The month of March is a “break it or make it” month. It is the time when Spring chooses to arrive early or decides to wait a few more weeks before making its appearance. This, of course, had a huge impact on the life of Bulgarians in the past. It was a month to start preparing fields for future harvests or to survive the winter with limited resources. It is no wonder why Bulgaria and my town specifically, the fruit basket of Bulgaria, worship the month.

It starts with Baba Marta. Baba Marta is literally a bipolar old lady who, like every grandmother we know, needs to be appeased in order to bring warm weather. Should the month be cold, a Bulgarian knows it was something they did. The holiday starts on March 1st with the giving and wearing of a red and white bracelet or figurine, signifying fertility, health, happiness and luck. Vendors from all places occupy the center and sell these “martenitsi” in all shapes and sizes, a week or two before the actual holiday. By the end of the day (or the week), one needs space on their jackets and wrists. One needs also to assume that he will wear this until he or she will see a Stork: in my case for a month or so. After which these “martenitsi” are tied around fruit trees as an insurance of sorts for a good harvest.

While that may be all for Bulgaria, my town has another tradition. The weekend of the 21st of March is the towns “zabor” (refer to earlier posts if you have no idea what that is). Appropriate since it is also the start of spring. For 45 years now, the town has symbolically selected Ms. Spring or “Prolet”. My town is already known as the town with the best looking women, such a contest is a wish come true for many girls. Through intense screening process only 14 girls are chosen to compete. The selection of Ms. Prolet takes place on the 21st. Imagine a beauty contest and something like American idol combined. People can text to vote, there are also judges in attendance.

This year I was fortunate to attend such event. Even though I heard a lot regarding this holiday from the first day I came, I could as well have been a recluse and understand something special was going on. You see, a week before the holiday, trucks came roaring past my window only to park across a nearby building. The next few days I saw them set up carnival rides, stands, and exhibitions; all easily seen from my 2nd floor apartment. Soon enough a stage was set up in the town’s center and one by one, people started to show up and enjoy the attractions.

The show opened up with acrobats on stilts dancing with fire. I was already hooked. Next up the contestants, 17-19 year old high school girls showed up wearing prom gowns. At least 3 of whom were my students. I was more than hooked. Judges in attendance included the US ambassador, the Bulgarian deputy ambassador to Russia, and a famous Bulgarian Pop-folk singer. Throughout the evening, the contestants answered questions related to the town and its long history, and wore two more outfits: a cheerleader outfit (no idea why), and a traditional Bulgarian dress. In between rounds, there were comedy sketches, a concert by a famous Pop folk singer “Grafa”, and as the icing on the cake, a concert by an international (Romanian) Pop Star, Andrea Banica. Banica who spoke only English, had a hard time getting the crowds of Babas, Dyados, and others who spoke no English, entertained; though that made her concert even more entertaining. Throughout the concert, she was begging for someone to come up on stage and dance with her. You cannot believe how desperately I wanted to, if it wasn’t for my ambassador and my students, I would have been her 3rd dancer, maybe even had made a career for myself.

In the end, a girl and two of her “maidens” were chosen. Each was given a check, gift certificates, as well as flowers and a bag full of goodies (given to all contestants).

The tradition did not end there. The next day another concert took place, starting with the blessing of the Orthodox church. The three girls took the stage with the last year’s winners. In an official ceremony the town’s symbols of mineral water, bread, and fruit were transferred to this year’s winners. Ms. Prolet 2011 made a short speech wishing everyone a happy and productive spring, and made her traditional trip up to the hills of a local park where a longer speech awaited.

As I write this post, I cannot help but wish to have something similar for my town at home

A few updates for those who care and follow:

My SAT/TOEFL club is a huge success.

I will be going on vacation soon and will have much more to write about.

Start of the Concert:

Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3:

Andrea Banica:

Winners Announced:

Don’t worry, I’m not dead, nor am I lazy, just really, really busy! I have wanted to update this “creation of mine”, since early December, but a lot of things happened between then and now, which continuously took my attention from sharing things with the world. But NO MORE! (Or so I wish)

The week was a blast. It was the first time in a longtime when I had a chance to sleep in: no correcting papers, no going to school, no planning for weeks to come; just pure Rest and Relaxation away from the world around me.

