Last Monday Peace Corps came to visit my site now that I HAVE AN APARTMENT, and now that I have a new organization (with a sweet counterpart!) This was a very productive meeting because I was able to express any concerns I had about our working situation and he was able to explain more ideas he had about projects, future events and how he wishes for me to be involved with the tourism information center. Eye opening! I had a good idea about what he wanted and now I feel even more confident about being busy with projects and activities while I work for this organization. Yeah for having work and people who want to work with you!
When the Peace Corps came they brought with them a package that had been sent to me in December 2007. This is not the norm for packages to take quite that long.........sometimes I wonder if the pony express is still in use but not three months. When I received the package I saw what had caused the delay. My address was illegible and the only information that could be read was my name, Peace corps, Bulgaria and 4300 (my town code). With this limited information this package, even after three months made its way to the Peace Corps office in Sofia. Someone out there went out of their way to find out where the Peace Corps office was in Bulgaria. In the box, I received some Christmas socks, ginger cookies, wire art, "Grow a pet" (a plastic pet that grows 600% its size when in water for 72 hrs), a very pretty Chinese fan and an American magazine article about cosmetic companies in my region. Very interesting contents. Certainly made my week!
Outside of my organization I continue my efforts with local schools and some social groups. With the other volunteer in my town, we have been assisting in the planning and preparation of an American cultural day with the local English school. The children will be presenting everything from historical events, famous people, holidays and even one about Mcdonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken. In addition to the projects, some children will be participating in extra activities such as traditional dances, readings of famous poets, skits, plays and preparing traditional American food. As far as food, my site mate and I will be preparing some dishes and hopefully with the help 
of other volunteers. We would like to serve macaroni and cheese, apple pie, lemonade, hamburgers........ This Saturday they had an end of the year party named "Fashion disaster." It was a great time with dancing and games. At the end of the party I provided the teachers with American country music that I would be using to teach the students how to country line dance. After the party I went with about 15 little girls to our cultural center where I dance every week, to teach them the electric slide. It was more of them jumping around and giggling.......So cute and lots of fun!I have dance practice three times a week. My group is preparing for a dance festival in Spain this summer. I will not be attending but it gives me more opportunity to improve my skills and practice my Bulgarian. My group will be performing for the Rose Festival at the end of May and early June. I have yet to be asked to participate but I have been told my dancing is improving and its good fun just to be active with the group. Once a week I climb on an indoor climbing wall with a local high school student. He is ranked 13th in Europe for his climbing skills. I have been working with him for the past month on preparing a resume of his placements and a cover letter to request funding from companies throughout Europe and in the US. These were sent out last Thursday, I hope they return a response so that he can continue in his competitive climbing. This is a large part of who he is and I would hate to see him have to give it up because he is unable to find the resources to make it possible.
Last week I planted trees with the municipality. We planted at least 75 trees. With my site mate we plated about 10-12 trees together. These are located in what was an open grassy area next to several bloc districts. The area does seem more pleasant. This was a great opportunity to interact with the municipality workers outside of their office and do some physical work outside. I can only hope that the municipality and the neighbors to to these new trees keep them maintained and healthy.My English group is going very well. We have had 5 meetings so far and each with a very good turnout. Some of our topics of discussion have included the issues facing Bulgaria, the youth in Bulgaria, lack of employment, environmental issues and homosexuality. Not only does this provide this with a relaxed environment to practice their English since many of them are preparing for their final certificate, but it also allows them to discuss topics not normally discussed in school or in their homes. These students are very bright and have become not only windows to the youth interests in Karlovo they have also become my friends :)
For the last two weeks I have been so tired. This is beyond being difficult to get up when I hear my alarm, I'm not hearing my alarm and sleeping well past when I am supposed to be at work. Not good!
I know I have been going to bed late and eating later. The Peace Corps Medical officer suggested to take vitamins ( I have been bad about this since I was a kid), going for walks in the sun, going to bed earlier on a regular schedule and not eating late. I have removed caffeine from my diet and trying to cut down on salt and sugar. Im not trying to go on a diet but trying to see if a changed and improved diet can help my sleeping problem, otherwise the PCMO has suggested I may need to be tested for anemia. I had blood testing in December and there were no issues then but if my changes dont show any results I will see if this is a possibility.
I have been asked to join another Blog, Blog Stars! I will be the only female posting. My topic is graffiti art and to allow myself other options I think I will also expand my topic to Communist Art. My first post will be tomorrow.......You will have to wait till then!
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