Wednesday, March 30, 2011

spring break

Sorry about yesterday.  It turned out to be a prety hectic and full day and I wasn't sure I had internet actually.  I'm at my counterparts house for a couple days before I head to the North to take a small Spring break with some friends.  Spring break here is from March 30th-April 11th for the majority of the students.  BUT if you happen to be a senior, 12th class, the break is shorter.  But on the upside for seniors, graduation is much earlier than everyone else who goes to school until mid/end of June.  Since the "seniors" have classes that means the teachers who have classes with them have to teach.  I think that kinda stinks if you're a teacher who has to work during your break but they have been doing it this way for a long tie and they have a system.  Everyone here asks me what I am going to be doing for break, and yes-no stol-but let me assure you I'll be just fine, and I'm sure they don't believe that I have to work.  I don't get a break and have been trying to get that point across since I got here but I'm not sure that people other then my counterpart actually believe that.  Ok back to the seniors.  I'm not exactly sure when they go back; I think they get a week of vacation and then graduate in May.  Our school has 4 seniors, 3 guys and a young lady.  I've asked them before what they plan to do after graduation and one of the guys plans to go to school in Belgium I think.   I hope they do go on!  It's a lot harder, I'm saying a lot but I've never tried so not really sure, to go on to higher education here  because of how expensive it is and how little money there is here.  Any extra money a person has goes to helping the family.  I had a summer job or a job after school since my Freshman year in high school.  There are very little summer jobs for young people here or even jobs for young people period.  I don't know of any student at school who works a job during the school year.  I have seen some of my students "help out" in their families businesses but I'm not sure if they are paid or not.   Well I had better post this before my counterparts daughter sees me on the computer and wants to play on it!  Love and hugs!

Monday, March 28, 2011

my Bulgarian mom

I have been bad about blogging the last about week and I'm sorry; that will change!   This blog is for my mom who thought this story was interesting and I should write it up for all of you.  This happened last Wednesday.  I had scheduled a time after work to have coffee with a guy here who had asked before and it was just never a good time.  So when I saw him on Tuesday and he asked me I told him the next day was better and we set a time and place to meet.  The Bulgarian and American concepts of time differ a little and being (what Americans would call)late is pretty commonplace and expected.  I took this into consideration but wasn't sure how long to wait for him when he didn't show up.  At 3:30/40 I went inside the post office to ask my friend in there.  She's got a daughter finishing college and I've talked to her plenty.  Whenever I have a letter or package at the post office she lets me know to stop by and pick it up.  When I first got here I stopped by the post office nearly everyday just to talk.  So I know her quite well.  I explained the situation and asked her how long to wait on him.  She played 20 questions with me.  "Who is it?  Is he Turkish or Bulgarian?  What's his name?  What does he look like?"  and others.  She then preceeded to tell me that I need to check with her before going to coffee with anyone because "I'm your mom while you're here!"  Now I wasn't looking at this as a date or anything like that.  I had seen him around and kept putting off coffee and figured I needed to make a plan; besides that's kinda why I'm here and he's someone I don't know that well so it was time.  Now I wasn't going to go anywhere with him and felt safe because all the places to have coffee here and full of my students and they would take care of me.  He never showed and finally I went home, after waiting awhile in the post office to "see if he shows up" with the encouragement from "my mom."  Later that same night my counterpart pulled me aside and said "don't get me in trouble with the Corps.  Don't go ANYWHERE with anyone you don't know!"  Of course I knew right away what she was talking about but was astonished that she knew; she was busy earlier and I couldn't ask her advice.   I finally got it out of her that my "mom" in the post office had told her.  I wasn't worried and am safe...but I must admit it's kinda nice to know that people watch out for me!!  Love and hugs!!  I've heard of stork sightings but I still have my martinitzas!   YEA BUTLER BULLDOGS!!!!!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

