tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43307034380879840382024-02-07T18:56:54.297-08:00Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008 "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-71795481587431644822008-07-21T22:48:00.000-07:002008-08-15T03:38:31.815-07:00Tuesday, July 22Tuesday, July 22, 2008<br />Submitted by Kristen Holtschlag<br />"Now You See Me, Now You Don't!" – A.W.D.B.<br /><br />Our last day in Sofia included all of our “lasts". Our last lecture, delivered by Pamela under the awning in our hotel's restaurant during a rainstorm, explored the experiences of women in Bulgaria throughout modern history. This lecture stimulated a lively discussion in the group in which comparisons and distinctions were made between these experiences and those in the United States and Vietnam. We took our last field trip to the Animus Foundation, an NGO promoting women's rights in Sofia, which we walked to in the aftermath of the storm. At this beautiful location, we heard a power point about this organization and had an extensive discussion of the issues surrounding women in contemporary Bulgarian culture. Following the lecture, we toured the organization's premises, which had made a concerted effort to create an atmosphere that was both therapeutic and familiar, achieved through the use of muted colors, comfy furniture, and powerful artwork adorning the walls. <br />After the trip to the Animus Foundation, we had our last opportunity to explore Sofia. One faction of the group investigated the Women's Market in the center of town. While Karen and Andrea discovered the best prices on produce and t-shirts, Margaret tapped into the underground pick-pocketing ring (thanks to the quick action of Ann Marie and Pat, no personal items were harmed in the process). Still others sought out more icons. A few others went their individual ways, walking the city or reflecting quietly in the hotel restaurant. <br />Following our individual explorations, we convened for our last dinner. Next door to the hotel, a lovely restaurant called Manastirska Magernica served traditional Bulgarian fare in a uniquely Bulgarian setting. There, we exchanged words of appreciation for one another and had many pictures and many toasts. Fantastic food and fantastic company rounded out our last day in Bulgaria.<br />From Bulgaria, all took separate paths. Kristen and Margaret went to Paris, Larry, Carol, Le, and Ann Marie to the Greek Islands, Karen to London, Kristin to Germany, and Stephanie went to see her grandkids in Pennsylvania.<br /><br />Thus concludes the last blog entry. Довиждане!Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-19437887051864121882008-07-21T08:18:00.000-07:002008-07-22T07:19:50.650-07:00Anne W. Dale Blair--Monday, July 21<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAToZeBxKE9jHChn_6bh69T-t4B1CfkUvA4qcFUj-TLfRsn6lGrfI1k3Q9XpN5vSq61xPiJQwHzt__SaTRgEU8X7pDnKyewiLZkZhLrlE7wwp1zNvD6ygnX8AQsOP39Z8946gEm9bFoFF/s1600-h/IMG_6208.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajoB00Ew_dMSMKyD0psAOdjVrsS0iFekcvfIzq3li_b6Bga-DjORfNQCc5zzSo_5El4uvM5k2TqMMAeuJtgizZ1-NfG6Xi6oQj8N_80T8C1QGCmAS_1JIT3X7IxKhxdwIn_Mg7IA7HfJU/s1600-h/IMG_6182.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225491620066824114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajoB00Ew_dMSMKyD0psAOdjVrsS0iFekcvfIzq3li_b6Bga-DjORfNQCc5zzSo_5El4uvM5k2TqMMAeuJtgizZ1-NfG6Xi6oQj8N_80T8C1QGCmAS_1JIT3X7IxKhxdwIn_Mg7IA7HfJU/s200/IMG_6182.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSB-7H72i021ckEglCj8hO-5XWnGinLbTbxc4SEZeigUeQfwid6NcJvcidzU4wGBB5XJ98S40OridAdD7hAuo_pr-vhhqcmK-bp7zG7y0ytl8LbcYJ5YUcSJNU__9o4U7u1L-Hou-qfbn/s1600-h/IMG_6208.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225488504809587698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSB-7H72i021ckEglCj8hO-5XWnGinLbTbxc4SEZeigUeQfwid6NcJvcidzU4wGBB5XJ98S40OridAdD7hAuo_pr-vhhqcmK-bp7zG7y0ytl8LbcYJ5YUcSJNU__9o4U7u1L-Hou-qfbn/s200/IMG_6208.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yr-LFjDLqzm4T4kGCTPkHQL9zuP5wid9L9AgLnXGw3P8d23W6quTcu7dyC9Lq54LUEHeT0gYyi8ItY5RMtGYJCh_pSJvWUR3-1UvpaWPVsQ1LW2-c_m3FatrDMl3pV3FIvm8uxsTjRsZ/s1600-h/IMG_6205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225488505772594466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yr-LFjDLqzm4T4kGCTPkHQL9zuP5wid9L9AgLnXGw3P8d23W6quTcu7dyC9Lq54LUEHeT0gYyi8ItY5RMtGYJCh_pSJvWUR3-1UvpaWPVsQ1LW2-c_m3FatrDMl3pV3FIvm8uxsTjRsZ/s200/IMG_6205.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRW_CnyA6fAjAXVGeWJyjTulWpTRg2bz2G6zGCAB266bbOcr1TK7IDIIp0Sl1YHc_G37ysP6YR_KjjrFTxWb3qGvNynTQq9YZPgtKHL5uHt15npjCYkEHc87u43bMq3BbHi9QHgc6nNxO/s1600-h/IMG_6197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225488510250510194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRW_CnyA6fAjAXVGeWJyjTulWpTRg2bz2G6zGCAB266bbOcr1TK7IDIIp0Sl1YHc_G37ysP6YR_KjjrFTxWb3qGvNynTQq9YZPgtKHL5uHt15npjCYkEHc87u43bMq3BbHi9QHgc6nNxO/s200/IMG_6197.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawZLaiKeOA7LwYPn8-HZYWGqxPAjHIkD31RSCsFpUx2nlJDm3J2m_kUV07Ln_w_3JjqXhHaAP5YXl3qE-AYBTxplid6sLcUw2ldw7-RaYghnosQ_ylgtOYhCLpqjXxoQRA3EabMexKeUl/s1600-h/IMG_6175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225488521095787346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawZLaiKeOA7LwYPn8-HZYWGqxPAjHIkD31RSCsFpUx2nlJDm3J2m_kUV07Ln_w_3JjqXhHaAP5YXl3qE-AYBTxplid6sLcUw2ldw7-RaYghnosQ_ylgtOYhCLpqjXxoQRA3EabMexKeUl/s200/IMG_6175.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88FDgC1gAIoOTBO_jPckIfK5wnD96sDBB8wGnFyvyOX9_fWJisFuvcBCw27kuvuC_t2Nef_qK1KDWwWyZ6lQkGxXyPpNSrwGXaLxoKZIew0JJQt3MTpla02RwEsQgTLw9K1nJdIV7JG7k/s1600-h/IMG_6180.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225488530526105138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88FDgC1gAIoOTBO_jPckIfK5wnD96sDBB8wGnFyvyOX9_fWJisFuvcBCw27kuvuC_t2Nef_qK1KDWwWyZ6lQkGxXyPpNSrwGXaLxoKZIew0JJQt3MTpla02RwEsQgTLw9K1nJdIV7JG7k/s200/IMG_6180.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Birthday, Pat Goodman!<br /><br /><br /><br />July 21,2008 Day 32 Sophia (Pat’s Birthday)<br /><br /><br />7:30 – 9:00 Breakfast in the hotel Cafeteria<br />9:20 in lobby to get on Bus<br />9:40 – 10:30 Boyana Church<br />11:00-2:00 National Historical Museum<br />3:00 – free time!!! (shopping, internet cafés, galleries, napping, etc.)<br /><br />We met in the hotel lobby to take the bus to Boyana Church. According to the Lonely Planet: Bulgaria; “The tiny, 13th century Boyana Church, is on Unesco’s World Heritage list and is Bulgaria’s most cherished and revered historic monument. The 90 Murals, which date from 1259, are rare survivors from that period, and are among the very finest examples of Bulgarian medieval artwork. This includes the oldest know portrait of St. John of Rila along with representations of King Konstantin Asen and Queen Irina. Decades of painstaking restoration were finally completed in 2006, so visitors can not enjoy the church in all its glory.”<br /><br />We entered the church in groups of 8 and “could only stay 10 Minutes”. We entered a plain 18x18 church with some remnants of murals on the wall, which was well lit with spot lights and our tour leader told us about it being built in 1845 and then she opened the door to another section and we all went “WOW” right out loud. It was like opening a jewel box. The colors in the next older section was vibrant and well lit so it was such a huge difference. We climbed into the smaller section built in 1259. The frescos were overlaid over older 10th century mural which were in the original chapel- probably built for an personal chapel. The guide pointed out the realistic details and all the people, saints and other important details on the murals. The church included several scenes from St. Nicholas and his life. He is the patron saint of the church.<br /><br />Next, we rode to the National Museum of History which is housed in the old communist presidential palace. We were met by a guide, Agnes, who led us on a whirlwind tour of two marbled floors of the impressive museum. We had the history of Bulgaria in artifacts with an impressive about of gold amulets, lids, wine vessels, jewelry, and an incredible 9 vessel royal ritual set – including stag headed drinking vessels, and a wide serving tray embossed with 100s of heads of African Americans which the belief was of bringing good luck to the drinkers.<br /><br />Traditional clothing outfits and costumes were upstairs with a coin room, an example of a classroom (with a punishment box under the teacher’s desk), a room with weaving examples and lastly a room from a house with the way people lived in the 1900’s .<br /><br />To summarize the visit to the Museum I surveyed everyone with the question: What artifact did you find the most interesting?<br /><br />The helmet and “chain mail” of the very early Thracian king- Larry<br /><br />The pre-currency dolphin coins – Kristen<br /><br />The “mother Goddess” figures – Pamela<br /><br />The silver vase that showed how the Thracians used the drinking vessels and the female clay figure that was on one side and the other side was a male figure- Anne Dale Blair<br /><br />The piece of the One True Cross – incased in silver relief double cross, discovered by Helena, wife of Constantine – Margaret<br /><br />The cube under the teachers desk – Pat<br /><br />The miniature gold horse carving placed under magnifying glass – Andrea<br /><br />Seeing the possible “True” cross. – Heather<br /><br />The hand-carved decorative ceiling in the presentation room – Julie<br /><br />The wall of Italian mosaics with birds, animals, and historic figures.- Ann Marie<br /><br />I really loved the peasant girl’s dress which was on display. I liked it because it is very representative of the 18-19th “farm” dress for a Bulgarian peasant girl. – Carol<br /><br />Walking into the room where the bright gold Royal Wine Drinking Ritual set was displayed caught my attention and I recognized how old and amazing the artifacts in the museum are. – Karen<br /><br />Loved the small Roman sculptures and the children’s toys from Roman times – Kristin<br /><br />Shopping at the museum’s gift shop was fun! Not haggling with prices and high quality goods. Le<br /><br />The detail in the artifacts from 5th millennium BC and the bath scrubbers. – Stephanie.Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-782700678407579772008-07-18T23:49:00.002-07:002008-07-22T07:04:49.419-07:00Sunday, July 20<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQco3OSwDSB77HOeX2NvH2J-27AoPoZpny3czsutX1k9YwYYW-4ppZX9bijzE10uKF3f4BSFH8fTFE-xphyED_YXll8yCT6AKbBKAic7XqZuShjb16yK9XHepAuDxZeuSn2jTyRAdOUXgm/s1600-h/IMG_6169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225490987565221938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQco3OSwDSB77HOeX2NvH2J-27AoPoZpny3czsutX1k9YwYYW-4ppZX9bijzE10uKF3f4BSFH8fTFE-xphyED_YXll8yCT6AKbBKAic7XqZuShjb16yK9XHepAuDxZeuSn2jTyRAdOUXgm/s200/IMG_6169.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnJUgCB-3Gkw7jwsrYjbq18Hi7MSKOqEwyw1MMYXXp2fXD_rXmlakdVI01hnlwkhZzgKQ0E9isE_stnhhElVpKlCsdYcebGF6kJjkbJVdg8TXSWbS7N44c4KFLzKr6sz-eGJvx6lywIXS/s1600-h/IMG_6131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225490701737877154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnJUgCB-3Gkw7jwsrYjbq18Hi7MSKOqEwyw1MMYXXp2fXD_rXmlakdVI01hnlwkhZzgKQ0E9isE_stnhhElVpKlCsdYcebGF6kJjkbJVdg8TXSWbS7N44c4KFLzKr6sz-eGJvx6lywIXS/s200/IMG_6131.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh5F1DBfPkKAoyzbXQe4h6m2swg-H7K94JwrXwavk9GI7fLJvj1RGPy-EFnXkF8jsag8sCdDaSWKJT1e2nPmObkyzJCS1YWwFrj5gm7DZcR9fkpJ_K8M7AEOaZPBV2NhTImGdoP-_1IsD/s1600-h/IMG_6134.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzE36a5gh-g-3VAwHX4tjzT-5atHa-yXIckkn0zlFU9ybNopaszqpcwGCwy5wGismxINfHfw2yWuQs56-KH1NFesbyeYb9nlqmp-gMSZXXdCiA7gWfJuTQLQ9kWCB7oaujbEtWG-L5jbX/s1600-h/IMG_6136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225490709673870898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzE36a5gh-g-3VAwHX4tjzT-5atHa-yXIckkn0zlFU9ybNopaszqpcwGCwy5wGismxINfHfw2yWuQs56-KH1NFesbyeYb9nlqmp-gMSZXXdCiA7gWfJuTQLQ9kWCB7oaujbEtWG-L5jbX/s200/IMG_6136.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ4M6LWd9Yd8knIr-ji9NuxM4LDVsbeFpc5DgYW4knppC0QzLvD1bD59POtcn00XcJ_IjnR_w-gZwuRansGrFSYjaKVXg3pX0EfMzRJCyLfd_7E5UXpy5oFgks3k1w5Gett5K6_78DWxz/s1600-h/IMG_6158.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225490713195041394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ4M6LWd9Yd8knIr-ji9NuxM4LDVsbeFpc5DgYW4knppC0QzLvD1bD59POtcn00XcJ_IjnR_w-gZwuRansGrFSYjaKVXg3pX0EfMzRJCyLfd_7E5UXpy5oFgks3k1w5Gett5K6_78DWxz/s200/IMG_6158.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fGxyHiV-s9tlCHKJAc61EYzvzPJ58w2Dj1lqFSD1LQnUhzy47mcD4wcPQ7hAzdDztETuYMC2GkYgSaZQkOWXCv3cRzyKvekxS-gF1KxRrs7YNPSZvOA4BlyfnvVitg6j5mGxqtExjfIz/s1600-h/IMG_6166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225490717941418082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fGxyHiV-s9tlCHKJAc61EYzvzPJ58w2Dj1lqFSD1LQnUhzy47mcD4wcPQ7hAzdDztETuYMC2GkYgSaZQkOWXCv3cRzyKvekxS-gF1KxRrs7YNPSZvOA4BlyfnvVitg6j5mGxqtExjfIz/s200/IMG_6166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful city of SophiaFulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-79924745775401031872008-07-18T23:49:00.001-07:002008-07-21T08:28:53.942-07:00Saturday, July 19<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fPhlO5XrD8XzsWxBp5CgSZ9Fa798o9iYp9pr7kpC9Qg-O7N3djSf06Wie-jOcL3JF_Vf1o4-UcL95LxVIaEAnTyviozi6pHX8VGGjtqfVgRbSQD9CzgShKScd8WptQsHrTQQUFh3joK7/s1600-h/IMG_6125.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fPhlO5XrD8XzsWxBp5CgSZ9Fa798o9iYp9pr7kpC9Qg-O7N3djSf06Wie-jOcL3JF_Vf1o4-UcL95LxVIaEAnTyviozi6pHX8VGGjtqfVgRbSQD9CzgShKScd8WptQsHrTQQUFh3joK7/s200/IMG_6125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225489657707190466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuzHGMvBPDsUOytSDrVdicJPoOCTkhVWICLYrORziYa8SB1xu0FjgFjkgwOVolERfsGO2kQ1PrAX6fRctc2meqGZjE2sTKkfZ2FbCXyx1bljkXqsXbmsl3XO7pzkS-YH6X1ttvy0H71vI/s1600-h/IMG_6123.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuzHGMvBPDsUOytSDrVdicJPoOCTkhVWICLYrORziYa8SB1xu0FjgFjkgwOVolERfsGO2kQ1PrAX6fRctc2meqGZjE2sTKkfZ2FbCXyx1bljkXqsXbmsl3XO7pzkS-YH6X1ttvy0H71vI/s200/IMG_6123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225489663219431010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx9kQtzduJ7fUQBg3aR6LSSJmfoINEfKXF2u7AQtCha3Wao4IJVnDE-AcoTz053n1ZKSV1uF80vbVNozkJUJcpChi1EFgNnuYL26up7Aql4CHf3S3Atz6snhoXgAhGMtX7yFCs4MFyijM/s1600-h/IMG_6130.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx9kQtzduJ7fUQBg3aR6LSSJmfoINEfKXF2u7AQtCha3Wao4IJVnDE-AcoTz053n1ZKSV1uF80vbVNozkJUJcpChi1EFgNnuYL26up7Aql4CHf3S3Atz6snhoXgAhGMtX7yFCs4MFyijM/s200/IMG_6130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225489669924232594" /></a><br />Goodbye to Blagoevgrad, Hello Sophia!Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-19368934556221179082008-07-18T03:56:00.000-07:002008-07-18T03:57:33.062-07:00Friday, July 18Julie Marek’s school website:<br /><a href="http://my.ccsd.net/classes.phtml?site_id=1849881224-Marek&tracking_id=551185">http://my.ccsd.net/classes.phtml?site_id=1849881224-Marek&tracking_id=551185</a><br /><br /><br />From Heather Bartlett—Michigan curriculum collation website, applying the GLCEs to Social Studies:<br /><a href="http://www.micitizenshipcurriculum.org/index.html">http://www.micitizenshipcurriculum.org/index.html</a><br /><br /><br />Kristen Holtschlag’s AP Language website:<br /><a href="http://kholtschlag.googlepages.com/">http://kholtschlag.googlepages.com</a><br /><br /><br />Karen Lee’s “This I Believe” project:<br /> <a href="http://evans.socstud1.googlepages.com/mayabelieves">http://evans.socstud1.googlepages.com/mayabelieves</a><br /><br /><br />Andrea Hartlund’s Photo Book project:<br /><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">www.shutterfly.com</a><br /><br />The quote page can be found at:<br /><a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/quotes.php">http://www.scrapbook.com/quotes.php</a><br /><br /><br />From Margaret Holtschlag —United Nations CyberschoolBus for comparing statistics about countries:<br /><a href="http://www.un.org/">www.un.org</a><br /><br /><br />From Ann Marie Borders:<br /><a href="http://mimipet.com/">http://mimipet.com/</a><br /><br />Online picture editing website/Free<br /><a href="http://www.picnik.com/">http://www.picnik.com/</a><br /><br />Recipes<br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/">http://www.foodnetwork.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.passionateaboutfood.net/bulgarian.php">http://www.passionateaboutfood.net/bulgarian.php</a>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-52907781071920775372008-07-17T05:45:00.000-07:002008-07-18T00:40:16.339-07:00Ann Marie Borders--Thursday, July 17<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiINgwc7VlPgFwRqH7Xo2zu64vscz_oLWo_cZPYyoT2sl3V4LcQPmnbCigvLdW1BWo0Y0Q5wekFhRRK1Kf6zLYCe9FUw1-DH_iM_wflLoUtWxH3xuIgqkAbLcfl6aeRpFdfGZ0U4QkRWm/s1600-h/AMB+033.jpg"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHxAKhMJ1rRGA1R6ryCPttAKKeDM_GpRAYHFu1cF-PPNRG3-HQhFyqqfdawMYaNElgn3BNXkSrwjrjwh3piGu_efjFyFr4Q2thEap6aE8Z0jiTlhN8y1ynJFdcl05gxg3sONVKX4CdY-p/s1600-h/AMB+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224255276388956354" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WCw5Jyd0J5cE7DI4YOiACi4E0zYIgdAO1Sb2bXEuNgWcLzvKjSwhcIyxwALdZCRY63Y4Mu5fECzryfctKi1u-8Nc5-am0Sf53CUQTYabqrEYnDNbh4Mr3-KMW4bxFTRpzcHOMhFQAI5C/s200/AMB+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPiGZgpP7yaaTVPOgfKNyQ9AaWT34lTl5DhHc483YJ6JGmHxZaXCLmD43uewswuT92a1TudVT1rHoCYiHNWqRvkSQkS5E9oltx3TWdFi7ZqZRfhqpiVCydSrAtwoKsAsAK0aDYhunxnQB/s1600-h/AMB+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224254356436172594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPiGZgpP7yaaTVPOgfKNyQ9AaWT34lTl5DhHc483YJ6JGmHxZaXCLmD43uewswuT92a1TudVT1rHoCYiHNWqRvkSQkS5E9oltx3TWdFi7ZqZRfhqpiVCydSrAtwoKsAsAK0aDYhunxnQB/s200/AMB+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, 6:00 a.m. ring the tower bells. “Good morning sunshine!” calls out one of the 5 roommates as we burrow more deeply under the covers of our cot beds. This is the coldest weather since arriving in Bulgaria and we’ve just completed a night in the Rila Monastery. We need to dress quickly for the 6:30 a.m. service in the church. Some make the trip to the “squatty potty” others head outside for pictures.<br /><br />The monastery itself is an amazing complex of rooms in four stories. While our room on the third floor is simple with six cots a table, a chair and a sink, the ceiling is an elaborately carved flower with three dimensional petals and inner shapes. Flower boxes appear in a variety of places. We watch the sunrise as mist rises from the tree covered mountains. The serenity and peace in this early morning hour is accompanied by the knowledge that we survived a night without ANY modern conveniences.<br /><br />The Church of the Nativity centered in the courtyard is the largest monastery church in Bulgaria. Icons cover a large part of the facade and appear to have been recently renovated. They include clear, bright pictures of Saints, Angels, and Bible stories. Darker visions of hell complete the bottom portions of the walls. Inside, elaborate carvings and icons fill the room, murals cover the walls and yet the feeling is austere in its darkness.<br /><br />One’s focus is immediately drawn to the light coming from the three domes and candles shining on the iconostasis (wood carving and icon filled altar screen) created by Samokov woodcarvers working under Atanas Telado from 1839 to 1842. Thirty-three feet wide and at least twenty feet tall, it is an elaborate set of carvings and icons covered in gold leaf. (The writer met an Italian speaking woodcarver/carpenter working on this and other renovations in the monastery.