Until now, I didn't appreciate the North-South dichotomy. I still don't, however, geographically from where I stand at the moment, the grass seems greener on my side. Critics agree. So I moved to my site last week. I know some of you have some lingering questions about my business in Bulgaria. So without further ado, I will make an attempt to answer them.
Q. What do you do in Bulgaria?
A. I am a Community Development volunteer, which means I will do anything and everything to accommodate the community. Currently I work for a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Bio-B-Eko. It's chief mission is to alleviate corruption, raise environmental awareness, improve quality of life in the community and develop rural and Eco-tourism. But I am not restrained by organizational boundary.
Q. Where do you live?
A. I live in the Rhodope Mountain in southern Bulgaria in a small village of 3000 people.
Q. How do you communicate with people?
A. My Bulgarian is at intermediate-mid level right now. But needless to say that I make blunders occasionally, such as I may have asked "to cook someone" rather than "to speak with someone".
Q. Do you live alone?
A. Yes. I have my own fully-furnished apartment with a wood-burning radiator, a soviet-era stove and a small fridge. I have a ready-supply of logs to keep me toasty through the winter. And there are animals around me all the time to keep me company.
Q. Hows the weather?
A. Right now it's around 45 F all the time. Winter is fast approaching. Since I live in the mountains, winter should be quite cold.
Q. And the ladies?
A. Hehe, good-looking.
Q. Hows the cuisine?
A. Delicious. However, a bit salty and oily for my taste.
Q. What will you eat during winter?
A. Potatoes.
Q. Hows your social life?
A. Non-existent right now. But most likely it will involve hanging out with the "babas". They are the grandmothers of my village, the backbone of Bulgaria's social enterprise.
Q. Would like your friends and family to send you presents?
A. Yes, please.
Q. Do you have Skype?
A. Yes - shah.khan84
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3 comments:
Shah, you are amazing. I hope to make it out there with Nick this summer to visit you. I'm excited to read more about your work and life! Much love from the (American) South,
Amanda
Hey Shah!! SO basically I was going to start my comment by saying how amazing you are but I see someone else already beat me to it. It sounds like you are having one heck of a great experience! I'm so happy for you. Joining the peace corps is one thing I wish I could do but I don't think I have enough gusts to! I'm very proud of you Shah. You are helping so many people and doing amazing work. Stay healthy and safe. BYE!!
leah
Hi there. I am excited to live vicariously through your blog, and hopefully soon, Vince and I can visit you in BG. I also agree that the south is better. Have you been to Veliko Tarnovo in central Bulgaria? It's my favorite city there so far.
If you haven't already, you should read the NYTimes latest article about corruption in BG. Very insightful.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/world/europe/16bulgaria.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
All good things,
Amanda
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