On Friday, November 25th 2011, I will be entering new and unfamiliar territory...the classroom. Okay so not entirely new. I have been in a classroom most days of my life either as student or teacher, but NEVER on the day after Thanksgiving! My students graciously offered to allow me to cancel class to avoid this unprecedented event. Alas, I declined and we will be meeting together on that fateful day.
Aside from going where no American teacher has gone before, I am also going to have a Thanksgiving day WITHOUT guilt. You heard me right. I will happily, mindfully, and without remorse eat my roast chicken (we can't find turkey), both kinds of stuffing (we like both my mom's and Mark's mom's recipes so we make both), brussel sprouts with parmesan, AND pumpkin pie. How have I achieved this monumental feat? I walked.
You heard right and with these easy steps (hehe) you too can enjoy a guilt free Thanksgiving. Simply walk to the grocery store, buy all of your Thanksgiving ingredients, bag them up, attach them to your body in whatever fashion works for you (I carried mine over my shoulders and in my hands), and then walk home. Extra absolution for carrying said ingredients up 5 flights of stairs. I was winded and cursing much of the way home, but as you all are my witness I will never feel guilty about being full on Thanksgiving AGAIN!
BTW: I will get around to posting more about our fall break travels once the mountain of grading is down to a molehill.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Expat Awe: Sofia, SO FUN!
Fall break is a full week here at AUBG because in Bulgaria they don't have that pesky Thanksgiving break messing up the schedule. We decided to do some traveling during the week. I would like everyone to appreciate the situation we are in. We don't have cell phones yet. I repeat we DON'T have cell phones yet (they are coming sometime after we get our Bulgarian ID cards on Dec 8).
This complicates the travel picture a bit, at least for me who feels the need to have a stronger hold on potential emergency situations than some. Part of the issue is that the internet is not entirely reliable for hotels and transportation arrangements as it is in the US. The other part is, as mentioned above, my need to have confirmation of travel plans before setting off. Fall break helped the situation because if something went wrong we had a few days to deal with it before having to get back to class. So I braved travel in a foreign country with only Mark and a computer. It worked great!
The bus system in Bulgaria is excellent and there are hourly buses from Blagoevgrad to Sofia. The bus station in Blagoevgrad was easy to navigate once we found it. Everyone mentioned how conveniently located it is, but no one actually said WHERE it was and Google maps was not much help. Mark found an address but it didn't seem quite right. All I had was a vague memory of passing the station on my 3:30am shuttle to the airport when I went to Seattle (not particularly trustworthy). Rather than take our chances on our day of travel, I suggested we lace up and head out to visit both potential sites. After a very long walk, we found the bus station (Lynnette's sleep addled memory-1; Google maps Bulgaria-0). Both the state run and the private bus stations are a short walk from our apartment each with prominent bus schedules.
Confident in our abilities to find the bus and make it to Sofia, we tried booking a hotel online. Found some fabulous prices if you would pay in advance, only the site was done. Sent some emails and went to sleep hoping it would work out in the morning. Morning and no email, so I tried the online system again AND the cheap price was reserved just before we left. We swung by Mark's office to print out our hotel reservations and headed to the bus station.
We decided on the state run bus because of the times it was running. We couldn't figure out where to buy tickets, but in our broken Bulgarian managed to learn that we just needed to pay our bus driver. It was a great ride to Sofia Central Bus Station. Once we realized that lines at the taxi stands in Bulgaria are more of a suggestion than an order for getting a taxi, we were on our way to the hotel. The taxi driver had excellent English skills and she got us there quickly in the mid-day traffic. Total spent on transportation so far=25 leva ($17.50). Great price for the two of us.
More to come from our Sofia adventure (as soon as I find the pictures Mark loaded on my computer!).
This complicates the travel picture a bit, at least for me who feels the need to have a stronger hold on potential emergency situations than some. Part of the issue is that the internet is not entirely reliable for hotels and transportation arrangements as it is in the US. The other part is, as mentioned above, my need to have confirmation of travel plans before setting off. Fall break helped the situation because if something went wrong we had a few days to deal with it before having to get back to class. So I braved travel in a foreign country with only Mark and a computer. It worked great!