<br /><br />The service begins with one priest intoning prayers. Responses come from behind the altar screen. Dressed in elaborate vestments, another priest emerges bearing incense and blessing church icons. It is difficult for us to understand the prayers spoken in Bulgarian, and we are unused to standing for long periods of time but it was worth it to hear the warm, rich voices rolling like gentle waves over the listeners as monks worship using a variety of musical styles. Vocals covered intoned prayers. Some songs include the traditional Bulgarian drone. Finally, monks sing music divided into parts. Being non-Orthodox it is a gift to be allowed to attend services that are usually reserved to church members. The realization that there are differences between our cultures is again brought home and leads to a variety of discussions as we leave in search of COFFEE. No luck.<br /><br />Walking around the grounds of the courtyard, the most impressive sight is of the original kitchen. Built by a man considered illiterate, it is honeycomb shaped and carved with years of soot covering the walls. A tour guide explains that the soot from the cooking area rises through the building coating the walls in three distinct places. Once the smoke reaches the opening at the top it is “white.” Hence, it is sited as being the world’s first ecologically clean building. The kitchen can feed hundreds of people at a time. One pot is touted as being big enough to hold a cow.<br /><br />The museum contains an amazing collection of artifacts dating from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Chalices, gold and jewel encrusted manuscripts, keys, icons, woven epitasplios (shrouds) from 1855 and 1859, and vestments fill the glass covered cases. Most impressive is the printing machine, (1865) metal clichés and copies of these first prints displaying pictures of the Saints and Mary. The same room contained illuminated manuscripts and copies of manuscripts with musical notation from 1888.<br /><br />Breakfast and COFFEE followed by a side trip to Happy Donuts brought smiles to all everyone. We packed, loaded the van and began our departure from the monastery. Making a three point turn on a road the size of a ribbon with the mountain on one side and a steep cliff edge on the other had everyone praising yet again our fantastic driver, Jorge. We really appreciate his skill.<br />It is impossible to relate everything we see on this trip. Here are a few views as we leave the monastery and head for Blagoevgrad.<br /><br />*Crystal clear, baby blue skies replace the overcast, heavy rainclouds of the previous day.<br />*Tree covered mountains fill our line of sight for miles<br />*Bubbling river sounds fill the air as we cross the bridge.<br />*Young girls sit under a red-stripped umbrella selling honey at the side of the road.<br />*Wildflowers of purple, yellow and white turn their faces to the morning sun.<br />*Dusty roads lead to small villages and gardens.<br />*Jagged rock face borders the road with an occasional bush or vine struggling to grow.<br />*“Fish crossing” sign is seen outside the fish hatchery.<br />*Yellow fields of freshly cut hay are interspersed with green fields of corn and other plantings.<br />*“Oh my gosh!” punctuates the silence as storks perched on lampposts and chimneys are sighted.<br /><br />Finally, Blagoevgrad, we are home. Home to room and roommate changes, key changes, new linens, luggage, food, laundry, and email. Once settled, some head to dinner with Nadia, Pamela and Margaret, some to the grocery store and some to the computer room.</p></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-51781684350097232502008-07-16T00:39:00.000-07:002008-07-18T23:45:20.248-07:00Le Tran--Wednesday, July 16<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mk1EyIz1Wi-j07aq1Uqt_OsilYoFUlaFMNMF415ZQv3uDOgCxW0t-sPTMl8LmN3Eb62uI4RzjZhtEvSQ3HdjotFFKNi7RI2V2JymzDsZMFGJPEZBH79aR96g3F2hbi_Rj95cJHeYBCCT/s1600-h/IMG_6035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224312499344348706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mk1EyIz1Wi-j07aq1Uqt_OsilYoFUlaFMNMF415ZQv3uDOgCxW0t-sPTMl8LmN3Eb62uI4RzjZhtEvSQ3HdjotFFKNi7RI2V2JymzDsZMFGJPEZBH79aR96g3F2hbi_Rj95cJHeYBCCT/s200/IMG_6035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb8AcoHjD83CLY5xmDQF-CeE_oToFNXxUgNCPNsyyIkpLsoPd3v5ss5RJnRcBioMqW_RppSYQLRnYW73RyjsK4-mduQgZIbjKbz93m6yhhB9F9ZnQuj6Eky-5b8dlgf5vxLraFgWV6uCA/s1600-h/IMG_6044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224312502139491202" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8_n0L5TPTecmlCGQ2yxRVtCDekg7eGAEe_ratCZL_IyKGldXoCw6LcYA246BxqlpQ0opOXuWxkaQOXwgHKa7i4LzaQBKJ9fU0nKpv1m-cbU6LvrijpEZRkestq2GKokND3nTllSC3kE9/s200/BG-6+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2OMYiqCUgEIK6mcUWqjvkOarkN88dzO2mkQHKbWrtDKAByViKbq-E9YdgSunCPedCSknfPXp7Kt7IScy_LZLPSy2wNzKSDhaLFUPuou5MNUbPzKuFmp2I2K6iFZ49VroRulb_eZpMHHO/s1600-h/BG-6+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223513851741324530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2OMYiqCUgEIK6mcUWqjvkOarkN88dzO2mkQHKbWrtDKAByViKbq-E9YdgSunCPedCSknfPXp7Kt7IScy_LZLPSy2wNzKSDhaLFUPuou5MNUbPzKuFmp2I2K6iFZ49VroRulb_eZpMHHO/s200/BG-6+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />What could be more relaxing than starting your day with coffee, friends and art making?</div><div><br />The Fulbrighters did just that. We gathered in the dorm’s lobby where there are several tables (perfect for art making) and a small coffee shop. Like my students, the teachers asked if they could eat and drink while doing their artwork. “Of-course”, is my automatic response.</div><div><br />As they filled the seats, I can feel the excitement rising in my heart. I am introducing iconography, an art form that has been and remained to be a major part of Bulgaria’s identity. Bulgaria was one of the first Eastern European nations to adopt the Christian faith; icons were the “bible” for the people since literacy was very low during this time. Christians believed that icons are sanctified objects that help them to feel the presence of God. Icons are traditionally stylized and unrealistic works of art. </div><div><br />The artists selected an icon from the collection I have accumulated thus far. They copied the image using watercolor and paper. The materials fitted the occasion since we had limited time and space for an authentic experience in icon painting. Once the brushes flowed, I could tell that my artists were relaxing and enjoying the process. It was a delight to see the paintings developed so quickly and that everyone was having fun. Carol may not have seen this as relaxing but we had fun nevertheless! </div><div><br />At 11:00 a.m., we boarded the bus with our overnight bag for Rila Monastery. I should mention that Kristin Grattan stayed within the luggage limit as this is Camp Bulgaria in her mind. The drive was approximately an hour from Blagoevgrad. We drove up to an altitude of 1147 meters, which meant cooler air for our weary campers.</div><div><br />Rila Monastery is a symbol of everything that is Bulgaria: the majestic mountains that surround the monastery, the monastery with its long history that was intricately woven with the country’s politics, culture and education. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185- 1396), the royalty gave this land to the Bulgarian people to build a monastery to establish and propagate the veneration for Saint Ivan Rilski, a hermit and a miracle-worker. The cave in which he lived is up on the mountain. Supposedly, he performed many miracles but the most important miracle of all was healing the possessed. People heard about him all over the land and he became a national hero. After he died, pilgrims flocked to this holy place to honor the humble man whom the Church later ordained a saint.</div><div><br />The monastery has become a tourist destination in recent years. We felt the frenzy of the place immediately upon arrival. It was like an international fair. A variety of languages can be heard as bus loads of people congregated at the entrance. We were taken back by the expansiveness of the complex and the ornate Church of Nativity. There were three domes that rise rhythmically over the central nave. Surrounding the church is a monumental open porch. Its walls and ceilings are covered with beautiful frescos depicting religious people and events of the bible. The cobble-stone courtyard is light and airy. The 300 or more monks’cells surround the main church and act as a “fortress”, protecting its inhabitants over the years. Now these cells are available to tourists like us. We wouldn’t consider them as bed and breakfast or hostels….as a matter-of- fact; we don’t know what to call them. Although we were forwarned that there would be no shower at this place and that we shouldn’t expect any modern conveniences, nothing could have prepared us for our overnight stay at the monastery. Reality hits hard when we checked into our six person room for the night and then discovered that the bathroom was down the hall and one floor below. It wasn’t an ordinary bathroom but an ancient facility that deterred us from our nightly consumption of fluid and fellowship.</div><div><br />We dropped off our bags and headed for a long and challenging hike up to St. Ivan’s cave which was 4.8 km, uphill all the way! We saw open fields with gorgeous colors of gold, violet, yellow, orange, brown, white wild flowers and tall grasses. I wished I could have stopped and painted the scenery before me. It was absolutely breath-taking. The mountains rose in the background and above them were clouds and mists that mingled together to create a mysterious shroud that was constantly changing. The quick flowing rivers dotted the land; creating an obstacle for the hikers and at the same time provided us its relaxing sound of gurgling water. Once in a while, we encountered a waterfall. Its power drowned out our voices, reminding us of our place in this universe. Nature has a way of bringing us back to our humanity, no matter where we stand in this beautiful world.</div><div><br />The climax of the hike came when we entered St. Ivan’s cave. It took a minute or so for our eyes to adjust to the darkness inside the cave and then we discovered an altar with three icons. We paid our respect silently then one by one, we carefully climbed up the steps leading to a narrow and twisting opening. The opening leads up to another level of the mountain. Legend has it that anyone who has lived a good life will pass thru this opening. The hikers in our group all passed this test including me. We were cheered on by a group of children who had traveled through the cave before us. It was all very exhilarating! </div><div><br />In the end, it was me, Kristin G and Larry that trudged down last from the mountains. Our bodies sore, our feet wanted to scream and Larry’s knees wanted to be stay upon the mountains and forget about the climb down. </div><div><br />We met up with the rest of the hikers at the foot of the mountains, at a restaurant closest to the monastery. We enjoyed the little luxury and conveniences of the facility before heading to the monastery. Knowing that the gate closes at 9:00 p.m., we stayed out until a minute before curfew, such rebels we are!</div><div><br />Back to the room of six women, we ventured to the bathroom together. What a great bonding experience this was for us. I told Pat that I have done my penance, between climbing all the way to the cave and enduring this pit-i-ful bathroom, I have definitely earned my way to heaven. We went back to our room and had a snore- strip party, courtesy of Pat. The only thing we heard throughout the night was the church bell.</div></div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-87839665185759139152008-07-15T06:06:00.001-07:002008-07-18T08:09:41.890-07:00Karen Lee--Tuesday, July 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS-jpeOgq4_zwYGQs4ylwnrH8n7XwEQuLIISHWDLFAMdVL1YuatPd_kQRligQLOrJ4KmQQULIbYJglBVu-ceJ3iaAMneCW6J0kvv6nb1lCbtuu3u2_ozc-IUZFOLUQl1FjPOM7L86nvax/s1600-h/class8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224371460466164418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS-jpeOgq4_zwYGQs4ylwnrH8n7XwEQuLIISHWDLFAMdVL1YuatPd_kQRligQLOrJ4KmQQULIbYJglBVu-ceJ3iaAMneCW6J0kvv6nb1lCbtuu3u2_ozc-IUZFOLUQl1FjPOM7L86nvax/s200/class8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHvLgnKIEkE4rN1ekELQPZFe73CyTA7nujTHqYLluOSyB3JLKW_ZGgrMTO2tvmC6s_w2tm_J75yt34AvOBB3E4_iRZK008w94o-vPo0cxYj7GqLTtAnvIRLT_ZcRjQkkey92mWRPEJiuy/s1600-h/AMB+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257638369595602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHvLgnKIEkE4rN1ekELQPZFe73CyTA7nujTHqYLluOSyB3JLKW_ZGgrMTO2tvmC6s_w2tm_J75yt34AvOBB3E4_iRZK008w94o-vPo0cxYj7GqLTtAnvIRLT_ZcRjQkkey92mWRPEJiuy/s200/AMB+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWblgc2JFCWZj4A1T9XJ4-Lxh-a5u5FB37IVuAVp_Fp_isYeCCU83jIaMadX28yqMaqR61pPPaE_ghdS0T5dYGTQULacjxQnb57Fq28JqYmp50gdlh50xtyPzbK4oFiJ3xpSCripUbgmn/s1600-h/AMB+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257642951166562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWblgc2JFCWZj4A1T9XJ4-Lxh-a5u5FB37IVuAVp_Fp_isYeCCU83jIaMadX28yqMaqR61pPPaE_ghdS0T5dYGTQULacjxQnb57Fq28JqYmp50gdlh50xtyPzbK4oFiJ3xpSCripUbgmn/s200/AMB+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh747WcEelY7drg45cskVaGC2UgWYnjhZynqNsbwQp1nCjH99o0hYipbZ0HitkmEHkeZI0MRLGw0E5lHSsfb4sH2nXXR4wrPlNDkwD-5GgIK5qCvzqK6D8VI197e6ez52VVEte6fisGIZfu/s1600-h/AMB+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257652442665906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh747WcEelY7drg45cskVaGC2UgWYnjhZynqNsbwQp1nCjH99o0hYipbZ0HitkmEHkeZI0MRLGw0E5lHSsfb4sH2nXXR4wrPlNDkwD-5GgIK5qCvzqK6D8VI197e6ez52VVEte6fisGIZfu/s200/AMB+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIryIKZI4raLYvJrwVT6hC7GluVsu8YKqHcJJrhhxofdRNh61GJUXNFgw0ug1zZcx0-50yhFZm0-X889Wi1XGCtJrV4NJ_Xizbzfgj1w7MykS7jO6ctcD1OsgJ8F30HrQhX-dY7eFs0Sf/s1600-h/AMB+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257660193008562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIryIKZI4raLYvJrwVT6hC7GluVsu8YKqHcJJrhhxofdRNh61GJUXNFgw0ug1zZcx0-50yhFZm0-X889Wi1XGCtJrV4NJ_Xizbzfgj1w7MykS7jO6ctcD1OsgJ8F30HrQhX-dY7eFs0Sf/s200/AMB+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNI44lqfhvARyH0evADb3f33GY2CMGKM7d8XkBMJ2-DMuqJOWELheQizhtfKpR5MOPgE0pQulSOe5SJbs55hHnGxfoT3J7FI5RAUZZifiVlY2nKNksTtBP-7bYWp7s5bFy6fuI4fPlYLX/s1600-h/AMB+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257669933526994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNI44lqfhvARyH0evADb3f33GY2CMGKM7d8XkBMJ2-DMuqJOWELheQizhtfKpR5MOPgE0pQulSOe5SJbs55hHnGxfoT3J7FI5RAUZZifiVlY2nKNksTtBP-7bYWp7s5bFy6fuI4fPlYLX/s200/AMB+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><em>What does freedom look like when you are not use to being free?</em></strong><br /><br /><br />In the government class that I teach, I try to center my students on a few essential questions that we ask every unit and develop our answers as we progress in our study of US Government. One of the anchoring question is, “when is it right to fight back?” This morning during our lecture on democracy in Bulgaria, I found myself screaming in my head, “now Bulgaria, fight back now!”<br /><br /><br />Dr. Ivelin Sardarnov titled his discussion today, “Bulgaria’s Troubled Transition” and provided us with many reasons why Bulgaria is troubled. Here are a few facts:<br /><br />Bulgaria’s political system is labeled as a parliamentary republic- but even that title seems a little troubled.<br /><br />There is a president- Georgi Parvanov- who functions with limited power and a Prime Minister- Sergey Stanishev- who leads the 240 member Parliament.<br /><br />The coalition of political parties that currently makes up Parliament are: Bulgarian Socialist Party (majority), National Movement Simeon II, and Movement for Rights and Freedoms.<br /><br />The Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria was written in 1991.<br /><br />There is a Constitutional Court where judges are appointed by both the President and Parliament for a fixed term. The EU has pushed Bulgaria to appoint a “watchdog” to ensure that there is a balance between independence and accountability to those serving on the court.<br /><br />There is a limited system to make changes to the Constitution- our professor thinks changes that have to go through the Grand National Assembly (the amendment process) are unlikely.<br /><br />Today’s lecture was the final and possibly the most complete thread to run throughout our studies since we have come to Bulgaria. Combining our knowledge of Bulgarian history, economics, music, art, literature, and now politics- our picture of this beautiful country speaks to each of us in a different way.<br /><br />What became clear is that people around the world, act similarly when they have been oppressed for a long period of time. Dictionary.com defines oppression in the following way:<br /><br />op·pres·sion –noun<br />1. The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, crew or unjust manner<br />2. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.<br /><br />Bulgaria has been an oppressed country for thousands of years. Between the Ottomans and Communism, it has been hard for Bulgaria to define who and what Bulgaria is on their own. The actions and attitude of the country can be linked to the long term oppression that has been present. Although the people that we have met along the way are trying to preserve a part of the history or culture, there does not seem to be a collective movement to “find Bulgaria’s place in the world.” After years of having a collective enemy, Bulgarians are now searching for a way out of the corruption in politics, law enforcement, economics and social systems. The irony of the Communist fallout is that instead of developing a sense of collective ownership as it was designed, it has left a feeling that no one owns anything. Which leads to the problem, like many around the world who have been oppressed, is that hope and trust in the system or authority has been replaced with pessimism and an individualistic look at how to survive. Bulgaria seems to be lacking a common goal to fight for. Without movement forward then the perception becomes, things were better when….<br /><br />Bulgaria’s efforts to join the European Union and meet the standards that are expected with that title could be the catalyst for change that this country needs. The EU could serve as the watchdog that keeps the “vultures” away. Bulgaria is looking for someone to check the abuse of power and to ensure the common good is valued again. The lingering question is what will have to be sacrificed to make this change. Will it be the family values that are so intertwined with the culture, the historical culture that is rich in tradition and pride, or a sense of nationalism? Our hope for Bulgaria is that this country will realize its potential through education, trade and their glorious history of overcoming troubled times.<br /><br />We started out on this journey looking at Bulgaria as a multilayered cake. I have to think that I am leaving this country at a time where another layer has just been added on. But I am confident that Bulgaria is not quite ready for the icing to top this country’s cake. We have not seen the best part of Bulgaria yet. I look forward to the day that the rest of the world understands Bulgaria in the way that we have been able to through our time and experiences here.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Here are the ideas from the post-it notes we wrote after today's lecture:</em></strong><br /><br />Big Ideas<br />- Bulgaria has a conflict of values between the strength of kinship ties and the absence of a goal of working together toward the common good.<br />- Good to hear both sides of the story<br />- Oppression has a lasting impact on people (both individuals and societies)<br />- What will it take to stimulate change in Bulgaria?<br />- The overall demographic trend facing Bulgaria today and its impact on the culture<br />- The corruption of political, economic and social systems in Bulgaria. The impact that this corruption has.<br />- The importance of joining the European Union and the future role it will make on the Bulgarian people.<br />- Upward mobility requires a sacrifice of tradition/family- harder with a great tradition<br />- Every society has its groups that function without intervention- gangs, hoodlums, mafia, thugs<br />- The EU is forcing change in economics, politics and judicial system using monetary controls.