This vacation happened out of luck (or unlucky sicknesses). In either case, Bulgaria was (and is) in a flu epidemic mode. Unlike in the United States, Bulgarians are smart enough to avoid school and work when they are sick. When you have a lot of students sick, you have a lot of absentees. So much in fact those towns all through Bulgaria decided it was useless to teach. To prevent the infection from spreading, they decided to close down schools, and hence I get a vacation!

So what is new with me? Is a common question I get asked by everyone, nothing much. Although if you haven’t herd, I visited my host parents and went to Italy over the break! It was wonderful, yet tiring experience, not to mention that I got really sick coming back. (Maybe I started this epidemic?)Now, I’m in the process of switching school schedule, as it is the start of the 2nd semester. I will have same classes, just at different times. Hopefully next time I post something, I will be proud to say that I started a SAT/TOEFL tutoring at the cultural center (Chitalishte). I’m currently figuring out the details as we speak. I also heard a rumor that a few of my town’s “Intelligentsia” wanted me to teach English. They have everyone and everything ready, only lacking myself. So here I am hoping for a phone call sometime soon.

Frankly, I’m sick and tired of winter. Just want to sit in the sun, teach a few kids American football, travel. Although this winter has been relatively warm and snow-free, the long dark nights, and the short sunny days, and the absence of anyone I can speak English with (hence pardon my grammar/vocab mistakes), have definitely hampered my mood.

But Optimist, I am and will be, and with that said hope to post relatively soon!

I’m finally getting in routine of things, though the routine might change ever-so-often. I wake up around 5:30 AM (3 out of the 5 days). Make and eat breakfast, which includes three pieces of bread. One is butter and cheese, the other is with kielbasa (the only one i found with no pork), the third one is with Nutella-like spread to sweeten my start of the day. Yoghurt is also important, and so is juice. All part of my complete weekday breakfast. I head out at 6:30 and make a 20 minute journey across a dark (barely lit) city to my school. It is weird to walk alone during the night time especially with no traffic, only stray dogs and cats running wild. The city is currently undergoing road construction, and there is no end in sight. Unlike in America, they dig up the roads everywhere first, than realize they are out of money to do anything else. This means that I have to walk through puddles, and trenches, and mud filled roads every day (and night). The good news is that my clothes are fit for the job. But the feeling of walking into puddles and mud, which you cannot see, is anything but a happy thought.

Once I make it to school, I have to find an attendance/grade book which every class has, these things date in origin back to the 1940's. I then go and teach. What I notice is that every class has 5-7 students who are eager and even desperate sometimes to learn English. The other twenty(ish) give no damn about what I'm saying. And since there is really no punishing system in Bulgaria (aka detentions, suspensions) the most I could do is to kick them out of class. Since the end of communism the parents and the kids have much more power than teachers.

I try to make my classes interesting. Besides following their textbooks (which are horrible), I have them watch TV shows like Glee, Lost, the Office and have them listen and sing famous American tunes. It’s difficult, because I have to carry my 15 pound laptop each time (since the school, like almost all in Bulgaria, sees little use for technology in the classroom unless it’s an IT course). After school ends, I run to my local supermarket. Get everything I need for the week. Although produce is on top of my list, if I have money to spend on something that reminds me of America, or will make my life easier (at least in principle), I buy it. I, then enjoy the brisk 20 minute walk, carrying a whole lot of stuff, and arguing with myself as to why I bought something in the first place. I find that keeping my brain occupied during the 20 minute walk full of shopping bags, removes some of the pain. Once I’m back in my apartment it is time to check the homework, tests, and papers. I hate correcting, partially because, my English is only getting worse and I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite. I do love giving A’s (or 6’s), since it requires practically no correction from me, and actually shows me I can teach.I like to procrastinate correcting anything until the weekend, if possible, when I have more time to myself. I have both “Horo” and Bulgarian tutoring 3 hours per week, so most of the time procrastinating until the weekend is a must.Once I finish, I have only the strength to take a shower, fall into my bed, and sleep. More coming soon!

Alas the beginning of a new school year in Bulgaria has begun! Granted it has been more than a week since the first official day, but this is the first time I have some free time to think back and reminisce.

The official start of the school year for all teachers was September 1st. That was at least what Peace Corps told us during our training. However, when I first entered the school building on that day, I only found my counterpart, the director (principal), and four other teachers present. I quickly asked my counterpart "where are all the others?" Her reply was one word, "Vacation."

(Note to self: schedule a vacation next year for this time too!)