The bus system in Bulgaria is excellent and there are hourly buses from Blagoevgrad to Sofia. The bus station in Blagoevgrad was easy to navigate once we found it. Everyone mentioned how conveniently located it is, but no one actually said WHERE it was and Google maps was not much help. Mark found an address but it didn't seem quite right. All I had was a vague memory of passing the station on my 3:30am shuttle to the airport when I went to Seattle (not particularly trustworthy). Rather than take our chances on our day of travel, I suggested we lace up and head out to visit both potential sites. After a very long walk, we found the bus station (Lynnette's sleep addled memory-1; Google maps Bulgaria-0). Both the state run and the private bus stations are a short walk from our apartment each with prominent bus schedules.
Confident in our abilities to find the bus and make it to Sofia, we tried booking a hotel online. Found some fabulous prices if you would pay in advance, only the site was done. Sent some emails and went to sleep hoping it would work out in the morning. Morning and no email, so I tried the online system again AND the cheap price was reserved just before we left. We swung by Mark's office to print out our hotel reservations and headed to the bus station.
We decided on the state run bus because of the times it was running. We couldn't figure out where to buy tickets, but in our broken Bulgarian managed to learn that we just needed to pay our bus driver. It was a great ride to Sofia Central Bus Station. Once we realized that lines at the taxi stands in Bulgaria are more of a suggestion than an order for getting a taxi, we were on our way to the hotel. The taxi driver had excellent English skills and she got us there quickly in the mid-day traffic. Total spent on transportation so far=25 leva ($17.50). Great price for the two of us.
More to come from our Sofia adventure (as soon as I find the pictures Mark loaded on my computer!).
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Communication: Noticing Nonverbals
I am generally more attune to the interesting elements of language or symbolic communication of those around me. However, being a foreigner has shifted my perspective. The nonverbal communication similarities and differences between Americans and Bulgarians have been the most present to me as I am still very ignorant of the language. So here are some of the observations I have made while here in Bulgaria.
Differences:
1. This one is a bit of a mind freak difference and it has quite a list of online articles about it. Bulgarians shake their head for yes and nod for no. You heard me, the exact opposite of Americans and much of the rest of the world. Video of the difference.
This has caused some minor misunderstandings on our part but nothing on the scale of the stories you can find online. Just give it a google and be amazed.
The difficulty of this difference comes to the fore in the classroom. Most of the time they adjust and nod yes for me. But at other times, I have to check twice or even three times to make sure we have understood one another. It is a confusing tension for my brain and it is keeping me on my toes at all times.
2. Same gender closeness. Women of all ages will walk arm-in-arm. I like the thought of being a little girl again and walking arm-in-arm with my friends. Neat that they can do that here without anyone thinking anything about it. Also men stand and sit closer together than we find in America. Closeness just doesn't seem to have a sexual connotation or at least not as much of one.
3. Fathers/Grandfathers more nonverbally engaged with children. I am fascinated by this when I walk by the park on my way to work or lunch. Rather than yelling after the kids when the mother has exhausted herself as I have seen in the US, the men run after the kids, hold their hands, and push them on the swings or the merry-go-round. They also hold their children for purposes other than restraining them or tossing them in the air. The bonding is really beautiful and surprising for the age range. I do see young fathers doing this in the US, but not as much or as naturally as I see here.
4. Students are less territorial. In the US, students tend to claim a seat and stay their most of the semester. If someone makes the mistake of sitting in their spot, they will go through the range of passive-aggressive to aggressive means of informing the interloper of the offense. I have used this tendency in the past to learn my students names quicker. However, students here just aren't that concerned with their space. They move around quite easily, do not seem uncomfortable with the movement, and do not glare at someone who is sitting in the seat they had last class. This has made it a bit difficult to use my usual methods of recognizing students. Adaptation is key to survival and I am moving slowly to adjust.
Similarities:
There are a number of similarities though and I think this is why I feel relatively at home here.
