I had my first lesson yesterday with my teacher and it went very well. I think she was surprised and impressed by how much I already know. Ivan has been such a good teacher. She did not really teach me much new but it was good to practice. It is crazy to start from the begining of a language again. I forgot how you really have to start at the basics. Ivan has been amazing at really pushing me and I think now that we are building this base he will keep it up when we get home.
The most difficult part of Bulgaria is the extremely long lunch/dinner/after dinner conversations. In the States Ivan and I sit and talk at the table for 20-30 minutes but we usually play a game, watch TV, study, read, or get stuff done around the house. Here people sit at the table for hours. This might not be that bad when you understand what they are talking about, but I can't understand them. It has really taught me the art of patience. It is just hard because no one really makes an attempt to get me involved in the conversation. Ivan does his best but if people don't slow down for the translation it is hard to keep up.
I still have no luggage. Ivan called the Czech Republic and they said as of now it never left Paris. They said it is not "lost" but Paris has had so many delays the past several weeks they are very far behind. No offense Katherine, but I don't think I will ever fly through Paris again. I think it is too big, crazy, and disorganized. They did tell us we are allowed to buy clothes and send them the receipts and they will reimburse us for the expense. So I guess that is a piece of good news. But it would be so nice to have my own clothes! I am not a huge fan of the Bulgarian style and I do not enjoy skin tight jeans, which makes shopping here hard.
Ivan's mom is taking another three weeks off of work to hang out with me. I am going to have lots of mother-in-law bonding time. It is nice because I do not feel like I can get around town very well on my own, but I am sure it is going to be hard to just have some relaxing Mackenzie time. I just hope she gives me plenty of time to study. I really like Ivan's mom. Out of everyone here she really trys to communicate with me. You can tell she really wants to get to know me and is frustrated that we have the language barrier. She will talk to me even when I don't understand and we just both laugh. So I think it will be a good time.
Well I have to go do my homework. I will write again soon.
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awwwww, i'm glad that ivan's mom is so helpful! that will be great when ivan heads to the states.
ReplyDeletethat's great that you already knew a bunch of bulgarian when you met with her! how do you like her?
Man, MacKenzie, I am so sorry to hear about your luggage! I know how much it sucks to loose it! :-(( We hope it won't be too long before you get it. I am so "surprised" you don't like Bulgarian style and skinny jeans ;-))))
ReplyDeleteha-ha... it was funny to me when you said it, because I now exactly what you mean :-))) Jonathan says hello! His mom and dad got to Accra, Ghana yesterday, and are also missing 10 pieces of their luggage! ...
It sounds like you and your language teacher got along very well. That is going to work out great for you to have private lessons. You pick up language so well that in no time Ivan's mom and you will be having all sorts of conversations. And all women have a common language...the language of shopping. I know that you speak that very well. Maybe you and his mom could do a few museums or other outings together also. She will simple love having someone to "hang out" with and go places. Have fun and just enjoy. And try really hard to talk them into coming back over here. We would so love to see them again.
ReplyDeleteI think that this means that you need to go to Paris with ME next time. Paris airports=screwy. It's not the first time that this has happened... believe you me.
ReplyDeleteYou have a nice butt though. Bring on the skin tight jeans!!!