Three Days of Christmas Parties

After three days of Christmas Parties and dancing at the disco you would think I would have trouble being amongst the living. On Thursday night we had the Municipality Christmas Kupon. This was so much fun. I danced the Horo, drank wine and rakia and met with all of the members of the muni all evening long. I was told my horo skills were great..............for an American butchering their cherished folk dance. I danced along with the Mayor and Vice Mayor. I even slow danced. This was quite the experience. Thankfully they only asked me questions and made comments I could understand. I met with a Turkish man who works with local youth in Karlovo. He said only "I want you to run." Uhhhh....this could mean several things. I assume he wants me to be involved in an event that requires running.....or he can see how eating banitsa has affected my thighs. One of my last slow dances was with a local artist. He has a daughter studying in Cleveland, Ohio. He had made a sketch of me and gave it to me when he asked me to dance. Very flattering. I left the party with my counterpart after 2AM. Thankfully the Mayor allowed all of the Municipality staff to come into work late the next day............rather then 9am, 10am.

It has begun to snow in Karlovo. It looks so pretty with everything covered in white.....but it is sooooo cooold. Yesterday I gave a presentation with my sitemate and a local volunteer in Sopot. It went over a little shaky but it was expected to only be both the YP from Karlovo and Sopot, but it ended up also being a local dance team and their mayor. It was a nice experience meeting with the nearby YP.

After the presentation my site mate and I went with the Karlovo YP to Azarros, a local cafe/disco. It was while getting dressed for the disco a bit of confusion took place. About 2 weeks ago a guy who my counterpart and my language tutors husband know well came to my office to chat with some old friends. I only met with him for a minute, but I was able to explain why I was in Bulgaria and where I was from. He has spent several years working in the states...so he speaks english very well. My cp gave him my number because he wanted to meet with me to improve his english skills. He called for the first time last night but when I answered I thought I was speaking with one of the students from the YP. He asked to meet me for coffee at 8. About 15 min later one of the Yp students did call saying they were already at Azarros.....so I ditched the idea about coffee. When walking out the door my phone rang. The voice asked "Its 8pm why arent you here?" I couldnt figure out what was going on. I finally realized it was was Miril, the friend of my CP. He was at the cafe I had previously agreed to go to, where I was late to meet him, though I didnt know it. After apoligizing for the confusion for 15 minutes we had drinks and talked about development in Bulgaria. The brother of my language tutor's husband and his friend came later. From this cafe we went to a bar to meet up with more of their friends, including my LT's husband......I had to ask him if he was ok with this social situation. I found myself laughing when I sat down at the bar greeted with a line of condoms.......forward but honest to the reality of bar activities. We went from here to the local disco, Opium. I only stayed for an hour since I had to work the next morning (today). I have been asked to hang out with my new found "gentlemen" for new years in Plovidiv.....maybe. This depends on on what the kids from the YP are up to.

Today was me running all over the place. I went into work in the morning for only 15 minutes before I had to go to the Karlovo Restaurant to meet with the intellect school for their Christmas party. I gave a quick introduction to about 40 little kids and then they had lunch and cake and we spent the rest of the morning playing games and dancing. It was so much fun spending time with this group. I will be joining their classes next week before their holiday break.
Ok long day and I'm baking chicken....Peace!

Random

Several days have past since my last post and so much has happened. Tuesday was a day for the Peace Corps COD department to visit. We spent about an hour going over the projects I have been working on and my interaction within the office and the municipality. Later we met with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Karlovo. This was interesting. There was an obvious power structure in the room and expectations on how that would be applied in communicating to one another. My COD rep and I through that out the window. This almost gave the my department head a stroke. We were there to talk with the leadership not to play games of who has more power then the next. The Vice Mayor has worked with the Peace Corps for several years now. I feel comfortable to go to him with my project ideas. He told me his office will always be open for me.

After this we visited my soon to be or someday apartment. The municipality claims that they will start working on it this upcoming Monday but only time will tell. I hope to move in shortly after the new year. I like having a roommate but it is about time for me to have my own place and space to call my own. Tuesday evening I met with three members of the local youth organization and we had coffee in their favorite Cafe. After this we went for pizza and a quick walk. While ordering my pizza the woman behind the counter started speaking English with me. I smiled as did she. I have seen her before. Maybe this means she feels comfortable to speak with me even with limited English language abilities.