1. Bulgarians, while not as smiley as Americans, do have a polite smile when engaging someone. When you try to speak Bulgarian, they seem pleased at the attempt and smile quite genuinely. They are quick to say that it is really difficult to learn Bulgarian and we are grateful for their indulgence and instruction.
2. Eye contact is expected to show sincerity and honesty. This similarity really does help me feel more comfortable and accepted.
3. Head nod of acknowledge when passing and wave to cars that stop when crossing the street. I was happy that this is done here because I don't even notice that I do these things. I don't think I could stop even if it was rude.
4. Holding the door for someone behind you. They hold the door for about the same distance away as in America. This helps make my days easier so that I am not running into doors or injuring others.
5. General personal space distance. It is about the same here as it is in the US. This helps make the classroom and shopping much more comfortable. Too small of personal space and I would feel crowded and uncomfortable. Too much personal space and I would feel lonely or as if I smelled.
Aside from the head nod/shake issue, the differences are charming and the similarities comforting. I really can't understand why this isn't a bigger tourist destination.
Differences:
1. This one is a bit of a mind freak difference and it has quite a list of online articles about it. Bulgarians shake their head for yes and nod for no. You heard me, the exact opposite of Americans and much of the rest of the world. Video of the difference.
This has caused some minor misunderstandings on our part but nothing on the scale of the stories you can find online. Just give it a google and be amazed.
The difficulty of this difference comes to the fore in the classroom. Most of the time they adjust and nod yes for me. But at other times, I have to check twice or even three times to make sure we have understood one another. It is a confusing tension for my brain and it is keeping me on my toes at all times.
2. Same gender closeness. Women of all ages will walk arm-in-arm. I like the thought of being a little girl again and walking arm-in-arm with my friends. Neat that they can do that here without anyone thinking anything about it. Also men stand and sit closer together than we find in America. Closeness just doesn't seem to have a sexual connotation or at least not as much of one.
3. Fathers/Grandfathers more nonverbally engaged with children. I am fascinated by this when I walk by the park on my way to work or lunch. Rather than yelling after the kids when the mother has exhausted herself as I have seen in the US, the men run after the kids, hold their hands, and push them on the swings or the merry-go-round. They also hold their children for purposes other than restraining them or tossing them in the air. The bonding is really beautiful and surprising for the age range. I do see young fathers doing this in the US, but not as much or as naturally as I see here.
4. Students are less territorial. In the US, students tend to claim a seat and stay their most of the semester. If someone makes the mistake of sitting in their spot, they will go through the range of passive-aggressive to aggressive means of informing the interloper of the offense. I have used this tendency in the past to learn my students names quicker. However, students here just aren't that concerned with their space. They move around quite easily, do not seem uncomfortable with the movement, and do not glare at someone who is sitting in the seat they had last class. This has made it a bit difficult to use my usual methods of recognizing students. Adaptation is key to survival and I am moving slowly to adjust.
Similarities:
There are a number of similarities though and I think this is why I feel relatively at home here.
1. Bulgarians, while not as smiley as Americans, do have a polite smile when engaging someone. When you try to speak Bulgarian, they seem pleased at the attempt and smile quite genuinely. They are quick to say that it is really difficult to learn Bulgarian and we are grateful for their indulgence and instruction.
2. Eye contact is expected to show sincerity and honesty. This similarity really does help me feel more comfortable and accepted.
3. Head nod of acknowledge when passing and wave to cars that stop when crossing the street. I was happy that this is done here because I don't even notice that I do these things. I don't think I could stop even if it was rude.
4. Holding the door for someone behind you. They hold the door for about the same distance away as in America. This helps make my days easier so that I am not running into doors or injuring others.
5. General personal space distance. It is about the same here as it is in the US. This helps make the classroom and shopping much more comfortable. Too small of personal space and I would feel crowded and uncomfortable. Too much personal space and I would feel lonely or as if I smelled.
Aside from the head nod/shake issue, the differences are charming and the similarities comforting. I really can't understand why this isn't a bigger tourist destination.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Expat MEH--Now recovered
Neither expat angst nor awe, I recently suffered a case of meh. Another beautiful sunset, yawn. More charming people, whatevs. Writing blog posts, who could really care. And then I went to Seattle for a conference and found out that my mom really does read my blog and wants to hear about the sunsets, charming people, and so on.
