportions

2010-03-08T02:24:00.001-06:00

(I haven't had internet for awhile, this was written 03-March.)

You would think after being in Bulgaria nearly 10 months, I’d have a better grasp on things. But that is definitely not always the case. Let me take you back to last Thursday…

I went to the Folklore Group practice like usual. During the meeting they were asking me some questions and talking about going to Sandanski on Saturday and Sunday. I got really frustrated with the language and not being able to answer a question I understood. I ended up leaving and crying. (I’m fine, just had an emotional day.)

Saturday morning I meet at the square at 9am and start heading to Sandanski which is about an hour by car from the village. In true Bulgarian style we stop some place for food and drink. (This is a practice I don’t understand… why not just go where you’re going. You can wait an hour for coffee and cigarettes.) We get going again and pass Sandanski by a few kilometers and pull off to Rupite – the home of Baba Vanga. (I’ve written about her before.) Then we stop at some side of the road “Live Fish” place that smelled really gross. I finally ask one of the guys, “When is the festival?” He just looks at me kinda weird. I ask, “Aren’t we going to a festival in Sandanski?” Then he starts laughing and said, “No, we’re guests of the Men’s Folklore Group in Sandanski.” Everyone has a good laugh.

Finally we drive into Sandanski and lo and behold we pull up at a hotel. I tried to tell myself that maybe they were going to use a room. And then somebody gave me a room key and told me I needed to go write my name down. Please imagine my shock. I had absolutely nothing and just stared at my people and asked if we were sleeping there. Again, they all start cracking up. And obviously, the answer was yes.

One of the guys asked me if I was listening to anything they were talking about on Thursday. The meeting I left because I got really upset at – which no doubt any of them knew. I tried to tell them that I don’t understand everything. I get the gist of things but obviously need some clarification often. That’s why I just smile a lot. Also, my tendency to tune people out unless I know they’re specifically speaking to me probably isn’t the best technique.

So my assumption of a Saturday and Sunday festival in Sandanski was actually a “we’re going to sing and dance all night long and spend the night in Sandanski.” Don’t worry, I went and bought a toothbrush. All in all, it was a good time. Those folklore groups sure do know how to have a good time!

And have no doubt that we stopped on the drive home Sunday. We went to a café in some town which I assume one of the guys had relatives in. But again, we ate and they sang. Not a bad life. Това е България… This is Bulgaria.

What I wish I knew when I packed

2010-02-13T06:08:00.006-06:00

This post is dedicated to all the future PC'ers who are getting ready to come to Bulgaria in a few months. And if they were anything like me... trying to find various people's packing lists to see what's up. This list isn't what I actually brought because honestly, I brought way too much stuff. (I was one of those people who had to pay extra because my baggage was too expensive.) Back in the States I always washed everything after I wore it... in BG, that's not normal. And you'll get over it quick. Promise. These are my thoughts after being here 9(ish) months.

Keep in mind, I'm a COD volunteer without a dress code for my work. I've never had the need to dress up - look nice, yes - but heels and dress, no.

Peace Corps Bulgaria Packing List

Clothes:

- 2 or 3 pair of jeans

- 2 pair of shorts

- 5 or 6 tops

- 3 tank tops

- 2 tshirts

- 2 warm sweaters

- 1 cotton dress

(I brought two pair of dress pants and two button tops. I have NEVER worn them out here. For our swearing ceremony I wore a cotton dress and was sweating profusely. It's hot in the summer.)
- 1 or 2 pair yoga/comfy pants

- 5 pairs underwear (ExOfficio is the BEST! Available at any outdoor store. I live by these, seriously! Made for handwashing.)

- Lots of WOOL socks (I'm a fan of Smartwool athletic and hiking. They're more expensive but worth it.)

- 2 pair long underwear (top and bottoms)

- Rain jacket with hood

- Fleece/Lightweight jacket

- Winter jacket (waterproof/windproof/warm)

- Flip Flops

- Outdoor sandals (Chaco, Keens, etc)

- "Dress" flats (for your dressier shoes - available cheap in BG. I always wore heels in Dallas but I can't walk on the roads here. It's a mystery to me how the women wear tall heels on these crazy roads and sidewalks and don't fall. I also brought 2 pairs of heels that I wore one time and decided it was a terrible idea.)

- Athletic shoes

- Hiking boots (waterproof)

- Snow boots (I wish I had brought some in the States but my hiking boots work okay)
- Gloves (Good quality. Hats/scarves/mittens are available here - cute and cheap.)

