Sticking Around Blagoevgrad.



We actually stayed in town for the past 10 days. However, since we didn't travel around Bulgaria, some of Bulgaria came to us. This past week there was something like a "Culture, Religion and Tradition of a Nation" festival in the square outside the university. For two days we got a chance to see a number of dances and skits representing various Bulgarian groups. Of course we don't have a clue what they said or where they were from, but it was fun nonetheless.


The costumes were very colorful and all the women had scarves on. Some had long braids down their backs which I'm sure were not their own. I did like the idea, however, and wish we could pick up on some of these customs. The men's pants were especially interesting. I'm not sure what the extra cloth between the legs was for. I was afraid to ask.




Most of this past week was spent preparing, giving, and grading exams. It almost felt as though we were not on sabbatical. I've been asked to give two talks here. One talk they are interested in is on "learning communities" and the other is on "difference, power, and discrimination" in the classroom. I really must learn to edit my CV more carefully. I'll do my best to represent OSU and our effects to do a good job in teaching and learning, but I wish Susan Shaw and Anita Helle were here to help me.

We are off to Sofia for a couple of days. We are taking the bus up. Believe it or not, this sign means something to me.
We'll post again next week with pictures of Sofia. Ciao.