I also realized that I am loving this adventure. This came as a surprise, I thought I would realize all that I was missing in America when I came back for the AOIR conference. While I loved the conference and all of the wonderful people I got to hang out with (Adam, Kiley, Ryan, Sunny, and many more), I was happy to return home...to Bulgaria. I am not sure why I have not suffered from homesickness. It may have something to do with my home being a person rather than a place (shout out to Mark). Anyway, more posts will show up this week and updates will become a regular occurrence!
I also realized that I am loving this adventure. This came as a surprise, I thought I would realize all that I was missing in America when I came back for the AOIR conference. While I loved the conference and all of the wonderful people I got to hang out with (Adam, Kiley, Ryan, Sunny, and many more), I was happy to return home...to Bulgaria. I am not sure why I have not suffered from homesickness. It may have something to do with my home being a person rather than a place (shout out to Mark). Anyway, more posts will show up this week and updates will become a regular occurrence!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Expat Angst--Evil Appliances
I am a wimp. America and all of the regulations that govern what products can and can not do has made me weak. I am simply not used to evil appliances working to do me harm.The evil trio of which I speak includes our toaster, coffee pot, and boiler. The toaster has no special "cool touch" sides or extra settings for different types of bread I might want to toast. It has a series of settings that at best are random in their toastiness. The heating element burns with the fires of Hades. There is no namby-pamby special toast release mechanism. The element waits as I decide whether to get the toast out with my fingers. I have learned to thwart its burning intentions and simply tip it over allowing gravity to free my toast from its evil clutches. I have outsmarted it this time, but it lurks in the kitchen preparing for the next battle.
Our house has not yet burned down, but our coffee pot is plotting as we speak. There is not a special "don't burn down the house" setting. No automatic shut off or special timer. It is on or it is not. And if we should turn our attention away from it and forget for a moment that it waits to wreak havoc on our lives, it will triumph.
Finally, our little evil empire is lead by the boiler. Our skin has paid the price of our ignorance of this danger. No special valves keeps the searing hot pain from our flesh. If it wishes, it can send near boiling water out of the taps. While it can sear tomato sauce neatly from our pans, it wants to sear the flesh from our bones. We must beware, ever vigilant as we go forth!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
New Food Review-Aйран & Red Paprika Chips
Mark and I have the goal of trying many new foods while we are here in Bulgaria. Some are completely unknown and some are versions of at home favorites. I will be using a five star rating system and do my best to explain the whats and hows of these foods.
Star Rating: 1 star
; 2 star 
; 3 star 
; 4 Star 
; and 5 star 
First up we have Aйран (Ayran):
Wikipedia describes this as "a cold beverage of yogurt mixed with cold water and sometimes salt." Mark describes it as "drinking the liquid part of cottage cheese." Though it seems quite popular here, I do not not foresee us acquiring this taste.
We give it
Luckily we found a Wikipedia site about French Toast that described how Bulgarians prepare it with yogurt, so we decided to try use this for French Toast. It was DELICIOUS!!! SO as an ingredient
We give it
!
Next we have Red Paprika Potato Chips from CHIO:These chips are crispy like Lays back in the states, but the flavor is unlike anything we have there. They are slightly sweet and have a mild tangy spiciness that strengthens toward the back of the tongue.
Mark and I LOVE these chips! We could do some major damage on a large bag of these. Thank goodness they come in small bags.
We give them
That is all for now. We promise to continue to eat strange things and let you know about them!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Nicholas the Flying Cat!
Hello! I, Nicholas, have highjacked the blog to tell the story of my trip here. (This is what happens when a computer is left unattended while still logged in! I believe Abbie Syrek knows something of this!)
