A Chronicle of my Changing Times.

Near Wild Heaven

My sitemate and wonderful Jen had a post last week that truly explains life here in Bulgaria as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  Especially after this past weekend at the beach, I can vouch for just about everything she says.  Highs and lows - experienced in the extreems.  It happened to me less than a week ago pulled into such a sharp focus by the fact that I'm sharing all of this with my own small island of friends.  It's different than in the America where you have unlimited people and resources.  Here you truly rely on those other volunteers around you.  I highly recommend reading it - Jen puts its better than I.  Plus, the post title is the same as the name of the venerable James' Blog.  You really can't go wrong with REM.

In other news - I believe I've finally found my Bulgarian Tutor.  Like everything else here in Bulgaria, it's not as simple as finding someone who's willing to teach you.  Instead, my friend Stan recommended the best English tutor in town to me.  Many students who plan on attending college in the states use her with great success.  But aparently she doesn't get on very well with my director or the teachers in my school.  My understanding is that almost all teachers supplement their income via tutoring sessions with students - but Lyd (my future tutor) is the best and in highest demand.  This has led to a lot of bitter feelings.  That's the simple explaination, not the one that she and Stan gave me over a period of 30 minutes.  There's a lot of corruption here in Bulgaria - and I guess that tutoring is not immune to this.

The problem arises with my ignorance of this yesterday.  I explained to my Director that I'd found a tutor.  She was less than thrilled that is was Lyd and mentioned twice that I should consider one of the English tutors in the school.  I told her I'd think about it, and asked her to do so as well.  Being diplomatic as always I expressed a desire to have her advice in this matter.  Now I just need to find a way to weasle my way out of having to have a co-worker be my teacher.  I've always wanted that seperation.  If I should not get on very well with the tutor I want the ability to fire them without causing difficulties with a fellow colleague.  Plus I'd like to create multiple avenues to meet new people and not have my life wrapped up in school life.

So we'll see how things go.  I'm off now to a going away party for Claire, the French volunteer who went with us to Sozopol last weekend.  Actually, technically she and Carol allowed the rest of us to tag along with them.  I think it's important for me to be there.  Maybe someone can give me sage advice on how to get out of this sticky mess.

Posted by: mjmarble at August 25, 2005 18:38 | link | comments (4)

Comments:

#1  26 August 2005 - 22:14

 

just discovered your blog and find it very interesting, can't help but think of the next line after "big enough umbrella...," though...thought you might be a Police fan. :)

jlhpisces

#2  27 August 2005 - 00:15

 

I am a Police/Sting fan. I actually did pick lyric with the next line if mind. I'm glad somebody got it and hope you enjoy my blog.

mjmarble

#3  30 August 2005 - 21:59

 

mike, trying to email you but can't get you to reply. glad that you're having a great time in bulgaria. think about you lots. please get in touch with me. jeni

Anonymous

#4  14 September 2005 - 18:29

 

Hey mj,

Can you post or e-mail me with your current address? Less than 2 weeks to TAR8!

Lucy

Anonymous

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