what's important

I have been working on my report pretty much most of the day and forgot abut my blog!  n this first day of Spring I see no stork.  So we'll just have to wait a little bit longer.  This morning I went to the 6th grade English class at the other school (Hristo Botev).   Last Fridays when at H.B. I had just left a class with one of the English teachers when one of her students ran up to her and asked if I was going to come to her class.  The English teacher explained that I go to their school on Fri's and their class is on Tues's and that I was very busy.   That's true, I am busy.  But something is really wrong if I don't put aside my report and make time to do my job!  That's why I'm here.  That's why all of us are here.  Even the corps will back me up on that!  In 30 years my report will be long gone but the memory I made today for that class will still linger.  Now I'm not one to talk about myself or my accomlishments but I probably made her day.  It's so hard sitting through a class, trying to pay attention to the teacher (which is lacking here by the majority of the students in my opinion) when EVERY EYE IN THE ROOM IS MOST LIKELY FOCUSED ON ME!  They told me when I first got here I'm the first American here.  Because of that I feel like a rock star.  Everyone knows me, even the kids whose class I have not been in yet.   I got mixed up this morning and I thought the class was at 7:30 and it was 8:30.  Considering I did have stuff I could do in the apt I left heir school only to go back again at 8:30.  As I was leaving a boy from the 2nd floor, who I had not met before, shouted my name out the window and asked if I was going to visit their class at 8:30.   Tell me, how can I say no to that??!!  After the class was over I went home and started on my report and got a chunk of it done.  Still have a lot to go but I'm making headway!!  Love and hugs and thoughts or Libya and Japan!

Monday, March 21, 2011

some recent pics

for International Women's Day March 8
some students and teachers went
to a restaurant to celebrate.
I thought I had more pictures to post than this!  I'll look and post more because I'm sure I have them.  However my blogs for this week, maybe-it depends how long, are going to be daily updates.  I have a report to get done and need to work on that so my blogs are going to be easier.   It has turned colder again here and tomorrow is the official first day of Spring!  No sign of the stork yet and believe me we're all ready and waiting!  Love and hugs!!  Thoughts and prayers with many people who are sick.
where we went on our "walk in the woods".
This says Slevaka.  One of the 9th graders.

again with a student on the way back home.


the group. This was a timer shot
with my camera and I JUST
made it in! 

"I think we should go that way!"

this is me going through the tree 1 of 3 times.
The wish I made hasn't come true
yet but wasn't a very good one at that time



.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

my kids

Ok, sorry about the pictures again but they will have to wait.  This blog is dedicated to my kids.  They're not really kids, they're students in High School but to me they are kids.  That's in no way, shape, or form saying anything about them being "kid-like," it's just that I've been around this age and younger all my adult life and am used to calling school-aged people "kids."  Last night (it got late and I didn't get this finished last night) my kids came through BIG TIME!!  I have had this "flashcard project" in the back of my mind since I got here in July; I even cut out some pictures and started making some.  I want to MAKE flashcards with the English words on one side and a picture on the other.  Actually I would like to make several sets of flashcards but you've got to start small!  So last night for 1 hour after dinner, 6:30-7:30, I invited all the students who wanted to help with an easy English project to the Stol, cafeteria basically, and let them loose with magazines, glue, scissors, flashcard paper, and writing utensils.   I told them, in English and it was translated to B by some students and my counterpart, that if they saw an item that they knew the English word for to cut it out, glue it on a flashcard, and write the English word on the back.   I had prepared about maybe a 2 inch thick stack of flashcard paper.  About 15 minutes into the project I was running to my apartment for more flashcard paper!  At the end of the night, actually we quit about 7:10 because I ran out of paper,I had a stack of flashcards about 4 inches thick!!  WOWWOWWOW!!  I'll bet 20 students showed up to help and even some who don't live in the hostel during the week (the stol is in the hostel and I really didn't think many non-hostel students would show up and not a lot did, but a few were there!) Besides myself, who was never in one place very long between students asking me how to spell words and running to and from the apartment, and my wonderful (I mean it) counterpart, there were even  other teachers there!  It was soooo cool!!  It is awesome for me to think how, years down the road after I have left someone will check out a set of flashcards from the "library" here and recognize the flashcard they did and be reminded of  last night!  The Peace Corps is all about sustainability, and rightly so.  What's more sustainable than flashcards IN ENGLISH done BY STUDENTS  for the sole purpose of being left here and helping people learn English (or any language but this one happens to be English)?!  The students had so much fun, I think, and one of the best parts was that it happened with little expense, just the thicker flashcard-like paper, (which I already had) 3 more pair of scissors, and 4 more glue sticks/tubes!  So, to my "kids" YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!!  Love and hugs and prayers for a(nother) friend back home  diagnosed with cancer.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

