Independence Day in Byala

This post is a bit delayed however I think it's ready now. Last Thursday (September 22nd) was Independence Day here in Bulgaria which meant no school Thursday or Friday. (This is why we had school last Saturday.) I decided to use my time off of school to visit another volunteer who lives near me in her village of Byala. A few of us volunteers got together there and had a great time. We even got to go to a few na gostis (visits) with some of her friends in the village. One woman's house had a beautiful garden where we sat having grapes, pears, apples, berry liquor, cookies, and a few other pastries. We also were able to pick fresh raspberries and blueberries from the bushes around the yard, they were delicious. At another woman's house we were able to milk goats and we sat having a few drinks and plenty of grapes. Gotta love visiting the village.

This week is school as normal without my extra after/before school activities which will begin in October. I'm just fixing the schedule a bit and getting lists of how many kids will attend which things. I will be running a club composed of a small group of dedicated 6th and 7th graders to make videos and other information to share with the U.S. (specifically Minnesota) about Bulgaria. I will also have four or five different groups to practice spelling, speaking, and pronunciation. Finally, I will be meeting with one or two high schoolers to help them improve their English. This will all hopefully be topped off with me watching the 3rd and 4th grade students who practice traditional dance each week. Along with all this I'm busy working on getting a Halloween Carnival put together for all the elementary students at the end of the month and getting all my paperwork in for a grant.

I hope you're all having a beautiful last week of September, here are a few photos from the last week:

Extra Info:
September 22nd celebrated independence from the Ottoman Empire here in Bulgaria. Interested in Independence Days around the world? Click HERE.

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.

World Peace Day

September 21st is World Peace Day! How are you going to celebrate? I'll be teaching all of my third graders the word "peace" in English along with leaving a poster about Peace in my school's teachers' room. I'll also be celebrating by having coffee with a few other Americans in my area. Want to learn more about this day? Here are a few websites you can access by clicking on the links.

International Day of Peace
Wikipedia on International Day of Peace
Peace One Day
Peace One Day Documentary

--September 21st is a more recent "World Peace Day", November 17th has also been celebrated in this way. If you can't think of anything to do to celebrate this day why not learn how to make a paper crane, instructions can be found HERE.

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.

Flexibility

I don't believe I've quite emphasized enough how important it is to be flexible both as a Peace Corps Volunteer and just someone living in Bulgaria. Every day seems to bring something new where I just have to go with the flow and know things will work out one way or another. I've gotten pretty good at improv, in the classroom that is. I say all of this because today was yet another example. Today was the 1st day for actual teaching at school and I was meant to have all 4 sections of third grade (team teaching that is). However, I was informed about a 1/2 an hour before my 1st class that they were really busy with beginning of school year things, getting books, etc. and it'd be better if we didn't have English today. Therefore I had 2 hours free, good thing I have learned to plan for this and had quite a bit to print out and had brought along a book to read. My schedule remained the same for my 3rd and 4th classes of the day however they were flipped. That is, the one I was supposed to have 3rd was 4th and the one I was meant to have 4th was 3rd in line. I tell you, flexibility. I find it some what funny I'm blogging about this as I watched "Be a Volunteer" about Peace Corps and flexibility was one of the main things mentioned. No matter how much I plan or prepare, something always comes up. I've decided that it's just part of the fun, that's life. If any of you are interested in watching a great short movie (which features some Bulgaria volunteers) here's the link:

Be a Volunteer

As for the 2 classes I did end up having today, they went very well. I can already tell one of them is a much more extroverted, energetic group but it'll just make the year that much more interesting. I love the 3rd graders, they are all so sweet. I took photos of each one today and it was funny because one of the classes said I was taking mug shots (they were holding name tags in the photos). After the classes I dropped in on 2 of the parents meetings very quickly to say hello. They were very kind and one woman even spoke to me in English! Hooray for the new school year. Now to planning my after/before school schedule (all the 3rd grade classes are 2nd shift (13:00 - 17:30).

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.

1st Day of School

September 15th marks the first day of school in Bulgaria. At my school everyone started gathering around 8:30 and the ceremony began at 9:00. There was the presentation and raising of the flag, giving of flowers to the monoment of Konstantin Konstantinov (who are school is named after), singing, dancing, and speeches. Plus, there was a walkway to welcome the new 1st graders into the building. Almost every student brings a flower or bouquet for their class teacher (homeroom) and whomever else they would like which means most teachers have quite the load to carry. It's a lovely site. I was happy receive some flowers as they always make my day a little bit brighter.