<br />- Family and kinship are very important historically to Bulgarians but can have positive and negative effects on greater society as a whole.<br />- Attitude and optimism/pessimism can be determined by status in society<br />- Pessimism breads an apathetic approach to life. People don't work as a collective group because of communism being dominated, corruption, fear/safety, prejudice, lack of tolerance<br />- Today's lecture was the thread to all other lectures- even the music and religion lectures by not mentioning these disciplines<br />- The element of change. Today's lecture on political change has had a great impact on the changes discussed in other lectures- historical regime change, presence of religion, economic change<br />- The data (information) given by the last presenter was consistent with the other presenters. The tone or view was quite different nevertheless.<br />- Irony of Communist fallout: instead of collective ownership, a sense that no one owns anything. Connection between Didar's discussion on housing and apartments and the lack of law enforcement for public services (parking, littering, etc.)<br />- What will be the next layer to the cake? Is the top layer of the cake now: of a troubled transition? or will it just become another layer on top of corruption and organized crime, personal morality, constant disenfranchisement, lack of trust/interest in "bigger picture", Ottoman, Communist Rule<br /><br />Fears<br />- that corruption will prevent country from progressing and people from achieving a better lifestyle<br />- Romani children<br />- economic disparity<br />- primary institutions are irrelevant to everyday life (those that build a common good)- church, government, community groups, law enforcement<br />- national community that has been oppressed does not turn to drugs/addictions<br />- adjust to the Euro smoothly<br />- premonition for our country- too many parallels<br /><br /><br />Hopes<br />- design includes more safety features in architecture and ergonomics<br />- for serge in humanities in education and not just business/marketing<br />- could the high standards of the EU be the "carrot" that helps Bulgaria survive, while allowing some nationalism to continue?<br />- that Bulgarians preserve their traditions and cultures<br />- corruption will go away with joining the EU<br />- that Bulgaria finds its voice as Bulgaria (no corruption, no inflation, government involvement) and Bulgaria keeps its voice in the EU<br /><br /><br />Predictions<br />- much more foreign investment<br />- a new retirement location<br />- the EU may supply a check and balance<br />- generation gap of children missing will led to a gap in culture being passed on<br />- they will be fine because they joined the EU</div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-73136391553488598252008-07-14T13:12:00.001-07:002008-07-18T07:57:07.303-07:00Carol Mohrlock--Monday, July 14<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF4WnB-kgyS_LRIptJSFRo4Ie633pM6GZ41JjmCEF1u0-knyntFnfvqJNer-MK4xbtd-OyxRb5P-k2LZLBn7jTOVOQPwbhmLr3kgxWlVh0HYiwesKhoaVkVVhyRDqv0PT43lPGyCbUa2_/s1600-h/Didar.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224368243921564898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF4WnB-kgyS_LRIptJSFRo4Ie633pM6GZ41JjmCEF1u0-knyntFnfvqJNer-MK4xbtd-OyxRb5P-k2LZLBn7jTOVOQPwbhmLr3kgxWlVh0HYiwesKhoaVkVVhyRDqv0PT43lPGyCbUa2_/s200/Didar.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz4QdATtvgDECbcqBC6C6f3nYGrWI4Rd1pqp7-sJgllOhgp34KovjPWkpTyT3nYq5HE0Yt1k4virtsqirOwlEn5RRgqo3YrzzT-MuOFHE-rweevVRo93XV2JVFOf90ISoJ1JYm_W44nuv/s1600-h/AMB+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224258789476052498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz4QdATtvgDECbcqBC6C6f3nYGrWI4Rd1pqp7-sJgllOhgp34KovjPWkpTyT3nYq5HE0Yt1k4virtsqirOwlEn5RRgqo3YrzzT-MuOFHE-rweevVRo93XV2JVFOf90ISoJ1JYm_W44nuv/s200/AMB+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2d4yW_iTBZu1tHIFF6IvPA-6m-UZ6mBRqI-seaLnp86HDyMN74WVqrzsPHygmp4sFRU2fI9hlBE76P6gYZ-HjuUlNEVkhJ_CgU-aDlxcDXeScBBUgnAduWwA9YbLMOP-yz9UeY_lOdXR/s1600-h/Didar.jpg">WOW! </a><br /><br />Where do I begin! Dr. Didar Erdine was our presenter today at AUBG. Talk about a dynamic speaker and a teacher! This woman is one knowledgeable economist who knows how to convey the very important information about economics and economics in Bulgaria. I personally loved every minute of the economics lecture.<br /><br />Here are some statements which I share by way of the heading:<br /><br /><strong>ECONOMICS of BULGARIA</strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>E</strong></span>astern communist regime considered Bulgaria as a satellite of the USSR.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">C</span></strong>ommunism “fixed” prices, products and “everything” during this regime.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">O</span></strong>wning of private property was very little during communism. Land was owned by state.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">N</span></strong>othing under communism was determined by supply and demand.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">O</span></strong>ver the time period of 1945 – 1989 Bulgaria had a dictatorial government.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">M</span></strong>any problems existed related to economic inefficiency b/c compensation was limited.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I</span></strong>n the communist regime there was no unemployment & no differentiation of wages.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">C</span></strong>ollapsing of communism brought about market reforms within Bulgaria.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">S</span></strong>ome BG politicians were involved with corruption when market reforms began.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">O</span></strong>ver night some people became millionaires by selling off items of the Bulgarian state.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">F</span></strong>or such people the term Nomen Klatura is used.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">B</span></strong>anks were also involved in the mismanagement of funds. Corruption sprung up.<br /><strong>U</strong>nrest stirred among the public who were becoming increasingly aware of corruption.<br /><strong>L</strong>osses were handled by BG printing more lev to finance the losses.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">G</span></strong>rowing tensions were seen when BG tried to get into the export market (western EU).<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A</span></strong>sking BG to control $ supply by being pegged to the euro has helped the economy.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">R</span></strong>evenues (taxes) & expenditures (supporting state enterprises) are the two sides of gov.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I </span></strong>M F has been a most important system since 1997 for the BG macroeconomic structure.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A</span></strong> country, like BG must rely on foreign investments to open its economy and improve.<br /><br /><br />While the economic future of Bulgaria is uncertain, the country has leveled the playing field. It has made it possible for all people to come and purchase enterprises. This small country, located at the crossroads of the east and west realizes it needs capital from the foreign market.<br /><br /><br />Since 1998 Bulgaria has received funds as a perspective member of the EU. In order to become a member Bulgaria must use the EU money to improve its infrastructures. Currently the EU funds (which are a grant) are frozen due do some corruption. The EU is closely monitoring the funds.<br /><br /><br />Currently one of Bulgaria’s biggest problems is that of inflation. For the past few years inflation has been at 15 %. In order to use the euro, an EU member country can not have over 4-5% inflation. Given the global trends it will take several years for this nation to work through the current challenge of inflation.<br /><br /><br />Dr. Erdine projects that 2012 will be the year that Bulgaria begins using the euro. Only time will tell if this will happen. In the mean time, it looks as if the Rose of the Balkans is on the right economic road for progress.<br /><br /><br />While our morning was filled with a stimulating class on economics, our afternoon was filled with learning how to weave. Fulbright-Hayes participant Anne Dale Blair showed us all how to weave a Bulgarian flag. The art session was great fun as we followed her instructions and chatted about our fabulous Fulbright experience in Bulgaria.<br /><br /><br />Carol Mohrlock<br />July 14, 2008<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222970069432079730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2d4yW_iTBZu1tHIFF6IvPA-6m-UZ6mBRqI-seaLnp86HDyMN74WVqrzsPHygmp4sFRU2fI9hlBE76P6gYZ-HjuUlNEVkhJ_CgU-aDlxcDXeScBBUgnAduWwA9YbLMOP-yz9UeY_lOdXR/s200/Didar.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-58514594505693116862008-07-09T13:26:00.007-07:002008-07-18T08:39:52.271-07:00Julie Marek--Sunday, July 13July 13, 2008<br />BLOG by Julie Marek<br /><br />On the ten hour trip from Varna to Blagoevgrad, down bumpy back roads of Bulgaria which we termed the Bulgarian back massage, we had ample time to talk and get to know each other better. We would like take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you--take a look at these profiles:<br /><br />Kristen Holtschlag<br />I am a high school English teacher. My first three years as a teacher were spent at an alternative high school in Northeast Washington, DC. After the trip, I will be moving to Chicago to start a new chapter in my life and working with 9th and 11th graders at Oak Park/River Forest High School.<br /><br />Since a 500-page epic poem will be my students’ first introduction to high school and me, I am excited to discover that my Bulgarian experience has much to offer in terms of enriching this ancient and important text- The Odyssey!<br /><br />On a personal level, I have also been very touched by the spirit and optimism with which the Bulgarians we have met face their period of transition.<br /><br /><br />Pamela Galbraith<br />I am the outreach coordinator for the Center for Advanced Study of International Development (CASID) at Michigan State University where I am also a PhD candidate in the Department of Anthropology. I studied the gender and the development of civil society in Bulgaria in 2001 with the support of Fulbright- IIE, and will join the Anthropology department of Grand Valley State University as visiting faculty this fall.<br /><br /><br />Kristin Walden Grattan<br />Kristin is Nation Board Certified Teacher – Literacy 2005 and currently teaching at risk children in grades K-5 in Mason, Michigan. She received a BA in French from Albion College; MA in literacy from Michigan State University.<br /><br />Kristin is very interested in continuing her study of the Bulgarian language and the Cyrillic Language when she returns to the United States.<br /><br /><br />Karen Lee<br />I teach 9th grade Early World History and 12th grade AP US Government at Maya Angelou Public Charter School (MAPCS). The school is located in Northeast Washington DC and serves students who have not been successful in traditional schools. I have a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and have a desire to help make urban curriculum equitable.<br /><br />I wanted to come to Bulgaria to experience and learn a region of the world that I had never seen before. I am very interested in the history of this region because it is directly linked to the work I do in the classroom. I also wanted to be able to share the world with my students and encourage them to see new places and explore the world for themselves. My hope is that students will begin to look and study the world around them with a new set of eyes and fresh perspective.<br /><br /><br />Le Tran<br />Le Tran has taught art at East Kentwood High School for six years. She is also an adjunct professor at Kendal College of Art and Design. Ms. Tran is and active member of the National Art Education Association and she has been invited to participate in a delegation to travel to Vietnam as a part of the People to People Initiatives. This is Le’s second Fulbright Hays GPA. She enjoys reading, traveling and painting.<br /><br /><br />Andrea Hartland<br />I am Andrea Hartland and I live in Lansing, Michigan. I teach third graders at Bath Elementary in Bath, Michigan. I am a Spartan at heart, having earned both a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University. One of my strongest aspirations is to model a heightened level of global awareness and tolerance of diversity to my students. This trip to Bulgaria allows me to bring a cultural experience to children who are not familiar with this beautiful and fascinating country. From swimming in the Black Sea to playing traditional Bulgarian instruments with people in the mountain villages. It has been a journey filled with endless memories that I will share with my students for years to come.<br /><br /><br />Ann Marie Borders<br />Ann Marie's professional work in Michigan includes:<br />National Board Certified Teacher<br />MEA International Understanding Commission Chair<br />Active member of the University Musical Society Chorus (and other local music organizations)<br />I am married to my best friend James Borders with two lovely adult children Jacqueline and Julia. I teach 1st grade at Logan School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I’d like to teach Bulgarian culture to my students using the district outcomes and hands on activities. I am moved by the sheer beauty of the country. Rolling hills, fields of sunflowers, snow covered mountains, interspersed with cliff clinging villages, majestic churches and shopping complexes. It is an amazingly welcoming country. I’m very happy to be here with a wonderful, energetic and insightful group of people.<br /><br /><br />Anne W. Dale Blair<br />Anne teaches elementary art in Grandville Public Schools. She has 5 elementary schools and has about 1000 students, 1st through 6th grade. Her BA was from Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) in Art Education/Interior Design. She also has a MA in Print Making from Purdue and Elementary Endorsement from Western Michigan University.<br /><br />Professionally, Anne is active in her professional organizations and is Co-Chair of the Michigan Art Education Association 2008 conference being held in Grand Rapids, October 9-12th, 2008.<br /><br />Print making is Anne’s favorite art media with relief woodcuts and etchings. She is also currently in a quilt phase, making queen size quilts and experimenting with lots of colors.<br /><br /><br />Heather Bartlett<br />Heather teaches middle school in Romeo, Michigan for the past ten years. She teaches Social Studies, History, and Math. She received her Undergraduate Degree from Central Michigan University with majors in Math and Social Studies. She also earned her Master Degree in American History from Oakland University.<br /><br /><br />Pat Goodman<br />Pat is currently a counselor for 8th and 9th graders at Coloma Junior High. Pat is a talented musician and a member of the Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and the OPUS IV and Renaissance String Quartets.<br /><br />Pat is a mother of three children, Andrew who is a Medical Resident with the University of Pennsylvania, Nicholas who is in International Studies at Eastern Kentucky University, and Carolyn who is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Vocal Performance an upcoming star who is moving to NYC and working for a break.<br /><br /><br />Margaret Holtschlag<br />Margaret’s professional work in Michigan includes:<br />LATTICE –Linking All Types of Teachers to International Cross-Cultural Education, Director of the Big Lesson programs (History, Zoo, Nature, Science, Culture programs), Adjunct Instructor, College of Education, Michigan State University, Michigan Teacher of the Year 2000 & National Teacher of the Year Finalist 2000.<br /><br />Margaret currently lives in Okemos, Michigan with her family members including Dave her husband and her children Joe, Sarah, and Kristen.<br /><br />I am inspired by the creativity of our group of Fulbright teachers. Each are developing curriculum projects to teach about Bulgaria to their students in MI, NV, DC, and IL. Teachers are sharing their experiences with each other, including integrated curriculum, differentiation, history, literature, art, music, geography, and literacy. We are all sharing ideas and learning from each other. I am proud to be part of this outstanding group of educators.<br /><br /><br />Julie Marek<br />I currently teach 8th grade World Geography at Brinley Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have been teaching in Vegas for the past 8 years but my roots are in Michigan where I started teaching at Fowlerville High School. I have my Bachelors in Education from Central Michigan University and a Masters in Geography from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). I was fortunate to finish my Masters in Sydney, Australia studying and teaching there for 6 months. Last summer I participated in a Semester at Sea program spending 3 months traveling and studying culture and geography through out Latin America (Mexico to Chile). I am currently active with the Geographic Alliance of Nevada (GAIN) as a teacher consultant presenting lessons at GeoFest 2008.<br /><br />I believe that we are all life long learners of the world around us. It is wonderful experiences like this Fulbright to Bulgaria that helps us to build connections and understanding of other regions of the world. I know that while there are only 16 of us fellow teachers on this trip the experiences, knowledge, and wonderful ideals of tolerance will be felt by thousands of students in the years to come.<br /><br /><br />Carol Mohrlock<br />C aring educator of sixth grade geography and seventh grade ancient civilization<br />Ann Arbor, Michigan native<br />Realist in terms of thoughts and ideas<br />Open minded individual<br />Love of people, cultures and life<br /><br />Masters degree is held from Eastern MI University and one from University of Michigan<br />Other grades I have taught are:1, 4, 5, elem. & high school special ed, & college level<br />Hope College is where I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in 1980<br />Religion, faith and a strong foundation in spirituality is part of who I am<br />Learning is a passion of mine. I believe I will be a life long learner<br />One brother named Ken is my only sibling<br />Comfortable, content, curious, creative are some of the “c” words which describe me<br />Keep on traveling is a goal and desire of mine<br /><br /><br /><br />And as a final note with the extra time on the bus we have a special treat of Lyrics by Larry. This is best if done to the tune of On The Road Again by Willie Nelson… Go on give it a try!<br /><br />LYRICS BY LARRY.. ON THE BUS AGAIN!<br /><br />Chorus<br /><br />On the bus again<br />Just can’t wait to get on the bus again<br />The life I love is seeing Bulgaria with my friends<br />And I can’t wait to get on the bus again<br />On the bus again<br />Leaving Varna that I’ve never been<br />Buying things that I may never see again,<br /><br />And I can’t wait to get on the bus again<br /><br />Verse 1<br /><br />As we leave at seven O three<br />Carol says it’s icon, coffee, or tea<br />And Varna sunflowers that we love the best<br />Shows us their face as George speeds to the west<br /><br />And I can’t wait to get on the bus again<br /><br />Verse 2<br /><br />On the bus again<br />Like a band of gypsies we go to the fortress Tsarevets<br />We’re the best of friends<br />It was where the Second Bulgarian Kingdom end was met.