I just had a real fun weekend. On Thanksgiving afternoon - I decided that it was 100% required that I have a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner that was to be eaten on Saturday night. But as everyone knows - it takes forever to defrost one of those suckers if you buy it frozen. But what you might not know is that it is impossible to find a frozen turkey in any town smaller than 100,000 people... I am in a town of about 4,500 people. Well, I was running out of time. I had a small window to acquire a frozen turkey so it would be ready for dinner on Saturday. The window closed. I now had a small problem. I told a few people here of my problem and soon the resolution was reached - we must find a live turkey in Koynare, purchase it, kill it, clean it, and cook it. And that is exactly what we did. I found a turkey for 30 leva, had to explain to the man selling it that I wasn't crazy and that eating a turkey at the end of November is an American tradition and that I didn't want to wait until Christmas when it is customary to eat turkey here. So I bought the young turkey a month before he was supposed to fulfill his destiny. Pepi and I tied up his legs and tossed him in the trunk of the car. I was the proud owner of livestock. First time ever I owned something alive with intent to eat it. (Garden plants don't count. They can't blink). So that was Friday. Pepi told me that I was not allowed to do the actual killing of the turkey and that his wife would handle it for me. I had other things to do that night, like pick Cveti up from the bus station in a neighboring town, so I really didn't have time to clean the turkey.
So Saturday - the day of the big party - I was given my turkey, cleaned and in a bag. Got up on Saturday and per Thanksgiving tradition I spent the entire morning in the kitchen cooking. First I made dessert - Apple Crisp. The smell made me want to dance. Then Cveti and I cooked together the rest of the stuff all day long. We made homemade stuffing, creamed onions, gravy, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and of course the turkey. Dan came in the afternoon. During the day, we got bored waiting to put the turkey in the oven, so I made chocolate chip cookies. Literally, a whole batch of cookies was consumed by Dan, Cveti and myself within an afternoon. They were quite the treat. At around 8pm, Cveti had 2 of her friends come and they brought more food - traditional Bulgarian food - and we celebrated together. Per tradition, we filled our first plate to the brim with food. We finished it, then we went back for seconds, again filling our plates. The second plate proved a challenge. And of course, after we couldn't eat any more, the warm apple crisp with whipped cream came out and was delicious. We ate it all and wanted to explode. We sat at the table for the next few hours talking, listening to music, and having drinks. It was a grand Thanksgiving and I won't forget it anytime soon... Check the picasaweb site link for pictures.
On Sunday - we played football at the stadium. Cveti, Dan and I started throwing the ball around and soon we had a crowd of children with us playing too. It was like 60 degrees outside and sunny. A heck of a weekend.
Honestly - the memories I am making here are amazing. I am so freaking thankful for the opportunity to be here.
So with that said - I go to Sofia tomorrow for my MRI. Let's hope all is well. I'm nervous.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
So this last week has been interesting - I always say that - but I am never lying. After our trip to Plovdiv, I noticed a small lump on my shoulder/neck that was deep and hard. It didn't really hurt but radiated pain down my arm, so I sent a note to the PC doctors and they got me in for an exam on Monday. So Friday night, Cveti came over, then on Saturday we headed to Moravitsa for my birthday party stuff. It was a Moravitsa kind of time... Dan came and so did Ashley and we drank until we couldn't anymore. There are many pictures floating around. Cveti has a love for photography and enjoys snapping many pictures. On Sunday, Cveti and I headed to Sofia for my doctor's appointment that was early in the morning on Monday. On Sunday night I took Cveti to the mexican restaurant in Sofia so she could try mexican food... After looking at the menu she looked up at me and said, "Are these prices real?" They were typical American prices on food - 9 Leva for a margarita, 20 Leva for chicken fajitas... that kind of place. Those prices are about 10 times what a typical meal costs here, so it was a real treat. Anyways, Cveti got the fajitas per my recommendation and I had a cheeseburger :) Taking her there and watching her eat these fajitas (which were delicious) was like watching my nieces and nephews rip through presents on Christmas morning. It was really awesome. And to top it off, football was on the TV. American football. :)
So Monday at the doctors... They felt something - took blood - and scheduled a sonograph for the next day. I had to stay in Sofia Monday night and Cveti had to go back home. So she left and I found a hostel to stay at. That was an interesting experience as well... So now we are on Tuesday, I go to the hospital for the sonograph. They see something - snap some photos and then send me on my way with the PC doctor. I go back to the headquarters to speak with her. She tells me that she thinks its a fatty deposit, but it might be touching on some nerves which is a problem. Now I am getting an MRI early next week to get more info. She said that if it is a problem, and there is something there that needs to be taken care of, I'll be sent back to the US for surgery and I will return to BG after I recover. So yea - that's fun to deal with. I must say, this is not an emergency situation and is totally benign. So don't worry.