Everything else:

- Laptops, external hard drive, flash drive, iPod

- Digital camera

- Swiss army knife w/corkscrew

- Small, durable flashlight (I'm also a personal fan of the headlamp! Handy for when the electricity goes out!)

- Regular size backpack

- Camelbak bladder

- Sleeping bag

- Quick dry towel (MSR Packtowl Ultralite is my fav availabe at any outdoor store)

- Vegetable peeler

- Cheese slicer

- Water bottle (Nalgene, Sigg, etc)

- Favorite spices (ranch or onion packets, seasoning salt)

- Purse/Bag (I have this Eagle Creek bag and it's super awesome. Good for travel and everyday. You can also find 'fancier' ones locally.)

- MagicJack (A lot of people use Skype but this is a 'landline' phone that you register in the States, get a US phone number and as long as you have an internet connection, you plug it into your USB and go. Also means you need a phone. I think it's awesome and way better than Skype. $20/year.)

- 2 or 3 books (PC has a library with lots of books. Don't use all your luggage weight for books. These can always be shipped to you. Lots of options!)

- Host family gift (local stuff from where you're from. I gave a Texas magnet, picture frame and a couple other trinkets.)

Personal Hygiene

(I'm pretty particular about my makeup (Bare Escentuals) so bring extra because it's not available here. Neither is MAC cosmetics. My favorite eyeliners!)

Most things you can find here and PC supplies you with Lubriderm lotion. I definitely over-packed on "beauty supplies." I brought a lot of things that are nice to have but I can find here such as nail polish, lotions, etc. They have American brand toothpaste, floss, facial cleanser if you're worried about those things. Bring what you need for a week or two and then go to Kaufland's or Billa or a beauty shop in Vratsa!

I packed my things in a big suitcase and a hiking backpack. The hiking backpack is pretty essential.

* Keep in mind you can have your parents send you some of the winter stuff if you don't have enough room. Before I left, I made a pile of "stuff I want you to send later" for my parents and this worked out well.

** Insure your things! Clements, Intl isn't too expensive and worth it! Seriously, personal experience on this one.

*** Bring what you want - these are only my opinions. I just know I overpacked and when my parents come in May... well, they'll be going home with a big suitcase full of things I don't need/want.

Any of my other PCV Bulgaria friends have ideas or suggestions?

Wow, that was long. Hope it helps someone. This is also what happens when the weather is gross and you have lots of free time.

Pickles and Mayonnaise - Delicious salad?

2010-02-11T13:11:00.003-06:00

Chopped pickles and mayonnaise mixed together is not a salad. And I'd venture to say it's not incredibly healthy. Most of you probably would not put this combination together but alack and alas, here we are, and I just thought we should clarify that. (Don't worry, I always say "thank you" for whatever food is given to me.)

On a brighter note, I bought a new scarf and two headbands today. :)

People should know my thoughts!

2010-02-09T13:31:00.001-06:00

Let's start with this:
To BBVA Compass Bank,
Your decision to buy out Guaranty Bank while I'm on the other side of the world inconveniences me. I do not appreciate it. What with all the new logins? Not cool.

To Facebook,
Please stop with the changes. It confuses me. Although I'm sure I'll figure it out soon enough since I spend so much dang-on time on your website.

To Blair-ski,
That was possibly the best email EVER. I laughed out loud (for real) many, many times. I miss you. Good luck as the band substitute. You're going to do great. HAHAHAHA! (This picture is circa 2006 - Senior year of college. Oh gracious, we had some good times!)

Dear winter,

GO AWAY! Quick, please!

Missing...

2010-02-05T09:35:00.008-06:00

There's a few things I'm really craving right now in Bulgaria. Too bad these things don't travel.

1st. Pam Non-Stick Cooking Spray
(Because oil or butter get old after awhile. And oily.)

2nd. Whole Foods
(Because that kind of assortment is dang-near impossible to find. Especially with cheese. When I get back to the States, one of my first purchases will be a BIG BLOCK of sharp cheddar cheese.)

3rd. Food & Beverage
Route 44 Diet Coke with Lemon, please!
1 party burrito and 1 bean burrito with sour cream, please!
Tortilla Soup and 1/2 order of Chicken Nachos, please!(Because I'm a fast food/mexican food loving Texan and without shame.)

PS - Happy Birthday Dad!

Look what I did today!

2010-02-01T08:29:00.004-06:00

It's always nice to feel a sense of accomplishment. As I've said before, Bulgarian's aren't really in a hurry. You can talk with someone about an idea, they might think it's a great idea and say they'll get back to you and if you ever hear about it again - consider yourself lucky.