I will begin my tale with the dreaded sight of luggage. Luggage is not a good sign and a cat carrier is even worse. I was nervous for days about these interlopers into our lives. As I knew it would be, I was bundled into the cat carrier one unsuspecting morning. The "feel good" spray on the carrier did not convince me this would be a calm trip. Instead it agitated me more because I knew something was different. I made my feelings known in the car ride to no avail. Really, while I love them, they just do not listen to me!
When the car stopped we were not at the vets nor at home. This strange building was very odd. The revolving doors seemed to cause much chaos with the 6 bags of luggage and myself. I tried to help by rolling around in the carrier seeming to want to move it of my own accord, but I was silenced brutally. There were the occasional admirer, but their offerings of kitty! kitty! cute kitty! did not appease me. Really, I am far above such paltry praise as was given me.
Once my paperwork was approved (really! as if anyone could doubt that I was worthy of travel to anywhere I wish! I tried not to be too offended by this.) we made our way to a gate of some kind. Would that I could be more eloquent in the description, but I have never seen the like and have no way of explaining it to you. I was resigned to my fate in the carrier when suddenly I was removed. My humiliating harness and leash for all to see. My embarrassment was acute and I was happy to be again in the carrier once Mark and I were through the strange doorway. Lynnette seemed to have trouble with the three computers that had to be put back in their bags (they are not nearly as helpful as I) and she seemed to be under some suspicion as her bags had to be checked thoroughly by a blue handed lady. Somehow we made it through and were able to sit in another room. So much sitting was done on this trip that I am almost tired of it. Luckily the absorbent pad placed in my carrier was able to catch my nervous eliminations and it was promptly removed. Again I had tried to explain to them my needs, but we are limited in our communication due to their absurd reliance on a single language.
There was a commotion again and we were moving. The small tube we were loaded into was comfortable and cozy (I like close accommodations) and felt safe there. A lovely conversation was held with the small tube we were in. My humans seemed to think I was talking to them, they could not recognize the language we exchanged. The visit was cut short and again we were moved to a different building to walk quite a distance. I was carried, but I would have helped if I had been allowed. Again we were in a line leading to that strange doorway. I sensed concern from Mark and Lynnette. Again the computers were removed their carrier as I was from mine. This time both came under suspicion! Mark for something around his waste and Lynnette set off some alarm. Mark was able to get through, but something was wrong in his bag. Lynnette was petted by another blue handed lady, though she did not purr as would be expected with such courteous behavior (I have tried to teach them both politeness and expectation with no success). When all seemed success, we were stopped again. Apparently there was concern over the weight of one of the pieces of luggage. This one held my food and litter, so clearly a most important cargo, and yet was removed to another part of the plane. Alas, Mark and Lynnette thought their computers and other materials more important. It seemed that they finally were approved to move on to another tube. A much larger tube though my accommodations under a seat were still snug and protected.
After a brief cleaning of may carrier (if they had just allowed me more notice of the trip I would have used the box before we left), I was left alone to have a wonderful conversation with the tube. I slept some, though to be truthful the tube just wanted to keep talking with all the hums, beeps, purrs, etc, but sometimes you just have to tune out a noisy travel companion and drift off. There was some light refreshment, but as I was unsure of the length of the confinement I only had a few sips of water and one or two pieces of food.
Before I knew it, we were leaving the tube and again in line for the strange doorway (why that doorway is in so many places I have no idea!). Once again, myself and the computers were let out of their carriers. Luckily Mark and Lynnette finally were able to placate those in charge of the strange doorway and we were allowed to pass untroubled. By now I knew the drill! We sat, walked, rode in a vehicle bigger than a car (they stayed standing...quite strange!), then sat in another tube. Having no interest in another conversation, I fell asleep. Rudely awakened, I was carried to another building. The luggage with my food and litter was recovered...oh and the bags Mark and Lynnette had were also there. We were conveyed to a line and a man shooed us away. Mark tried to say something about me and yet they were not concerned and waved us through. I am not surprised as any country is lucky to have me within its confines.