Let's talk about Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for.
I am thankful that I do not want to return to the US. That means that I am thankful for all the people, all the experiences, all the opportunities and all the struggles that I go through here in BG. Thankful for the love and support I receive from the people here. Thankful for their patience and understanding. And not only am I thankful for their love, but I could not be doing what I am doing without the unfaltering support of my family and friends in the states. Everyday I think of the people back home, and my life would be so much harder if they weren't supporting me in my decisions and aspirations. So thanks. Thanks to all of you.
I had a moment last night when I got thinking about Thanksgiving, family, friends, memories, and traditions. It was not easy and a lot of hard stored up emotions over the past years came up and out. But while I was alone in my apartment, I was able to reach out (on skype) to a few friends here and they quickly provided the support and ear I needed. Never in my life has something like that happened. Never have I just let go and never have I reached out for help due to my emotions. I was amazed at how quickly they responded and how much love was shared. It was humbling, humanizing and meaningful. Just another experience that I never would have had if I stayed in my old life. And for that, I am thankful. Being in this life and living this way really teaches you how to love, appreciate love, and cherish life's real moments. And again, I am thankful.
So thanks for everyone out there that has stepped into my life. Some of you are bigger parts of my life than others, but everyone of you holds a place in my heart. You have all influenced me one way or another and we are a part of each other. Thanks a million.
I will keep you all posted on the MRI. Who knows, maybe I will be in the states for the holidays...
Much love and many thanks,
Rory
So Monday at the doctors... They felt something - took blood - and scheduled a sonograph for the next day. I had to stay in Sofia Monday night and Cveti had to go back home. So she left and I found a hostel to stay at. That was an interesting experience as well... So now we are on Tuesday, I go to the hospital for the sonograph. They see something - snap some photos and then send me on my way with the PC doctor. I go back to the headquarters to speak with her. She tells me that she thinks its a fatty deposit, but it might be touching on some nerves which is a problem. Now I am getting an MRI early next week to get more info. She said that if it is a problem, and there is something there that needs to be taken care of, I'll be sent back to the US for surgery and I will return to BG after I recover. So yea - that's fun to deal with. I must say, this is not an emergency situation and is totally benign. So don't worry.
Let's talk about Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for.
I am thankful that I do not want to return to the US. That means that I am thankful for all the people, all the experiences, all the opportunities and all the struggles that I go through here in BG. Thankful for the love and support I receive from the people here. Thankful for their patience and understanding. And not only am I thankful for their love, but I could not be doing what I am doing without the unfaltering support of my family and friends in the states. Everyday I think of the people back home, and my life would be so much harder if they weren't supporting me in my decisions and aspirations. So thanks. Thanks to all of you.
I had a moment last night when I got thinking about Thanksgiving, family, friends, memories, and traditions. It was not easy and a lot of hard stored up emotions over the past years came up and out. But while I was alone in my apartment, I was able to reach out (on skype) to a few friends here and they quickly provided the support and ear I needed. Never in my life has something like that happened. Never have I just let go and never have I reached out for help due to my emotions. I was amazed at how quickly they responded and how much love was shared. It was humbling, humanizing and meaningful. Just another experience that I never would have had if I stayed in my old life. And for that, I am thankful. Being in this life and living this way really teaches you how to love, appreciate love, and cherish life's real moments. And again, I am thankful.
So thanks for everyone out there that has stepped into my life. Some of you are bigger parts of my life than others, but everyone of you holds a place in my heart. You have all influenced me one way or another and we are a part of each other. Thanks a million.
