Honey Bees and Bulgarian Happenings

I just finished watching a documentary well worth my time called "Vanishing of the Bees" which was about the honey bee population's decline in not only the USA but around the world. I also want to thank all the small farmers, backyard gardeners, and anyone who writes to their legislator for supporting the world's honey bee population and keeping us healthy! If you would like to find out more about the problems honey bees are facing, are interested in the documentary, or want to know what you can do, please visit this site:

Vanishing Bees

In Bulgarian news...

June 15th marked the end of the school for my 5th and 6th graders. I can say both the teachers and the students were very happy to see this day had arrived. Even though it was an all around good school year, we all needed a break. The students' school year here in Bulgaria is interesting as the 12th graders were done the 2nd week of May, the 1st graders were done the 2nd to last week in May, the 2nd-4th graders were finished the last day of May, the 5th-8th graders were finished the 15th of June, and the 9th-11th graders have to have school until June 30th. Yet, all these students started the same day, September 15th. I can't quite give any reason for this except for: that's just the way it is. It was strange being at school today and yesterday with only a few classes of students in the building, it's just so quiet :)

Also, yesterday I watched the ceremony for the 12th graders to get their diplomas. The ceremony is much different here at Konstantin Konstantinov than anything I've witnessed back in the states. First of all there are no caps and gowns; the students were just dressed in nice, casual clothing. Secondly, the Principal read their names and they came up to sign for their diploma and then were given it by the Principal. The diplomas here have all the students final grades printed in them along with a seal and signature from the school. Thirdly, the students sat in the audience with everyone who was there (which wasn't a big crowd, mainly students and teachers) and walked up to the front when their names were read. One similiarity was that the Valedictorian was recognised however she did not give a speech but was given a nice printer as a gift from the school for her achievements. All of the other students were given a small desk organizer as a congratulatory gift. Finally, there were two performances by students to celebrate the graduation. One performance was a singing duet by two boys and the other was a girl who sang a traditional Bulgarian song. It was a nice ceremony, short and sweet.

This week I was also fortunate enough to watch a long and beautiful lunar eclipse. The eclipse was'nt visible from North America so for all of you back at home who didn't see it. Some great photos and information can be found on these sites:

June 2011 Lunar Eclipse

 Watch the Eclipse in One Minute

This weekend I am excited to stay here in Sliven as last weekend I was in Vratsa for the B27 Swearing-in Ceremony and the weekend before I was in Kazanluk for the Rose Festival. While I love seeing other places and traveling, it gets exhausting. I need the weekend to catch up with things that have been neglected. This weekend I also plan on meeting with the new volunteer who is living close to Sliven to show her around the city a bit, chatting with a few friends back in MN, do a little knitting, and I hope to do a little hiking on the mountains. 

Finally I want to extend a HUGE congratulations to a few people back in MN. First of all, congrats to Miss Krista Ryan who is back in MN and recovering! Secondly, though they are both married women know, I will take me some time not to think of them as Miss Amanda Vanheuklom and Miss Ashley Loosbrock. Congratulations to both of you on your recent weddings and I can't wait to see you in July to congratulate you in person! I hope you're already enjoying your lives as married women. As Bulgarians would say, I wish you health, luck, and happiness!

Peace, love, literacy, and reckless curiosity.