I was placed in a car with Mark, Lynnette, and a gentleman whom I do not know. The driver of the vehicle was worse than any I have been with before and I was happy to be stopped. Hopeful of a home, I got a small room (though it did have big windows). I was pleased with the reception of the people at this room. They were kind, carried me upstairs, and we held a great conversation as I am fluent in Bulgarian. We were in the small room for two days and now I am in my home. We have not moved again, so this must be my home. I have wide window sills to sit on and the view is amazing. I am concerned by the rooms out of doors. They interest me to some degree, but I am not quite sure I wish to know them better.
I have written at length and I can hear a key in the door so I must quit you now. Thank you for your kind attention,
Yours
Nicholas
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Apartment Gatherers-Bulgarian Edition Part 3
Hello everyone, in the final installment of our brief program the apartment choice of Mark and Lynnette Leonard is revealed.
We know they did not choose Option #3 because it was too big and too old.
So did they choose Option #1 or Option #2? There seemed to be many votes for Option #1 from our fans out there in web land.
Option #1 was amazing, but those of you who know Lynnette know that while the idea of cleaning help is appealing it also feels wrong. She had trouble sitting in the living room when the men they hired to paint the trim of the house worked outside. Also the availability of a car sounded good, however, after seeing how they drive here in Bulgaria it is best the Leonards don't succumb to the pressure of driving anywhere on their own.
So Option #2 is the choice! The bathtub and the two terraces trumped the extra set of stairs. Also the more modern feel of the place just fit their style better than the traditional feel in Option 1. Finally, the true spare bedroom means that all the lovely people who want to come and visit will have a place to stay!
Pictures of the apartment:
That is all for our Bulgarian Edition of Apartment Gatherers. Stay tune to this blog for more information about the Leonard's life in Bulgaria. More pictures will be posted as soon as there is a way to charge the battery.
Lynnette AKA Lively
We know they did not choose Option #3 because it was too big and too old.
So did they choose Option #1 or Option #2? There seemed to be many votes for Option #1 from our fans out there in web land.
Option #1 was amazing, but those of you who know Lynnette know that while the idea of cleaning help is appealing it also feels wrong. She had trouble sitting in the living room when the men they hired to paint the trim of the house worked outside. Also the availability of a car sounded good, however, after seeing how they drive here in Bulgaria it is best the Leonards don't succumb to the pressure of driving anywhere on their own.
So Option #2 is the choice! The bathtub and the two terraces trumped the extra set of stairs. Also the more modern feel of the place just fit their style better than the traditional feel in Option 1. Finally, the true spare bedroom means that all the lovely people who want to come and visit will have a place to stay!
Pictures of the apartment:
That is all for our Bulgarian Edition of Apartment Gatherers. Stay tune to this blog for more information about the Leonard's life in Bulgaria. More pictures will be posted as soon as there is a way to charge the battery.
Lynnette AKA Lively
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Apartment Gatherers-Bulgarian Edition part 2
In the same vein as the popular cable show we aren't mentioning, one of the options is ruled out. In this case, option 3 was removed from consideration.
Option #3 was just too big and out of date to be a home. Though the price and the location were both good, Lynnette could not see spending much time there and as her position is part time she will be spending more time at home.
Check back for the final decision and rationale!
Option #3 was just too big and out of date to be a home. Though the price and the location were both good, Lynnette could not see spending much time there and as her position is part time she will be spending more time at home.
Check back for the final decision and rationale!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Apartment Gatherers-Bulgarian Edition!
Hello everyone, today on Apartment Gathers (don't want to infringe copyright of a popular cable program!) we are following Mark and Lynnette Leonard on their move from Omaha, NE all the way to Blagoevgrad Bulgaria. They are excited to be professors at AUBG, but are a bit nervous about settling in. Thanks to the wonderful support staff at AUBG they have help in finding their new home in Bulgaria.
Looking for apartments with two bedrooms, bathroom with shower/bath, air conditioning, and internet access within a budget of 700-1000bg ($500-$700) can be tricky in this college town. An additional criteria is the location of the two offices for the professors (AUBG main building in the towne center and the new academic building known as Bulkanski Academic Center to the south of town). Three options were found that fit the criteria.
