Our first week

We have now been here exactly one week as I realize my friends at home are arriving at school for their first day.  Funny how this 7 hour time difference works.  So far we've had many surprises, most pleasant.  We live in a really nice flat, in a pretty cool neighborhood.  It takes about 30 minutes to walk to school from here. 

 We've met all of the other new faculty as well as most of the returning faculty and

everyone is really nice.  Campus is great - we can't wait till the renovations are 

complete and we can move there.  Arissa is definitely much happier on campus than off.  There are stray dogs everywhere, but at least on campus she can run off leash and there is much less traffic.  

We've had a great trip to Greece to apply for our visas.  We got to see the mountainous southern region of Bulgaria and swim in the thermal mineral springs.  We also got to visit the Rila Monastary.

We've had many great meals, including the ubiquitous shopska salada, which is

 chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and grated feta cheese.  The tomatoes here are amazing!  It's a lovely way to begin a meal.  It seems there are many great places to hike and see within driving distance, so we are considering getting a car.  We're also talking to others about where they have been as we create our travel must see list.  

School started yesterday, though students don't return until 9/15.  We are grateful for the time to adjust to a new school and a new country.  So far, the faculty and staff are wonderful and it seems like our instincts were right on about this being a great place to work.  There are fantastic traditions in which we hope to participate including throwing a Thanksgiving dinner for the Bulgarian staff, who in turn throw a St. George's Day party for us in the spring.  We will also have opportunities to take Bulgarian language and folk dancing lessons.  Pictures and video will certainly be posted for those!