Me with some of the kids from 7A.

After the ceremony all the students go into the school to their homerooms and talk about the upcoming school year. They get their books, their schedule, talk about new school rules, and hang out a bit. Then the students leave and the teachers congregate in the teacher's room for a brief meeting and then some snacks. It was a lovely morning filled with friends, flowers, and photos. Check out the rest of my photos from the day under "15 September 2011" in the Links section of the blog.

On another note, the 1st day of school coincided with the public announcement that the Peace Corps will be phasing out of Bulgaria. The group of B27s who arrived this year will be the last group of volunteers in Bulgaria and will complete their service in June 2013, they are known as the Legacy Group. The Peace Corps has been in Bulgaria for 20 years and this announcement is bittersweet.

What does this mean for us volunteers? Well, it means that we want the Peace Corps to leave Bulgaria in the most positive way possible. This will occur through keeping our connections, remained integrated into our communities, and working to promote peace (Peace Corps Mission: Promote world peace and friendship). We all want to do as much as we can in the little time left to ensure sustainability, lasting relationships, and of course a bit of fun. We do this through following the 3 goals of the Peace corps. Goal 1, Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. Goal 2, Helping to promote a better understanding of American on the part of the peoples served. Goal 3, Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Feel free to access one of these sites to learn more about Peace Corps Bulgaria (more information about the phasing out is sure to come as it was only announced today):

Peace Corps Bulgaria

Peace Corps Journals

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.

:-)

Where to start? Well, last Friday seems like a good place to start. I was in Sofia for a few reasons. First of all, I met with some of the fabulous Peace Corps Bulgaria Program staff to talk about a project I am hoping to have funded in the near future. I wanted some guidance as well as a critique of what I had finished thus far. Writing grants, making project budgets, and submitting proposals are not something I do very often; therefore, the meeting was well worth it. It was great to get some feedback and know I am on the right track. I hope to have everything submitted within the next two weeks so stay tuned at a later date to hear more about it. It is a project that will eventually be posted on the Peace Corps website and I will be looking for funding (in any amount). My second event of the day was a dental appointment. I went to Dr. Milen Dimitrov where I got x-rays and had my teeth cleaned. No cavities, hooray! Then I met up with some of the other Peace Corps volunteers at the amazing Hostel Mostel (where I was staying for the weekend) and just relaxed for a bit. After a bit I was hungry so I ended up walking to Taqueria which is a delicious burrito restaurant. After a delicious late lunch, early dinner I visited with other Peace Corps Volunteers as well as some of the other travelers staying at the hostel. That night I spent my time visiting with fellow PCVs over a few drinks nearby the hostel and didn't stay up too late.

Saturday morning I attended a meeting to learn more about GLBT/LGBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) issues in Bulgaria. Just as there are not equal rights for heterosexual and homosexual Americans, these communities also do not have the same rights here in Bulgaria. While the USA may have a longer history with the movement for equality involving the GLBT community, Bulgaria also has a history and it was great to learn more about it. I feel this is one of the most important civil rights issues of our time and I was happy to show my support. If you would like more information on the recent history involving the Obama Administration and the LGBT community please click HERE.

After the meeting I had a delicious lunch at Sun/Moon which is a vegetarian restaurant in Sofia. Then some of us went on a walk before stopping at a delicious danish bakery where I had a custard and raspberry pastry. After seeing some graffiti artists and skateboarders I headed back to my room at the hostel where some other PCVs were just hanging out relaxing and did the same (I also had a delicious cappuccino on the way). After laying down and chatting for a bit I got ready and five of us all went out for Moroccan food at a fabulous restaurant. I had some falafel and a green salad with avocado and tomato. We all also shared a mint hookah which was quite delicious. Afterwards we met up with some Bulgarian friends and then I headed over near the hostel to be with some other volunteers. It wasn't too late a night as I've had a cold and was pretty exhausted after a long day. I was just so happy to have a day filled with great friends, good food, and beautiful weather.

Sunday was a relaxing morning followed by lunch at a Chinese restaurant and then a train ride back to Sliven.

Today was a productive day of school and I'm happy to say that I'm looking forward to the new school year. There are so many projects that are already in the works. I'm glad I'm working with such great teachers and have a supportive school to really make the best of my 2nd year here in Bulgaria. This afternoon I'll be working from my apartment along with doing laundry and some much needed cleaning before working on the Peace Corps Reports I need to finish by Thursday. Oh how I love days like this, seriously :)

Lastly, I want to thank all my followers for bringing me to over 9,000 views! The top 10 countries you all are located in include the United States, Bulgaria, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Canada, South Korea, Iran, and Chile (in order from highest to lowest). Thank you all for reading, I greatly appreciate your continued support :)

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.