doopka

After traveling some in B I can tell you another one of the similarities between here and the states is (are) POTHOLES.  Here they are called "Doopke."  Whereas in the states there is a number to call (at least in Indy there used to be) to report a pothole, B is lucky if they get filled; at least that's the opinion I get and I assume it's a little different depending on the size of the place in B you call home.  So when it gets to be the middle of summer and you (in the states) get tired of seeing the potholes and wonder where the road crews are to fill them,  think of us over here in B!  In fact, it's like a big game of "dodge the hole" when driving.  The holes are not good for vehicles and because of that drivers try not to go over them.  Sometimes it's a real test for my stomach, especially if it's been awhile since I've eaten anything!  Once again I can't generalize.  The amount of money a town or village or city gets depends on the size and number of people that live there.  Let me tell you a difference can be seen in the roads when entering a Municipality (like the townships in the states) that has a bigger town or city.  While we're on the subject, maybe not, let me tell you something that B makes do without.  That would be SALT.  Not the condiment, the ice melter.  People over here, I haven't acquired the skill yet, have mastered the art of "skiing" along on the ice so they don't fall.  Sometimes someone puts the sawdust left after using a chainsaw to cut wood for the stove on the ice and that helps so it's not as  slippery.  Or ashes from the wood stove.  Another reason people in the states (generally speaking) have to be grateful.   It's warming up this week and is very nice outside!  Today the students were playing soccer (futbol) during the breaks at school.  I'm still waiting for the stork though!  Love and hugs and continued thoughts and prayers for Japan.  I just remembered I was going to put pictures of my weekend up!  tomorrow!

Monday, March 14, 2011

adventure in the woods

So I have to tell you about my Saturday.  I had promised a coworker I would look over a possible project for her and give her my opinion and was planning on spending the majority of the day on the computer.  I had just put some lunch on the hot plate when one of my students called and asked if I wanted to go to the woods with them.  I gave my condolences and told her I had just put my lunch on the stove.  She said "so save it for dinner!"  So I said I would and she told me a friend of hers was going to meet me at my apt.  Like in the states I don't keep a lot of food around so didn't have anything for lunch but that.  I quick scrounged some snacky foods and set out, not really knowing where I was going.  We walked awhile and in the process they took me to this tree that starts as one, divides into 2 trunks, then comes together again.  They told me if a person makes a wish and passes through the tree 3 times they will have luck.  So on we went and let me say my hiking boots have never been so caked in mud as the last 2 days!!  We got there, it's a little bonfire type place that the students use a lot, ate and talked a little.  Then on the way home we saw one of the students' father pass by and he stopped and picked us up.  It was in the van when I had another "only in Bulgaria" moment.  There were 5 of us and 2 in the van.  This van was a rusted out VW van.  The back doors were held together with string and didn't meet the floor of the van so the back was basically open.  As I climbed in I stepped over a rusted out part that led to the road below.  I was sitting on a board that covered I don't know what and, for those of you who know me better know I've always had problems with balance, struggling to keep my balance.  Then I saw what I could only think were carbon monoxide fumes and would've been more worried except for there was plenty of air running through the van.  It was during this time, looking over at my students and new friends and thinking about what we had just done and realizing I was riding in a vehicle that would have gone to the dump years ago in the states, I came to think that I'm good enough to ride in here.  In my mind I thought "I'm not a foreigner anymore.  I'm not someone who is too good to ride in a rusted out van that is used daily because that's what is used.  I'm not someone who has to be handled with kid gloves because I'm special!"  THAT'S what I experienced and it felt, well, great!  Maybe that's not at all how my students, her friends, or father saw what happened.  But to me it meant I had arrived!!  When you're good enough to ride in a rusted out van that looks like it could fall apart any minute, like the rest of B rides in everyday if they're lucky, then you're good enough to be a B citizen!  Love and hugs and prayers for Japan!!.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