Though I did not know any information as to who, when, and where I was going to teach, granted I knew I would be teaching English, I was still expected to show up at 8 am and leave at 4 pm, with no work, of any kind, assigned. I will admit in all honesty that during the first week of September I was already going mad. Face it, sitting all day in a hot classroom and doing nothing, unable to go home and be productive, can have that effect on you. Thankfully I found little things to do, like make a website for my classes (proposed by another volunteer), and read a book.

The second week of September had more action. I was given information as to which classes I was going to teach (9,10th, and 11th grades), and asked to make "разпределение" (razpredelenie), a syllabus for all the classes, which would be later approved by the education ministry. This was the week that saw the "population" of teachers shoot up to 20. It was also the week when I became a celebrity in my town. I had 3 surprise-on-the-spot interviews, two with a local newspaper, and one with a local TV channel. Let me tell you, there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you get when you have successfully answered on the spot questions in another language (especially for a publication).

Heres A Link To One Article:

Кюстендил Наблюдател - Леонид Ройтмън: Ще наблегна на диалога и комуникацията между учител и ученик

The third week of September really picked up in action. All the teachers returned and for two days in a row we had staff conferences which included voting on matters and subjects still unknown to me. On Tuesday, as I was about to leave for home, I was asked by the director if I could give a speech in Bulgarian to all the students and staff. "Sure" I said, before realizing what I just made myself do. So, less than 24 hours before the official school start, I found myself thinking of what I'm going to say to 700 people (in Bulgarian!) I was able to write and practice the speech ("thanks" to my counterpart) with time to make brownies and muffins for my co-workers.

On Wednesday the teachers arrived dressed in their best clothes. At 9 am, we proceeded outside to find all students in their respected class areas. The ceremony started. The school flag and the flag of Bulgaria were raised. There was a speech by the director, who welcomed the students to a new school year. She then introduced me and it was my turn to speak. Honestly, I don't know how well I did, but my part soon ended and I received a round of applause from students and teachers (who also complimented me later). Were these compliments of pity or talent? I still have no idea, but being the optimist that I am, I would like to think that I "nailed" the speech. After a few more speeches the students made their way to school for an orientation of sorts. Eighth graders being the first ones had to duck from the traditional throwing of carrots and lettuce. Carrots were dropping everywhere! Apparently the eighth graders are viewed as "smart/geeky rabbits" who have yet to learn the way of the school life. After all students went to their "home rooms", most of the teachers went back to their rooms feast on the many desserts made by the likes of me and several other young teachers. More compliments were given on my ability to cook and so did the search of finding me a mate. As the short school day ended, the whole staff went to a restaurant to celebrate the new school year. Glasses were full of rakia. Dishes full of Shopska salat.



And this is how I began teaching.

(and losing my ability to write in English)

My Horo group told me on Thursday, that I should come and seem them perform at the Bread Festival. I really had no idea what they were talking about. But being a great Peace Corps volunteer that I am, I went to the festival to mingle and see what it is. I was not disappointing. The festival was full of people from neighboring villages, all in their traditional dresses and uniforms. Every village and/or organization made bread and pitkas that looked spectacular to commemorate the virgin Mary, who's holiday was the next day. The festival included singing, Horo (performed by my group), and judging for the best looking booth which included the traditional and religious aspects. While I do not knowthe specifics of how the virgin Mary and the bread festival are connected, there is a possible connection between the pagan holiday for harvests and bread making.

"The Bread Ceremony" is an old customary way of Bulgarians greeting their foreign guests. The bread (and honey) signify the sweet hospitality provided for each and every guest. Notice that each girl is holding a loaf of bread, which would be soon given to all those who attended the festivities.

These are some of the Horos performed by my Horo Group

This is the Kyustendilsko Horo that I recently learned the steps to. Fortunately, I have 2 years to get the speed and the technique down.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

During the summer, it's not unusual to hear someone comment and complain about the "dog days of summer". Though I understood the meaning of the saying, I still find it a little odd. Not the words used (although why dogs?), but I really haven't felt the effects. In America, I had a car, I had friends, and I had a life (although some can argue about that). If I wanted to do something, go somewhere, or be in an air conditioned room, I usually could. The days certainly did not feel like a drag. But here in Bulgaria, I am quickly become conscious of the saying.

It has been in the high 90's and possibly more every single day at my site. The surrounding mountains and hills provide little protection or deterrence from the sun's almighty rays. The one fan that I bought myself (and assembled using poorly written Bulgarian instructions) has continued working nonstop, ever-since I bought it. Even though, the fan right now is my most important friend, I'm beginning to have dreams of a romantic rendezvous with my central air-conditioning unit I once had in the previous life. I also find myself often contemplating of starting a "rain dance" outside.