I will keep you all posted on the MRI. Who knows, maybe I will be in the states for the holidays...
Much love and many thanks,
Rory
Friday, November 20, 2009
Plovdiv and Rory v1.2.2
so this last week was a lot of fun. all the volunteers out here went out to the second largest city in bulgaria, called Plovdiv. It is an absolutely beautiful town located in the south central region of bulgaria. Seriously, very pretty area and a clean city with a lot of history. all the volunteers were there and we stayed in a 4 star hotel! it was very cozy - not really feeling like the peace corps... more like a vacation. well - all day we had meetings and conferences, and all night we partied. we were there from sunday night to wednesday morning. on wednesday, we went out and wandered the town before heading home. ashley and i got piercings - i got hoops in my ears and she got an eyebrow piercing. something to remember the trip by i guess... haha
Ok - what i really want to talk about here. Today is November 20th. Exactly 6 months after I stepped into this country. 6 months after the start of the upgrade from Rory v1.0 to a greater, stronger, faster, more excellent version. On the upgrade scale, we are only about 22% complete... but from the rate of the upgrade, and how different i am just 22% into the upgrade, this Rory v2.0 is going to be pretty different from the other guy. I mean, the amount of things i have seen, experienced, learned about myself, learned about others, challenges met and overcome, challenges met and not overcome, laughs shared, lives interacted with, people taught, being taught...etc - the list goes on. I have lived more in 6 months than most people live in their lifetimes... its a pretty righteous feeling. i was thinking it would be funny to write a list of all the things i have done and seen in the last 6 months, but honestly, there is no way. i dont have enough time and i dont have enough space to type it all. everyday has brought a new experience. everyday. so know this. Rory v1.2.2 is alive and well today. He is now 26 years old, pierced, shaved face, with hair on his head, 20lbs lighter and a whole heckuvalot more patient. and he drinks espresso everyday. :)
6 months down - at least 21 to go! maybe more... :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
update!!
Stop the voting! i got em! :) i got two packages today and i did a jig. it was what i knew best to do. and i couldnt wait to dance til after i got the packages, so i just danced alone and the jig was the best dance i could come up with. i would have tried break dancing, but i didnt want to spend the evening in a hospital. I got a huge package from my mother with everything in it i could ever want, including a bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies! and i got another from Melissa Deets! it is full of food and spices (they must have snuck by customs) and a book. YES! a good day. a very good day. Thank you so much for everything and for thinking of me. its not easy or cheap to send something here, and know that i am forever in your debt. :)
a good day. :)
a good day. :)
life today
hey, im posting with not much to say - but i usually start my posts saying something like this, and they are always long. so sorry. I still havent received any packages from the states, and i know they were sent almost 3 weeks ago. so i am getting a little nervous/anxious. not sure whats going on. i think the lady at the post office thinks im crazy. everyday i show up asking. at this point she just nods at me when she sees me. and its confusing because a good "nod" - up and down with your head - means no. so that is a disappointment. i think i am going to do a little dance in the post office when i finally get the shake of the head - which means yes. and those who wonder if im crazy, will have their suspicions concerned.
speaking of crazy - i think i am. a little. not the bad kind, just the kind where i live in my head and do what i want, when i want. and i am already the center of attention and gossip here in town - so i dont really have anything to lose if i do a somersault in class because i want to. it just gives them something new to talk about. its my little gift. so a hearty jig in the post office with a box from the states might be a good gift to share with the town. maybe i wont do a jig, maybe i can swing dance with the box. or tango. ill take votes on this site - let me know which dance and it shall be done. you may have weeks to cast your vote, but i hope not.
another side of crazy... its been almost 6 months since i have been in this country. its not a bad place, but it certainly isnt as comfortable a life as i had in the states. i mean, its just a challenge here, everything. winter is coming for instance. what do i do? i dunno. ill figure it out as it happens. haha - crazy. so in the last month or so, two girls from my group that came here together have headed for home. both are from florida... i think the oncoming season scared them.... haha - not fair to say that, there were other reasons that are personal to them and im sorry to see them go. but its also an interesting thing when someone leaves. its amazing how fast it happens. someone decides, and they are home in a few days. no problem. like if today, i said - hey, im done with this stuff. i could be spending next weekend in chicago. craziness. but sorry for those that wish me home and in their company - im not going back to the states for a while. sorry again. im crazy.