prayers

let's all pray for (or have positive thoughts) the families in Japan, hope for the best for Hawaii and the west coast!!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

dreams

This blog isn't going to be about a B holiday, something different or similiar between our 2 countries, or a rundown of my day.  This blog is going to be about dreams and how important they are.  There is a boy in the 8th grade here who is a BIG Tony Hawk fan.  To illustrate my point when he was over at my apt one time and asked me the name of the stuffed reindeer I got for Christmas from my family.  When I told him he didn't have a name, he paused for awhile and then said "Tony Hawk."   When I was asking some students about their dreams his response was "to be in the x-games."  Well, knowing he's a big fan I looked up Tony Hawk's fanclub address online, wrote it down and gave it to him.   He's coming over this afternoon for me to help him write a letter to T.  (little does he know that he is going to be the one writing it, not me)  My point in telling you all this is that dreams are so important!  They are what keep you going when your fire has gone out.  That and caffeine!  If you want something you have to work for it; nothing is going to be handed to you on a platter!  Some people's attitude might be it's a waste of a stamp.  Some people might think why would a famous peson write to a kid in B?  Maybe T won't write back.  But the point is this 8th grader has the want, the desire for something to happen!  He asked me about a week ago how he can get a visa.   I found this  quote the other day in Memoirs of a Geisha.  "Sometimes we get through advrsity only by imagining what the world might be like if our dreams should ever come true."  Now this isn't a way through adversity for him but he's imagining...  He's got a spark that is so needed here and elsewhere!  If you don't have a dream, a want for something, you just go through life going through the motions; same thing day after day.  Can you imagine the look on his face if he gets a response?  The sense of anticipitation he will have waiting for a letter?  I will actually be going through the same thing to a lesser extent!  Everyone needs to dream, to have something to work towards in life; a goal!  On that note I'll close for today.  Thoughts are with my aunt in Goshen and her family!  If any of my readers has a connection to Tony Hawk, can I ask you a favor?????Love and hugs!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

favorite things #2

I figured it has been awhile since I wrote about my favorite things so here we go!  I love the fact that, I went out with some teachers and students to celebrate March 8th last night, I can walk into a restaurant in B. and hear American music!  I walked into the restaurant last night I and what did I hear?????  THE TITANIC THEME!  You would think coming to BULGARIA maybe I could get away from that; NOPE!  I love the fact that before now I only was aware of Storks bringing babies and NOW I'm waiting for the stork to bring Spring.  I love the fact that I can walk from one edge of town to the other in about 20 minutes.  I love the fact that people greet me when I say hello or good morning (of course in B) to them while walking to work every morning...sometimes even in English!  I love the fact that when I wake up at 6, or 6:30-45, and am having my tea and toast and I don't hear the call to prayer at 6:30, I take notice and wonder what happened.  OR if I hear it at 7 I tell myself "hm, they must be a little behind this morning."  I love the fact that, after introducing the game UNO my aunts sent me, 1 of the my Seniors called it "better then poker!"  I love that, after awhile of trying to follow along with and understand the conversation (in B of course) I kinda give up and get lost in my thoughts...and THEN am asked a question!  That happened to me last night at the restaurant.  Of course the conversation was in B and it was hard to hear so I just quit trying.  Next thing I know everyone at the table was looking at me!  OOPS!  I love the fact that when the students ask me anything I assume it's about something B or Turkish...and am wrong and feel very awkward when they're speaking about something English.  I was riding with some of the students on a Friday when they go home and I was traveling to meet some other volunteers.  One of the girls was playing music and asked me if I liked it.  I asked her if it was B or T.  She just kind of snickered and said "no, this is another language" and upon really listening, it was ENGLISH.  Another OOPS!  I love that I have been accepted by the dog community here (just because I feed them) and am usually escorted by a couple wherever I go.  The other afternoon as I rounded the bend to my apartment I saw 4 or 5 dogs running at me!  I am trying to teach them English as well!  Yes, I'm serious.  I love that I am in the Peace Corps during the 50th anniversary AND the 20th anniversary of the Corps in B.  I love the fact that I have a BULGARIAN TRACK SUIT, basically one of those athletic outfits that are very popular here, and I mean very!  I love the fact that I have a small apartment.  I was talking to a friend the other day and told her with a small apartment it doesn't take very much to mess it up and her reply was "but it doesn't take that long to clean either!"  That's a lady after my own heart right there!  I love the fact that I am now on an email list of other vol's that offers each other support, encouraging words, and Bible verses.  THere are many other things I love but those were the things that came to my mind today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN-PHILIPPE!!  Love and hugs!  