<br /><br />And I can’t wait to get on the bus again<br /><br />Verse 3<br /><br />On the bus again<br />Traveling with friends I love and trust<br />Speeding down a bumpy road<br />And hoping my bladder will not bust<br /><br />And I can’t wait to get on the bus again<br />Verse 4<br /><br />On the bus again<br />Like a band of gypsies we do the week’s evaluation<br />We’re the best of friends<br />And as travelers what has been our own education<br /><br />And I can’t wait to get on the bus again.<br /><br />Verse 5<br /><br />On the bus again<br />Hoping my deodorant doesn’t end<br />For ten hours we are the best of friends<br />And I just can’t wait to get off the bus again.<br /><br />And I just can’t wait to get off the bus again.Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-38417536315228402002008-07-09T13:26:00.005-07:002008-07-18T00:50:45.846-07:00Kristen Holtschlag--Saturday, July 12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx73aJQ6GdUuBnNqOpuLLiKA3c3PkzMOk47LZM_JwVnJ1wSwHmIgShznOLGPjZz0JLfGupCS04PKEsYwpADwNXvfkjps5-f881UEd0615B5LfTtl-_1l_iDGr6bg97g1SAI_HQJke5400V/s1600-h/AMB+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224258333416396674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx73aJQ6GdUuBnNqOpuLLiKA3c3PkzMOk47LZM_JwVnJ1wSwHmIgShznOLGPjZz0JLfGupCS04PKEsYwpADwNXvfkjps5-f881UEd0615B5LfTtl-_1l_iDGr6bg97g1SAI_HQJke5400V/s200/AMB+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadABrMpQmHjYmICY0iOq5SiB4QScTLCxZOSvLRSIUPgBM9TZkw0AaAeO8yGlH29d40PMGGQMs1b2eW9zFvvC0liEKJvcsPoiKhjACCLCLj5B8BRe2Pih9Z0DZiGPVEzOqNwR62SufczGi/s1600-h/AMB+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224258337239346674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadABrMpQmHjYmICY0iOq5SiB4QScTLCxZOSvLRSIUPgBM9TZkw0AaAeO8yGlH29d40PMGGQMs1b2eW9zFvvC0liEKJvcsPoiKhjACCLCLj5B8BRe2Pih9Z0DZiGPVEzOqNwR62SufczGi/s200/AMB+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZVUislbpYnaM9NvPyDlmBe2PyoFqcq7tMZjmBp9ZbA_q1_uDKFJ8Q4IuKRYnTLgQ-I7MELeo1m7PS7mBECO0UsdfaOHKvYVQCF3GOwBAVAHYLv-UHbfbHjbs4symhOqgjqkBluZ2uWF8/s1600-h/AMB+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224258352966351906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZVUislbpYnaM9NvPyDlmBe2PyoFqcq7tMZjmBp9ZbA_q1_uDKFJ8Q4IuKRYnTLgQ-I7MELeo1m7PS7mBECO0UsdfaOHKvYVQCF3GOwBAVAHYLv-UHbfbHjbs4symhOqgjqkBluZ2uWF8/s200/AMB+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiD4v3btXU14iapo0I2C9hm_LOfENe_vB9EeXicPkKjFaeQsFCZ6ZRY0t0R1vFt-vkJvxWiZEp3bcoqjisauY9HiPqa5L4cQLGNRx7NiYek1y1_LFvfzH-zw-42Fjd97niCwZT-FEbDgU/s1600-h/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_099.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223968593240379858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiD4v3btXU14iapo0I2C9hm_LOfENe_vB9EeXicPkKjFaeQsFCZ6ZRY0t0R1vFt-vkJvxWiZEp3bcoqjisauY9HiPqa5L4cQLGNRx7NiYek1y1_LFvfzH-zw-42Fjd97niCwZT-FEbDgU/s200/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_099.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6-1Hpc5kFxZaOkYfO3QYQ9q64OF2PZFA5v0YBTxxrMLBKJ4LzLHVbqiKcBOda0ew5sWeGE7zj0OYv4lUaNmyMf7CalBbuNnpDvdtyI-Y3E_6lx964OUZCzXzvSRdrMwnL2XaBxdkKLPz/s1600-h/Varna+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222724671524983522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6-1Hpc5kFxZaOkYfO3QYQ9q64OF2PZFA5v0YBTxxrMLBKJ4LzLHVbqiKcBOda0ew5sWeGE7zj0OYv4lUaNmyMf7CalBbuNnpDvdtyI-Y3E_6lx964OUZCzXzvSRdrMwnL2XaBxdkKLPz/s200/Varna+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Today we had a free day in which to explore the fair city of Varna. Usually, when teachers need a day off, we give our kidlets a test. In that spirit, here is a short quiz to test your knowledge of the group, our adventures, and the Baltic Peninsula.<br />Good luck!!presented to you by Kristen Holtschlag<br /><br />1. Which of the following is NOT an explanation for the naming of the Black Sea?<br />a. The danger it posed in crossing it during the ancient times.<br />b. The number of oil spills that have happened in this body of water.<br />c. Hydrogen sulfide located approximately 200 meters below the surface giving the water a black appearance.<br />d. The color black was associated with north on the compass; the sea used to be called the North Sea, and now it is the Black Sea.<br /><br /><br />2. How many times is Julie allowed to utter the word "nachos" in Karen's presence?<br />a. 0<br />b. 2<br />c. 3<br />d. 5<br /><br /><br />3. What unusual thing did NOT take place during tonight's performance at the summer concert series?<br />a. The exhausted violist rested his elbow on his knee during the entire third movement of the Bhrams.<br />b. The first violinist dropped his bow during his solo in the Shostakovich. c. A high string on the Steinway broke.<br />d. The first violinist's music stand broke in half.<br /><br /><br />4. What was today's exchange rate for the Bulgarian lev? $1 = ?<br />a. 1.30<br />b. 1.23<br />c. 1.18<br />d. 1.21<br /><br /><br />5. How do you say, "Coffee with milk, please" in Bulgarian?<br />a. Кафе с мляко, моля<br />b. Вие сте goofy и вие знаете, че<br />c. Той е на картофено тиган, Otis<br />d. Знаете ли за google превеждате?<br /><br /><br />6. At Varna Beach, you can rent a chair for 3 lv. An umbrella to sit under costs 2 lv. A pad for a chair costs 1 lv. If you want to rent two chairs, one umbrella, and two pads to go on the chairs, how much should you pay?<br />a. 6 lv.<br />b. 10 lv.<br />c. 15 lv.<br />d. 12 lv.<br /><br /><br />7. Which member of the group holds the record for owning the sunblock with the highest SPF?<br />a. Shirley<br />b. Andrea<br />c. Margaret<br />d. Stephanie<br /><br /><br />8. How many days do we have left of our Bulgarian adventure?<br />a. 11<br />b. 12<br />c. 9<br />d. 6<br /><br /><br />9. According to our hotel, which of the following is considered a breakfast food?<br />a. American cheese<br />b. Shrink-wrapped hot dogs<br />c. Pickles<br />d. Waffles<br /><br /><br />10. What can be difficult when navigating the city of Varna?<br />a. Streets have no street signs.<br />b. Streets change names when they cross over intersections (sometimes).<br />c. Maps are written in cyrillic.<br />d. All of the above.<br /><br /><br />Correct Answers:<br /><br />1.) b; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Sea">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Sea</a><br /><br />2.) c; Julie can't find nachos. It's a big problem for us. On a number of levels.<br /><br />3.) a; Wild times at the symphony tonight. For those of you on Rhapsody, check out these amazing pieces we heard tonight - Bhrams: Trio for violin, horn, & piano; Op. 40 Schubert: Piano Sonata, Wanderer Fantasy, D. 760 Shostakovich: Quintet in 6 minor, Op. 57<br /><br />4.) b; Can't complain...<br /><br />5.) a; <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate">http://translate.google.com/translate</a> How cool is this page!?<br /><br />6.) trick question! If you are an American tourist, you will be asked to pay 15 lv. Don't fall for the trap! It should only be 10 lv.<br /><br />7.) d; Stephanie comes in first with a whopping SPF 85. Margaret gets an honorable mention for her equally excessive SPF 70.<br /><br />8.) This depends on the day you are reading this blog. If you read it tonight, July 12, we will have 11 days left. CraZY!<br /><br />9.) b; YUM! Wrap me up one and let me take it home!!! ;)<br /><br />10.) d; And we are crossing our fingers to return to Blagoevgrad with 16 people on the bus!</div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-67317011586037899612008-07-09T13:26:00.003-07:002008-07-17T06:07:21.035-07:00Kristin Grattan--Friday, July 11<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9gDu_RXFJzEpzh6i3RWrSk7usy96pJAc78lSYiT-1EYjkxvjKy6fbER0lJr3fzW09OloZDbHUUPRNn5xMGinII3GrGF_95M88Ac0G55ZXf0ekhDtCyOgsCQGh-b2L5noPgPp_dm08_E_/s1600-h/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223968835807177074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9gDu_RXFJzEpzh6i3RWrSk7usy96pJAc78lSYiT-1EYjkxvjKy6fbER0lJr3fzW09OloZDbHUUPRNn5xMGinII3GrGF_95M88Ac0G55ZXf0ekhDtCyOgsCQGh-b2L5noPgPp_dm08_E_/s200/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_bGIBvEfZWDvMFM3IthAJkMVfQWDGYqz6TaFowcu-EXd3BBi2vP4XwpDZEjye3CfuZsG-mZuHt5SVOxnrq8-zoFVytpe3vOqlzjEP06s66_daRDt_oB8kVfn98e6P_k4TIq0Z26GSILW/s1600-h/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223968844580017906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_bGIBvEfZWDvMFM3IthAJkMVfQWDGYqz6TaFowcu-EXd3BBi2vP4XwpDZEjye3CfuZsG-mZuHt5SVOxnrq8-zoFVytpe3vOqlzjEP06s66_daRDt_oB8kVfn98e6P_k4TIq0Z26GSILW/s200/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_149.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJF7nXp3F7bUOBmN5UctqlApy1OiFpTzhL07wQsCC-YOooXVAPtbYP8fAPEE1NuHvHRcI3VtADk7yB_OYE-gDXs07RdD805s-l4ih-095I6s5xssAM46mb4Q-A1OLMWuCjDPBtRTVPSJH/s1600-h/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_151.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223968853379624322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJF7nXp3F7bUOBmN5UctqlApy1OiFpTzhL07wQsCC-YOooXVAPtbYP8fAPEE1NuHvHRcI3VtADk7yB_OYE-gDXs07RdD805s-l4ih-095I6s5xssAM46mb4Q-A1OLMWuCjDPBtRTVPSJH/s200/blagoevgrad.bansko.varna_151.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfRSLPWBhVsdZC-OaeCNTJWkAtPiY6VC722N4bFbA9-UZ6rsAeJNg1rQhLIFsrGlTp-Sbg0ljwcVVO1vdX0CaAOOkO7AZi4uNDikf-HMnxDhhnIZCzBWseV-lsyosqQ2soB1qDxjN_cWX/s1600-h/Varna+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222724062874189762" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnWbWWFcxhEvOdrZQNjbv90S3hMV-sMR2meGLZWezjPzwmq6bxSGUsPKuuxq8wNgl2ZF4tRVkoEK7wrKVsiltnZ0-oogZ9KpDvrP3GucrWEKcKaX0cu-hQrgTiRje2isi5a4juZmteU5z/s200/Varna+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj04elH1o8fd7XJ6dmhRGakIDH9rA17oGmIfO6mXimxeuS8a5Nd_xV1JQHDQlzy_TurEvFdM8DS5OycoPyq3-MV6LUaetwsk63QCDSg2-Fr8jgDTPAEOoWCE4aQ4vNssPhAmS25QytH3L/s1600-h/Varna+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222723431364180066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj04elH1o8fd7XJ6dmhRGakIDH9rA17oGmIfO6mXimxeuS8a5Nd_xV1JQHDQlzy_TurEvFdM8DS5OycoPyq3-MV6LUaetwsk63QCDSg2-Fr8jgDTPAEOoWCE4aQ4vNssPhAmS25QytH3L/s200/Varna+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9a_ko5D01-_7v5h-dXfb18oC9HXGsD7738pSry074ujMp_nh7Hx_KCYlUzC8Apz4Ahfav907lPyxrLoJOr2zQJAgAIovvhhyphenhyphentkoY4uLDGupBbwKD2Nr_Er3yCaKy4LdHFIj2cLSp-JDo/s1600-h/Varna+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222723439620894034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9a_ko5D01-_7v5h-dXfb18oC9HXGsD7738pSry074ujMp_nh7Hx_KCYlUzC8Apz4Ahfav907lPyxrLoJOr2zQJAgAIovvhhyphenhyphentkoY4uLDGupBbwKD2Nr_Er3yCaKy4LdHFIj2cLSp-JDo/s200/Varna+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Kristin Walden Grattan Varna, Bulgaria July 11, 2008</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />We quickly found that maps are useless in the city of Varna, since there are very few street signs. Our Intrepid Leader Pamela bravely led us through tunnels and winding streets to find several famous sites in Varna. The Church of the Assumption is beautiful. The Archaeological Museum is filled with room after room of artifacts including Roman glass, pottery, tombstones, sculptures and jewelry. </div><br /><div><br />We even saw several pieces of the Thracian gold which is the oldest worked gold ever found in the world. Archeologists estimate that this gold predated the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations and demonstrated the existence of an important civilization in Varna.</div><br /><div><br />Before we scattered around Varna in small groups to enjoy the next day and a half of free time, we visited an ancient Roman Spa that is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. </div><br /><div><br />Sixteen “Fulbrighters” (apologies to Pamela) thoroughly enjoyed exploring Varna. It was great to gather in the lobby of the Hotel Dionis each evening and share the stories of our adventures and compile lists….</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Top Ten Reasons to visit Bulgaria (Apologies to David Letterman):</div><br /><div><br />10. A left to right head shake means yes, and up and down nod means no<br />9. Beer is cheaper than water<br />8. Picture perfect landscapes<br />7. The uneven cobblestone streets is better than the Stairmaster in the gym<br />6. Horse carts share roads with SUV’s<br />5. Tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese are yummy<br />4. Oil and vinegar on every table<br />3. You can park your car anywhere- even on the sidewalk<br />2. Everyone will ask you, “Why Bulgaria?”<br />1. You can give impromptu geography lessons to all who ask “Where is Bulgaria?”</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Ten Reasons to visit Varna:</div><br /><div><br />10. Corn stands, people, and the Laser show along Ploshtad Nezavisimost<br />9. Turkish Restaurant- Orient Salad<br />8. Costa Coffee- finally a big cup of coffee!<br />7. The lace ladies in Primorski Park<br />6. Free day!<br />5. The Black Sea<br />4. Clothing is optional at the beach, hats are not!<br />3. Life drawing at the beach.<br />2. Navigating Varna by the sun and the moon, since street signs are optional<br />1. It’s Bulgaria, baby!</div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-41659390384705669652008-07-09T13:26:00.001-07:002008-07-22T07:10:36.510-07:00Le Tran--Thursday, July 10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPJzE8HwmEmhV35Rlcs0UephifGvXfFwjCui5mMPZQmHi_ZfiQ288MlimgvBivtqyXVrDT0kY4eDtdI2b1qGuJXjKsAq3eg3DLktX0pj4doUJzbdn88I5-J_QaiZMZjEFZArNj8gFlwiH/s1600-h/Varna+010.jpg">We are on the road again!</a><br /><br /> This time we are traveling east, from Blagoevgrad to Varna. That’s like Los Angeles to New York except it’s a shorter distance across Bulgaria. We began our cross-country journey at 7:00 am sharp with every member of the group on the bus. We were immediately rewarded with a stop at “Viva” gas station for coffee. Our bus driver, Georgi was the hero of the day for his quick maneuver to the nearest coffee pot. There’s nothing worse than driving a bus full of teachers who wants to know when they will get their coffee.<br /><br />Here’s a list of things and activities that caught our attention on the roads across Bulgaria:<br /><br />Stephanie Knapp: This country has more organized agriculture than I have ever seen; there are machinery and substantial sized fields planted with crops. Then I saw a man with a hay wagon and a donkey!<br /><br />Margaret Holtschlag: I saw miles and hours of sunflowers!<br /><br />Pat Goodman: Seems like road construction is happening for the first time. The infrastructure that is, there’s lots of construction going on everywhere.<br /><br />Andrea Hartlund: As we drove across the country, I noticed that there’s very little development going on and if there are any activities at all, it’s very sparse.<br /><br />Anne W. Dale Blair: The card-board cut out of cop cars stationed along the roads are quite interesting. Fake cop cars? C’mon!<br /><br />Kristen Holtschlag: I noticed that there are so many trees ….and long tunnels.<br /><br />Heather Bartlett: Van Gogh could not have painted enough sunflowers even if he could paint his entire life.<br /><br />Julie Marek: I like the pre-fab houses. These are metal boxes with windows. Probably the first aluminum houses to exist.<br /><br />Larry Neitzert: This is the first time I see an agriculture system much like the American model.<br /><br />Carol Mohrlock: I noticed the bridges with Cyrillic boards as we get closer to Varna.<br /><br />Karen Lee: There’s a lot more advertisement (highway billboards) that don’t make sense to me.<br /><br />Shirley Hazlett: I saw small groups of people, men and women, sitting, having coffee and gossiping along the side of the roads.<br /><br />AnnMarie Borders: I spotted a shepherd, some sheeps and lambs. The sheeps all walk in a straight line and the lambs were frolicking and gamboling on the field.<br /><br />Pamela Galbraith: Bulgaria is the most beautiful country in the world!<br /><br />Kristin Grattan: I am trying to make sense of all these Cyrillic signs….the bus is going too fast!<br /><br />Le Tran: The contrasts found in this country are fascinating. There are farming equipments and then there are peasants working on the fields. There are crumbling apartments and there are posh new shops sitting next to each other.<br /><br />We reached our destination at 5:30 p.m. Checked into our rooms with our new roommate and then walked toward the Black Sea. We had to check out the sea as most of us are from the Mid-West. We were definitely behaving like teenagers on the beach with our cameras snapping pictures with our friends. Some of us stayed on the beach until sunset. We enjoyed a leisurely dinner on the deck of a large restaurant. As far as our eyes could see, the water was beautiful and the sky clear. The clouds were pristinely white and magical. Seagulls chased each other across the sky, squealing like little children on a playground. The cool breezes of the ocean calmed us as we chatted away, enjoying each other’s company and the wonderful air enveloping us. What an end to another day in Bulgaria.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222722901802083282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPJzE8HwmEmhV35Rlcs0UephifGvXfFwjCui5mMPZQmHi_ZfiQ288MlimgvBivtqyXVrDT0kY4eDtdI2b1qGuJXjKsAq3eg3DLktX0pj4doUJzbdn88I5-J_QaiZMZjEFZArNj8gFlwiH/s200/Varna+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UUd2XKhi7GYY3sAdvpnje9YTD8Jt0J4-a9hcWeTfIIZwHDjYcRKay5jpIGkU-WxA46h5x24I6rfCs4biTDiChJIxoODpNFu-8CwQDrP8TdFm6iI8HJt7CGSesv3MqvgJec2RmJb4c3Fi/s1600-h/Varna+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222722903627912898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UUd2XKhi7GYY3sAdvpnje9YTD8Jt0J4-a9hcWeTfIIZwHDjYcRKay5jpIGkU-WxA46h5x24I6rfCs4biTDiChJIxoODpNFu-8CwQDrP8TdFm6iI8HJt7CGSesv3MqvgJec2RmJb4c3Fi/s200/Varna+017.jpg" border="0" /></a>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-73621807205259028512008-07-09T13:22:00.001-07:002008-07-18T00:05:55.477-07:00Shirley Hazlett--Wednesday, July 9<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX-zTFUzV7Y1Yhe7mJo7wRbIwJMC_Tt7l-aVZVjSIjA-Oy7pAYv-ehu69F4bddwcfeUHM_EGV7UD3PZcD9CNkN4Z8JyoTjA0Xm1Vix7QpFL5rZqWmjhqFa-LDu92WQLZJY_NBDc8YWuVD/s1600-h/BG-g+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221112781604971602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX-zTFUzV7Y1Yhe7mJo7wRbIwJMC_Tt7l-aVZVjSIjA-Oy7pAYv-ehu69F4bddwcfeUHM_EGV7UD3PZcD9CNkN4Z8JyoTjA0Xm1Vix7QpFL5rZqWmjhqFa-LDu92WQLZJY_NBDc8YWuVD/s200/BG-g+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqeKfx2lo3pDQl3zl6H7PyMuFhWrwK7qLr1yccW6Efh5cEEvTgaw1wjF7xcAe2Lc0hW4NCWlWrx7Q_Zgzg9-xmHDv7vN_5QB904SJr08s9SzZkCAyBDeHsj9r043VWwKhCnigmF8ZwpHs/s1600-h/BG-g+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221112784446748610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqeKfx2lo3pDQl3zl6H7PyMuFhWrwK7qLr1yccW6Efh5cEEvTgaw1wjF7xcAe2Lc0hW4NCWlWrx7Q_Zgzg9-xmHDv7vN_5QB904SJr08s9SzZkCAyBDeHsj9r043VWwKhCnigmF8ZwpHs/s200/BG-g+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-28BBis5U7IvukPgr3iWUEOIvLL4UhVFS8grmS8DvQvKIaHfXzcEsiKkBiDKYiXD4YO1Jaiq-IR7j-tWcLBSGrkoVT6kBzE02dT0w8Rp_YEb25-npgkho3RvUleE9doZMt8hxiqkRk7ic/s1600-h/BG-g+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221112794365014562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-28BBis5U7IvukPgr3iWUEOIvLL4UhVFS8grmS8DvQvKIaHfXzcEsiKkBiDKYiXD4YO1Jaiq-IR7j-tWcLBSGrkoVT6kBzE02dT0w8Rp_YEb25-npgkho3RvUleE9doZMt8hxiqkRk7ic/s200/BG-g+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWaRHcDQ73J493boqIDsWlcaJHZ9m5dpzHfMCnEOOo4CELDK90vsPpVWTsd01JkqWgQgB4XNWjsK5GLkxaKrOeKzRan6LGUlFh7CZsj5URnaJJnif92hxBEKx4jAFknXEx7TsViq5vwcR/s1600-h/BG-g+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221112804303509090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWaRHcDQ73J493boqIDsWlcaJHZ9m5dpzHfMCnEOOo4CELDK90vsPpVWTsd01JkqWgQgB4XNWjsK5GLkxaKrOeKzRan6LGUlFh7CZsj5URnaJJnif92hxBEKx4jAFknXEx7TsViq5vwcR/s200/BG-g+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKLOME18uUqke2jNTGyEeZdtR7uRbHOUi4GwUHgLwrOeafSq-Ro-1pnC1FrALzZFxc7AX4hfskk0G76PNW9pQQvv7gd9wqgOG_T_3kPyFjiUfHXTTsXEUwyibrXKn96fc1ZJ5VOzL9-ES/s1600-h/BG-g+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221112808456076962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKLOME18uUqke2jNTGyEeZdtR7uRbHOUi4GwUHgLwrOeafSq-Ro-1pnC1FrALzZFxc7AX4hfskk0G76PNW9pQQvv7gd9wqgOG_T_3kPyFjiUfHXTTsXEUwyibrXKn96fc1ZJ5VOzL9-ES/s200/BG-g+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Wednesday, July 