crazy i tells you. crazy.
all this last week, the schools in bulgaria were closed because of a flu epidemic. my classes in the chitalishte were nearly barren, i would have between 1-5 kids per group all week. it was actually kinda fun, we just played games. but rumor has it that since the flu is still around so prevalent, next week they might remain closed. which isnt so bad for me because i will be at a conference in a large city from sunday to wednesday. so i will only suffer 2 days of boredom, instead of all 5. and next weekend, i might be celebrating my birthday in moravitsa, the weekend after that i might be going on a trip with the teachers from the school. i need to find time to celebrate thanksgiving, as it is one of my favorite holidays, and the 28th is my moms birthday, as well as my counterpart Pepi's birthday. So it will be a busy busy time.
anyways, all is well here - i have 2 cubic meters of wood chopped, 250lbs of coal and a little place to burn it all to keep me warm. i have some homemade wine in the apartment and a computer. friends are nearby and i got a girlfriend somehow. life isnt all that bad. :) in fact, i even kinda worked out a little in my apartment last night. it showed me how out of shape i am. its embarrassing.
speaking of crazy - i think i am. a little. not the bad kind, just the kind where i live in my head and do what i want, when i want. and i am already the center of attention and gossip here in town - so i dont really have anything to lose if i do a somersault in class because i want to. it just gives them something new to talk about. its my little gift. so a hearty jig in the post office with a box from the states might be a good gift to share with the town. maybe i wont do a jig, maybe i can swing dance with the box. or tango. ill take votes on this site - let me know which dance and it shall be done. you may have weeks to cast your vote, but i hope not.
another side of crazy... its been almost 6 months since i have been in this country. its not a bad place, but it certainly isnt as comfortable a life as i had in the states. i mean, its just a challenge here, everything. winter is coming for instance. what do i do? i dunno. ill figure it out as it happens. haha - crazy. so in the last month or so, two girls from my group that came here together have headed for home. both are from florida... i think the oncoming season scared them.... haha - not fair to say that, there were other reasons that are personal to them and im sorry to see them go. but its also an interesting thing when someone leaves. its amazing how fast it happens. someone decides, and they are home in a few days. no problem. like if today, i said - hey, im done with this stuff. i could be spending next weekend in chicago. craziness. but sorry for those that wish me home and in their company - im not going back to the states for a while. sorry again. im crazy.
crazy i tells you. crazy.
all this last week, the schools in bulgaria were closed because of a flu epidemic. my classes in the chitalishte were nearly barren, i would have between 1-5 kids per group all week. it was actually kinda fun, we just played games. but rumor has it that since the flu is still around so prevalent, next week they might remain closed. which isnt so bad for me because i will be at a conference in a large city from sunday to wednesday. so i will only suffer 2 days of boredom, instead of all 5. and next weekend, i might be celebrating my birthday in moravitsa, the weekend after that i might be going on a trip with the teachers from the school. i need to find time to celebrate thanksgiving, as it is one of my favorite holidays, and the 28th is my moms birthday, as well as my counterpart Pepi's birthday. So it will be a busy busy time.
anyways, all is well here - i have 2 cubic meters of wood chopped, 250lbs of coal and a little place to burn it all to keep me warm. i have some homemade wine in the apartment and a computer. friends are nearby and i got a girlfriend somehow. life isnt all that bad. :) in fact, i even kinda worked out a little in my apartment last night. it showed me how out of shape i am. its embarrassing.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Birthday Recap
my birthday was on Friday and it was probably one of the most memorable birthdays ive ever had. I felt like a superhero/king/celebrity. On Thursday, we were told that school was cancelled until November 16th, we have 10 days off, because there is a flu epidemic going on in Bulgaria and they are trying to curb the spreading of the virus. So i didnt really have work on friday. instead, i was told to come to work at like 10am or so on friday. Tsveti came over on Thursday and stayed the night, so on friday, she came to work with me at 10. there were about 12 or so kids from 5th-7th grade here that threw me a surprise party at work! i came in, they had music set up and food and drinks and blew up a bunch of balloons. i walked into the room and they all jumped out of hidden places and started singing happy birthday! it was great. we played games and laughed and danced and sang until noon. so i had a 2 hour party that was just me, tsveti and a bunch of kids! it was awesome - seriously heart touching.