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

IWD#2

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY to all my female readers!!!!!  Today is a day to celebrate the women in our lives.  My list is long but I have to say the woman who does the most for me over here is my counterpart and friend Nargis.  She's a wife and mother who tutors young children here is English with her "free" time.  She's also an English  teacher at the school where I work.  In addition to all this, she tutors M-TH for 2 hrs, she agreed to be my “go-to” here in my town.   She does a lot for me!!  She speaks English very well and because of that...let’s just say I try really hard but sometimes have to “remind” myself I should be speaking in B. when talking to her.   She is younger than I am and really cares about her students; it’s obvious.  So  a BIG thank you from me to you!!  I think some of you know my maternal grandparents are a big inspiration in my being here!  She, this is about women after all-no offense gpa, went to Africa with Heifer Project in the early 80s when she was in her upper 60s I think.  She was a teacher in Goshen Indiana.  I’m not sure when but between church and taking care of the grandkids and taking care of her mom and helping with the farm and cleaning and all the stuff that comes with grandmotherhood, that must not have kept her busy enough because for the last 10-20 (I could be way off here) years of her life she started making handmade greeting cards COMPLETE WITH CALIGRAPHY!!   Because of an accident either when she was very young or still waiting to be born she couldn’t bend her pointer finger of her left(?) hand and painting the cards helped her hands.  Every year on my birthday I got a “Helen’s Homespuns” birthday card and a $5 bill.  This past January I lost my paternal grandmother so now all the babas (grandmas) I have are not living.   THe weekend before I was set to leave with the corps my mom and I went up to Goshen, where she’s from an lots of family in the area, and I learned about another woman in my past that I can look to that is an example of the strong women in my family.  I’m not even sure of her name, Sarah sounds right, or what she is to me.  She was my grandfathers grandmother (or even several “grand’s) and went through terrible hardships.  Of course at that time, I’m going to say 1800s but I could really be off, hardships weren’t uncommon; at least that’s what I gather from books and television.  Because she didn’t give up and "settle", because she dared to see things how she thought they should be instead of just accepting her place/role, I am here.  Yesterday I wrote about the babas, the backbone of B.  I could go down a list of cousins and aunts and neighbors, and of course my mom and sister,  of women that mean something to me.  I'm sure there are women praying for me that I don't even know about and for that I am very grateful.   I am proud to be part of the Steffen legacy of shrong women and of service!  My maternal great-grandma lived until she was 99 and lived in her own house until way past the time I think most older folks think about retirement homes or what have you.  You know I just happened to think.  Lots of people give me props for being here, credit for doing my service here.  I am happy to accept a little of that but the credit should really go to all the women in my family who paved the way for me, who created the desire in me, and made me the strong woman I am.  Of course first off I believe God gets any credit.  With that:  Ronni, Steph, Mom, Charlotte, and Maya- Happy International Women's Day!!!  To the men out there?  Go celebrate the women in your lives!!  Love and hugs!