Donkey Races

This weekend I was able to attend a festival in Gurkovo, Bulgaria. It turns out there is an annual holiday which not only includes donkey racing (with carts) but also a donkey tug-of-war and donkey football (soccer for all you Americans reading). All the events took place Sunday however I traveled there Saturday and stayed the night at a beautiful hotel near the town. It was a fabulous weekend.

For some more details, Saturday we all met in Gurkovo and the town provided a bus for us to all get to our hotel. At the hotel we hung out, had dinner, and spent the night dancing, laughing, and just being together. It was a great group of people, I feel very lucky to have met all the people I have here in Bulgaria. They truly make experiences that much better and make me want the night to last so much longer.

On Sunday, we all headed to the stadium on the outskirts of town for the festival. The volunteer who lives in Gurkovo, Aaron, had arranged for there to be a "Peace Corps" donkey and cart in the race so we went down to meet the donkey and socialize a bit. The first event of the day was introducing all the contestants and then the race started. The festival was obviously created for a fun way to compete. Many of the donkey's had funny names and most of the carts were themed. Each donkey, cart, and driver went around the track once individually with someone timing them. The winner was declared after everyone had raced. The second event was the donkey tug-of-war which was extremely interesting to watch. Some of those donkeys are so strong. Afterwards came donkey football. I didn't end up watching much of the football as it was very hot and went outside the stadium to sit in the shade and catch up with my fellow volunteers.

We ended up finding a great place to sit down and relax with food and tap beer. As there were over 15 volunteers there we made for quite the site to some of the local people who are not used to so many foreigners in one place. There was a lot of staring and introductions however there was also great hospitality. The people working behind the counter wanted to help us with anything we needed and most people just wanted to say hello and get a photo or two taken. I felt very comfortable and happy to be with friends. Sometimes it's hard to remember I'm living in a foreign place and this was not my normal all that long ago. I'm sure this year is going to fly by as I am so excited to get projects underway and take advantage of seeing more of Bulgaria through my connections with other volunteers. I want to make use of what time I have left here in Bulgaria as who knows how often I'll see some of my favorite PCVs once my time in Bulgaria is complete. Weekends like these make me realize how much I love being with good friends. Sitting around talking late into the night, having massage trains, feeling completely relaxed, and just the feeling of complete happiness make life so much more fun. I will remember the great conversations of the weekend and especially the reference to people being "kindred spirits". This weekend will definitely go down as one of the best thus far in Bulgaria. Thanks to everyone who was there for making it so wonderful! Now, for some photos and a video of the events:

I also have to send my love to my cousin and her family whose family dog died over the weekend. To Amber, Jason, Rowan, and Braden - I understand how hard it is to lose someone/something you love and I hope that you are all able to celebrate the good times you had together. I don't feel it's something you get over as much as something you learn how to deal with. I love you!

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.

September 1st

Today marked the first day of work of the new school year, for teachers that is. What a difference this one was compared to last year. Last year I was anxious, full of thoughts of who I would be working with, how things would go, what school would actually be like, etc. However this year is was more a feeling of excitement for my 2nd year here in Bulgaria and the comfort of knowing a lot of the "hows". Everyone at my school now knows me and I know everyone else (there faces that is as I do forget names occasionally). My school is a comfortable place for me to be and life in Sliven has become my new normal. It's strange to think I have less than a year left here.

Back to today, the morning began with meeting my counterpart at her room and then heading down to the teacher's room shortly after 8 am to greet one another, chat a bit, and wait for the first meeting of the school year. The director ended up starting the meeting around 9am and talked about the upcoming school year including vacation days, class (homeroom) teachers, students who changed schools, and many other things. After the meeting my counterpart and I worked on some classroom materials and then it was time to leave. I also discovered the mail I've been wondering about has been stuck in the Director's office so I got all of that today. Thanks Rowan for the letter!

This afternoon I ended up meeting Neysa, another volunteer, to have coffee and tag along to her hair appointment. We had a nice afternoon, despite the heat of today of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Now I'm ready to sit down and relax a bit and then work on a few projects before I head to bed. Since I won't be posting tomorrow...

Happy 24th Birthday Neysa!

Peace, Love, Literacy, and Reckless Curiosity.