"Gypsy Summer"

Realizing that there is snow on the ground in Minnesota today, Anne and Mark decided this would be a good time to point out that Bulgaria is in the middle of a "Gypsy Summer."  This term refers to a late blast of warm air, after autumn has begun, not unlike the term "Indian Summer" in the U.S.  Why both terms must be racist is unclear.  In any event, it has been shorts and t-shirt weather for the last couple of days and today looks to be just as nice.  Not that we do not miss shoveling snow, that can be fun, too.  Anyway, because of the warm weather and pretty colors, Anne and Mark went for a walk in nature the other day, just on the outskirts of Blago.  Here's what that looks like.

In the foreground is a dry reservoir.

Possibly a bus stop in the rural area?

Anne and Mark hope that this gives those of you who are "nature people" a good look at what our surroundings are.  However, Mark, whose aversions to the natural are well known, would like to ask - if nature is so great, why do we make it stay outside?  Kind of makes you think, huh?

Today is a big day for Anne and Mark.  The students of AUBG are holding an international festival, which culminates today with a tasting of the foods of each country.  Around 35 countries are represented at the school, with the Bulgarians being the largest single group at around 38% of the student body.  The students prepare dishes from their home countries and then each national delegation shares with the school community.  Since the students live in dorms, they typically ask the faculty (who live in apartments or houses) to borrow their kitchens for food preparation.  Anne and Mark agreed to participate in this program and have promised their kitchen to the students from Kazakhstan (why does that country sound familiar?), who should be here to prepare their dishes at any moment. . .