Monday, March 7, 2011

IWD#1-babas

Tomorrow is International Women's Day.  I have to admit I didn't know that until I got here.  So in celebration of the women in our lives this will be a 2-part (unless I get carried away which can happen) blog.  Today will be about the mothers and grandmothers here and my impressions.  For starters, BABA'S (grandma's) RULE!!!  From May 14th we were taught that if you need anything all we have to do is look for a baba.  If we're getting unwanted attention; approach a baba and they will chase whoever away.  If we have to travel by ourselves by bus/train it's a lot safer if we find a baba to sit beside.  So the volunteer's first order of business when they got to site was to seek out the babas!  I was in line to pay my water bill and everyone was crowding around and lining up one month.  Yes I had been waiting and was the first one there but wasn't going to make that much of my place.  I saw this man come to pay and he started to walk right in.  He stopped abruptly when he saw a baba at the front of the line.   She's a friend of mine and I have her granddaughter in one of my classes at the Kindergarten.  When the guy who collects the money arrived she pulled me to the front of the line and said "you were first."   I was standing in the 3rd place and figured no big deal and was actually going to let her go in front of me.  That wasn't her plan and I paid and was on my way!  In addition to ruling around here they work very hard, extremely.  I've been to collegue's houses before and when I ask where their mom is they tell me she's out preparing the meal.   Another story to illustrate this point.  When I first arrived here l went gosti around my building.  No one was home except the baba upstairs from me.  Turns out they wanted to take me on a walk which turned into a car ride to their vegetable garden.  Little did I know at the time some of those vegetables would be for me.  Anyway we trapsed through a field until we came to their garden an they started picking.  Her daughter, I'm going to say mid-late  40s, was with us.  So here we are, a baba who is smaller than me and I'm going to say in her 70s, her daughter, and myself.  I of course stood and tried to help but not really sure what to do.  We brought this huge burlap bag with us and were putting the veggies in there.  Peppers, small watermelons, and I think some tomatoes on top.  When it came time to stop and get everything to the car I reached for the heavy sack.  I figured I was the youngest so I should carry it.  Her daughter had her hands full and I had a tomato and watermelon the size of a big softball.  When I reached for the bag the baba just kinda shrugged at me and heaved the full and heavy bag over her shoulder like it happens everyday.  So there I was, raised to respect my elders and all and the youngest in the group, yet I had the lightest load.    Baba's spend most of their time cooking meals for the family from what I've observed so far.  THey do the housework.  The reason I think that babas rule is because they have the hardest job!  Now of course this isn't to say the rest of the family doesn't work but from the houses I've been to and the observations I have made, generally speaking I think that's pretty much it!  I consider myself lucky to have been taken in by several babas!  Love and hugs!

Friday, March 4, 2011

it finally happened!

Well I did it.  I finished  Memoirs of a Geisha today.  I picked it up during PST from a box of books set out for us to go through and have been reading on and off since I got to my town.  I was surprised how much I liked it!  It has lots of insights and thought provoking situations.  or those of you who know I'm a "quote" person,  I got several from the book and even had to share some just because they were so...inspiring.   So I have to say I recommend it.   For the rest of my day?  I have to say I didn't do a whole lot.  I started reading this morning and there just was never a good spot to stop!  Today was a non-working day like yesterday so no English school or any school for that matter.  Thoughts are (especially) with my church working group right now!  Enjoy the weekend!  No stork yet...Love and hugs!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

March 3

I'm writing this blog kinda late because it's a day off (in theory) for me and just hadn't gotten to it till now.  Today is the 3rd of March, the day that Bulgaria celebrates becoming a sovereign, independent country after 500 years under Turkish oppression with the signing of a treaty.  Russia helped B fight and and lost 1000 soldiers for the cause of B's independence.   Because of this there are many monuments in B of Russian soldiers.  It is also a non-working day.  Hresto Botev, Vasel Levske, Todor Kableshkov, and George Benkovske are a few names of B's who are considered symbols of B. liberation.   I also found out (thanks to a book we were given after pst about B traditions and special days) that this is a day to put flowers on the monuments of heros.  Of course I didn't know this because I didn't get around to reading the book till late.  Even then I'm not sure where a monument is around here and I don't think you can get flowers here; I know you can't get fresh ones anyway.  I have to admit I'm not as up on my B history as I should be but did know a little about H.B. and V.L.    Didn't do very much today.  I did some reading, in English, and went on a short walk.  Tomorrow is a non-work day also.  It was snowing when I went on my walk.  The dogs around the building have figured out that I am a friend and now follow me and wait for me to leave the apt.  I even heard whining today which is new.  They are so cute and I hate the fact they don't have homes or someone who looks after them regularly.  I usually have something for them and get an extra loaf of bread when I go grocery shopping.     On that cheery note I'll sign off for today.  Love and hugs!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