at noon, we left for lunch and were told not to return until around 2:30 because the people i work with were going to have a little "something" for me. well, we returned at 2:30 as we were told and lets just say, this little party wasnt little at all... I entered the room to find a large table with about 30 people sitting, the band was playing, the speakers set up, a friend of mine dressed in traditional outfit holding traditional bread for me. i was greeted to cheers from everyone and a nice speech made by my supervisor. I was given a traditional outfit of my own, an emblem of the chitalishte, and about a thousand flowers. people after people came to me with flowers and kisses and wishes of long life, health, success and luck. Tsveti was with me and i felt kind of bad for her! it was so overwhelming as to how much was prepared for me! the table was full of food and drinks - everything was homemade. all the food, all the wine - everything. it was amazing. music was played, we danced traditional dance, i drank everyones wine because everyone wanted me to try their own homemade version! They made Tsveti and I slow dance in front of everyone while they cheered and clapped. it was really quite fun - the people there were excited that i was with a bulgarian girl and just a little disappointed only because she is not from Koynare!
The party started at about 2:30, by 4 oclock i was already a little drunk from all the wines i was being presented, and at around 6:30 i got a call from rosen saying that he would be arriving in about an hour! i quickly apologized to Tsveti because I knew what the night would turn out to be... and it did. Rosen came, we stayed at the party for an hour or so longer and at around 9pm we went to a cafe where we ordered more wine, food, beer and stayed until around 2:30am... it was a long night, a long day, and a day where i felt like a king! it was really a birthday for the record books. I was very sad that i couldn't spend it with my Dad (who shares the same birthday as me) and my family, but the people here made me feel like a part of their family. It was as nice as it could be.
Over the past few days after my birthday, i have been pulled aside by various residents at different times. they wish me a happy birthday, success, luck, health and long life - as well as giving me gifts. I have received a very nice clock, a wine bottle that has been decorated as an ornament, many - maybe like 6 - bottles of homemade wine, a bottle of cologne, an ornamental wine holder, and warm socks for the winter :) It really made me feel more a part of this community and now i walk with my head a little higher knowing that there are a lot of people here that do care for me.
all and all - a great weekend. on saturday, ashley and dan came. we drank and laughed all night. I heard Tsveti tell her friend on the phone that between friday and saturday she had so much fun that her face actually hurt from smiling. so that just kinda describes the general emotion of the past few days. Lots of smiles, lots of laughs, a lot of honest heartfelt emotions between friends, and a lot of memories.
Everyone in the states that i couldnt spend this birthday with, i missed you and we will celebrate together my 28th year when i get back.
And thank you to everyone that sent something - i havent received anything yet, and i heard there is a new change in custom regulations - so stuff might be getting held up there... not sure, ill let you know.
Much love and many thanks,
Rory
at noon, we left for lunch and were told not to return until around 2:30 because the people i work with were going to have a little "something" for me. well, we returned at 2:30 as we were told and lets just say, this little party wasnt little at all... I entered the room to find a large table with about 30 people sitting, the band was playing, the speakers set up, a friend of mine dressed in traditional outfit holding traditional bread for me. i was greeted to cheers from everyone and a nice speech made by my supervisor. I was given a traditional outfit of my own, an emblem of the chitalishte, and about a thousand flowers. people after people came to me with flowers and kisses and wishes of long life, health, success and luck. Tsveti was with me and i felt kind of bad for her! it was so overwhelming as to how much was prepared for me! the table was full of food and drinks - everything was homemade. all the food, all the wine - everything. it was amazing. music was played, we danced traditional dance, i drank everyones wine because everyone wanted me to try their own homemade version! They made Tsveti and I slow dance in front of everyone while they cheered and clapped. it was really quite fun - the people there were excited that i was with a bulgarian girl and just a little disappointed only because she is not from Koynare!