It is because of these hot and long days, that Bulgarians unofficially converted the month of August into the "Otpusk (vacation) or Pochivka (break time) " month. The month described by most of the Bulgarian population spending their year-long-earned vacation days by the Black Sea or in the Balkans. Many are gone for more than two weeks. While I completely understand this custom, I am, in a way, negatively affected by it. My site has become a ghost city of sorts. It is hard for me to meet new people, when most of them are missing in action (probably enjoying the cold and relaxing waves). Also my English tutoring class has quickly mutated to something else. It decreased in size from around ten people a day, to just two. The hours have also decreased, from four hours every weekday to just two every Monday and Wednesday. The topic itself, English has slowly evolved into English culture, because of the advanced English skills of my two high school students.

The increase in free time (from tutoring) has certainly allowed me to pursue a few hobbies. My most important hobby is shopping in Kaufland. The megastore that has most of the products I need and want (not to mention the chance to be in the presence of air conditioning). The second hobby is the logistics of shopping. Once in Kaufland, I ask myself every time, how much things am I willing to carry in two huge plastic bags for 20 minutes in the scorching weather to my home. Surprisingly the answer is a lot. And thus, my need to go to the gym has transformed to carrying 20 pounds of food and other stuff for 15 minutes, through the streets of my site.

My third hobby (if one can call it that and not necessity) is the Bulgarian Language tutoring. I have been fortunate enough to have Tanya, a Peace Corps language trainer, willing to tutor me through September. Allowing me to actually spend this time wisely and get better in Bulgarian.

The final hobby I have taken up is the Horo, the traditional dances of Bulgaria. Thanks to Tanya, who has become more of my counterpart (while my actual one is vacationing), I joined a professional Horo club. It consists of 30-40 Bulgarians ranging anywhere between 15 and 65, who have decided to pursue the art to perfection and have fun at the same time. And although my Horo skills are not up to par (yet), I have memorized all the steps to the Kyustendilsko Horo performed in one of the videos above (the most important Horo of the region). I have been "horoing" for about two weeks now (two times a week for two hours), and there hasn't been a time where my shirt was not completely wet from sweat at the end. This fact might not go down to well with my parents and grandparents who are miraculously hoping that I gain some weight in Bulgaria. I have also had an amazing luck to meet Nancy, a past Peace Corps volunteer who has been with the Horo dance club for more than three years. She is the one who is willing to teach me the step of Horo every time, give advice and secrets about the city, introduce me to her friends, as well as, a few secret celebrations like the Bread Festival (mentioned above).



So now as I walk through the streets of my site and see the many homeless dogs sleeping in the shade with their tongues out, I now get a deeper understanding of that saying I mentioned before. But now it's definitely the Bulgarian Dog Days of Summer.

So I have Internet and Cable available to me 24/7 in my new apartment. You know what that means… An increase in the supply of new blog posts! (That is, unless I am super busy or nothing new is going on.) But let's rewind a bit. For those who are confused, I recently became an official Peace Corps Volunteer. After three hard months of grueling training, language learning, and home stay, I am now on my own in a small city, with an estimated population of 30,000 people. A place I have only seen once before and a place where I will spend two amazing years of my life (or at least I hope I will).

The last week at my training site was filled with happiness, anxiety, and sadness. I have created strong ties with people I lived with. So strong that I get calls from my Baba almost every day, checking my voice level to make sure I do not go hungry. Before I left my village, I also had to schedule appointment/visiting days for the remaining year. The last day of my Peace Corps trainee life was filled with a party specifically thrown for me. The swearing-in ceremony included the U.S Ambassador of Bulgaria and apparently a lot of press. Here is a video which I hope you enjoy (or try to understand) summarizing the event. I make a few appearances here and there.

Regarding the present time:

It has been a week since I moved in to my site and slowly but surely my one bedroom apartment is getting to feel like my home. A painful process though, which included walking 15 minutes to a supermarket, buying everything I could carry, and then coming back again doing the same thing again. I felt like I was in one of those strong man competitions where you see men carrying logs, looking like they are about to get a hernia. I am currently teaching English to high school students and teachers, in two separate levels with two separate lessons. This takes a lot of time from my schedule but it gives me something to do.