честита баба марта #2

my B tutor an another teacher goofing  around

one of the martinitzas made by a student.
these were on the cork board at school and
a little hard to see.





one of the teachers cut patterns out
of cardboard . 


the students really got creative and had fun!
I enjoyed seeing this tradition!

here are tho 2 little people. the red figure is
masculine and the white is feminine.




here's the hat one of the students
made for the martinitza

here is the stork nest. they use the same nest
year after year I found out today. sure looks like there's
something in there already but I don't want
to climb and find out!

here are the martinitzas made for me by the
students and teachers. My pst family sent
me my first wrist martinitza and lapel
martinitza.  

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

честита баба марта

I am so mad at myself right now!  I'd say you all are too except you have no idea why; it's not like you can come over here (well-you can) and scold me!  Anyway like I said yesterday today is a very important day in Bulgaria.  Today is March 1st and today the school had an all-school activity this afternoon to show me why this day is important and what happens on this day.  I took one picture and my battery died.  I had to decide if I wanted to go to my apt and get more batteries so I could show you what we did and risk missing the fun or and watch and describe what happened and take pictures next year.  I decided to forego the camera and soak it all in.  My apologies!  On this day everyone wears red and white bracelets that they either make or buy.  I guess kinda like friendship bracelets (remember those?).  There's a story behind the colors which I will tell you later.  The bracelets are called martinitzas.  Then you wait for the stork.  Storks not only bring babies but here in B they are the symbol of Spring.  Then when you see the stork you take off your martinitza and hang them on a tree.  I have to admit if I've ever seen a stork it has been in a zoo; even then I'm not sure I've seen one.  Blue and White Herons I've seen but a stork I'm not so sure.  I've seen plenty of pictures!  We here in my town have our very own stork nest.  I asked about it last week and some students and people at the Kindergarten told me where it is.  Past the church and down a couple streets; you can't miss it.  This is the part where I get to say "yes I will" if I'm not sure EXACTLY WHERE it is.  So I asked again and made sure I knew exactly how many streets down from the church and on which side of the road to look.  I had a couple extra minutes before I was due in the Kindergarten one Thurs so I went searching.  They were right when they said I couldn't miss it!  As soon as I got to the church and looked up I saw it.  IT'S HUGE!!!  It's on top of a light/electrical pole.  That I will take a picture of but that will wait till tom.  The tradition is a red and white bracelet but things have evolved a little.  Now there's a man and a woman martinitza made out of yarn of course.  So this afternoon we all met in 2 rooms and made martinitzas!  There's a traditional way to make them and then of course things are open to your own creative whim.  The traditional way is to tie a red and white string together end to end with someone on either end.  Each person twists their end the opposite direction of the other person.  When you've twisted for awhile you put the ends together and tie them.  If it's long enough you find a bead to put on to make a noose so you can take it on and off your wrist without tieing it every time.   Since lots of people here know how to sew and all that yarn people are made and hats are knitted for them.  I promise I will take some pictures of them for you all and sorry I did not get any action shots but there's always next year!  Spring coming means a new beginning and the martinitzas are for strength and health and fertility.   And I forgot to say that it's tradition to make some and give to your closest friends and collegues.  My PST family sent me a set (for your wrist and a smaller one for your lapel) and I also got some during the day from other teachers and students.  Of course the plan is to make some of my own to give out next year but that could fall through depending on a number of things.  Walking home I was telling my counterpart that I know the tradition is to put them on a tree when you see a stork but I told her I kinda don't want to.  But tradition is tradition and I can't go against that!  I'm sure some will go in my luggage to bring to the states with me when service is over though.  Don't tell!  Chestita baba marta!  I can't really translate this to English because there really is no translation.  That just means happy first day of March; the day to make martinitzas.  Love and hugs!