The party started at about 2:30, by 4 oclock i was already a little drunk from all the wines i was being presented, and at around 6:30 i got a call from rosen saying that he would be arriving in about an hour! i quickly apologized to Tsveti because I knew what the night would turn out to be... and it did. Rosen came, we stayed at the party for an hour or so longer and at around 9pm we went to a cafe where we ordered more wine, food, beer and stayed until around 2:30am... it was a long night, a long day, and a day where i felt like a king! it was really a birthday for the record books. I was very sad that i couldn't spend it with my Dad (who shares the same birthday as me) and my family, but the people here made me feel like a part of their family. It was as nice as it could be.
Over the past few days after my birthday, i have been pulled aside by various residents at different times. they wish me a happy birthday, success, luck, health and long life - as well as giving me gifts. I have received a very nice clock, a wine bottle that has been decorated as an ornament, many - maybe like 6 - bottles of homemade wine, a bottle of cologne, an ornamental wine holder, and warm socks for the winter :) It really made me feel more a part of this community and now i walk with my head a little higher knowing that there are a lot of people here that do care for me.
all and all - a great weekend. on saturday, ashley and dan came. we drank and laughed all night. I heard Tsveti tell her friend on the phone that between friday and saturday she had so much fun that her face actually hurt from smiling. so that just kinda describes the general emotion of the past few days. Lots of smiles, lots of laughs, a lot of honest heartfelt emotions between friends, and a lot of memories.
Everyone in the states that i couldnt spend this birthday with, i missed you and we will celebrate together my 28th year when i get back.
And thank you to everyone that sent something - i havent received anything yet, and i heard there is a new change in custom regulations - so stuff might be getting held up there... not sure, ill let you know.
Much love and many thanks,
Rory
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
OHHH this one is interesting...
hey yall. what a week or so. i have been shadowing the english teacher throughout the school all week and helping teach some of her classes. the ability level with english ranges greatly. there are a few students that speak very well, and others that dont know anything but the word "hello". so its been interesting. my actual classes started yesterday. I had 2 groups, the first one was a group of about 9 kids that are from 14-17 years old and can speak english well. the class will be more discussion based and just have them use english. the next group was a challenge for sure. it was a group of 15-17 year olds that cant speak english. i got a lot of really funny stares. and that class is full - 12 students.
my first lesson... how to say hello in different ways. i am so sick of walking through town or the school hearing "hello!" from every single kid - and then it is quickly followed by a "good-bye!" these are the only 2 words these kids know! So lesson #1 started off as "hello, i am rory. it is nice to meet you. how are you?" and a dialog similar to that. then they practiced with answers and such. but no one walks up to you in the real world and says "hello, i am rory. it is nice to meet you. how are you?" it usually goes a little more like this in a relaxed setting, after the first meeting. "hey rory, s'up? or sup man? or hows it going? or whats kicking? or how you been? - its not so formal. and hello turns into "hi" "hey" "yo" "aye" haha - so i taught them a few variations on the general greeting question of "how are you?" it was pretty humorous.
seriously. they thought i was nuts - but i am a bit nuts. they will learn my kinda english. my english is American English with a hint of East Coast, Colorado, Chicago and Indiana slang topped with a twist of Rory. After 2 years, they will all be speaking like this guy. haha... i might be doing more damage than good if i do that...
so i also have a girlfriend now. she lives in a town thats like 20 or so miles away, but it can take over an hour to get there. her name is Tsveti and i met her through another volunteer. she is bulgarian yes. and yes, she speaks english which helps a lot. we have hung out a few times and been talking for a month or so - we will see how this goes. i am certain that relationship norms here in bulgaria differ from the norms in the states...
i celebrated halloween in the new city our friend Brave Yankee lives in with another american. it was a good time. the only thing that differed from any other party here was that there was a jack-o-lantern on the table. but other than that, it was a table, with lots of food, homemade rakia and lots of other alcohols. we sat, ate, drank and talked until very late. it was a grand time. i think there are pictures on facebook that Tsveti put up.
Its cold. i sleep in my sleeping bag with a winter hat on. haha, its like i'll be camping until april/may when it warms up again...
