Pravets and Fulbright training...lots and lots of training!

Pravets Resort

As a participant in the Fulbright program, I attended the Fulbright International Summer Institute, which took place at the very swanky (and very Shining-like) Pravets Resort.  The town itself didn't have too much to offer, but the hotel was very nice, the food was plentiful, and the people were fantastic.  The one thing it did not have, however, was reliable internet.  Between days of morning to afternoon training and the internet being out of commission, it has been pretty difficult to keep up with my blog, which is why I am so behind in posts!  However, both Lane and I had a wonderful time in Pravets!  Besides meeting all of my fellow Fulbright ETAs, there were a few researchers and American professors.  We also had the pleasure of meeting Ambassador Marcie Ries, who gave a wonderful welcome speech.

The ETAs at the farewell dinner.  One big, happy,
somewhat dysfunctional family!

Training included sessions on lesson planning, classroom management, and an informational session on the Bulgarian Educational system.  We also learned about projects that past ETAs have been involved in, such as the Bulgarian National English Spelling Bee, the Creative Writing Contest, and the Bulgarian Forensics League.  When we were not busy with training, we attended lectures on Bulgarian culture as well as Bulgarian language courses.  I find the language to be really fun to learn and enough like Croatian that I feel I have a little bit of an edge.  The trick is to not get them confused!

Chicago Alex working on his "Man Tan"

But is wasn't all work and no play!  We had a great time enjoying the indoor and outdoor pool.  The indoor pool required either a swimming or shower cap.  One day, we all decided to go swimming in our shower caps, making for a great photo opportunity!  Once I locate the photo, I will post it!  The extensive patio also allowed us to catch some rays and work on our tans while enjoying the mountain view.  As if that were not enough, our stay included access to the spa, which included several different types of saunas, a steam room, and an ice room.  I highly recommend the Finnish Sauna!  

In additin to all of our activities, the hotel also hosted the fourth annual Mozart festival, featuring the music of Mozart (of course), Verdi, and Wagner.  The festival included musicians from all over Europe, as well as the Rousse State Opera Company.  The hotel hosted the opening of the festival with a performance of Aida.  In the days leading up to the performance, we actually watched crew members assemble the stage, install the lights, and set the stage.  The performace was fantastic and is yet another opera I can mark off of my list!  However, the Bulgarian audience have not yet mastered the art of turning off their cell phones before a concert!  I also found myself amused by a stray cat (there are many of them in Bulgaria) as it ran under the chairs of audience members, causing a ripple through the crowd!  All in all it was a very enjoyable experience!

Stay in Sofia

Promenade on Vitosha Boulevard, city center.

Before heading to Pravets tomorrow, Lane and I spent today in Sofia.  Not only is Sofia the capital of Bulgaria, but it is also the largest city with 1.3 million residents.  We are staying at the Central Park Hotel, which is just on the edge of the city center and runs along Vitosha Boulevard, a walkway for pedestrians that leads straight to the city's main attractions.  The location has proved to be perfect, the room comfortable, and the staff friendly!

After grabbing some breakfast at a bakery, we went to the Rotunda of St. George.  It is the oldest building in the city, constructed in the 4th century, with the oldest frescoes dating to the 10th century.  Lane and I actually caught the end of a service while there.  

We also stopped at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.  It is the second largest cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula.  It's construction began in 1882 and is modeled in the Neo-Byzantine style.  It is named after the Russian national hero Alexander Nevsky in honor of the many Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War.  As a result of this conflict, Bulgaria gained its independence from the Ottomans.

Crypt underneath Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Although the inside of the cathedral is beautiful, my favorite part is the crypt underneath.  This area has been turned into a museum of icons and ecclesiastical art.  The collection is part of the National Art Gallery.  The holdings were extensive and were beautiful to behold.  

Lane and I also walked through the St. Sofia Church and the St. Nikolai Russian  Church.  My favorite building was actually the bath house. Unfortunately, the building has not served as a bath for many years and sits empty.  However, plans are being made to renovate the building and turn it into a museum.  I find the architecture of this building to be amazing!

Bulgarian Banya, or bath house

Lane and I ate at a restaurant that served traditional Bulgarian food.  They also had folk dancers in traditional costumes and singers who entertained throughout the night.

So far, Lane and I have found the people here to be very friendly.  The hotel staff has especially been kind and helpful.  Lane even practice some German with a waiter at the Pizza Palace, Bulgaria's best pizzeria! In the next post, I will talk all about Pravetz!

Arrival in Bulgaria

Hello World!  First and foremost I would like to welcome you all to my blog.  I hope to use this as a journal of my travels and my teaching experiences in and around Bulgaria.  For one year, I will be teaching English literature to 11th an 12th graders as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.  I have been placed in Yambol, Bulgaria, a town of 60,000 people situated in the south-eastern corner of the country.  I am also writing this blog so that my friends and family can follow my adventures.  Thus, I invite comments and questions always!

Lane and I landed in Sofia after several hours of flying.  We travelled from Lincoln, Nebraska, then to Chicago.  A little over seven hours later, we landed in Frankfurt, Germany.  Our friend Niko met us at the airport, and rather than spend our layover in uncomfortable chairs, we took a train into the city and walked around Frankfurt.

Now, we are safely in Sofia!  More on that in my next post!

Alexander Nevski Cathedral.  Built in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries in tribute to those who helped free
Bulgaria from the Ottomans.