So Longs and Farewells

Sorry for the lengthy delay. Things have been hectic and it's only getting worse. The culprit is the ever-shortening gap of time I have left in this country. As you might have expected, I'm busy saying my goodbye's and preparing for a long journey.

In the 2+ weeks that I did not communicate with you, here are two large things you missed:

I got a hybrid "Peace Corps" haircut. What signifies such haircut is the buzzed sides and back of my head. Extra short so I can have plenty of time to find a barber or a "haircut buddy". I did leave a curly top, as a gift to my mom, who prefers seeing a "jewfro" of sorts. I'm guessing such preference reminds her of my childhood.


The most important event, other than "the haircut", was my going away party. (Pictures posted below).

 
For those current and future Peace Corps volunteers who are looking at the pictures, I'm pretty sure you're saying to yourself:


"Why so many adults?"… The answer is a bit complicated. 

• You see, I leave exactly a month before my Moms 50^th birthday. Leaving my parents at such time has created a sense of guilt in me that I felt should be corrected. So with that said, my family decided to roll every future, present, and recently passed celebration into one giant party. My friends, my parents' friends, extended family, all joined in, creating a huge turnout.
  

Things we celebrated:

May Day

Mom's 50^th

Parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary

My Birthday (Which is only 2 weeks away)

"Why the formality?" 

• As I mentioned before, I was born in the former USSR (yea I know how lucky "we are"). A part of our culture I grew up in was to have a good time with family and friends. Preferably, at as many occasions as possible. Our parties resemble a wedding reception without the bride or the groom. Therefore, the party was filled with skits, toasts, dancing, drinking, and never-ending Russian food. I think in a way it was symbolic to the similar Bulgarian culture which I will soon immerse myself in. With that said, for those wondering what it's still like to attend such events enjoy the visual representation  below. I hope you like.

   
                                                                     Actual Photos:

With all these things mentioned. It is time for me to finally start packing. Chances are, you won't see another post until I will be all set up in Bulgaria.


 
Farewell!