Last Friday (January 28th) I was able to attend the VAC (Volunteer Advisory Committee) meeting in Sofia (our capital). It was great to hear from our staff and representatives here in Bulgaria. I was interested as to what went on in the meetings and I enjoyed being there. I then stayed in Sofia through Sunday as there were many PCVs there to celebrate birthdays and just hang out. It was great to eat good food and be with friends. I even got to try out a vegetarian/vegan restaurant that was delicious. Nothing like some delicious pumpkin soup on a cold day. And, I went out to a Hip Hop Club on Saturday night. It was fun to dress up and go out with other Americans, plus my legs were sore the next day from all the dancing. I even got to wear the dress that my fellow teachers here in Sliven gave me for Christmas. I thought these photos summed up the fun of the night pretty well:
Then on Sunday I traveled to Shumen with other PCVs to attend an HIV/AIDS seminar on Monday (since we had no school due to the end of the semester). The seminar was very good and I got lots of extra resources and ideas to use with students. I hope to help another volunteer near Sliven in April with some HIV/AIDS education for her boarding school children. Plus, nothing like playing some musical condoms (just ask, it's a great game).
Tuesday, the next semester started for students which simply means a schedule change and all the classes I used to have four times per week, I now have three times per week. It was nice to have a long weekend break from my students though this semester starts two first hours per week instead of one. Guess it's time to go to bed early more often.
This week was also exciting as I received a lovely button up sweater in the mail from my Baba Veneta (Bulgarian grandma). It fits well and is very beautiful. Her knitting skills always impress me. My school also received 60 authentic English Children's books! Woo hoo. They were courtesy of a great nonprofit. Now it's time to catalogue them and make vocab lists so we can use them in class with our students!
I was also able to attend a free seminar here in Sliven with my counterpart that was put on by and Englishman who writes English textbooks for a publishing company. It was interesting and nice to hear something almost entirely in English. Plus, I went out for some great pizza with my counterpart and it was nice to just hang out outside of school.
This weekend I've been knitting quite a bit and watching a lot of online TV and movies. It's a great way to relax. I'm also looking forward to skyping with some people back home. Tomorrow will be my day for school prep as this week starts spelling bee practice and a new English club (sort of a cultural exchange club).
I've been in a pretty great mood lately and I only hope this semester continues the way it has begun.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Vegetarian Restaurant in Sofia, it translates to Sun and Moon:
Playing some musical condoms. Yes, that is a blown up condom.
Street cat in Sliven:
Park in Sliven including the letter O:
Peace, love, literacy, and reckless curiosity.
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