9, 2008</div><div></div><div><br />In Tune</div><div><br />Our morning started out at AUGB where we met our speaker for the day, Dr. Hristo Krotev, Music Professor and Choir Director at the university. He told us that over 700,000 pieces of folk music have been created and that the high diversity from various regions has created a “continent of music.” Dr. Krotev treated us to a peek into one of the most crucial and unique elements of Bulgarian music and dance: which “establishes a feeling for time and time proportions.” He went on to explain the difference between “internal process,” which embodies all time factors inside of the body, such as a heartbeat; and “external process,” which includes time processes outside of the body, including seasonal changes. After introductions on both sides, Dr. K. identified the musicians vs. the non-musicians (information that would come in handy during the subsequent pop quiz!) For those “musical illiterates” in the group, the lecture began on an elemental level as we were introduced to the even beats of 2/2 time before progressing—with examples—to 2/3, 2/4 etc. “Ha! This is easy—no problem,” we thought, and even the aforementioned oral quiz did not stump the scholarly understandings of our brave scholar, Karen, who identified the 2/2 beat without flinching! </div><div></div><div><br />Time Out</div><div><br />After our café break, the tempo progressed to “13” in a gorgeous display of Bulgarian virtuosity and we ended our session thoroughly impressed! It was interesting to hear the various regional styles of these traditional pieces, and the influences from Eastern or Western motifs found within. Group member, Carol Mohrlock, who has previously visited Poland on a Fulbright-Hays trip, later commented that she could identify the “thread” of Klezmer music (an Eastern European tradition emanating from the Jewish community) that was reminiscent of her visit near the Slovakian border. Finally, Dr. Krotev “gifted” our most musical members with a DVD recording of his choir’s performance at last year’s celebration of the 15th anniversary of AUGB; we enjoyed watching this during our afternoon bus ride to Bansko. The most exciting outcome of this meeting may be a visit to Michigan by the Dr. K.’s choir, which musicians, Pat and Ann, are will attempt to initiate. We look forward to the possibility of a reunion with some of our AUBG friends at a later date, in the U.S. </div><div></div><div><br />The Three Surprises</div><div><br />After class we hustled back to Skoptopara Odeen (our sturdy, Communist era-built dormitory) and quickly prepared for our afternoon “field trip.” We were headed to the town of Bansko in the Pirin Mountains, which is an up-and-coming ski resort…a relatively short ride away. Our first surprise (as we disembarked from our trusty bus) was that the weather was different here in the mountains, with a chilly wind whipping past our bare arms. Our second surprise was that the restaurants and museums in the resort section of this not-that-big town were closed (!) These two realizations seemed especially critical because our driver, Gyorgi, had just pulled away and would nor scheduled to return until early evening! As we walked from closed restaurant to closed museum to closed restaurant, our scholarly tummies began growling. Like a mirage beckoning the parched traveler, the wonderful sight of Kamenitsi (beer) umbrellas materialized on the horizon, and we knew what that meant…VODA!! (Water!!) At last we’d found the cafés of the locals. In a slightly weakened state, we trooped into the outdoor oasis of empty tables only to realize that this area was serving beverages, not true sustenance. Some folks elected to search out other nearby umbrella’d oases, but six or seven of us (sans Larry) thought, “No problem, we’ll just head inside to dine!” As we wove our way to the available booth at the far end of the facility we noticed many heads turning to inspect the newcomers…us! Our third surprise revealed itself as we realized that ALL of the diners were MEN, and that we appeared to be an unusual clientele in this setting. “No problem,” we thought; we’re so hungry that we’ll just plunk ourselves down and blend in as best we can…Or Not. We attempted to blend in for about two minutes before all heads bobbed horizontally in unison at the suggestion to leave…NOW! As we slipped out, the exterior signage beyond the establishment appeared to reveal that we had just infiltrated the Bansko Gun Club--at least that’s what we surmised from the oversized image of a revolver centered on the poster. Luckily, we quickly recovered from our faux pas and found excellent dining right down the street!</div><div></div><div><br />Having Gathered our Strength…</div><div><br />Fortified by Shopska Salad and other local delicacies, we gathered again and were pleased to find the “House (Museum) of Velyanov” open and welcoming to our investigations. This building is another example of the Bulgarian National Revival effort, but holds a particularly captivating history. During the Renaissance, the two-story house was built from stone and wood by a merchant family and also served to shelter the family’s livestock. Because it was constructed during the Ottoman occupation, warlords from Constantinople were a real and constant threat to its inhabitants. The architecture underscores this fear of intruders, as iron bars on the windows and small rectangular openings in the exterior walls (just large enough for a rifle’s nose) illustrate. In spite of a secret getaway tunnel (leading to the safe haven of the local church) designed to protect a mother and her newborn child, sadly…the merchant’s wife was killed here.<br />The owner vacated his dwelling and it stayed uninhabited for many years. In 1835, an artist named Velyano Gakushta was hired to paint the local church and was given the dilapidated house in payment for his effort. An eccentric character (hey…he was an artist) Velyano sported a large moustache and fancied dressing up like Napoleon. He decorated the house with murals to brighten it up, such as a sun and moon in the likeness of his wife, Sophia and himself; and a family of wolves caring for their young, as well of scenes of Venice and bluebird motifs, which symbolized Hope. When we were shown the comfy area “where men went to relax and take tea in the heat of the afternoon,” Anne Dale Blair queried as to the whereabouts of the women’s rest area, but received only a chuckle from our guide, in reply. Alas, there was a “women’s room, but it contained the tools necessary for spinning and weaving wool so necessary for running a household.</div><div></div><div><br />Pirin Winds</div><div><br />The courtyard of this living piece of history managed to refresh us, while whispering its palpable secrets--via the Pirin winds, as we proceeded to The Holy Trinity Church. We enjoyed its curvilinear entryway, enhanced by lyrically painted symbols along its cornices. After this homage, small groups departed to explore the local crafts guild and vendors, to scoop up more lovely examples of the intricacies of Bulgarian textiles that so many of us find entrancing. Hand-made lace in the form of a fish and “Good Night” tidings in Cyrillic (meant to be stitched to a pillow cover) were among the more unique and charming finds. Also cell phone totes in pink angora wool. Gyorgy graciously arrived earlier than planned and transported us back to Blagoevgrad and the consolation of the heat to which we’ve grown accustomed. The evening ended in the celebration of Andrea’s (real) birthday Happy “3-0” again, fellow traveler </div><div></div><div><br />By Shirley Hazlett…“Blog”-adareya!! (That means ‘Thanks for reading my blog,” in Bulgarian!) </div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-88672021549400623652008-07-09T13:16:00.001-07:002008-07-09T13:17:06.912-07:00THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!We would like to say a huge THANK YOU for such a wonderful birthday celebration. We can't believe how generous and thoughtful everyone was to recognize our special days. You gave us a night that we will truly never forget! It has been such an honor to be a part of this experience with each one of you. ~Andrea, Stephanie, and PatFulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-51419456983176414592008-07-08T04:39:00.000-07:002008-07-09T13:15:55.971-07:00Andrea Hartlund--Tuesday, July 8<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Hvs7EThfFheR2dYEBJ9p9JD85hUqdr77chvWf64l9tGk7gQIyJn3nc8p6VIlHFw4CxRVhpp1-SJ03WwneCyV8XPrr9iFOB_1aYZq8fbwhZ9nv6ESqAJTRM96x6QVCVwBGfTacAhq0bvO/s1600-h/070708+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220606751345957906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Hvs7EThfFheR2dYEBJ9p9JD85hUqdr77chvWf64l9tGk7gQIyJn3nc8p6VIlHFw4CxRVhpp1-SJ03WwneCyV8XPrr9iFOB_1aYZq8fbwhZ9nv6ESqAJTRM96x6QVCVwBGfTacAhq0bvO/s200/070708+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieStj2gdu1dKvCuFg5GKyeAd2j7DgL5O9vYyJ14NP5Nk93FVVmvK2jLRfvXsuR9xa27QBByznsAWSCFQRkgM5_b7MXUYQntcoejXx6y65XxBjYxeOYHer93ML2Yzis2bW5spPBi9cjWf2E/s1600-h/070708+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220606759426699170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieStj2gdu1dKvCuFg5GKyeAd2j7DgL5O9vYyJ14NP5Nk93FVVmvK2jLRfvXsuR9xa27QBByznsAWSCFQRkgM5_b7MXUYQntcoejXx6y65XxBjYxeOYHer93ML2Yzis2bW5spPBi9cjWf2E/s200/070708+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVhpaSKTPsfJtF1f86p4_lpotJh7nUZqjwEFTo9Xrz_Sn0GWr1UO8263NaWrwVw7wqMk9nqf_UnEDX9VdlszEXFsjiVuFqgBXx_eItZE41NDH4cv5bOINtEPds-atPLPBQTcq_-yiUiyR/s1600-h/070708+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220606765993357650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVhpaSKTPsfJtF1f86p4_lpotJh7nUZqjwEFTo9Xrz_Sn0GWr1UO8263NaWrwVw7wqMk9nqf_UnEDX9VdlszEXFsjiVuFqgBXx_eItZE41NDH4cv5bOINtEPds-atPLPBQTcq_-yiUiyR/s200/070708+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>With so many happy birthday memories of the night before,<br />We walked across town to a lecture once more.<br />Today we heard the religious expertise of Serguey Ivanov at AUBG,<br />A complex timeline of beliefs and changes in Bulgaria we clearly did see.<br /><br />Religion is an ideology, a harmony, an expression through contentment and strife,<br />It is a foundation that shapes all aspects of life.<br />Thus, by 681 AD Bulgaria’s identity was a bi-cultural system,<br />Slavic tribes (workers) and Proto-Bulgars (warriors) trusted their gods of thunder, sun and night to guide them.<br /><br />From the 2nd-8th century Christianity and pagan religions appeared,<br />But the Slavo-Bulgars persecuted them because their differences they feared.<br />In the late 800’s the Christians had their chance to rise<br />But with the Byzantines, the popes and Patriarch Photius there were still struggles in their eyes.<br /><br />Then a new form of written language SS Cyril (Constantine) and Methodius did invent,<br />A few changes were made, but for the Slavs the Cyrillic alphabet was meant.<br />In 1014 the Russian church was introduced by Bulgarian priest John,<br />But as Bulgaria and Byzantium were ruled by Ottomans the Muslim religion went on.<br /><br />After 1054 the Byzantine Orthodoxy became the new Bulgarian church,<br />On the high walls of the churches the icons of saints did perch.<br />There were even two Patron Saints for the country of Bulgaria,<br />The female St. Petka and male St. John of Rila.<br /><br />These icons are symbols, each one telling a story,<br />Of holy figures or saints in the hearts of people they bring glory.<br />The trinity is seen in the hands of the art being displayed<br />Depending on who they are will determine where the icons will be laid.<br /><br />On either side of the King’s doors will always be the same.<br />Mary on the left and on the right, Jesus is the name.<br />As we heard these expert words from our very wise speaker<br />Our brains were definitely not becoming any weaker!<br /><br />When the teaching was done we walked together on down,<br />To The Church of Annunciation in the heart of Old Town.<br />The building stands with beauty and grace,<br />As we learned many facts about this spiritual place.<br /><br />To our own spirituality and personal experiences we tried to connect,<br />What we learned about the Orthodox Church in relation to other religious sects.<br />After this great learning experience with our professor was done,<br />We went to lunch for some delicious food and a little bit o’ fun!<br />All afternoon most of us spent time on our project or unit,<br />Many of us “on-the-goers” enjoyed the chance to just sit down and do it.<br />When our work was done we had excitedly decided to go,<br />Up the hill, to the restaurant we’d been waiting for…Hotel Christo.<br /><br />Great friends, great food…the rain didn’t mean the end,<br />As many of us sat and cheered with a new British friend.<br />As the night fell, we see our fellow Fulbrighters surely hold the key,<br />By being such an inspiration on this magnificent journey!<br /><br />Thank you for such an unforgettable experience!</div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-19914634117374446872008-07-08T04:28:00.000-07:002008-07-14T13:27:58.117-07:00Stephanie Knapp--Monday, July 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKVErZR5CHIPRYwK0AdkR_qNegQwbkGqBH5FyIXCnymLj9EQlkpYQfXAr1qpoPKwmZyEU9pCEziqT172vaCmjHK2BCuTYsYBKx-aQE8e6IcTSg1r1rN5g51_sfjWTnjg6qY2T6-AqNEa/s1600-h/070708+014.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#000000;">July 7, 2008 Surprise Cultural Event</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"></span><br />When we adjusted our schedule a new event was added for Monday night, a Modern Art exhibit was happening in town. So dressed in our finest attire we departed for the event. We looked forward to this event with great anticipation. Little did we know what was really in store for the July birthday girls (Andrea, Pat and Stephanie). We didn’t have a clue.<br /><br />Pushing open the heavy wooden doors we entered a marble foyer. Following the highly polished stairs was a little like walking down the marble brick road. Up we went, then down, then twisting all around until we reached a room with tables set with cloth napkins, wine glasses and plates of cheeses and meats. Where was the art?<br /><br />Surprise! Our fellow Fulbrights had organized a cultural event to celebrate our birthdays! Evelina , our revered professor, joined us at our special event. Our hearts were overwhelmed with their generosity and kindness. Their thoughtfulness brought tears to our eyes.<br /><br />We were treated to a history of the wine making business in Bulgaria via video. What an interesting industry for this country. As we sampled three different Bulgarian wines we learned the art of tasting wine. Georgi, the sommelier taught us to appreciate wine with all five senses. First you look for clarity, then color. In red wine, a blue tint indicates youth while an orange hue indicates age. Then smell the wine by swirling it in the glass. Finally, taste the wine by chewing it in your mouth. Then we listened to the appreciation of the group.<br /><br />Afterwards, we toured the wine cellar and went upstairs for dinner and dancing. It was a night we will never forget!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220604332089095938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKVErZR5CHIPRYwK0AdkR_qNegQwbkGqBH5FyIXCnymLj9EQlkpYQfXAr1qpoPKwmZyEU9pCEziqT172vaCmjHK2BCuTYsYBKx-aQE8e6IcTSg1r1rN5g51_sfjWTnjg6qY2T6-AqNEa/s200/070708+014.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUo3Jmz6LCUl1tHgMiXurULZq3_BK_DE2lVFjaqvsJpfY5sLRhc8w9Oq_SNVXQhoGuu5IinDASilODfBAY1XfrFweRFJQ4ichdYFMnbN_5d50HngyAcaFTPnIugcXmEq1pGCMyRD9MW8m/s1600-h/070708+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220604333042600722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUo3Jmz6LCUl1tHgMiXurULZq3_BK_DE2lVFjaqvsJpfY5sLRhc8w9Oq_SNVXQhoGuu5IinDASilODfBAY1XfrFweRFJQ4ichdYFMnbN_5d50HngyAcaFTPnIugcXmEq1pGCMyRD9MW8m/s200/070708+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v5MtixWyHoreCFG2VD972k56ldBshcE1G23cVsMC2gAucfmbOOFUyDyagqFlPT2dt-Kn-H8unOj3zB7sAvZCDIlz04Nhhgu38dhtbU18J0s_ZMpcpPq1m1O8aowv5ztQzlnCgfKTKAoU/s1600-h/070708+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220604341184446226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v5MtixWyHoreCFG2VD972k56ldBshcE1G23cVsMC2gAucfmbOOFUyDyagqFlPT2dt-Kn-H8unOj3zB7sAvZCDIlz04Nhhgu38dhtbU18J0s_ZMpcpPq1m1O8aowv5ztQzlnCgfKTKAoU/s200/070708+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv41JEkmAVWVBqK25g_VdyhMrSSqQpsMwC8kuW-LfYWP1813WValZtRGySFjWbDl-WnL4ilytRePJ4S2oWmt0JrgIRnzxsGxKW2jwueF1-5qqKTf7KhQRzOXOJlWcXbkygHbDXQNsmjAhJ/s1600-h/070708+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220604354648878162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv41JEkmAVWVBqK25g_VdyhMrSSqQpsMwC8kuW-LfYWP1813WValZtRGySFjWbDl-WnL4ilytRePJ4S2oWmt0JrgIRnzxsGxKW2jwueF1-5qqKTf7KhQRzOXOJlWcXbkygHbDXQNsmjAhJ/s200/070708+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Bulgaria under Communism July 7, 2008</strong><br /><br />Ø In 1944 the Red Army marched into Bulgaria. The Father Land Front maintained power. This group was composed of the following parties: communist, Agrarian, Socialist and Zveno<br /><br />Ø In 1946 this group passed a referendum that abolished the monarchy. The republic of Bulgaria was established.<br /><br />Ø A huge demographic shift occurred when peoples in the mountains and rural villages were forced to move into the cities. Before communism 80% of the population was in the rural areas after 80% were in the cities. This was done so that they could have ultimate control over the masses.<br /><br />Ø Collective farms were established which ruined the agriculture of the country. Since people who worked the land were sent to the cities there weren’t enough people to work the land.<br /><br />Ø In the city people were assigned apartments and told how many people could live in the apartments.<br /><br />Ø Moving all peoples to the city was meant to dilute the social strata so as to squelch any signs of unrest.<br /><br />Ø Secret police and the military had all the power. They watched and reported about the citizens. Microphones were also used to record conversations everywhere, even in your home.<br /><br />Ø Soviet Union issued all the orders for what was happening in Bulgaria. Bulgarians had no say.<br /><br />Ø Mistrust and suspicion were the feelings everywhere.<br /><br />Ø The churches were subdued at all levels. Often heads of the churches were spies for the state.<br /><br />Ø People were persecuted, tortured and put in concentration camps.<br /><br />Ø The well educated and professional population was under very close scrutiny. The archive of Internal Ministries held documents on people, 25 km of files. Many were denied access to jobs, travel and education.<br /><br />Ø Free education and medical care was available for all but what you studied was controlled and bribery for good medical care existed.<br /><br />Ø Factories were built but failed because of mismanagement.<br /><br />Ø The arts (dance, theater, music) suffered.<br /><br />Ø No one could travel abroad.<br /><br />Ø A phony sense of security existed with everyone getting the same amount of money, educational opportunities, and medical care. But no luxuries such as shoes, sanitary pads etc. As a result people lacked incentive, responsibility, and the right to think freely.<br /><br />Ø The communists created a feudal society with a small non-educated ruling class.<br /><br />Ø Post communist Bulgaria<br />Many current developments exist because of the communist era. Many people have no concept of civil service. Bulgaria didn’t have a well-prepared dissident group to become leaders. So the former leaders and their families still maintained control. It is widely recognized that corruption is a major problem in this country.<br /><br /><strong>Ethnic Groups in Bulgaria </strong><br /><br /><strong>Romani</strong><br />v Originated in northern India and migrated during the Roman Empire era. In the 18th century they were forced out of Romania, Spain and Hungary and they settled in Southeastern Europe.