Option #1: Walking through the iron gate, a lovely white stucco four story home comes into view. With bowed front terraces overflowing with flowers, the homey feel is appealing. Walking under a grape arbor, past the dog house for the resident German Shepard, we walk up three flights of stone steps to the third floor. Entering the apartment, we can see straight to the terrace outside and the mountain beyond. The white marble tile continues throughout the apartment and the tall ceilings give it a very spacious feel.
To the right is a good size bedroom (13X13) with a wardrobe and a tall window with small balcony. To the left of the entry way, is the dining room and kitchen. The dining room has a large table that could easily seat 6-8 for dinner. The kitchen has all modern appliances, thought the refrigerator is smaller than American standard and the washing machine is in the kitchen. The Leonards are prepared for changes and the light coming in through the window makes for a cheery kitchen/dining experience. Back out to the entry way, there is a small den with fireplace and large window overlooking the front garden. The living room is large with several full length windows.
Easy walking distance to the AUBG main building gives Lynnette the shortest walk from this property, leaving Mark with a good 20 minutes to the BAC. This property is a bit over budget at 1060bg but price includes internet, utilities, phone, cleaning services once a week, and the availability of a car when needed.
Option # 2: The outside of the apartment is not much to comment on, but the street is quiet and the building is secure. The Leonards climb the five floors to the penthouse apartment with some trepidation. But upon reaching the top, find a peacefully decorated and recently renovated apartment. Entering in the central hallway, to the left is the door to the large terrace that wraps around from the east side of the building to the south side. Part of the terrace is covered, with a lovely table and surround sound speakers for an amazing lounging experience. The fountain directly across from the table bubbles happily as the view changes from mountainside to full vista across the city.
Back inside, the central hallway extends with four doors. On the right is the master bedroom, with fitted wardrobes and large window. Next on the right is the smaller 2nd bedroom, with wardrobes, twin bed and computer desk. Back in the hallway, the door on the left goes to the bathroom. This luxurious space has a shower stall and deep jet tub. Tiled in blue and white tiles, the beachy feel of the place is very relaxing and the surround sound speakers complete the picture of a calming bath with music. The washing machine is tucked under the counter with the sink and vanity area.
Finally at the end of the hall is the door to the living room/dining room/kitchen. The view ahead is amazing as you can see across the town to the mountains in the distance. The room is tastefully decorated with a fire and a fully equipped kitchen. Again a smaller refrigerator, but the appliances are newer and includes a dishwasher. The small terrace off the kitchen is perfect for coffee in the morning or wine at night to watch the glorious sunset.
This property is within budget at 882bg but the utilities and internet are extra and can run anywhere from 80-110bg a month. Closer to the BAC than the other property helps Mark out, however, the walk to AUBG main building is only 10 minutes longer and includes the pedestrian center of town.
Option #3: The third property is more traditional and closest to both buildings. At three bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths, this is the largest apartment and also the cheapest at 700bg.
Again a secure building, we walk up the steps to the third floor apartment. The wood paneling encased entryway is dark and a bit imposing. There are a series of doors off the main hallway. To the immediate left, is a small 1/2 bath. To the right, is a living room/dining room/kitchen and winter terrace (enclosed terrace with large window and a drying rack for clothes). The furniture is outdated and the rooms feel dark. The new refrigerator is large, but the stand-alone stove/oven is old and grimy.
Back in the hallway we pass cabinets in the walls for storage and three small rooms with beds. Off of the master bedroom is an open terrace that is narrow but long. The full bath at the end of the hallway has an awkward layout and feels very outdated.
SO...which will they choose:
Option #1: spacious, all inclusive, but over budget.
Option #2: views galore but five flights and still a good walk to work.
Option #3: cheap and old but close to work.
Check back later in the week for the answer!
Lynnette
Looking for apartments with two bedrooms, bathroom with shower/bath, air conditioning, and internet access within a budget of 700-1000bg ($500-$700) can be tricky in this college town. An additional criteria is the location of the two offices for the professors (AUBG main building in the towne center and the new academic building known as Bulkanski Academic Center to the south of town). Three options were found that fit the criteria.
