| Sunday, 17 February 2002: IST and other things. |
| Well, last week was the TEFL IST held in Blagoevgrad, a really cool town located in southwestern Bulgaria. The city itself is cool because it has chinese food, a kino (movie theater) and the American University. Other than that, we got to share ideas and complain about problems-while looking for solutions! It was nice to know that I'm not the only one experiencing these things!! I'm in the middle of implementing a dozen different projects, which is keeping me busy, but I guess I'm busy anyway. I haven't been home for what feels like an eternity, and I can't even stay home this weekend. I just got back from Omertag, where we all had a Superbowl party. I know, you're thinking the Superbowl was a couple of weeks ago. Well, we just got the tape, and Jake thought it would be a great chance for all the volunteers to get together, eat some chili and watch the game. What a big step for me. I've boycotted the game for almost 8 years! And even though I read a book throughout most of the game, I was still in the same room it was playing! Bulgaria celebrates Valentines day, but there is another celbration on that day that takes precedence. It is called Trifon Zelenzar, which is a tribute to wine. That day, people go out into the vineyards and trim the vines back, make crowns and other things to wear, and drink wine all day long! It is supposed to bring a good crop that year. It was really fun, and I wish I could have experienced it a little bit more. I was travelling to Omertag on Thursday after class, so I didn't get any wine that day. Oh well, there's always next year. WEll, I'm getting excited about people coming to visit me. Mom's planning a trip out soon, and I can't wait! B is coming in the summer, and I just found out my dad's going to be in Greece this June. I hope I can make it out there to meet him. We're planning a trip to Istanbul this spring break, and that should be really fun, and right now people are talking about heading to Munich for Octoberfest next year. I hope I have enough money to do it!! Well, I'm exhausted so I'm going to go. Keep those emails coming, and if you are reading this because you are coming to Bulgaria in June to be a new trainee, feel free to email me with any questions. I'm trying to get an email chain set up with all of you, as well as some of the volunteers here. We're all ready to help out with any questions! Don't stress. -Sarah |