So I have discovered the secret to overcoming the language barrier and feeling a part of the dinner conversation....serveral glasses of a sweet wine Bulgarian's call Palen. I have not had much to drink since I have been here because the alcoholic beverages consist of beer, Rakia (hard liqour), and dry red wine all of which I do not have a strong taste for. However, today Ivan's dad busted out a sweet drink called Palen that I throughly enjoy, and it helped me relax and at least attempt to be a part of the conversation.
I am excited because we now have internet at the house so I can write more on the blog and try to post more pictures. No big news from Bulgaria. We have so far been to two orphanage Christmas parties. They consisted of 20 children (2-3 years old) running around singing Christmas songs in Bulgarian. SUPER CUTE. I told Ivan I have picked about 5 kids out that will be coming home with us in January. I think it is a good thing he is here to talk some sense into me. The orphanages are wonderful and sad at the same time. There are so many children without homes and the adoption process has many flaws. Ivan's mom gets frustrated that more children are not placed in loving homes.
Ivan and I have joined a gym that is in the basement of the mall. It is a really nice place and hardly anyone is ever there. It is difficult because I still do not have my luggage. So I have put together a few outfits to workout in, they do not really sell workout clothes in Bulgaria. It has been wonderful to get a little exercise in since we are eating so much good food. Ivan tells me that Christmas Eve dinner will have seven courses.
One other cool thing I want to share is the conversation Ivan and I had with his grandparents. We visited them yesterday and asked them tons of questions about their lives, it was really interesting. The crazy thing is they have lived through a monarchy, communism, and democracy. His grandma said she prefered the monarchy. She said democracy has been the worst for Bulgaria because there is so much corruption and no accountability. It was such a wonderful conversation, we learned about where they grew up, how they met, and what they did for a living. The house they live in is 110 years old, and Ivan's great-great grandfather bought it from the man who built it.
I am having a great time. I am trying my best to get to know Ivan's family and learn the language.
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That was a wonderful blog entry. I bet it is the first time anyway has asked his grandparents all those questions. Leave it to a Smith to do that. We will checking out the AA classes in Indy for your return!! Keep up the posting..I love them. and Happy Christmas Eve...we will talk to you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteTHat WAS wonderful blog entry. What an interesting life! The Martin's felt the same way about monarchy being the best form of government, although they hadn't lived through. After eight years with Bush though, I'm very glad we have a democracy!
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