Option #1: Walking through the iron gate, a lovely white stucco four story home comes into view. With bowed front terraces overflowing with flowers, the homey feel is appealing. Walking under a grape arbor, past the dog house for the resident German Shepard, we walk up three flights of stone steps to the third floor. Entering the apartment, we can see straight to the terrace outside and the mountain beyond. The white marble tile continues throughout the apartment and the tall ceilings give it a very spacious feel.
To the right is a good size bedroom (13X13) with a wardrobe and a tall window with small balcony. To the left of the entry way, is the dining room and kitchen. The dining room has a large table that could easily seat 6-8 for dinner. The kitchen has all modern appliances, thought the refrigerator is smaller than American standard and the washing machine is in the kitchen. The Leonards are prepared for changes and the light coming in through the window makes for a cheery kitchen/dining experience. Back out to the entry way, there is a small den with fireplace and large window overlooking the front garden. The living room is large with several full length windows.
Easy walking distance to the AUBG main building gives Lynnette the shortest walk from this property, leaving Mark with a good 20 minutes to the BAC. This property is a bit over budget at 1060bg but price includes internet, utilities, phone, cleaning services once a week, and the availability of a car when needed.
Option # 2: The outside of the apartment is not much to comment on, but the street is quiet and the building is secure. The Leonards climb the five floors to the penthouse apartment with some trepidation. But upon reaching the top, find a peacefully decorated and recently renovated apartment. Entering in the central hallway, to the left is the door to the large terrace that wraps around from the east side of the building to the south side. Part of the terrace is covered, with a lovely table and surround sound speakers for an amazing lounging experience. The fountain directly across from the table bubbles happily as the view changes from mountainside to full vista across the city.
Back inside, the central hallway extends with four doors. On the right is the master bedroom, with fitted wardrobes and large window. Next on the right is the smaller 2nd bedroom, with wardrobes, twin bed and computer desk. Back in the hallway, the door on the left goes to the bathroom. This luxurious space has a shower stall and deep jet tub. Tiled in blue and white tiles, the beachy feel of the place is very relaxing and the surround sound speakers complete the picture of a calming bath with music. The washing machine is tucked under the counter with the sink and vanity area.
Finally at the end of the hall is the door to the living room/dining room/kitchen. The view ahead is amazing as you can see across the town to the mountains in the distance. The room is tastefully decorated with a fire and a fully equipped kitchen. Again a smaller refrigerator, but the appliances are newer and includes a dishwasher. The small terrace off the kitchen is perfect for coffee in the morning or wine at night to watch the glorious sunset.
This property is within budget at 882bg but the utilities and internet are extra and can run anywhere from 80-110bg a month. Closer to the BAC than the other property helps Mark out, however, the walk to AUBG main building is only 10 minutes longer and includes the pedestrian center of town.
Option #3: The third property is more traditional and closest to both buildings. At three bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths, this is the largest apartment and also the cheapest at 700bg.
Again a secure building, we walk up the steps to the third floor apartment. The wood paneling encased entryway is dark and a bit imposing. There are a series of doors off the main hallway. To the immediate left, is a small 1/2 bath. To the right, is a living room/dining room/kitchen and winter terrace (enclosed terrace with large window and a drying rack for clothes). The furniture is outdated and the rooms feel dark. The new refrigerator is large, but the stand-alone stove/oven is old and grimy.
Back in the hallway we pass cabinets in the walls for storage and three small rooms with beds. Off of the master bedroom is an open terrace that is narrow but long. The full bath at the end of the hallway has an awkward layout and feels very outdated.
SO...which will they choose:
Option #1: spacious, all inclusive, but over budget.
Option #2: views galore but five flights and still a good walk to work.
Option #3: cheap and old but close to work.
Check back later in the week for the answer!
Lynnette
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
New Adventures
So 6 months ago my husband, J. Mark Leonard, says "Hey there is a job at the American University of Bulgaria, should I apply?" I say, "Why not, it could be fun." Fast forward a few months and we are moving to Bulgaria in August to teach at AUBG! Thank goodness everything is conducted in English there, but we are still trying to learn some Bulgarian before we go.
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