This Saturday I went on a walk with one of the Peace Corps Language trainers and realized the beauty of my town. Apparently I have a zoo, ancient Roman ruins, plenty of bath houses and museums.

So it is about time I give you some news. I know where I'm going to live for the next two years! After a month or two of pure anxiety, it all ended with all the trainees placed on a scaled map of Bulgaria. A paper with the name of my city (yes city), provided me with all kinds details. Although I cannot tell you the name of my site for security reasons (most of you already know it anyways), I'll provided all the curious minds some information about it. I'll be living near Macedonia, Serbia and a few hours away from Greece. The city population is anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 residents (the census is not yet available and does not include the mass exodus of Bulgarians looking for jobs in other parts of Europe). I'll be teaching English to 9-12th graders in a specialized high school. The city has long history dating back to the Thracians and the Roman Empire. It is also known for its healing springs and its mass cherry and plum harvests.

I had the opportunity to meet my counterpart, travel and see the city with my own eyes. The three days that I have stayed there where full of excitement. Not only did I get to see my brand new apartment, (situated close to museums, theatres and stores) but I also got to meet my future co-workers and students who all showed me warm hospitality and provided me with celebrity treatment. The city (even though it might be called a town in the states) is full of hotels, big supermarkets, and a view of the surrounding mountains. While visiting the area, one cannot but notice a huge amount of cherry trees with all kinds of ripe cherries (white, red, black). As I returned back to my home town, all I could think of is the time when I get to see me new home town again. Only 3 more weeks to go!

 

 

For the past 2 weeks, all I have been hearing from my Baba and Dyado, neighbors and other townspeople was the Zabor. I can already imagine the confusion on so many faces. Zabor is a local (once a year) holiday where the town celebrates itself and its people. Every town/city in Bulgaria has a specific date/weekend for its Zabor. I was truly privileged to witness the one in my town. As the date got closer and closer to the holiday, my town, which has roughly the population 3,000 people, began to slowly blossom. At first the changes were minor. The cleaning of the town center, and the slaughtering of a my family's goat (which I didn't know existed) were just a few of the minor changes. However, by week's end, the town had a carnival, live entertainment, and many shopping kiosks (a bazaar of sorts). During the Zabor, I am pretty sure that the population of my town doubled or tripled. You see, it is customary for family to visit their loved ones during the Zabor, no matter the distance from the town. On Saturday, I and three other Americans were invited Na Gosti (the Bulgarian name for a household party) by my Babas daughter's family (who also has a Peace Corps Volunteer). However, before the na gosti, I and my host parents went to the Zabor. After slowly making our way through the Bazaar stands (selling anything from popcorn, Halva, and Bulgarian Doughnuts to batteries, comforters, and toys I haven't seen in America since the 90's), we made it to a shoe stand. There, I was graciously forced to take off my comfortable sneakers and put on sandals (that reminded me of the Dutch wooden shoes). "A Gift From Us", I was quickly told by Baba and Dyado in Bulgarian. The gift giving didn't end there. We stopped by a shirt stand, where my shirt was off before I even noticed. An addidas shirt was waiting in my Baba's hands. "Another Gift From Us", I heard them saying. By the time we sat down in a local Café, my American counterparts' smirks, showed that I was transformed into a Bulgarian. During the evening, the whole town became more and more festive as alcohol was taking its effect on many people. We also saw traditional Bulgarian Dance (the Horo) performed by 4 dancers. The Zabor culminated with the whole town performing the many distinct Horos and a 10 minute professional fireworks show in the background. It was 10:30 by the time we went Na Gosti and around 2 AM by the time I left for my 20 minute walk across town.

You should have been there!

And once again I apologize for not updating my blog. It's the middle of June. For the past 2 weeks, it has been 90 degrees or more. No rain and barely any clouds. The fact that there are no air conditioners in the 30 mile vicinity to keep the climate in the perfect 72 degree range, has forced me to quickly adapt. In other words, I have been drinking liters of water every chance I get.

Not a lot of things have happened since I last updated my blog. But due to the high demand of people interested in my life, I'll give you a very detailed description of my typical day. I officially wake up anywhere between 7:30 and 8:30. Though the screaming roosters outside my window have woken me up many times before 5:00 AM! I wake up and make my Journey to the kitchen where a cup of coffee (professionally brewed by my Baba with her Espresso Machine) and Croissants, or Banichka, or fried eggs and bread are waiting for me.