I've made alliances with the stray dogs here. especially now that its getting cold and food is harder to find for them. soon i will form my army of stray dogs and we will wage war on the stray cats. these dogs have a lot of potential, they just need a strong leader with a focused vision of the future without the crying of cats outside my apartment during the night. i have not seen any evidence of the cats organizing and working together to prepare for the imminent battle of the territory around the dumpsters when winter strikes in all her fury. and for this, i rest easy, knowing that my dogs will easily claim their desired grounds while only suffering light casualties. wish us luck in these coming days. i am not sure what the future holds for us here on the front lines, and if i become mortally scratched by the enemy, know that i believe in this war with all of my heart and that i fell bravely amongst the trash heaps by the dumpsters defending the territory that was inherently granted to man's best friend!
next time - I'll try to keep my sanity.
Oh, and my birthday is friday. i hear some kids are organizing something for me. but shhhhh! its a secret. I'll probably have a small party on saturday or something. but when its your birthday, you have to pay for everything. so my party will be small - im on a limited salary. :)
honestly - i will be 26 years old. i think i have the mind and heart of a teenager. do you think ill ever grow up? i hope not. :) this way of life is too fun.
my first lesson... how to say hello in different ways. i am so sick of walking through town or the school hearing "hello!" from every single kid - and then it is quickly followed by a "good-bye!" these are the only 2 words these kids know! So lesson #1 started off as "hello, i am rory. it is nice to meet you. how are you?" and a dialog similar to that. then they practiced with answers and such. but no one walks up to you in the real world and says "hello, i am rory. it is nice to meet you. how are you?" it usually goes a little more like this in a relaxed setting, after the first meeting. "hey rory, s'up? or sup man? or hows it going? or whats kicking? or how you been? - its not so formal. and hello turns into "hi" "hey" "yo" "aye" haha - so i taught them a few variations on the general greeting question of "how are you?" it was pretty humorous.
seriously. they thought i was nuts - but i am a bit nuts. they will learn my kinda english. my english is American English with a hint of East Coast, Colorado, Chicago and Indiana slang topped with a twist of Rory. After 2 years, they will all be speaking like this guy. haha... i might be doing more damage than good if i do that...
so i also have a girlfriend now. she lives in a town thats like 20 or so miles away, but it can take over an hour to get there. her name is Tsveti and i met her through another volunteer. she is bulgarian yes. and yes, she speaks english which helps a lot. we have hung out a few times and been talking for a month or so - we will see how this goes. i am certain that relationship norms here in bulgaria differ from the norms in the states...
i celebrated halloween in the new city our friend Brave Yankee lives in with another american. it was a good time. the only thing that differed from any other party here was that there was a jack-o-lantern on the table. but other than that, it was a table, with lots of food, homemade rakia and lots of other alcohols. we sat, ate, drank and talked until very late. it was a grand time. i think there are pictures on facebook that Tsveti put up.
Its cold. i sleep in my sleeping bag with a winter hat on. haha, its like i'll be camping until april/may when it warms up again...
I've made alliances with the stray dogs here. especially now that its getting cold and food is harder to find for them. soon i will form my army of stray dogs and we will wage war on the stray cats. these dogs have a lot of potential, they just need a strong leader with a focused vision of the future without the crying of cats outside my apartment during the night. i have not seen any evidence of the cats organizing and working together to prepare for the imminent battle of the territory around the dumpsters when winter strikes in all her fury. and for this, i rest easy, knowing that my dogs will easily claim their desired grounds while only suffering light casualties. wish us luck in these coming days. i am not sure what the future holds for us here on the front lines, and if i become mortally scratched by the enemy, know that i believe in this war with all of my heart and that i fell bravely amongst the trash heaps by the dumpsters defending the territory that was inherently granted to man's best friend!
next time - I'll try to keep my sanity.
Oh, and my birthday is friday. i hear some kids are organizing something for me. but shhhhh! its a secret. I'll probably have a small party on saturday or something. but when its your birthday, you have to pay for everything. so my party will be small - im on a limited salary. :)
honestly - i will be 26 years old. i think i have the mind and heart of a teenager. do you think ill ever grow up? i hope not. :) this way of life is too fun.
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