Yesterday was a bit of a random adventure. I had a medical appointment in Sofia, 3 hrs from my site. When I got onto the bus, a man sat on the other side across from me. About 5 minutes later he began to make horrible loud noises as if he was snoring but much worse then I could ever imagine. Within minutes he was foaming at the mouth and the noise continued. The bus driver didn't seem to know which number to call for help and the other passengers didn't seem to want to be involved only to leave. Finally one passenger did call and after 15 + minutes the ambulance did arrive. By this time the man was no longer breathing. This didnt affect me the way I thought watching someone die would. Instead of being freaked out I actually decided to make sure this didnt happen again. I want to make sure that the appropriate emergency numbers are available in all public transport and public places. Maybe even have the information given in schools and small information cards given away at the police station.

When I arrived this morning I had a Christmas card waiting for me from my cousin Ashley and her husband Tom. It had a cute picture of the two of them and their dogs. It was so nice to receive something from home for Christmas. I hope to be getting some packages soon ; ) Tonight is our municipality Christmas party. It should be fun. Everyone will be dressed up and drinking some adult beverages. A woman just walked into my office wanting to begin a project that would fund the local Kindergarten to purchase new furniture for the the school. I look forward to the project ideas I am receiving becoming more realistic. In time!

"When you love someone you are no longer alone."

-Unknown

Пазаруване Ден - Shopping Day

On most Mondays I have Bulgarian lesson. Today was a little special. I went with my Bulgarian tutor and her colleague to shop for бело, or underwear. In Bulgaria, as in most Northern regions of the world it is very cold in the winter. The women here have found a way to make the body suit (underwear and extra warmth layer) sexy and fashionable. I remember wearing something similar when I was in elementary school. Not as revealing and mostly made of cotton not spandex and lace. The majority of these body suits are g string. I was hoping to find something other then this style. I found a few that were more my style. Somehow the trip was supposed to give me an experience going into a store asking for assistance, the product I wanted and the size I needed. It worked out well for the most part. The majority of shop owners and employees tend to be rude and non responsive. Most of my experience today was not reflective of this.

My cookies went over well. A container full of them was given to the chairman of our municipal council. he was very happy to receive them. This is only the beginning of using baking as an attempt to integrate. Maybe next I'll try out brownies.

Today we have a new assistant in our office. I use this term loosely. By assistant I mean that they dress pretty and sit in our office painting their nails, eyelashes or playing on the computer. They are sweet girls but its difficult to understand why 3 women need to be assisting in an office to one woman and none of them lift a finger 90% of the time.

I was supposed to meet with a woman from a local village who is interested in writing a grant with me for an environmental project she has. She is sick and has not come in, so most of my efforts in the office have been researching EU grants to fund environmental and Eco projects.

Rather then decorating a Christmas tree this year, I plan to decorate the plants i rescued from Eric's (someday mine) apartment. Today I bought tensile and little bells. I'd rather not add to the local landfill but this way I can still enjoy the Christmas spirit. Tomorrow is my visit from the PC COD office. Given that my Cp is not going to be here and I don't have an apt to let them inspect, this should be interesting.

Starting to Integrate!

Well Folks I did it. Saturday was beautiful and busy here in Karlovo. Saturday is our market day and everyone was out and about shopping for goods and Christmas gifts. I had an early language session. This allowed me to spend the rest of the day running errands and actually being productive. I went to my typical stores at the market and then went over to the outdoor pazar. It was here that I met Baba Tsvetina. She could tell my bulgarian skills were not up to par and proceeded to ask me where I was from, why I was here and why I was buying something from here that was made for a guy. She was so impressed with a young American coming over to Bulgaria, learning the language and the fact that I was buying some of her goods helped also. I plan to visit her on a regular basis. After this I went to my regular magazine where the same store clerk was working that I always see. She finally asked me where I was from and we spoke a little about me working at the Municipality and how I spendt several months studding Bulgarian before coming to Karlovo. Wow, it felt really good to meet some new people.

