Holidays

Happy Holidays Everyone

The holidays are a big thing here in Bulgaria, as they are everywhere. Naturally this will entail nagostis [на гости, visiting dinners / gatherings with friends], travelling many hours on icy roads, and office parties.

I think that this is pretty much the same everywhere. However, something you don’t get to feel everywhere is the camaraderie and warmth that you can find in Bulgaria, in Nikopol, among a great group of coworkers and volunteers, and in rekia [ракия] fueled dancing of the horo [хоро].

That being said, I guess people can find some pretty great camaraderie in office parties with cubicles, but again, I’ll pose the argument of the rekia [ракия] fueled dancing of the horo [хоро].

Also, we’ve had raffles at the work parties I’ve been to – I won a hot mat for a pan, and a white doily to go under a plate. A few other lucky souls won sponges or small plastic trumpets.

Overall, I got to have a traditional Bulgarian Christmas complete with eating an odd number of meatless dishes on Christmas Eve; killing, butchering, cooking and eating a pig on Christmas Day; and sharing in the warmth of family and friends. Love you guys.

In addition to great times with Bulgarians, spending time with volunteers also created a great Christmas atmosphere, and a great Christmas travel duration. I wouldn’t change a thing if I could.

Thanks to everyone or making my first Christmas away from MA a great one.