After breakfast, I make my journey to the bathroom (I mentioned that It was an outhouse type building before). On my way, I greet my Dyado and Baba who are working in their garden. Once I'm ready, I take a 15 minute journey to the Uchileshte (School). It has become a custom for me to greet anyone I see on my way. So much so, every Bulgarian on my way, is expecting some kind of greeting.

In school, I teach 1 English class a day (7th or 10th grade). This is truly rewarding, since the kids treat me as a celebrity and listen to me (and pretend to understand me) no matter how good or horrible the lesson is. Once the class is over, I have a Bulgarian tutoring session (once a week) or have the only opportunity during the day to go online.

At 12:00, I make the voyage back to my home. Get stuffed with food. Lamb, goat, chicken, liver, soups, you name it, I probably ate it. To thank my grandparents for such food, I do the dishes. The first time I did this, I got wide open eyes. You see, in Bulgaria it is the women's job to do such chores. But my persistence has changed this at least for now.

I make my journey back to the school at 1:30, in pure heat and began a 3-5 hour Bulgarian learning session shortly afterwards with 4 other Americans in my town. As of today, I am able to make short sentences, ask simple questions, tell about my favorite and least favorite food, talk about my family, give and understand direction, and be able to ask, and buy a bus or train ticket anywhere in Bulgaria.

Once the Bulgarian is over, I go outside and search for free wireless internet. I think a lot of Bulgarians think I'm crazy because I randomly stop with my iPod Touch in the random-est places and begin talking to no-one. In reality, my evening is the only time I have to communicate with friends and family in the states and it is only possible with my IPod (microphone attached to the headphones) and Skype.

Once Im done, I go back to my house. Practice some Bulgarian, take a shower and go to bed by 10 pm. Though I often feel I'm going to bed at 7 PM instead, since the Sun in Bulgaria stays up until 9-10:30 during the summer.

 

 So this is it for now. I promise to give you more updates. A lot of interesting things are coming up.

 

 

Cheese making, My Town, My House, My School, My Pets, My Fields!

The Beginning

I am truly sorry for my delay in writing to you. A lot of things happened since I last shared any news with you.

For one, I am in Bulgaria, a place full of hospitality and wonder. We arrived on Wednesday, and the 87 of us (new volunteers) were quickly "quarantined" to a remote resort city situated on top of a Balkan Mountain range. Let me tell you now, that tie location is definitely on my list of the top 3 amazing sights I have seen. The air was thin, yet I felt it provided energy I have not felt in years. The trees, and there lots of varieties, grow on top of each other. The view is spectacular; one can see 20 or 30 miles in every direction, including the snowy mountain tops nearby and the towns/villages below. I believe I have seen every shade of green in one view. (Please see pictures below for better understanding of what I mean.)

 Anyways, though the four day orientation was full of lectures and information, it allowed the 87 of us to bond and make new lasting friendships between one another. It also allowed us to better understand Bulgaria,, its food, and customs. After five days, Peace Corps decided we were ready for the real experience. We were divided into groups of five and six and were given language trainers (to help us learn and integrate into the communities). We then traveled from our quarantine into a city in the northwestern region. There we met for the first time with our host family, and then it began.

My hosts are an elderly couple. The moment I saw my Baba (grandmother) for the first time she hugged me and kissed me. And started speaking in Bulgarian things I have no idea what they mean, though I have a feeling it was the point when I was adopted. Though our communication means are rough, I'm starting to understand them more and more each day. The community, that I live in, has a population of roughly 3,000 people. People live in small houses (kushti). Their back yards are filled with gardens (gradinas) and animals (zhivotni). My garden has the following:

Cherries, Sour Cherries, Apples, Grapes, Onions, Tomatoes, Plums, Cucumbers, (Possibly Olives, Eggplants, Potatoes and Herbs). I am pretty sure I missed a few vegetables and fruits, though by July I'll update the list.

I also have a few farm animals joining me. Besides a cat (kotko) and her two recently born kittens, a dog (kuche) named Jana, a few chickens (pilleh), roosters, and hens (kokoshki), and a horse(kon) occupy the outside back yard.

