Mountains in Bulgaria

Here is an interesting tid-bit about Musala (in Bulgaria) and Mt. Olympus (in Greece):

Musala in the Rila Mountains is 30 ft (10 m)
higher that Mt. Olympus in Greece where the
gods were thought to reside. In fact, the Balkan
Peninsula takes its name from another Bulgarian
mountain, the Balkan, now better known as the
Stara Planina (Old Mountain), which runs through Bulgaria from
east to west. Bulgaria’s mountains are one of the
prerequisites for booming tourism industry and
this year, Bansko in the Pirin mountains hosted
two of World Ski Cup races.

This week my condo went onto the rental market as I march ever closer to my departure around March 25th. I'm getting to know my new camera and new Kindle - so many electronics, so little time.

I've also received additional information from the Peace Corps about my work in Bulgaria. I am even more excited now - I'm happy with what I've been reading about an approach to sharing information with people so they can build skills. It's a very positively focused program starting with what's right and building on it to make it even better.

All for now,
Patricia

I'm going to be confused

Here is a little interesting fact about body language in Bulgaria............when someone nods their head for "yes" it's from side to side and for "no" it's up and down. Yup - just the opposite of what we do. Just try it the Bulgarian way...........it feels so.........well............foreign!

It's February

I want to start posting on a more regular basis, just to get used to the idea of it! I'm scheduled to leave the last week in March.....let's say 50 days from today. YIKES. January was a very busy month making project lists, working on projects and thinking of new things I need to do before leaving. My days are full between Peace Corps preparation, real estate, learning Bulgarian, hiking to get into better shape and increase my stamina, and resting.

I've been reading books and blogs about Bulgaria. Volunteers' blogs and a Facebook group of Peace Corps volunteers in Bulgaria have been invaluable founts of information. It's practical information because they are living the experience right now. Of course, everyone has a different experience and perspective on what to pack - of great interest to me right now.

So far I have purchased very little - one shopping spree was for new underwear - including two sets of warm, long underwear. Today I ordered a new camera after several hours of research - my camera conveniently died after a faithful 9 years of service. I want to share with you my adventures in Bulgaria and a camera is an essential part of that sharing. By sharing through writing and/or photos, it helps me understand my travels more clearly - whether I am abroad or at home.

Sofia is a large, cosmopolitan city of approx. 1,380,000 people. Many western type products can be purchased there, so there are no worries about "forgetting something essential." I'm trying to anticipate my most desired items so far away from home, and of course it's impossible. I won't know until I get there what I really miss.

Here are some things I've read about Bulgaria that I think are really cool:
More than 250 distinctive plants grow there like Balkan primroses, Rhodopean tulips, Balkan violets and Bulgarian blackberries.
In the mountains, beech, oak and pine trees grow and wild mushrooms grow in the forests as well as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Yum!
In terms of wildlife, there are stags, deer, goats, pelicans, quail, and pheasants. The Bulgarian people have established several wildlife preserves to protect habitats.

Every day I hold gratitude in my heart for this opportunity to be a Peace Corps volunteer.

O.K that's it for today - don't want to make these too long....

Patricia / Патриша