Island Living

My Greek vacation was exactly what I needed. It was relaxing, beautiful, full of history and beaches, and topped-off with the two coolest girls I know. Perfect. The highlights would be...

Seeing the Acropolis:

Eating and drinking delicious things:

Hanging out with "The Funny People":

Playing the "Two Guys, One Vespa" game (I don't have a pic - only a link)

Exploring the prettiest place I've ever seen (which is saying a lot cuz I'm from So-Cal and that place is full of amazing sights):

And, finally, lying on the beach. An activity I missed this past summer for the first time in, I'd say, 20 years. Felt darn good:

I've been back to school for a week now and, at first, wanted to shoot myself or get on a plane back home (post-vacation depression amplified by the fact that my work is in a foreign country and there aren't many people in my village who get how hard this is for me sometimes). But, after a few days, just like I knew it would, the routine of my pre-vacation life returned and I'm back in the swing of things - which isn't a phrase I'm particularly drawn to as swings tend to make me nausous, for reals.

Yesterday, my counterpart, three awesome students, and I went to Sofia for the First Annual Bulgarian National Spelling Bee. My students did so well (one of them even made it to the finals!!!) and we celebrated with McDonalds and a fun walk around the center of Sofia.

pre-SB cram session

I'm currently in the process of writing a project in order for my school to receive the funding for a new English classroom/Resource room and it's already daunting and full of unnecessary drama. I expected nothing less so I'm ready for the challenge. It would be my dream come true if the women at my school could come together as a team and realize that this particular strategy not only works better all-around and saves time but keeps the volunteer from wanting to rip her hair out and run away.

I'll keep on dreaming.

Also, because I'm a Secondary Coordinator for the International Writing Olympics, I've just received the winning essays from each participating country in order to judge them and choose those which I feel are the best of the best. So far the essays have been pretty great and I have a feeling that Bulgaria is going to do really well. We had some truly amazing essays written by some brilliant Bulgarians. While reading some of them, I forgot completely that English was their second language. It's moments like those that give hope and encouragement to the future of Bulgaria and knowledge that our work here, with these students, really does mean something.

Anyway, enough of that sentimental глупости. I'm getting more and more excited about my upcoming trip to the States. I can't wait to see my friends and family! It's going to be the relief I need at the end of a trying school year. That's all. Take care - love and kisses from The Bulge.

-Age