| Friday, 31 Nov. 2001: Catching up... |
| Wow. I've been trying to update this darn thing since Pleven. There is so much to tell you and now I don't even know where to begin. Well, I guess I'll start with the IST. I think it went well, I learned some new tenses, and spent time with some friends. Things went pretty well. There were a lot of interesting love triangles and such going on, and I'm very glad that I wasn't a part of them! Let's just say I'm glad that week is over though! I came back to Karnobat and finished the week teaching and trying to get back into my usual schedule. I hate being away from my town that long. It was just a relief to be back home. On Thanksgiving Day, Doncho (one of the teachers at the primary school where I teach) made a full Thanksgiving dinner for me and some friends. It was incredible. He even made a turkey, and I brought an apple pie. It was so much fun! We all sat around until the wee hours of the morning, drinking Rakia, and talking about lots of different things. Last weekend, I was supposed to meet Chris in Sliven and we would travel together to Kazanluk, where I was to spend yet another day in complete food coma. However, the bus didn't come to take me to Sliven. Instead of getting upset though, I walked back excited (despite it being 7 am and snowing!!). If I had made the bus, I would have missed the first snow in my town. Thank goodness the bus didn't show! I went back home, made some palachinkis, and wrapped myself in a blanket on the couch while I watched the snow fall. Unfortunately none of the snow really stuck to the ground, and by the middle of this week it was pretty much gone. But, the rain, wind and biting cold are still here-yeah!! :) On Tuesday I started teaching the first graders. They are amazing! I think it will be a great experience for me to teach them. They are only learning to listen to the sounds, we aren't teaching the alphabet or anything. But, when I first walked into class they all stood up and together said, "Welcome to the English Class Teacher". I could have cried. It was so great. What else to tell you. I'm having a dress made. Not sewn, like you are probably thinking. I'm having it knitted. I can't wait. I went to Lilia's house yesterday so she could take my measurements, and she's going to try to have it ready for new years eve. I told her not to worry though, it will be much too cold to wear in Sofia for New Years. But, I'm very excited about it! Tomorrow I've been invited out to one of the villages to take part (or just watch) a very traditional Bulgarian celebration, in preparation for the coming holiday. There will be pigs and other animals slaughtered, because their meat will be preserved during the winter for food. I know it sounds horrible to think about, but it is something that is very exciting for me. Usually women are never invited, this is "men only", but I have an "In". Vallichko is taking me to his friends place, and he even called last night to make sure it was ok. Turns out, they have a friend who lives in L.A., and has for the past 10 years. Well, last year they did this ritual or slaughtering the pig, and some neighbors called the police. They were arrested and taken to the police station until they could explain that they were not breaking a law, and were only performing something traditional. I'll let you all know how it goes. I know there was more I wanted to tell you. I'll save it for next time. I miss you guys so much! Especially with the holidays coming up!! Love, Sarah |