For those wondering about the living arrangements, I have my own room in the house. It contains a full bed, a dresser, fan, tv, a coffee table, and eight chairs (their use is still not determined). The house has 5 rooms in total. My bedroom, a living room/bedroom where my hosts now live, a kitchen/dining room, sun room, a big corridor, and a storage/refrigerator room. Though the house is small by American standards, it contains modern furniture and electronic equipment (computer and internet connection not included). If you are wondering about the bathroom it is in a concrete shed across from the house. The room has a toilet, a shower head, and a wooden boiler to create hot water. Though many might consider such arrangement rough, having had previous experiences with true outhouses, I really do not mind this inconvenience. As I have mentioned before, I do not have an internet connection so I do not know when I will write again, but stay tune. I also apologize for any spelling and grammar mistakes you are likely to find on this blog.

 

 Thank You

 

These past two years have been challenging, to say the least. However, you were always there for support, advice, and guidance. I grew accustomed to knowing that I can always count on you. Whether it was help writing resumes, or providing words of support, no matter where you were and what you were doing, you would stop and be there for me…As I begin my journey and immerse myself in a different culture and environment, it is time I acknowledge you and the help you have provided. Though the distance between us is great, your love and affection is a bridge for my sanity and survival.

 

 Thank You

 -Leo

Sorry for the lengthy delay. Things have been hectic and it's only getting worse. The culprit is the ever-shortening gap of time I have left in this country. As you might have expected, I'm busy saying my goodbye's and preparing for a long journey.

In the 2+ weeks that I did not communicate with you here are two large things you missed:

I got a hybrid "Peace Corps" haircut. What signifies such haircut is the buzzed sides and back of my head. Extra short so I can have plenty of time to find a barber or a "haircut buddy". I did leave a curly top, as a gift to my mom, who prefers seeing a "jewfro" of sorts. I'm guessing such preference reminds her of my childhood.

The most important event other than "the haircut" was my going away party. (Pictures can be found posted).



For those current and future Peace Corps volunteers who are looking at the pictures, I'm pretty sure you're saying to yourself:

"Why so many adults?"… The answer is a bit complicated.

You see, I leave exactly a month before my Moms 50th birthday. Leaving my parents at such time has created a sense of guilt in me that I felt should be corrected. So with that said, my family decided to roll every future, present, and recently passed celebration into one giant party. My friends, my parents' friends, extended family, all joining in created a huge turnout. (The youngest was 18, the oldest 81)

Things we celebrated:

May Day

Mom's 50th

Parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary

My Birthday (Which is only 2 weeks away)

Why the formality?

As I mentioned before, I was born in the former USSR (yea I know how lucky "we are"). A part of our culture I grew up in was to have a good time with family and friends at as many occasions as possible. Our parties resemble a wedding reception without the bride or the groom. Therefore, the party was filled with skits, toasts, dancing, drinking, and never-ending Russian food. I think in a way it was symbolic to the similar Bulgarian culture which I will soon immerse myself in. With that said for those wondering what it's still like to attend such events enjoy the visual representation below. I hope you like.



Actual Photos:

With all these things mentioned. It is time for me to finally start packing. Chances are, you won't see another post until I will be all set up in Bulgaria.



Farewell!

I mentioned in my last post that I booked my tickets and will be leaving for Philadelphia, May 10th. On May 11th, I'll be going to New York and catching a plane to Munich. There I have a 5 hour layover followed by another plane ride to Sofia. The journey does not end in the capital city, however. I will need to catch a bus, to a resort town north of Sophia (another 2 hour journey). All in all, the trip should take approximately 24 hours (from the time I depart Philadelphia). Believe it or not, but I'm actually looking forward to it (even though I know from past experiences, by the time we land in Sofia, I and many other volunteers will be sleep deprived and brain dead).

This week I also received about 100 pages of information from Peace Corps Bulgaria. The information ranges from past volunteer experiences and Bulgarian Culture, to the different types of ways to teach a second language. I must admit I was not too excited reading the latter. In fact, I still have yet to finish another 40 pages.

The information Peace Corps sent also had a "Learn Bulgarian Section", something I was really looking forward to reading.

The Good News:

Bulgarian is a Slavic language, similar to Russian, my native tongue. The Bulgarian alphabet consists of 30 Cyrillic letters as opposed to the 32 Cyrillic letters in the Russian alphabet. Luckily, I can easily read most of the words and even know the meaning of some.

As of today, I know the key words in Bulgarian (hello, thank you, goodbye, please, how are you, I am good, family members etc.) I also know how to order a few things in the restaurant, and buy tomatoes, cucumbers and peaches in a store and since the numerical system is very close to the Russian one, I have that down as well. I posted some examples below.



