I Survived PST

So I swore in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer on October 9th and traveled to my new village and then have been in a state of technological isolation. I am working on getting internet in my house (fingers crossed) and should know by November 13th. There were things I never got to talk about, like the grape harvest. My host family harvested grapes a few days before I left, clipping them from the vines and gathering them in pails. Even little 9-year-old Ana Maria was running around with a large knife and joining in on the fun.

 

 

 

Here is Valentine mixing the grapes and he even handed me a glass of fresh grape juice which might have been the best juice I ever had.

 

Celebrating the wine season at a winery in the beautiful Melnik.

Then of course was the swearing-in ceremony in Sofia. The U.S. Ambassador spoke, two of the B-24s gave a speech and there were a few TV cameras and cameraman to preserve this day in history. It was an enjoyable ceremony. The speeches were touching and succinct, it ended quickly and the food was good at the reception afterwards.

 

Those are some nice outfits.

 

Callie giving her speech while Tobias waits.

 

Before I went to my permanent site, I spent the night in Razgrad, a nearby city. I went to a piano concert featuring the Philharmonic of Razgrad. Finally I was able to go to my village but my house wasn't quite ready. And by that I mean it had no hot water, toilet, shower, stove, sink or fridge. But it was painted yellow and my bedroom is a vibrant orange pastel. I walked up to my house to find eight people working hard to prepare my new home (including an 82-year-old). They went above and beyond. They made me the nicest bathroom in probably the whole of Peace Corps, painted my rooms (even put up art and curtains), put down new floors and put in my guest room a nice futon and wardrobe. I worked in my garden with a baba and diado who were teaching me how to till the soil and were showing me where we are planting the winter food (onions, garlic, potatoes, lettuce). Then the women took a break to prepare lunch, which was quite a feast. We cooked up meat patties and sausage, made potato salad, peeled hard-boiled eggs, mixed tomatoes and onions with oil, the baba brought mekitsa (fried bread), we had fresh bread and of course beer and homemade rakia. The Bulgarians certainly know how to enjoy their breaks.

 

The Philharmonic in Razgrad.

 

All over the country you see row after row of these Soviet bloc buildings.

 

Paradise in a bloc.

 

I owe these men a lot!

 

My little garden.

 

My first Monday here my village threw me a little party at the museum. Some were dressed in traditional Bulgarian costume and they offered me pitka, which is a sweet bread given to guests. Babas demonstrated for me how they make rugs out of corn leaves and how they weave rugs with yarn. They told me that some day they will teach me too. Then we sat down for a small meal of banitsa, pitka and a sweet alcoholic drink traditional to the region. Even with the language barrier I really enjoyed myself and everyone was so excited to have me there.

 

Me with the kindergarteners. I swear they love me now.

 

I have been spending my days with the kindergarteners, all four of them. I'm getting to know them, I am planning English lessons and I am organizing a Halloween party for the kids in my village. The other day I left the kindergarten to go pick mushrooms for a few hours with two babas. Sometimes as we passed people their voices would hush and I knew I was missing out on some really good gossip. One night three policemen came to visit me to make sure I am living in a secure house. They checked my locks, made sure I had the emergency number in my phone and said they hoped I would get the internet since my phone coverage goes in and out. Everyone knows about me here. Even the editor of the local newspaper in Razgrad found out about me and sent a reporter. I was in the newspaper yesterday, on the front page. They had two pictures of me at my welcoming party and described where I am from, where I was born, where I graduated, what I am doing here and even my upcoming birthday. I'm trying not to let this new found fame go to my head but it's not everyday I make the front page of a Bulgarian regional newspaper.

Awkward moment of the week: My awkward moments have involved me returning to my childhood. Everyday I go to kindergarten and I do everything they do, including making turtles out of play dough and singing songs. Then at lunch I sit at their tiny little table, on a tiny little chair and eat with them. After lunch it is nap time and a few times my colleges have offered to pull down a bed for me. I kindly say no and think to myself, "I know I am small but come on this is kindergarten!" After nap it is snack time, which I always enjoy. One of the kindergarteners has even said he is going to marry me.

I want to wish a Happy Birthday to all those I missed. Happy Birthday Uncle Tom, which was a long time ago but I still thought of you! Happy Birthday Jaynell, I really wanted to send you a message but I hope you had a fun 21st! Happy Birthday Kelly, I will miss our joint celebration this year but eat some pudding in my honor! Happy Birthday Aunt Lisa, I am sure there is going to be some delicious gravy and cake for your b-day!

And finally a Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to my Grandparents! And a Happy Birthday to my Grandpa! I really wish I could've been there to celebrate with you because I am sure you guys had a wonderful time.