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!