Which I do! After a couple months of pestering, I finally got someone to "write" something in Bulgarian for the Men's Folklore Group so we can make a brochure. Kali translated (getting the community involved!) and this morning I read it and realized it has absolutely nothing to do with the Folklore Group. It's about the Chitalishte. Kali was given a brochure that was made last year about the Chitalishte.

But you know what I decided? I'll take what I can get. Which resulted in this:

Progress... it's all about progress!

PS - The Men's Folklore Group did a great job yesterday on Rodina TV. They interviewed me as well and I feel pretty good that I didn't sound too dumb! :)

That's so Bulgarian

2010-01-30T06:48:00.003-06:00

This afternoon I walked in my house, unloaded my layers and walked into my room/kitchen. I couldn't help but notice that my печка had mysteriously disappeared. (My stove/oven combo.) The table it sits on wasn't clean... it was kinda gross. I cleaned it and went upstairs and asked Nadia where it was.

Apparently Maria was using her own stove and needed to make rice so she came into my room while I was gone and just took the thing and set it up outside to cook. It didn't upset me... it's just... weird. I mean, I get it. But I don't really get why she just wouldn't wait til her stove was free and then move onto the next dish. Some might feel this an invasion of privacy, but for me, it's just the Bulgarian way of life. Kind of annoying but I can't get too upset because she did send Nadia down here with a plate of rice.

It turns out though that they're having a "dead party" upstairs. (As said by Nadia!) Maria's mother died a year ago and so her side of the family is gathering for a time of food and remembrance. I think that's nice.

Tomorrow - Sunday - I'll meet up with my men's folklore group at 9am and get on a private bus to Blagoevgrad. I still don't know what's up with the whole thing but I'm kinda excited. The мьжка фолклорна група is my favorite part of my job!

Now I plan to have an exciting afternoon/night of finishing Season 1 of The West Wing and starting Season 2. Life is good.

And just sayin'... comments are nice. And so are followers... it makes me feel important. Just thought I'd say it! :)

Still alive and no broken bones

2010-01-28T14:19:00.003-06:00

...The breaking of bones was a legitimate concern for me today.

My friend Kali (or perhaps I should refer to her as my friend that makes me leave my house on these cold and snowy days) decided we should go ice skating in Bansko. Sounds fun, right? Well. I am not athletically inclined nor am I successful walking on snow or ice. Much less ice skating. But I agreed because the last time I did was probably in elementary school at Prestonwood Mall. (We should take a moment of silence for this great mall - but also be thankful for the great development that took its place... sorry, reminiscing of Dallas.)

We got to the rink and paid our way and got our skates and hobbled out to the rink. I slowly eased myself onto the ice one foot at a time and held on for dear life to the railing. Eventually I let go of the rail and even skated down the middle all by myself a few times. (I'm sure I looked incredibly graceful with my arms parallel to the ice and all - gotta maintain balance!)

It was fun and I never fell! It gave me a boost in my self esteem - not counting the kids who were skating circles around me. I kid you not. Why they weren't in school... well, that could be a whole other blog topic about attendance policies in the country. Anyways, after 45 minutes I was just about done being entertained and ready to go. And that was it.

Besides ice skating, Sunday I'm heading with my men's folklore group to Blagoevgrad who are getting filmed for tv. I don't really understand the details but there's the possibility I'll be on tv. Maria wants to make sure Kali comes with me since after 8 months I surely can't understand Bulgarian questions on my own. (Sarcasm intended. I'm excited Kali's coming anyway. More entertainment for me!)

And for those that care about the weather in the Razlog/Bansko region... it's cold. Probably hovering in the 20's and 30's (F). Today it snowed and there's a few inches on the ground. Nothing like what my poor friends in the NE are enduring. Temps below 0 degrees F and frozen pipes which means no water. Yall are brave. Stay warm - spring will be here before we know it!

I made it to the top... and then I threw up...

2010-01-23T03:59:00.005-06:00

I took the lifts to the top of the mountains in Bansko. Took a couple pictures. Came back down. Then I threw up. And it didn't really surprise me.

Here's the story.