<br /><br />v Population 400,000 to 500,000 now but this is the largest growing population. The largest group live in Plovdiv; they number around 80,000.<br /><br />Under communism put into ghettos to control them.<br /><br />v Prior to that many of them had skills to support themselves. Now unemployment is high. Many of them do jobs that no one else would do but receive no pay such as, collecting abandoned household items and sweeping the streets. Some travel doing construction jobs.<br /><br />v Only a small part of them are trained to be thieves.<br /><br />v They have their own language but no written alphabet. Most of their culture is an oral tradition.<br /><br />v Most of the children in orphanages are Romani.<br /><br />v Children are quick learners but school is not valued. So they are barely educated.<br /><br />v Homes for the elderly are devoid of Roma. They are kept in the community and cared for by all.<br /><br /><strong>Turks</strong><br /><br />v Prior to communism lived in villages.<br /><br />v Population 1,000,000v In 1944 they were given the right to cultural autonomy which meant they could establish their own schools<br /><br />v They are bilingual which means they speak both Bulgarian and Turkish.<br /><br />v They are Muslim.<br /><br />v Well educated and peaceful people.<br /><br />v Under communism they were perceived as the enemy. Now some Bulgarians don’t trust them.<br /><br />v In 1984 they were forced to take Bulgarian names which meant they couldn’t maintain their autonomous rights. So 300,000 to 350,000 went to Turkey but many came back.<br /><br />v Live in Bulgarian neighborhoods where they are peaceful, supportive and cooperative neighbors.<br /><br /><strong>Pomaks</strong><br /><br />v Reside in the Rhodophi mountains in traditional villages. Their homes are very colorful.<br /><br />v Population 100,000 to 150,00<br /><br />v They are Muslim and speak the Bulgarian language.<br /><br />v During the Ottoman rule they converted to Muslim for economic and political reasons. If they converted they could buy a house. For this reason Turks didn’t honor their conversion.<br /><br />v Keep the Bulgarian folklore, music, textiles and traditions alive.<br /><br />v Rejected everything associated with the Eastern Orthodox Church. Hated the corruption of church officials.<br /><br />v 1972 forced to change their names to Bulgarian<br /><br /><strong>Karakachaniv</strong> Population 12,000<br /><br />v Some believe they are the remnants of the Thracians.<br /><br />v Their name means “black headed”<br /><br />v Prior to communism they were the shepherds. The communists took all their sheep<br /><br />v Eastern Orthodox Religion Jews<br /><br />v In 1945 there numbers were 45, 000 now they number around 1,000.<br /><br />v They left when Israel was created. They boarded two ships and as the ships left the harbor the sea turned red because they discarded their party cards.<br /><br />v Lived in cities because according to the Catholic Church law they didn’t have the right to buy land.<br /><br />v They were kicked out of Spain and only the Ottoman Empire would welcome them.<br /><br />v They built schools and temples in the cities.<br /><br /><strong>Armenians</strong><br /><br />They have been city dwellers since the Roman Empire.<br /><br />v Many have immigrated to America.Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-6165625760354057102008-07-08T04:10:00.001-07:002008-07-18T07:56:22.645-07:00Shirley Hazlett-Karen Lee--Sunday, July 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEBl9EpCydNF-OAzhgvrLWLrwqqSSmqzzF4hFK_I-atuKCA1O-BZezH-8mfKEc3E0ADAFOyvKdrHspKwa2PBU1VCEyb59MEADaZRRYZr6wieIRCJpZRm9dKGSE2LfsrSpMQNvNTOt1Qvr/s1600-h/village1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224367859034070962" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfCQT15w9fNmNOeBRcpQiiHDI1pu_zLVv8Ye4BbnqjXlsMdEhM7R2vvcvFkw_1GeJggZ08gRjN072H-3wDZz1yqS2rMKhdH9_MLnXHOIGbAt6PtuTwFFYiKdQLRomadoYLXRbagIhgYrC/s200/070708+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzqoAxfMD_066_KHtATscbPI30xWgS82lbbTbmMbRqjCPZGb-WMshesupHfKVL2iE2mxiziHcq8Z64f_zg3Exqj4EBTJsUq7xyBofrzCS5SWf8BMCGVqNYxcqmmknUJ1uYq1z0_-lQLp2/s1600-h/070708+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220599477386992754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzqoAxfMD_066_KHtATscbPI30xWgS82lbbTbmMbRqjCPZGb-WMshesupHfKVL2iE2mxiziHcq8Z64f_zg3Exqj4EBTJsUq7xyBofrzCS5SWf8BMCGVqNYxcqmmknUJ1uYq1z0_-lQLp2/s200/070708+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Sunday- July 6th Melnik</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />I preface today with this simple statement- YOU HAD TO BE THERE! It is impossible to capture in words (or at least the words in my left brain) the beauty of the land, the generosity of the people and the richness found in Bulgarian culture. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />The message arrived that we were to be on the bus at 8:45 with our bags packed. But first we greeted by the smiling and energetic Ivan Usunov who ushered us into breakfast with a beautifully set table and a wonderfully homemade bonista (a cheesy flakey pastry that I could easily eat everyday) and delicious coffee. We got our taste of Bulgaria’s specially made yogurt which is unique to the region because of the cultures found in the air- many of us added jam so the taste would not be as sour. Then we said our goodbyes to Melnik. I couldn’t help but wonder what the town at been like at the height of its population. In 1913 the Greeks came and took all the other Greeks with them sending Menlik’s population into a decline. Today it is home to 150 people making it “Bulgaria’s smallest town” according to Lonely Planet (my source of all information outside of Heather). It felt like home to many of us while we were there.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />After a brief stop to pick up Yane and Elana, we traveled deep into the mountains to a village that captures the hospitality of Bulgaria. We wound through the mountains and found ourselves in the village of Jacobcovo- Jacob’s town. Thirty years ago, the Communist government told the village people that they needed to move to another village and begin collective farming making the people easier to control. Now the residents of Jacobcovo are mainly from the older generation and hold the traditions that are slowly fading away from Bulgarian folk music. The village greeted us warmly with a 75-year old aunt of our guide climbing down a rocky hill in 5 minutes that took us Americans a good 15 minutes to navigate. As she welcomed us into her home she turned to a few of us and proclaimed, “welcome to my Neolithic home.” It got a chuckle out of all of us as we greeted each other with kisses. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />As we finished our tour of the village, including fresh cherries from the tree, we were given a great treat with an impromptu jam session of traditional Bulgarian music played on the most beautiful instruments by smiling old men who were joyous to share their culture with us. I will leave it to my right brain counterpart to capture the moment and feeling in the air, the best I can say is that it was magical.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />We all piled on the bus and headed back down the mountain. As I looked out the window, I asked Elana what was beyond the majestic Pirin Mountain range. She simply “replied another culture, another piece of Bulgaria.” I couldn’t help but pause and be so thankful that we are all working on putting together the puzzle pieces of Bulgaria.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Lunch was next and proved to be more than any of us could imagine. We had a true feast (although they claimed they eat like this in everyday life) with one of the families who had been displaced from the mountain village we visited earlier in the day. Dish upon dish came out, one after another- all completely homemade from the plentiful lands around the home. First was the traditional drink of Rikea, followed by a cucumber, dill, yogurt drink, mish-mash, potatoes and onions, fresh tomatoes, homemade feta cheese, cucumbers, rice with eggs on top, stuffed green peppers, bread, bonista, hot peppers…..our eyes grew wide with each new plate being passed. One glance over at the couch after lunch and you could see the glassy “I’m the kind of full I get on Thanksgiving” look on everyone’s eyes. Somehow we managed to find room for another round of Bulgarian yogurt, this time with a fresh fig from the tree out back and a little bit of sugar to make it a sweet treat. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />We spent the afternoon dancing away the day learning the traditional dances to go with the melodic songs coming from magical instruments behind us. Some of us danced, other sang and still others were invited to play along. However, all of us were welcomed into the hearts and home of our new Bulgarian friends. Language did not matter, citizenship did not matter, we simply learned to sing and celebrate in our own common language. </div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-1338236276689038432008-07-06T12:35:00.001-07:002008-07-09T13:31:29.106-07:00Karen Lee-Shirley Hazlett-Saturday, July 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGAydJ2Lu4aNCBc7OAakxTgdb0NKi48u0y8O_VodMcIdT1tdG3iYaU54QaunzgkhblDSrcUKtHZ_1zzuEXyWFhto1gVPWus2b8neBQBgyMA3qw1Kyntgxo0viaTIYliBO4zISY7B5LA-O/s1600-h/070708+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220630210788100530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGAydJ2Lu4aNCBc7OAakxTgdb0NKi48u0y8O_VodMcIdT1tdG3iYaU54QaunzgkhblDSrcUKtHZ_1zzuEXyWFhto1gVPWus2b8neBQBgyMA3qw1Kyntgxo0viaTIYliBO4zISY7B5LA-O/s200/070708+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-oWRk0A4_alqe-6-2mVEyNjHf8S62GZ7RSZ7jAgL7YrVeqI6BnpaU4Ej2lKSIDhIaB0eA1EePv_40Z87LoyqyF9uJVg0KZ-ODD8DiR8h9DaIy31Sgi7D7mrkHIGxHRMtNfp8MweCZlM1/s1600-h/070708+072.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220630214571433778" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr56C53aCZFee37E8qmMcch9P-kAwDSuwldq360dMcdbr4epKYmj8YA_U0dT0-buwAoP1MirEZzj12ZD7fFCOoaQE348KUYpPi63Eo68wptNcssNf0UXrwqKIi-ExfA6EACI8UDf9u2eO/s200/070708+070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZ1Tsv1PJGRYLMLCZgMCdU9TQLdz-up1TUw8vG9we24ANX58d8cAJ9MJcn8a8NcNZDNnCFN08bOK3a3Ilc_-k1yuJ08zESJ7iaxDB7KmSvhrX97tIUdAUFNA5Hd2V1EVCBcpWqXEs5iQY/s1600-h/070708+066.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKrjMJr7pGjMSR8VVBwNjXJ1M4F1Fw_MhOKhiBzK4zB7NzbA8_f3A20CXu6kz4SyJNal2ezFXzWP-q8Q3qIB9AJg0e3rD5XeBW7ni-7BFY0Wcd1KfrjxqD0-g341DmWzMJ6MrsqHEop9k/s1600-h/BG-d+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219987362818419730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKrjMJr7pGjMSR8VVBwNjXJ1M4F1Fw_MhOKhiBzK4zB7NzbA8_f3A20CXu6kz4SyJNal2ezFXzWP-q8Q3qIB9AJg0e3rD5XeBW7ni-7BFY0Wcd1KfrjxqD0-g341DmWzMJ6MrsqHEop9k/s200/BG-d+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeepPYxW-ZlCgxO8tWcX31stZTVQerdi5I3JsRCO0bfgaBNU-XPDRQktS6dDiQl0pMBVKOMVV1MGvo84AQcRwYsUuelUN6OTYBZXwndTExoD9c1hUb_mx_7f8CEWRAAZITFRBafRMJrkt9/s1600-h/BG-d+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219987369673821826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeepPYxW-ZlCgxO8tWcX31stZTVQerdi5I3JsRCO0bfgaBNU-XPDRQktS6dDiQl0pMBVKOMVV1MGvo84AQcRwYsUuelUN6OTYBZXwndTExoD9c1hUb_mx_7f8CEWRAAZITFRBafRMJrkt9/s200/BG-d+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgp37VGc4cULoKZA4HuMLSClsvsxxBVB8rSVxCBmcffOD5LiDDLz1klC-d9JQ-1BlVXuBdPMq8KR6DQeDJ3qP02WF7yubqIb8PusjmGgz_Uhd3gUNnYomnmvXHCsnokQnCwJuGaTWpDTw_/s1600-h/BG-d+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219987378659246642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgp37VGc4cULoKZA4HuMLSClsvsxxBVB8rSVxCBmcffOD5LiDDLz1klC-d9JQ-1BlVXuBdPMq8KR6DQeDJ3qP02WF7yubqIb8PusjmGgz_Uhd3gUNnYomnmvXHCsnokQnCwJuGaTWpDTw_/s200/BG-d+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><em>Our weekend in Melnik was full of adventure, new lessons, old traditions and personal connections that can only be told through two sides of the story. The left brain traditionally records events in sequence and the right brain fills in the emotions and creativity of the story. We thought we would tell you our story through a whole-brain approach.</em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />Left Brain- By Karen Lee<br />Right Brain- By Shirley Hazlett</div><br /><br /><div><br />The left brain side of things…..<br />Saturday, July 6th- Melnik</div><br /><br /><div><br />The day began with decisions- should I wake up early and go on a pilgrimage hike that would result in walking up the dirt road to the beautiful Rozhen Monastery or hit the snooze button and grab the bus that left an hour later and ride to in the same beautiful location. Being the logically minded person that I am- I hit snooze and wished my roommate good luck on the hike. From the smiling faces that met us “bus goers” at the Monastery, the hike provided personal reflection time and the overcoming of obstacles. Led by the angelic dog, fondly called Gabriel, our hikers were delivered safely to the join the group and share stories of personal triumphs from the hike.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br />The Rozhen Monastery, also known as the Birth of the Virgin Mary Monastery, was originally built in 1217. It was later destroyed by the Turks and rebuilt 1732. The Revival Revolutionary Yane Sandanski’s grave is located on the grounds of the Monastery and overlooks the beautiful Pirin Mountains. It was a morning that allowed for a slower pace and reflection on the things we are learning and thinking about. After viewing the inside of the Monastery and looking at the incredible icons inside, a monk sat down with us to explain the difference between Protestant, Catholic and Eastern Orthodox religions. We all walked away from the morning with many ideas to wrestle with. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br />After a quick bite to eat, the weavers headed to our first workshop with Yane and Elena. We started out with learning how to prepare the loom by dying our wool with natural colors from the trees and flowers that grow in the Pirin Mountains. We each took our turn preparing the warp and learning the intricate details involved in authentic weaving on our own looms. I walked away with a new appreciation of the work and love that goes into clothing and woven fabrics. I looked at the shop across the creak bed (where our group generously supported the Melnik economy) and wondered why the prices were so low for such hard work. My left brain and I walked on with a heavy heart as the music folks moved into get their workshop started and exercise the creativity flowing out the right side of their brains. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br />The next stop was the Kordopulov Revival House. After some very big hills and cobblestone roads that left each of us a little breathless at the top (Margaret even more so since she ran up and down the hills like a sheep herder making sure that all her little sheep made it to the correct destination) we all entered the house in good spirits and looked around imagining life in 1754 when it was built. After the tour we headed down and out of the building to discover the beautiful wine cellar that was tucked under the house in the hillside. We wandered through the tunnels and passageways to discover a shining wall of coins. We each added our coins and good wishes for good weather and good crops- defining what crops we were hoping for in our own lives. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br />The evening ended with a lovely stroll down the road and into many different delicious restaurants that lined the hillside. There was much laughter in the air and smiles on everyone’s face. Goes to show that a day in the mountains is always good for the soul (spoken from the Idaho girl on the trip).</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-63882297909881854742008-07-06T12:12:00.001-07:002008-07-13T11:13:24.896-07:00Pat Goodman-Friday, July 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LiVWH8Cc5tqV9j8gWQsRkMVwrCs1zyYHZSpKJyeU-wkLevSSBYK1A8ywUbhXY2ufNnAv5QQS5nTnyWZGIK_a5LNsyvwB33KX7zLBdHEyNCVjFum1pmjcnTGm8F3XGesbCYc9M8Cikzo/s1600-h/BG-d+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220612208336887762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LiVWH8Cc5tqV9j8gWQsRkMVwrCs1zyYHZSpKJyeU-wkLevSSBYK1A8ywUbhXY2ufNnAv5QQS5nTnyWZGIK_a5LNsyvwB33KX7zLBdHEyNCVjFum1pmjcnTGm8F3XGesbCYc9M8Cikzo/s200/BG-d+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaiq9HzDqvSD3cGCWPapRZn7ObJ9hvthRLPAzgoBENoDInjVP64JjaWTZ1exZx2Y-eHs_os9vWvjpSOMD_kKgStLyRI1CY9dpSyPvdasyiqhn-GvIeQNZz7X67ZmtEsqnNhhy2MTAYECi/s1600-h/BG-d+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220611855713870802" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDBQfFfMO6_OBjrRAvKw92tPxlCXnS_xn5h6jSYc-gIMNToAoZdTZMbJx24x-C_NKS-HTxEVB1kmC4fz5XJ5J2aclyvZqhK60WJGxH64KoyALhhF_VzR1z13Ca6SM7GSuGX4hZJPaqGHr/s200/BG-d+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULXljQm1l8yZeSqS2k1w3pOwT8bO-wy6_USwflurO7V5fbwF3lvJVXZAmYJu16dVVlBrEwVgu9P32Vn6Lbh0Z_5Lhh6Z5xleccieLUJUKgE1TWULnCqU9CBFRtdfTYrnNzRXc0EKxljuv/s1600-h/BG-d+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219984791868925506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULXljQm1l8yZeSqS2k1w3pOwT8bO-wy6_USwflurO7V5fbwF3lvJVXZAmYJu16dVVlBrEwVgu9P32Vn6Lbh0Z_5Lhh6Z5xleccieLUJUKgE1TWULnCqU9CBFRtdfTYrnNzRXc0EKxljuv/s200/BG-d+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFKCQAgTL_KSVIfYuwu2C48_b8Yxun4qjmUaSoe769sGKySDLwVThUL60aqyleuyyChJvPCw_0vhVx9O9Iw2SJp7ZQWeZeV_zLNRj-TwLpR0LU0UsCAD4_obMAboYptpCFPqm6h2xnc1z/s1600-h/BG-d+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219984793072823474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFKCQAgTL_KSVIfYuwu2C48_b8Yxun4qjmUaSoe769sGKySDLwVThUL60aqyleuyyChJvPCw_0vhVx9O9Iw2SJp7ZQWeZeV_zLNRj-TwLpR0LU0UsCAD4_obMAboYptpCFPqm6h2xnc1z/s200/BG-d+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Our national holiday started early with outpourings from the Young Balkan Men’s English School of Recitation and Song. Their lengthy performance concluded just in time for the 4:45 AM boarding of the bus. Lacking sleep and coffee, the group took off for Sandanski, 65 km south of Blagoevgrad.<br /><br />Sandanski, Bulgaria’s sunniest town, is the birthplace of Spartacus. For those that missed the movie, he led slave revolt against the Romans in 74 BC. We met our leaders from Archaeology Fieldwork Programs, Kalin Korchev and Simeon Prokopov. They introduced the group to Dr. Vladimir Petkov, Director of the Archeology Museum and the adjacent dig site, the Bishop’s Basilica in Sandanski.<br /><br />Once coffee was discovered and enjoyed, a brief tour of the museum gave the group a sense of the importance of the upcoming challenge. The museum collection includes burial marble plates, coins from varied historical periods, inscriptions, jewelry, pottery and other artifacts. Mosaic floors are preserved in their entirety.<br /><br /><br />We walked to the dig site at the back of the museum. A group of day laborers were rebuilding a stone wall so the location was busy with the activity of restoration and discovery. We were set to work after these instructions – “Dig 10 cm down, brush the dirt off any objects, save those that look like bones or appear human made: glass; fresco pieces; nails. One person digs, one person checks. And, you are lucky because of the Thursday night rain, it is easier to work.”<br /><br />Ann Marie found a glass base of a goblet. Digging nearby, Kristen Holtschlag found some metal latch pieces. Dr. Pekov was able to identify our finds with ease. Margaret and Shirley carefully brushed off areas in the baptistery revealing frescoes.<br /><br />Others were given shovels and moved about 10 inches of sand covering a previously discovered mosaic floor with botanical elements and symmetric patterns. It was fun to watch the floor reveal its design. It was an amazing few hours - group participants were finding objects and looking through dirt from the 4th - 6th century. Long before our enthusiasm for what we were discovering peaked, the sun forced an end to the dig.