The Bad News:

There are not a lot of words that I do understand. Although we have the same alphabet not all words are similar to the Russian. A lot of the words in the Bulgarian alphabet have their routes from Greek, Latin, and Turkish languages. To see if I could understand Bulgarian, I decided to listen to a typical Bulgarian news cast. Although I understood 1 in 10 words the reporters were saying, if you think I understood the "gist" of the report… you, my friends, are mistaken.



All in all, I have a fortunate head start over other volunteers when it comes to Bulgarian, though I still have a long way to go.

It has been almost a month since I found out that I will be going to Bulgaria for the TEFL (Teaching English as a Fluent Language) program. And everyone from my family to my friends has been asking if I'm ready to leave. In truth, I've been paranoid and full of denial that I am leaving. Not that I don't want to, but it's just too good to sound true. Only now is the news getting into my head.

Why you ask?

1. For the past few weeks, I have been buying things from the internet non-stop. It has almost become an addiction! Seeing my new luggage set nestled away in a corner of my room with all the other things just enforces the idea that I'll be going somewhere.

Things I've bought myself include:

Sleeping bag, luggage set, external hard drive (for all those photos that I will be sharing with you), an IPod Touch ( I finally converted to the Apple side), Games, Converters and Adapters, Gifts, School Supplies, Measuring Cups, Swiss Knife, Sneakers and a Laptop Battery. In truth if you name it, I probably bought it.

I'm praying that all these products and others I did not mention conform to the 100 pound weight limit imposed by Peace Corps.

2. I finally receive the staging (departure orientation) materials and booked my tickets form Hartford to Philadelphia, the staging place. I also found out the itinerary to Sophia, which I will share with you when I'll be safe and sound in Bulgaria.

3. The knowledge of my departure has given the final reason to quit my job as a Substitute Teacher. The action has given me an extra time to think more about my future life with "the Bulgars" and my service as a future Peace Corps Volunteer.

That is all that is new with me,



Stay tuned.

Leo

I have always wanted to be a Peace Corps volunteer sometime later in life. However, after graduating from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Finance and entering the 'real world' where the "Great Recession" rules everything we do, I figured that now would be the best time for me to act and help those truly in need.

I've decided to post this time line as a suggestion to those applying. The time frame varies for everyone, depending on applicant skills, country needs, medical/dental clearance, personal choices, etc. There is lots of information about the application process on www.peacecorps.org. You can also check the Peace Corps Wiki as a useful resource if you’re just starting out and want to get a volunteer’s perspective on things.

October 23, 2008 – I began my Peace Corps Application.

April 3, 2009 – I completed my application. All of my reference letters are submitted.

April 14, 2009 – PC recruiter calls me to schedule an interview.

May 5, 2009 – I interview with the recruiter at the New York location

May 11, 2009 - I pause my application in order to take the GMAT examination. Based on the score I wanted to know whether I should do the Peace Corps Masters International Program.

September 15, 2009 - After taking the GMAT examination I decided it would be best for me to pursue the regular program. I reactivate my application.

October 2, 2009 – The recruiter informs me that there are no current Business Advising programs available for which I am qualified. I change my plans and pursue the education program.

January 12, 2010 – I get a message from the recruiter that I have been nominated for Eastern Europe/ Caucasus Region for Educational program.

January 17, 2010 - Receive nomination in the mail

February 2, 2010 – I receive Medical Review Package in the mail.

February 9, 2010 – After 3 doctor’s appointments, 2 trips to the dentist, I finally complete and mail my Medical Review package and send it in.

February 19, 2010 – Peace Corps receives my Medical review packet

February 27, 2010 - I am dentally cleared for Peace Corps service.

March 1, 2010 –Receive a hold on my Medical clearance regarding TB vaccination. After visiting my doctor one final time, I send back the documents.

March 9, 2010 - I am medically cleared for Peace Corps service.

March 16, 2010 – My Placement Officer calls me on the phone. She and I talk for about 20 minutes about my commitment to service.

March 18, 2010 – According to the Peace Corps Toolkit I have been invited to serve.

March 19, 2010 – I receive my Peace Corps Invitation Kit via FedEx. I’ve been invited to Bulgaria! I’m going to work Teaching English, with Staging on May 10th.

March 22, 2010 – I email the PC Office to accept my invitation to the Peace Corps.

March 24, 2010 – I mail my passport and visa applications to the Travel Desk.

March 27, 2010 – I complete and mail my updated Resumé and Aspiration Statement.