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!