I have been very anxious to meet more people in my building at work. I baked several dozen cookies and will be taking them in on Monday. They turned out really well. Oatmeal cookies with chocolate. Mmmmm. I gave some to our land lady. She seemed to like them so maybe this will work well.

Last night was spent with the kids from the Youth Parliament. It was a good time as always. I do have to mention the bulgarian boy who attempted to pick me up. He was asking one of the boys in my group if the "American girl" wanted to come talk to him. I said that boys come to me, not the other way around. He replied that in Karlovo, the girls go to him.....I quickly replied that "Az sum ne ot Karlovo" - " I am not from Karlovo." Everyone laughed and enjoyed seeing a girl put a pumpus young man in his place.

Today was very nice also. I had company from a fellow PCV. We took a nice walk around my town and visited the scenic waterfalls and nature trails. We went for lunch at Edno Vreme - Once upon a time. A great little restuarant not far from my apt. I visited my apt that is in the process of being remoddled to pick up plants that had been left there. I wanted to water them. It was a little rainy and cold but a fantastic Sunday nun the less. Back to work tomorrow. Busy week ahead. Take care.

Weekend at home

Somehow this week flew by and the weekend is already here. I plan on spending the weekend baking for my colleagues at the municipality building and spending several hours studying my Bulgarian. This will be my first full weekend in Karlovo since I came to site. My first weekend was spent inside preparing to go home to the states, and the weekend I returned home from America was spent sleeping. Since then I have traveled at least one day of the weekend for PC appointments or Holiday events. It will be nice to sleep in and enjoy the town. Maybe a morning hike in the Balkans or a run down by the railroad tracks.

This week has been quite eventful. My department has received several requests for projects. I will be working on a SPA (small project assistance) project for a local village who wants to do some environmental cleaning involving their riverbed. The local Rotary club has requested that we work with them and gain assistance from Project CURE. A meeting will take place with them next week. In the mean time my site mate and I are working on a regional approach to ATIP that will also work with surrounding countries and hopes of reaching the legislative level.

Yesterday was St. Nick. In Bulgaria, if you have a name that corresponds to a Saint, then on the day they are celebrated this is your name day. You are to bring in food and treats and give them to your friends, family and colleagues. Several individuals in my office celebrated yesterday. It was my first time having whisky in the office.........but here's to integration! The head of our municipal council had a name day so we spent the last half hour of work drinking, eating snacks and having a little gossip time.

I'll be going back to Sofia next Wednesday for a second PCMO appointment. I have been approved for MedEvac to Thailand. Looks like I may be going in January. I just hope it isn't during new years. The last two new years haven't been very eventful so spending this one in a hospital bed in Bangkok doesn't sound too exciting either.

A gentleman came into my office yesterday who was a family friend of my counterpart. He didnt say anything to me when he walked in and only spoke with my CP. I overheard him talking to her about me in Bulgarian and when I told her I needed to leave for my language lesson he began talking to me in english. I almost peed my pants. He used to live in Washington D.C. He explained that it has been several months since he has spoke english and wants to meet for coffee so he can practice. It works out well for me also.....I need to practice my Bulgarian :) .

We seem to have many visitors strolling in and out of my office for whatever reason. The mother of one of our secretaries came in this morning and when she saw me her face lit up. She started asking questions. I understood she had a single 37 year old son who she was speaking about. My counterpart explained she was asking if I wanted her to be my mother in law. I smiled and had no problem saying "Ne."

I'll probably be going to the local disco with the Youth Parliament. Such a great group of kids. Roger and I will be having a Christmas party with them later in the month. Time to do some research.

[The] food chain we have now is not designed to feed people.... it is designed to produce the maximum amount of cash in the shortest time. ... The global free market might be good for some things (perhaps we get better computers and warships that way) but for farming, and hence for humanity as a whole, it is disastrous.

- Colin Tudge

Rainy day in the Neighborhood

I didn't think I would be writing another blog so soon but today was eventful. As per usual the women in my office gasped when I revealed I was not wearing boots or a long sleeve shirt. Our office may be cold at times but I should make it thought the winter with my current wardrobe. Early this morning a woman and man from Soput (the neighboring town) came to discuss using the SEC film I created for the sustainability conference tomorrow in Sofia. The municipality leadership is still in the process of deciding who will attend this. How about the people who worked on it?