<br /><br />A brief timeline of the museum and its projects:<br />1936 – The museum begins with a collection in the First Primary School in Sandanski.<br />1960 – The first systematic digs begin at the Christian Basilica of Joan<br />1970 - The current museum opened in tandem with the IV Archeological Conference in Blagoevgrad.<br />1960-80 Order of excavations near the museum site: Basilica of Joan; Early Christian Complex; Gymnasium; Thermal Baths; civil buildings<br /><br />Dr. Petkov commented about the difficulty of Bulgarian archeology. There have been renovations throughout the periods and materials have been reused, some not originally created for the basilica. As Evelina states and the archeologists echo, the layers of history stretch from Pre-History, the Bronze Age, Greeks, Thracians, Romans, and Byzantines. Even today, it is a challenge to protect the dig sites from human interference. It is easy to understand why Dr. Petkov, when for a dig completion date, joked about his retirement.<br /><br />Simeon talked about his and Kalin’s motivation for bringing groups to archeological sites in Bulgaria. “Bulgaria’s best resource is its archeological history. We want to show that Bulgaria has a rich history like Greece and Italy. Bulgaria ranks third in the number of UNESCO sites. We need lots of years to study. For example, we have 2000 tombs – it takes a year to explore just one. Every city, once dug, reveals artifacts.”<br /><br />He continued to speak about the continuous nature of Bulgarian identity and history. Simeon shared a friend’s theory about the long legacy of Bulgarian history and culture. The friend says that, “being under the Turks united us. This time was difficult because of the religious differences and thus we did not fight among ourselves and fall apart like other countries.”<br /><br />After lunch and some time to explore the beautiful city park and shopping district, we traveled the 17km to Melnik. The little village is striking because of the soaring sand stone (mel) cliffs as well as the empty homes that are reminders of the 1912-13 Balkan removal of the town’s Greek citizens by the Greek Army.<br /><br />We checked into our hotel a former Ottoman prison, Usunova Kasta, and met Ivan Usunov and his wife. The rooms, surrounding a small grape-vined courtyard were bright and warm. Once settled we were welcomed at the Folklore Art Center by Jane Kamenarov and Elena Georgieva-Kamenarova. Their endeavor is Leb I Vino, Bread and Wine. Both were shared as they warmly and enthusiastically welcomed us to Melnick. Their studio showed their weavings, paintings, and painted icons. It took only brief observation to understand that they are both talented with multiple performing and visual artistic abilities.<br /><br />A thunderstorm did not stop this GPA group from enjoying dinner in the multiple outdoor mehanas. The shopping frenzy of knit socks, tablecloths, rugs, paintings, jewelry, aprons, and pottery was a serious boost to the local economy.<br /><br />Later, transformed by their intricate native costumes, Jane and Elena performed in the courtyard of the Usnova Hotel. Singing and playing what they termed “the songs of our grandparents, they introduced the two voiced principle, the style of all Balkan singing and instruments. They perform in village style, songs of work and celebration, learned from older musicians. This differs from school style, which is formally taught.<br /><br />Balkan music uses rhythms and harmonies that differ from the western musical style. Elena sang and provided rhythm with the tarambuka, an hourglass shaped drum made of copper. Jane played two different tamburas, string instruments with four strings and a teardrop shaped back typically tuned, D-G-B-E.<br />Jane also played the dvoyanka, a double block wooden flute, the kaval, a long eight finger- holed flute, the kavalche, a small or piccolo kaval, and the gaida, a bagpipe. They sang, played, danced, and patiently explained their musical craft. The evening ended with admiration for the customs they are preserving and their exceptional ability to communicate the beauty of their heritage.<br /><br />Websites:<br />Simeon and Kalin’s home page and two archeology sites:<br /><a href="http://www.archeobg.org/">http://www.archeobg.org/</a><br /><a href="http://www.sandanski.archeobg.org/">http://www.sandanski.archeobg.org/</a> – Bishop’s Complex<br /><a href="http://www.hisar.archeobg.org/">http://www.hisar.archeobg.org/</a> – Roman Baths and Thracian settlement<br /><br />Elena and Jane’s website<br /><a href="http://www.lebivino.com/">http://www.lebivino.com/</a> – Songs, artwork, and video</div></div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-78129255309721537282008-07-03T10:38:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:11:08.240-07:00Larry Neitzert--Thursday, July 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasSJDcJklHNOpV1NYQpzUoBiqOHmKg3CSLOQTn1Wc53yRgRndpqU-zHomMHQF5erkvXPfadX_EH5zB92tDk3k8BZX2rD5YPkKgSi28q3y6PqrJzlCNIR9y3PyVm0_GRxBEPUlRO5r092n/s1600-h/class7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224371859027063282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasSJDcJklHNOpV1NYQpzUoBiqOHmKg3CSLOQTn1Wc53yRgRndpqU-zHomMHQF5erkvXPfadX_EH5zB92tDk3k8BZX2rD5YPkKgSi28q3y6PqrJzlCNIR9y3PyVm0_GRxBEPUlRO5r092n/s200/class7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewavPUwfuPCy8-0Aq1_H_zTSTL5kr8A4RJ7gDNHbm7wgE3SGND5B9InBXXRnXSMOc1fukglabvhAmXYe-5VlSDiYZcIKR2-JW1FVuzFtIdG4WiQ_h_-8UnC2OVZRoW3qmdGnYYA-rv3J8/s1600-h/BG-c+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218844165551036050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewavPUwfuPCy8-0Aq1_H_zTSTL5kr8A4RJ7gDNHbm7wgE3SGND5B9InBXXRnXSMOc1fukglabvhAmXYe-5VlSDiYZcIKR2-JW1FVuzFtIdG4WiQ_h_-8UnC2OVZRoW3qmdGnYYA-rv3J8/s200/BG-c+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu9EI1I6pUfxKvJFfeV27tKXya_5xNHaZh-2TdNUgwmbF60uTcCM3NtO7kSNmh1bPfPiX942Ch9qTSGZPRpJCUk2ZlYCEmKxinvAR-zsqJhwyPdiAk7wGc-0BMGjw78CsAmj2gED-StpT/s1600-h/BG-c+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218844032002505618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu9EI1I6pUfxKvJFfeV27tKXya_5xNHaZh-2TdNUgwmbF60uTcCM3NtO7kSNmh1bPfPiX942Ch9qTSGZPRpJCUk2ZlYCEmKxinvAR-zsqJhwyPdiAk7wGc-0BMGjw78CsAmj2gED-StpT/s200/BG-c+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb6BgBHtOOwVq2PXwP3THc84l7p7IYPGsWnlEQMESMQcspHnckKqyp4NV9nN4Io1316Qq_1JrTIyqadZnym2dSxldIV0Uf95mEm-HBOVP9FAok8ev4SOPNPAOx-qNgfd785WRut0Jr0GB/s1600-h/BG-c+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218844039902201554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb6BgBHtOOwVq2PXwP3THc84l7p7IYPGsWnlEQMESMQcspHnckKqyp4NV9nN4Io1316Qq_1JrTIyqadZnym2dSxldIV0Uf95mEm-HBOVP9FAok8ev4SOPNPAOx-qNgfd785WRut0Jr0GB/s200/BG-c+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUguzMWNWWVIUau-ZoRcV32bnrWomm7QMjuZ-6OXSHO_nLiW_wDb8bRPkP-ReTXrxI9g6DjZFbO8vqdSlu4a9abafMUFtlEqmRPfjifSbxJSR1GVVK3_QgHaezjIaUMkq8FHqdRrplkE7l/s1600-h/BG-c+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218844044385273298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUguzMWNWWVIUau-ZoRcV32bnrWomm7QMjuZ-6OXSHO_nLiW_wDb8bRPkP-ReTXrxI9g6DjZFbO8vqdSlu4a9abafMUFtlEqmRPfjifSbxJSR1GVVK3_QgHaezjIaUMkq8FHqdRrplkE7l/s200/BG-c+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6vB2H8F8q2TQdP39c_2TV5vyt2YPBJIc0_rYAvh9FHRgdJs5Bf6mpaoKLhgmtwEGKMy-9bWkF80eoHMKdhfa5UYgwrrAkOzt6c9VqFsVcX1bXl4YTmA5DbCLwkrhFdlSudg-GjscrhKq/s1600-h/BG-c+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218844051388158434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6vB2H8F8q2TQdP39c_2TV5vyt2YPBJIc0_rYAvh9FHRgdJs5Bf6mpaoKLhgmtwEGKMy-9bWkF80eoHMKdhfa5UYgwrrAkOzt6c9VqFsVcX1bXl4YTmA5DbCLwkrhFdlSudg-GjscrhKq/s200/BG-c+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iiOm6Haow1bpEQ_r232MgOmAEGcSxOyC-KSFUbFouEnnCbJench9jLkbFklmjHFsKYAS7wdkew62qN6VEYHKOZncWeN1iM-WIBkkr6THjxrmrBL32DhTP-TJLzIfV4rlWEXY-c12ng6q/s1600-h/BG-c+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218844055958809410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iiOm6Haow1bpEQ_r232MgOmAEGcSxOyC-KSFUbFouEnnCbJench9jLkbFklmjHFsKYAS7wdkew62qN6VEYHKOZncWeN1iM-WIBkkr6THjxrmrBL32DhTP-TJLzIfV4rlWEXY-c12ng6q/s200/BG-c+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>THE ODYSSEY of FULBRIGHTERS<br /></div><br /><div><br />(With apologies to Homer and all poets)<br /></div><br /><div><br />Oh ye gods and mortals<br />Listen to my song,<br />Of fourteen heroic teachers<br />Who journeyed to Bulgaria long.<br /><br />Led by Kings Galbraith and Holtschlag<br />No one can resist their attack.<br />Already Blagoevgrad and Plovdiv<br />Has been totally sacked.<br /><br />No murder they do or slaves they take<br />But much treasure they have gained.<br />And they hope that Delta and United<br />Will not give them pain.<br /><br />And I a limping Homer<br />With aged limbs but mind still spry,<br />Sing their heroic song<br />Of the third of July.<br /><br />Rosy finger dawn greets<br />Valiant joggers and walkers<br />Who after searching the city<br />Become coffee and tea takers.<br /><br />Then to AUBG our heroes go<br />With the Sirens of the shops so near,<br />The warriors are safe -- the shops are closed,<br />When fair Athena does appear.<br /><br />Athena, the goddess of wisdom<br />Disguised as Evelina in shape,<br />Gives kindness, knowledge, and wisdom<br />For wondering warriors to take.<br /><br />In the middle of the lecture<br />Is declared a small truce<br />to honor an Olympian hero<br />Struck by the fury of Zeus.<br /><br />Athena on each day<br />To Fulbrighters teach<br />But even during tragedy<br />To them she does reach.<br /><br />But now as Prince Hamlet said<br />When he was Dane of the Day<br />I digress from the heroic tale<br />To sing “the play within the play.”<br /><br />First in Bulgaria to appear<br />Were the Thracians six thousand year ago,<br />No script they possessed<br />But were skilled artisans of gold.<br /><br />Mighty horsemen were the Thracians<br />And with the Trojans did side,<br />But cunning Ulysses had the bigger horse<br />And inside the Greeks he did hide.<br /><br />Then to the land came<br />Macedonians and people from Rome.<br />Finally Bulgars, Slavs, and others<br />Called this land their home.<br /><br />In 861 the first European kingdom<br />The Bulgarians do make,<br />But Ottomans and Byzataniums<br />Much of their land do take<br /><br />Many Bulgarian heroes there are<br />Like brothers Cyril and Methodius<br />And great leaders like Simeon<br />And before him the first Boris.<br /><br />But now I must return to the tale<br />Of Fulbrighters Michigan.<br />Even are admitted warriors<br />From Vegas and Washington.<br /><br />Athena teaches the break between<br />Middle Ages and Modernization,<br />The double edged sword of<br />Industrial and French revolution.<br /><br />The story of Europe present<br />Is the story of modernization,<br />From mass politics and media<br />To modern mass production.<br /><br />With national revival, education<br />And church in place.<br />Bulgarian independence<br />Arrived in 1878.<br /><br />In March Greater Bulgaria established<br />By the Sans Stefano Treaty<br />But in June the Conference of Berlin<br />Leave the Bulgarians needy.<br /><br />Oh, those Western Europeans<br />Leave Bulgaria in the lee,<br />So Ivan the Russian<br />Can’t get to the sea.<br /><br />The twentieth century on<br />The Bulgarians does crash<br />Each war that they fight<br />They end in the trash.<br /><br />But bright Apollo doth one fact degree<br />While all Europe marches to mass hysteria<br />Not one Bulgarian Jew<br />Goes to the crematorium.<br /><br />Amidst the fierce battle the Fulbrighters<br />Holding cups of coffee and coke,<br />Income the King of AUBG<br />And to them he doth spoke.<br /><br />By way of Russia and a far away land<br />Called the Midwest<br />He came to Blagoevgrad<br />And at AUBG now rests.<br /><br />The pride of his faculty and students<br />He doth joyously sing,<br />Now endowments and treasure<br />Here he must bring.<br /><br />In the fall 1100 students<br />Call this their home-a<br />In the future he wants<br />To admit students Roma.<br /><br />After the rosy fingers of afternoon<br />These heroic Fulbrigher ladies<br />Cross the quick River Styx<br />To the portals of Hades<br /><br />There at the museum fair Hera<br />Disguised as Dr, Kulova,<br />Once again sings the heroic tale<br />Of the Bulgarian saga.<br /><br />From independence to folk dress<br />Of these she doth sing<br />And knowledge and wonder<br />Once again she doth bring.<br /><br />Suddenly the furies and muses<br />Invade the upper chamber<br />And Shirley of Lansing<br />Has them as artist do labor.<br /><br />On the wildest and hottest<br />Of the Fulbrighters all,<br />She calms and teaches<br />Convincing them they can draw.<br /><br />Thus ends this song from an aged poet<br />From a far and distant land<br />Who wonders what the Fates<br />Will place in our hand.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-30096448691280635992008-07-02T10:42:00.000-07:002008-07-02T21:47:03.300-07:00Rila National Park-Wed, July 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZNzBkxP4Bn4b2offi_zZRvvtpsUURdJGVpBCXXyct4bID0A4va1HJ7VSUmt8-S96wQj5MEj3bw4mhIc1blxTftpRObLL_NeE4TCNWM7DVIs0uZf2JOvv2e8EhK1FW5EQwevi3yu-DnFB/s1600-h/RNP+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218476944289652674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZNzBkxP4Bn4b2offi_zZRvvtpsUURdJGVpBCXXyct4bID0A4va1HJ7VSUmt8-S96wQj5MEj3bw4mhIc1blxTftpRObLL_NeE4TCNWM7DVIs0uZf2JOvv2e8EhK1FW5EQwevi3yu-DnFB/s200/RNP+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCcCaiXY_jSJVfF8nW8BDNyt8VWerNq5ny31aFC5WV6beex4rLUTGRByNqC8vwXGOq-8EibhCFawaCPNpAtMcfrG4LN8bdxiiFi55STH0hIs-mCTGUBf2lEDFh4VLaPjj8vHL0jDC4lAi/s1600-h/RNP+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218476962226279554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCcCaiXY_jSJVfF8nW8BDNyt8VWerNq5ny31aFC5WV6beex4rLUTGRByNqC8vwXGOq-8EibhCFawaCPNpAtMcfrG4LN8bdxiiFi55STH0hIs-mCTGUBf2lEDFh4VLaPjj8vHL0jDC4lAi/s200/RNP+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFfBapg1wdGTYX_5ebXN_l26w6L8oLeksBQBt02ydElPk2t6_YvWezuKiSdGpH6b7ZESmtgn3olcQSPImqgOHYUXEDKimlcWBgnUhAnxJHHSECd2knjvanmf6O9-21amTfln-c9JlahH0/s1600-h/RNP+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218476974802204386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFfBapg1wdGTYX_5ebXN_l26w6L8oLeksBQBt02ydElPk2t6_YvWezuKiSdGpH6b7ZESmtgn3olcQSPImqgOHYUXEDKimlcWBgnUhAnxJHHSECd2knjvanmf6O9-21amTfln-c9JlahH0/s200/RNP+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAQA4kfh4zgmqtbp43XJqDilvbHj0q2PUpiPscg2JB1XgiK-KPTWqHHO1hPp0jFalVBMyUOc79rWXClsj23mgrtslPN9um-1TyaDaGKrulUQKodtNaLK_Vpebzc-_1zZO255PRooYr0Cw/s1600-h/RNP+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218476987037421970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAQA4kfh4zgmqtbp43XJqDilvbHj0q2PUpiPscg2JB1XgiK-KPTWqHHO1hPp0jFalVBMyUOc79rWXClsj23mgrtslPN9um-1TyaDaGKrulUQKodtNaLK_Vpebzc-_1zZO255PRooYr0Cw/s200/RNP+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Submitted by Heather Bartlett</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In the Influence of Shakespeare - "Hamlet" A.K.A July 2nd </div><div>.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>To hike, or not to hike: that is the question</div><div>Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to spend time reading or shopping spending outrageous fortune,</div><div>Or to take the chance against ticks and snake troubles.</div><div>And by choosing we define or end.</div><div>To hike, to nap, to shop, no more.</div><div>And by a hike to say we end the heat and the sweat of a thousand Bulgarian July days.</div><div>That the mountains is the source of all wonders.</div><div>Devoutly to be majestic.</div><div>To hike, to shop, to nap:</div><div>To nap: perchance to dream: ay, there's the effects of jet lag,heat, and Kosovar block party</div><div>For in our naps of exhaustion what rest may come</div><div>When we have suffer the heat due to day shopping (Kristen's new dress), </div><div>Must give our money a pause: there's the respect for the journey that makes Ann Marie's computer problem of AUBG so long.</div><div>For who would bear the burden and the backwardness of a Bulgarian tech department.</div><div>The markets' sales, the enthusiastic park ranger, the pains of heat, the law of supply and demand, the hair pin/switch back turns and the beauty all around us.</div><div>That patient merits to the Bulgarian people with our language exchange,</div><div>When they enthusiastically greet us or give the Bulgarian finger shake with the nodding of "yes" which means "no". </div><div>With backpacks and shopping bags to carry.</div><div>To grunt and sweat under the Bulgarian sun. </div><div>But the countryside and mountain up the road, the undiscovered country from whose majesty no traveler can debate, and puzzles at the will of the people in their efforts to make their country their own.</div><div>We know not what the correct choice be told but conscience does make journeymen of us all: </div><div>And thus the native hue of resolution is celebrator with the effects of our choices. </div><div>And with great friends and great fun we regard our choices well.</div><div>Softly now we go!</div><div>To the mountains, to the stores, or to the beds.</div><div>Be fair Stefan, the park ranger, </div><div>Be all your words remembered. </div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-39728638565908981412008-07-01T13:47:00.000-07:002008-07-18T07:25:18.126-07:00Heather Bartlett-Tuesday, July 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv_Zg-8VnO4IMoHwtCPjugiGtKxLKN7x8Sk0g8PBPKRKVVTLOQSYexzO72kOBtLfHCSKwRYaF3vaAUE9HAEdpPxm-DDGPb2mae4LVjsvAk4kDgyqDuJmb9Yevee8T6ibkz1SyggIM3Tqi/s1600-h/IMG_5961.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224359993634049842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv_Zg-8VnO4IMoHwtCPjugiGtKxLKN7x8Sk0g8PBPKRKVVTLOQSYexzO72kOBtLfHCSKwRYaF3vaAUE9HAEdpPxm-DDGPb2mae4LVjsvAk4kDgyqDuJmb9Yevee8T6ibkz1SyggIM3Tqi/s200/IMG_5961.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTC1z8tNWsJ7uegHZEMNgKrnzckGXm0maO49_BNmRBY3jE2Z597TsUXGUzhzXL0M5VDBsOJcX1b22GrGTLlmGOGGwLi1kIVdV5Zh2tUgpIGP-T8Wfh6ncjoq2lH2BPXaI6RjX6H6ZqxEy/s1600-h/bulgaria_wk_2_024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218485801261411202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTC1z8tNWsJ7uegHZEMNgKrnzckGXm0maO49_BNmRBY3jE2Z597TsUXGUzhzXL0M5VDBsOJcX1b22GrGTLlmGOGGwLi1kIVdV5Zh2tUgpIGP-T8Wfh6ncjoq2lH2BPXaI6RjX6H6ZqxEy/s200/bulgaria_wk_2_024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCP7dcZZpJt_pMQkZY1VdebH7qFdpcoLeyHqR9hdnEznimBhRPQaYLiSpU4nT56Ab4Wiu-XGwzq92rSlalmL7pJw3-RNZWkRud0Sizn2E6KfQQhRo0Xli-inURkc93aeunZx76nUW-y-l/s1600-h/RNP+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218485829476108786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCP7dcZZpJt_pMQkZY1VdebH7qFdpcoLeyHqR9hdnEznimBhRPQaYLiSpU4nT56Ab4Wiu-XGwzq92rSlalmL7pJw3-RNZWkRud0Sizn2E6KfQQhRo0Xli-inURkc93aeunZx76nUW-y-l/s200/RNP+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpIO08IsENYIPWUIqXQyGcrxdQpRer0b07waM9QxGzhnfvAC1Nu3vmVtz-wdb-Xe_oweg3cQFrpd4gtxsOrAUvSmCq7-onjzQ2niZPLbGQ5KNMKty5KORRUzWTO_CybWb5UNmLyXaReK/s1600-h/RNP+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218484685970745106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpIO08IsENYIPWUIqXQyGcrxdQpRer0b07waM9QxGzhnfvAC1Nu3vmVtz-wdb-Xe_oweg3cQFrpd4gtxsOrAUvSmCq7-onjzQ2niZPLbGQ5KNMKty5KORRUzWTO_CybWb5UNmLyXaReK/s200/RNP+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAkGNPoH6M0J3m80Gy2_UcSGK9qQkhsXco_u9r48xCuQeQwyKk-iHGWwaMvVDrlNSBsAdqgGMN1gCfX0Qvb1BPFVI8yCW80xXciKmOfRnV1_qFN-2vpROGuMWS_e3WdBCTna6GFOt3Z7R/s1600-h/BG+280.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218150661080731074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAkGNPoH6M0J3m80Gy2_UcSGK9qQkhsXco_u9r48xCuQeQwyKk-iHGWwaMvVDrlNSBsAdqgGMN1gCfX0Qvb1BPFVI8yCW80xXciKmOfRnV1_qFN-2vpROGuMWS_e3WdBCTna6GFOt3Z7R/s200/BG+280.