This weekend has been the "Europa Cup 2010" ski competition in Bansko. One of the men who works for the ski resort came to my English class this past Tuesday and asked me to help out. Of course I said yes! He gave me two passes for the weekend where I got to skip all the lift lines and get in for free. (A 1-day pass is 50 leva/$36.) They were actually staff passes. Kali and I headed up Friday morning and ended up taking all three lifts to the very, very top of the mountain. (8,530 ft/2600 m) I was feeling a little queasy and after we got back down to the main area I went to the bathroom and threw up. (Wilderness Trek circa 2001 flashback here.) After that, I was fine. Kali and I met up with Toshko (the boss man) said our "hello's" and he told us we were welcome to come back on Saturday. So my "work" was really just to enjoy the mountain, snow and ski competition. It was beautiful and my first time to a ski resort. Maybe next time I'll actually ski... and not get sick! :)

When I was talking to some of the real staff they knew I was a PCV and asked me if I knew the PCV in Garmin. Of course I do because it's Callie! He knew all about the PCV's that have been in Garmin and what they've been doing there. Love the PCV connection!

Craft Project Help

2010-01-18T08:10:00.003-06:00

This is actually a project that won't be happening until after I return to the States BUT I want some help on ideas.

I always buy an embroidered patch of the countries I visit. The problem is, I have NO idea what to do with them. There's the standard idea of sewing them onto a messenger bag or backpack but I don't really want to do that. I've tried to google some ideas but nothing is really coming up. I'd also like it to be something that I can continually add to as I hope to travel more and more! All I have is a Ziploc bag full of patches that I've been collecting since 2005.

Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions?! I'd love any comments I can get! There's gotta be some creative people out there...

Hit or Miss at the Hostel

2010-01-17T10:07:00.006-06:00

Well, I just got home from a weekend in Sofia. It was... interesting. I left way too early Friday morning to catch a bus to Sofia so I could make it to the PC office to get my in no way optional unless you want to get kicked out Swine Flu vaccine. On Friday a couple of us planned to stay at Hostel Mostel. I've always had a good time there and never had any serious problems. But this time. Oh. My. Goodness.

Me and a couple of other PCV's get back to the hostel Friday night and head into our 8 person room. It was awful. A dude in the room threw up on the floor at about 4am and then proceeded to turn on the light. I'm not sure if he was legitimately sick or if he'd had a few too many drinks the night before. He was also the loudest snorer I have ever heard. You could hear everyone in the room awake and annoyed. Finally the guy in the bunk next to him started knocking on his bunk and it eased up. Annoying snoring/throw up man was quiet for about 20 minutes and continued with his nasal issues keeping everyone else from sleeping. I suppose that's the joys of hostels.

But needless to stay, I decided to not stay there Saturday night. (Check out is at 1030 and dude's backpack was still there and he was lounging in the lobby... I figured I'd rather sleep Saturday night and not listen to that business again.) We moved onto Hostel Sofia which isn't as fancy and the owner doesn't speak English but it was quiet and cozy and we had our own room. We also went to sleep at 9pm on Saturday in our own room. It was awesome.

Now good news:
One of the MIA boxes arrived! It was the box from Cather and Brian... only 6 weeks after it'd been sent! It was Christmas in mid-January! (I got a Christmas package from Lyndsey - yay - and it arrived without much of a delay. Last week I got a letter in the mail saying there was a package in Sofia and I needed to come pick it up. Nadia saved the day by talking to the post office and they agreed to just send it and not make me pay Customs fees. (The lady also said PCV's aren't supposed to pay Customs fees - has anyone else ever heard that?!) BUT I'm still waiting for a Christmas package from the parents that was sent November 25. Hm. I'm hoping for the best.)

Another Bulgarian story:
This past Thursday my eye was hurting and I could feel the start of a stye. I told one of my Bulgarian friends and she offered to make the homemade Bulgarian remedy for this. It's made of mashed pumpkin and oil... and then you just slap it on your eye and let it sit. I politely declined but maybe next time...

Too early?!

2010-01-10T11:45:00.005-06:00

Is it too early to start my countdown for my next vacation?!

I think not! I can't help but get excited that I'll get to see my parents in May (and some of their friends, too) AND go to Greece. (After I get my official PC approval, of course!) I can already picture myself strolling the streets of Athens and the beaches of Mykonos.

Athens
Mykonos

From where I live I'm about an hour north of the Greek border but I've never been. Can't wait to finally go!! The joys of Peace Corps Bulgaria... definitely can't complain about the location!

Speaking of Peace Corps, my English classes start back up tomorrow and we're working on building up an "English library" along with the already present Bulgarian language library. Hopefully we'll be making some good contacts that will donate lots of easy to read English books to the village! We're also looking at doing a "Dental Day" at the Kindergarten where a local dentist will come, check out their teeth, and the kind people of Colgate donate some goods! Here's to January...