Tomorrow is also the day of the Volunteer. Last week, Eric (previous volunteer), Roger (my site mate and current roommate) and I had two interviews. One interview was with the local radio station and the other was with the local newspaper. Each interview was to discuss what each of us has or plans to contribute as a volunteer in Karlovo. I will go and buy a newspaper and send a copy of the article to my mom. "Hey mom, look at me....They put the American in the newspaper."

Today I had an informal language session with my Bulgarian tutor. Her husband has just returned from Iraq and she brought him along for me to talk to and make it more of a social situation. He son was also there. We didn't get much accomplished.......hes a little bit ornery. I did meet her husbands brother who lives here in Karlovo. After my lesson I was taken back to the Municipality building to continue with work. When I arrived the Chairman of the municipal council was also coming in the door. He saw that I was locked out of my office and offered to have me come into his. I had met him previously last week. Very nice man who is interested in speaking with me informally to improve his English and help me improve my Bulgarian skills. He and I spoke for about 30 min about university, family, learning and speaking different languages and what he does for the municipality. These type of conversations help with gaining more confidence when using Bulgarian. I plan on baking some goodies for him and the women in the architectural office. It cant hurt! My counterpart's job may be a little unstable so I am attempting to meet as many people in the building who later will serve as contacts and sources of assistance for future projects.

I went to our local stole for lunch (like a mess hall or cafeteria from the Communist period) with Roger. After we attended the Youth Parliament meeting to discuss their annual program for 2008. Many activities, some of which include integration between the youth in Karlovo and the local Mahala (Roma Community). Roger and I wish to put a good deal of effort into educating them on human trafficking and having them give presentations to local communities and villages in and outside of the Municipality.

After walking around in the nasty cold rain today I will be going with my counterpart to buy some boots. I have some but I want another pair :) . Last time I attempted to buy some here in Karlovo the woman waiting on me tended to be less then interested. Having her along should make it a bit easier. OK some gentleman just walked into the office and wants to talk to me. Do skoro!

Blogging huh, where do I start?

I'm 23 years old and recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Urban Planning.........but lets flash forward to the last four months. From August - October I was training for the Peace Corps in a small town called Boboshevo, near the western border of Bulgaria. These three months were spent learning the language, culture and integrating into the local culture. I lived with an older woman (baba - bulgarian for grandmother) and spent alot of my time with her two grandchildren. Boboshevo is a very small rural town of about 1,000 people. Life is more relaxed and basic.
For the Next two years I will be living in the city of Karlovo (valley of the roses) in the center of the country, at the base of the Bulkan mountain range. I have lived here for a little over a month working for the Municipality and spending time with local youth organizations. My title is an environmental education volunteer, however my focus is much more broad then this.
The major task of the moment is integration. I think most volunteers at one point or another come to dislike this word, however it is my current goal. Most of my day is spent in an office so when I have the opportunity I like to interact with the local population as they do. Current work and activities include working on a project to find funding for the municipal hospital with the organization Project C.U.R.E . I have also been active on an environmental and sustainability film for my town, to illustrate the efforts made to become more sustainable in this area. Outside of the Municipality I work with the private language school, youth organizations and facilitate English classes. I'm planning on attending lessons with the local folk dancing group.
I will have to say that life has only been interesting......no time to be bored. I have already been back to the states as of late October to visit with my mom who has been dealing with health issues. I was home for two weeks trying to wrap my head around the situation and make my own observations. She is doing better and tells me she is gaining back her energy every day.
I traveled to Sofia on Thursday for medical testing. It was then that I found out that I am in need of minor surgery. This should be taking place in late December or early January. From what I have been told it will most likely take place in Thailand. The other possibility is in Washington D.C. . Either way, not really that excited......even if it does mean I get to travel.
My laundry is soaking and I need to get scrubbing. Thats it for now. Lets see what tomorrow brings. Leka!

What is the most difficult task in the world? To think.
- Emerson