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Heather Bartlett—July 1<br /><br />In the heat of Bulgarian July, we trekked across from the dorms to the university pillaging local vendors for food. We have found a safe haven in the canteen of the university with the friendly lady smiling to meet us. She enjoys our attempt to speak Bulgarian as much as we enjoy her kindness in teaching it to us. Soon Kristin Grattan will become a native speaker and give lessons to us as we stumble through the language.<br /><br /><br />We were happy to see Evelina, our seven language speaking professor. Each day she amazes us with her knowledge and passion for teaching. She engages us in her lessons. Today I felt like a sponge just soaking up the information about the National Revival Period in Bulgaria. For those of you who have not read Crampton's Concise History of Bulgaria, this time period includes Bulgaria trying to find their independence from the Ottoman rule. It is similar to the American Revolution but different. Just like how we are finding the country similar and different to our own country.<br /><br /><br />After class, Ann Marie, Anne, Julie, Pat, Le, Pamela, and I headed down to the library to meet the director. She informed us the library was going to be closed July 4th as I stared at her Marge Simpson picture. Once again comparing and contrasting the countries together.<br /><br /><br />In our group we have people who like to run even though no one is chasing them. Kristen Holtschlag in her run this morning, found a grocery store. Some of us headed there after class to celebrate consumerism. The store was enormous compared to the local markets we have discovered so far on the trip. Our eyes quickly adjusted to the bright lights of the store. We attempted to order from the meat counter making farm animal noises for our requests. I do not think the lady stopped laughing with Julie making chicken sounds and her responding with pig sounds. I have a better understanding of Old McDonald. I can only image her dinner conversation tonight with her family talking about foreigners making chicken sounds and gestures.<br /><br /><br />After lunch the group met to tour a National Revival House. So some people, like myself, got lost in the process. When in doubt find someone who speaks English. We went to Margaret, the anthropologist at the Ethnographic Museum, to save the day. It is nice to have connections.<br /><br /><br />Shirley gave an excellent discussion on art and teaching it. The teacher and the setting were perfect. Sitting in a courtyard surrounded by art and discussing the teaching of it can not be beat. "What knowledge am I capturing while drawing?" served as the underlining theme.<br /><br /><br />The knowledge of learning continued with Larry's discussion about the foundation of American education compared to Bulgarian education. This topic lead to a lively discussion about education in general. We have a wide variety of teachers and backgrounds in our group. Some from urban settings while others from small towns. Each teacher contributed to the discussion. Karen, who teaches in Washington, D.C. wants to know about the minorities in Bulgaria and the education they receive. Larry, a college professor, wants to know the focus of education in Bulgaria. While Shirley discussed the educational system, how some students do quite well in high school but can not make the grade in college.<br />We decided that this discussion would be better with beer and food and we headed down to a restaurant to continue the discussion further.<br /><br /><br />Dinner was great and so were the drinks as we pondered our impact on our students and our Fulbright lessons yet to write.<br /><br /><br />We head back to the dorms hoping for another "block party" with our fellow students and Kosovo friends. The night is still young. . .</div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-10922671109773128522008-07-01T13:42:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:12:12.944-07:00Carol Mohrlock-Monday, June 30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uccoGF9GK1u6S5gj2ihFU4pYENNWu1ZsivsHdeIDh_h9nikgZ6vuD8f_2B-VVrcbUtuewN3UUBVsehgcA-O0y-7Q-BtrTlIf90VHSa-Mra2ulJbtd3UobBlMjRHraWVP_74rBDdaaCur/s1600-h/class4.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83Ia8671grGErcYbONSG7e3E_6P8QnjXlWAuxV3e6AFtsgghk4T0PrikwCAgAz_eKncmppDHRafOwXkug9o2L9DYwe5l-xauSZlJw71yJgbLAocrJxjljzxSiR-E5ug8kczLRmozmzwSM/s1600-h/class5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224369215919578098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83Ia8671grGErcYbONSG7e3E_6P8QnjXlWAuxV3e6AFtsgghk4T0PrikwCAgAz_eKncmppDHRafOwXkug9o2L9DYwe5l-xauSZlJw71yJgbLAocrJxjljzxSiR-E5ug8kczLRmozmzwSM/s200/class5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoy3ClHo7cXRYNuQOA6x05mF0VTNdmcczgGbln-cC64QPfp4QDO0eDCinPhpAvQvEgcNaaLHu2c89-vKvwKPJ-hHXMhTnKN-Q6WMOTJLpv9QGmFExsPRXxTCfY6ESPQnPtvM1r3TjP19g/s1600-h/class6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224369225935935954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoy3ClHo7cXRYNuQOA6x05mF0VTNdmcczgGbln-cC64QPfp4QDO0eDCinPhpAvQvEgcNaaLHu2c89-vKvwKPJ-hHXMhTnKN-Q6WMOTJLpv9QGmFExsPRXxTCfY6ESPQnPtvM1r3TjP19g/s200/class6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgZIFypTmSPyfdYGWon6TNHr-4I-Wvw7iUcK2cohkALK4jmkQPswGWL5H728ceDvVcKhc6xIQtAAPgY5kNSC5_AEIa_a0W0vguYquRxViJVajUi3ESVmjYXPtHIK_rRNaxqhp8SA5DzTi/s1600-h/class7.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsAQvRtPo8j9n3xJxM3z8mWby_1wnz6qJZDMSvoAkKTEG01ebGMhslIRoGuDl63-vqBFf0s3AVyCWSzVgerC0XFDjUVSys31cphFPSMvXKnje5ZTOyUjmp1udLi7hHQl5ipl4JK6b9XdV/s1600-h/class8.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeFxWLk1RgLypRyFcoS3qCBDU5OvAch29wrR5NUYxprFGvx_JiXv9G4blGZC-xvR-xCFn_Q5s5XciOjiQvZszJ34XtX1QxWI1mK2JOKZRSRb75RbOIDE_MWbiCnjrZsZaRGFYvQLvZ_8D/s1600-h/AMB+022.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmvH7Im7I2DYtjc0mQ2ufeKDOp5MtRbQ0PJHSv_ibmMLWkmWtbGMQGK28PyRwdemaWrHeoYH_iuUlTeIaN30FQzBBTRMvHwcaoZqCr1sbOOdClwoWalytGrBx3ow355ac7BQllHvLJKFH/s1600-h/AMB+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257156619738178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmvH7Im7I2DYtjc0mQ2ufeKDOp5MtRbQ0PJHSv_ibmMLWkmWtbGMQGK28PyRwdemaWrHeoYH_iuUlTeIaN30FQzBBTRMvHwcaoZqCr1sbOOdClwoWalytGrBx3ow355ac7BQllHvLJKFH/s200/AMB+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzqdMRfyTDoJQ9cR8R2oAXx13LNWpoyzRU2FFrznAGBWNwTIgI7ie_Rnmrg1N-STzBK9W1DF1ZgYexPLGhkAdxmJwZa06yDx5J4GkY4WUHBYdCrpn-9xngiHJAMTB6waQ-x0md-AjHvwi/s1600-h/AMB+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257165458821090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzqdMRfyTDoJQ9cR8R2oAXx13LNWpoyzRU2FFrznAGBWNwTIgI7ie_Rnmrg1N-STzBK9W1DF1ZgYexPLGhkAdxmJwZa06yDx5J4GkY4WUHBYdCrpn-9xngiHJAMTB6waQ-x0md-AjHvwi/s200/AMB+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJxmtEb9k935Phrqibcjj_kjTC_KJzVAMG5esexAz462Q_1B_odtZs-uTk-buEBHuZsoRtufgPCplXpyjltQQh9Ck1Sywa2pdpNOMW86hb2jlSlta_j0Os6qeCQOUKiWt7K0jurbp7SLV/s1600-h/AMB+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224257173330624610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJxmtEb9k935Phrqibcjj_kjTC_KJzVAMG5esexAz462Q_1B_odtZs-uTk-buEBHuZsoRtufgPCplXpyjltQQh9Ck1Sywa2pdpNOMW86hb2jlSlta_j0Os6qeCQOUKiWt7K0jurbp7SLV/s200/AMB+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DzfGoybgzECqBhT8OFX07c-wtX6g6gi04C02eFUMs5ih3xDiXjWnjVdsW2I9v_KMczOKASlLeUnrtcwYYn33u66foFYcUz6KNZcKzO9TwDhJkWHBGLWWvf8O3_PfHPdUZYzb9aSF755t/s1600-h/070708+051b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220627980280670866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DzfGoybgzECqBhT8OFX07c-wtX6g6gi04C02eFUMs5ih3xDiXjWnjVdsW2I9v_KMczOKASlLeUnrtcwYYn33u66foFYcUz6KNZcKzO9TwDhJkWHBGLWWvf8O3_PfHPdUZYzb9aSF755t/s200/070708+051b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO-pDizUDjKsAodCsjuYET7Q9E237pAAgLXim6hcAnuH82BOnFT51EY44hBKK6E9G7kf2sMaEk89-BHXNrp6jfne9iYzIQXJ20VrYDyWyvCeZi0o1qNwXVFYIT5tDG0cMKk19qgH_bL6p/s1600-h/070708+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220627103387374482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO-pDizUDjKsAodCsjuYET7Q9E237pAAgLXim6hcAnuH82BOnFT51EY44hBKK6E9G7kf2sMaEk89-BHXNrp6jfne9iYzIQXJ20VrYDyWyvCeZi0o1qNwXVFYIT5tDG0cMKk19qgH_bL6p/s200/070708+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe3cvFKvMrlaWjral6I4tuAL3GYrIS0SPCxEOwJw8iJ2Olz8CdSJtjiZ9Os5-qiQsiuOOAStKbIXLk2NvJ7-I5qC8yFBFm7XBWahHw6K_VEjikGpW3_KlI92teYjYMUlCdW0V7Ng2iPQb/s1600-h/070708+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220627112635149330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe3cvFKvMrlaWjral6I4tuAL3GYrIS0SPCxEOwJw8iJ2Olz8CdSJtjiZ9Os5-qiQsiuOOAStKbIXLk2NvJ7-I5qC8yFBFm7XBWahHw6K_VEjikGpW3_KlI92teYjYMUlCdW0V7Ng2iPQb/s200/070708+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77ADrQz41lVQQ9uUPkKRSilIhauECUoHFN8OsgIxl9GFOWN06rTHMCIfEDtJmcZhUhDyOpDnLudk4C7PnFrWErKpSZUc0Bfz_1LCa2tqnZfBrOYDI8vSHnU3wOfkSQ6YRyHl47Tmenk4L/s1600-h/Picture_060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218497842768705010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77ADrQz41lVQQ9uUPkKRSilIhauECUoHFN8OsgIxl9GFOWN06rTHMCIfEDtJmcZhUhDyOpDnLudk4C7PnFrWErKpSZUc0Bfz_1LCa2tqnZfBrOYDI8vSHnU3wOfkSQ6YRyHl47Tmenk4L/s200/Picture_060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>June 30, 2008, Day 9<br />F-H Group Project - Bulgaria<br /><br />Do you Know?<br />By Carol Mohrlock<br /><br />Do you know the time period of the Great Migrations?<br />Do you know the 3 important things that came out of the Medieval Period?<br />Do you know the main goal of the Ottoman Empire?<br />Do you know why the lights went out in the dorm at AUB?<br />If these questions interest you read today’s blog entry to find the answers to these and much more.<br />Day nine at American University in Bulgaria was filled with LOADS of content about the Medieval Kingdoms and the Ottoman Rule. Today the Fulbright-Hays participants had two sessions with Dr. Evelina Kelbecheva.<br /><br />After the lectures, we reviewed some of our learning through a Kagan Cooperative learning activity called Numbered Heads Together which Carol shared with the group. Then we drew closure to our academic day by reflecting on some of the comments we wrote in our week one evaluation.<br /><br />While our school day ended around 5:30 PM we ended up having a bit of excitement around 9:00 PM. While many of us were using the computer lab to correspond on email, work journals, or sketch out our projects the dormitory alarms started going off and all of the sudden the power went out.<br /><br />We all gathered on the patio and began conversations with our new friends. Two groups of students (one from Bulgaria and another from Albania) are enrolled in summer classes at AUB. Just as we gathered on the patio, our dear friends Heather, Anne, Pat, Julie and Shirley arrived back at the dormitory with several LARGE bottles of refreshments. We enjoyed learning more about the Balkan region from these students and they shared that they enjoyed having an opportunity to practice their English.<br /><br />So, let me give you brief outline of some of the key points from our lectures today.<br />Key Points from 6-30-08<br />Great Migrations (400-600 AD/CE)<br />This was the end of the Classical period (Greek & Roman)<br />Huge influx of people came from the east via the Balkan Pen.<br />These people left Central Asia due to climate change, food issues, for resources that were in this region.<br />Among the people that moved west were the Bulgars<br />Three Important Things from the Medieval Period<br />Creation of the Bulgarian State<br />Created in 681<br />Created by Bulgars and Slavs<br />Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet<br />Created by Cyril and Methodius who were brothers<br />This alphabet was created in 855 AD/CE<br />Adoption of Christianity in Bulgaria (862 AD/CE)<br />The Ottoman Empire (1396-1876)<br />The goal of this empire was for expansion and territorial gain<br />Army consisted of over one million men<br />It was an area where Muslims, Jews and Christians all lived<br />Trade was very strong in this area<br /><br />The content has been fascinating. The discussions among participants have been thought provoking and the learning is endless. Of course I believe we owe a very LARGE thank you to Pamela and Margaret for making this Fulbright-Hays experience to Bulgaria possible!!! It is a TRUE GIFT!<br /><br />Oh yes, I believe the only piece of information you may not have is the answer to the last question. I am not exactly sure but somewhere along the lines there was a power shortage so the lights and power were out at the dormitory and that’s when the block party began.<br />Carol</div></div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4330703438087984038.post-54490300358835420632008-06-30T13:17:00.000-07:002008-07-06T13:09:39.638-07:00Andrea Hartlund-Sunday, June 29<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPlF3Nl9Wnz59tt3Cckx9kjVWyEtBJySu6ymQsKUsijBv9BatgB7TmpOMSylbyslvP7y-SOau-Sh54SQegX7p5kHNTzScNfBVyBI662oicLsHpEBpA5Hbv4mciOSvizefRRT3rqca5UbH/s1600-h/BG-d+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219995624279269282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPlF3Nl9Wnz59tt3Cckx9kjVWyEtBJySu6ymQsKUsijBv9BatgB7TmpOMSylbyslvP7y-SOau-Sh54SQegX7p5kHNTzScNfBVyBI662oicLsHpEBpA5Hbv4mciOSvizefRRT3rqca5UbH/s200/BG-d+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuvLBXtlGc-0KRoI4-2tGYzG4K1i5v88PXZwOZdLZRCTQuxuTxM00LaWnmgpEbWKyu8En-Ha7-fZ6iecpPXiJrRm7umvzkSVneMtB9Jk8ADGDBP_fHlAgIhrKtKsKRRK-BNOcmlct7IA4/s1600-h/BG-d+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219995636190912898" style="FLOAT: right; 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MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69YB2JXazZakMx-7z79QJGb7vsGdXd-H5F_XnGPqHElsFsIvohNtKwgADrBy6LdxVfEKSyQZnv39_asqMtHT6uVCYO5S2DvjCVx4VTjmdwKcfl4sKvoMjPMETMZkx4n5a_zZxEckefFgb/s200/RNP+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKiw-moQExfcVaffEeHTsBA6NeVB-HBDY-01sJZJmEKIjZkJ_gS8qY88ra-E8MFe44Yevx2qiYz8SLecjdfChICvwHgcAwaCebXNgixAs3gLstZa1d_TyY33AE5eiVFGULPy-lCezA-BR/s1600-h/RNP+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218491909647639490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKiw-moQExfcVaffEeHTsBA6NeVB-HBDY-01sJZJmEKIjZkJ_gS8qY88ra-E8MFe44Yevx2qiYz8SLecjdfChICvwHgcAwaCebXNgixAs3gLstZa1d_TyY33AE5eiVFGULPy-lCezA-BR/s200/RNP+023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqeCaHw1sUWsuZlaFfpJFGC6qsCZ12Zer98iQA5eeF5qasDwf3n4mBC-TIonDsYe6pQF8M1f7GC-bB3ns9BUMnAibxsolbhOwSxVulQS09jqE4dXzwiRwJNAVSNNOPKfrLZ6PsSoxkSol/s1600-h/DSC00304.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217900287854873266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqeCaHw1sUWsuZlaFfpJFGC6qsCZ12Zer98iQA5eeF5qasDwf3n4mBC-TIonDsYe6pQF8M1f7GC-bB3ns9BUMnAibxsolbhOwSxVulQS09jqE4dXzwiRwJNAVSNNOPKfrLZ6PsSoxkSol/s200/DSC00304.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Sunday, June 29<br />Submitted by: Andrea Hartlund<br />We woke up in disbelief this morning that our first weekend trip had come and gone so quickly! Many of us were sad that it was our last day in the beautiful, entertaining city of Plovdiv. The great news is that we have many more adventures ahead of us the next few weeks.<br /><br />The group began to stroll downstairs around 7:00 to get one last breakfast at Hotel Bulgaria. (I still can’t believe the great location we had-right at the city center!) We had to get our energy to prepare for one last hike up the hill to the Thracian ruins. The group assembled in the lobby at 8:00 and we instantly felt the relief of the cooler morning air as we began our journey. Pamela decided that an earlier time would be better for all of us, as she had experienced the challenge of hiking up hills in the heat with us the day before. We were convinced that she also arranged this time since the Old Town shops were closed and we couldn’t meander in and out of them along the way…she’s figured many of us out already!<br /><br />We passed through the village center, up the cobblestone street, and through Old Town until we reached the top. It was a sight to be seen! Not only were we standing on the very ground that was an original Thracian settlement, but we also stood in awe at the vast landscape of Plovdiv and all of the surrounding areas. We learned that this settlement was chosen for many reasons. Even though the placement of the area was high and offered a great deal of protection, it was a challenge to easily transport supplies for the people. Also, the settlement could not expand as the population increased. The settlement was eventually abandoned as Plovdiv became a huge trading center. Also, when the Ottomans gained control they no longer needed it because their areas of warfare were farther north. Plovdiv continues to be a center of commerce and economic success today. Many restored buildings, beautiful parks, and a strong tourism industry are a shining star of pride for Bulgaria.<br /><br />After our visit to the Thracian settlement, we ventured back into town where everyone enjoyed their last few minutes in the city. Some people did last minute shopping; some visited the Internet café looking over the smaller Roman amphitheater, and others finished packing. At 11:00 we began our trip back to Blagoevgrad. We loved the sights along the way…fresh peach stands, huge sunflower fields, and watching many people taking a swim in little rivers along side huge rocky mountain cliffs. Considering many people are counting down the days until we can use our swimsuits, we all watched them with envy. We pleaded for the van to stop for those of us that had brought our suits “just in case”, but had no luck. The wait until swimming at Varna goes on!<br /><br />Evelina, our professor from American University of Bulgaria (AUBG), highly recommended that we stop at the Bachkova Monastery so that was one stop on our way home. This is the second largest and frequently visited monastery, with Rila being first. It was founded in 1083 by two brothers who were in the Byzantine army and the place served as a major religious center during the second Bulgarian Empire 1185-1396. It was destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century and restored by the 17th century. Heather gave us her expertise on icons, an art form we’ve seen in many religious buildings all over Bulgaria. They are paintings of holy figures or saints. We learned that icons represent the presence of that person in the building. We were in shock as we looked over during the lesson to see two monks carrying a lamb by his legs upside down. It was definitely living, which left us trying to figure out his outcome. Evelina told us in class the next day that we were actually visiting the monastery on St. Peter’s Day. The lamb was likely used for a sacrifice to offer thanks and celebrate with a large bowl of lamb stew and bread. Visiting Bachkova on the biggest summer holiday of the year explained all of the lines of people we had to join to go into the chapel! After seeing the icons, lighting candles, and viewing Eastern Orthodox weddings and baptisms inside the chapel, we shopped at the large market and ate a quick lunch. The most exciting part was when Le, Kristin, and Andrea got to experience their first primitive Bulgarian toilet! There was no toilet actually, just a little hole in the ground. While some went on a mission to find a toilet that flushed, others conquered the experience with much grace and skill. That was the first story shared when everyone met back at the bus that afternoon and we were very proud of Le for retrieving the toilet paper!<br /><br />The drive home from Bachkova was gorgeous with landscapes of mountain terrains and rolling hills. We were also captivated by the beautiful reservoir called Lake Iscar. It seemed to go on for miles! Once we got back to the dorm many of us went into the city center for dinner and came back to finish our first week evaluations. We hit the pillows hard that night with great memories of our trip to Plovdiv. We were DEFINITELY the champions this weekend!</div></div></div></div>Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad 2008: "Bulgaria: Understanding the Eurasian Frontier"http://www.blogger.com/profile/08946334663864856642noreply@blogger.com0