B-22 Interview of the Week - Hello Joan
Sunday, April 27, 2008
What led you to join the Peace Corps?
Actually, this is something I thought about doing about 20 years ago ( still older than you guys are, even then). I have always been interested in doing more with my life than just work and then retirement. This just happened to be the RIGHT time for me and after the LONG process of being accepted, finally am getting my chance.
What were your initial reactions to hearing you would be going to Bulgaria?
Well, I was first told I would be going to Asia and working in the health sector. Then I got my invitation that said Bulgaria and business. I felt a little let down since I had really been looking forward to doing something other than what I had done for more than 35 years. But, didn't want to look bad, so said sure, I'll go to Bulgaria.
Have these desires been met? Do you feel that your Peace Corps experience is fulfilling the reasons you wished to join?
What were your initial reactions to hearing you would be going to Bulgaria?
Well, I was first told I would be going to Asia and working in the health sector. Then I got my invitation that said Bulgaria and business. I felt a little let down since I had really been looking forward to doing something other than what I had done for more than 35 years. But, didn't want to look bad, so said sure, I'll go to Bulgaria.
Have these desires been met? Do you feel that your Peace Corps experience is fulfilling the reasons you wished to join?
Actually, I don't have many desires any more. I have had a very fulfilling life and just want to hang around on this planet a little longer to watch others desires be met. My Peace Corps experience will be what I put into it, and so far, so good.
What exactly do you do?Where do you work?With how many people?Tell us about the structure?What do you do?How long is your work day? Weekends? After hours work?What is a typical day like?
I was placed in an archaeological museum in Veliki Preslav...probably because they didn't know what else to do with me. I work with anywhere from 8 to 20 people, depending on who shows up each day. I get up every morning about 6:00 and start my daily routine. By 8:30 I am out the door and walking a beautiful route to the museum (except Friday's, which is my community service day off). My work day is from 9:00 to 3:
00, because that is what I choose to work (I also do work at home, you see). During that time I am usually working with the curator's doing translations or whatever else they want me to do...right now I have a SPA project written up that I will be submitting. Between the months of April and October though, I will have the opportunity to work in the [digs]. This is what I am really anxious to do...outside and working out, versus inside at a computer. Evenings I either have an aerobics class or a dance class, also Bulgarian language class, of course. Also, I spend time with the kids from the orphanage when I can, and meet with the vice mayor every week or so. Week-ends I spend time walking around town, meeting with friends, and working with a local women's ESL group. Not a very exciting life, but definitely integrated (PC's favorite word). I really don't travel out of site much, but when I get the opportunity, I like to travel to another site and visit the volunteer/volunteers there.
Tell us something that you often tell your friends or family back home about what you are doing (work-related)?
I usually tell them I am still patiently waiting for the dig season to begin. Otherwise, that I am trying to be of service, wherever and however I can, to the entire city, not just the museum.
If you bumped into an American on the street of your town and they asked your advice on what to do/see what would you tell them?
What exactly do you do?Where do you work?With how many people?Tell us about the structure?What do you do?How long is your work day? Weekends? After hours work?What is a typical day like?
I was placed in an archaeological museum in Veliki Preslav...probably because they didn't know what else to do with me. I work with anywhere from 8 to 20 people, depending on who shows up each day. I get up every morning about 6:00 and start my daily routine. By 8:30 I am out the door and walking a beautiful route to the museum (except Friday's, which is my community service day off). My work day is from 9:00 to 3:
00, because that is what I choose to work (I also do work at home, you see). During that time I am usually working with the curator's doing translations or whatever else they want me to do...right now I have a SPA project written up that I will be submitting. Between the months of April and October though, I will have the opportunity to work in the [digs]. This is what I am really anxious to do...outside and working out, versus inside at a computer. Evenings I either have an aerobics class or a dance class, also Bulgarian language class, of course. Also, I spend time with the kids from the orphanage when I can, and meet with the vice mayor every week or so. Week-ends I spend time walking around town, meeting with friends, and working with a local women's ESL group. Not a very exciting life, but definitely integrated (PC's favorite word). I really don't travel out of site much, but when I get the opportunity, I like to travel to another site and visit the volunteer/volunteers there.Tell us something that you often tell your friends or family back home about what you are doing (work-related)?
I usually tell them I am still patiently waiting for the dig season to begin. Otherwise, that I am trying to be of service, wherever and however I can, to the entire city, not just the museum.
If you bumped into an American on the street of your town and they asked your advice on what to do/see what would you tell them?
Remember PDM? If you saw our skit, you would have an answer to this question.
Is there a song that comes to mind when you think about where you live now?
Well, a teacher here in town asked me what song she could
have her students perform in English for an up-coming event...it needed to be short and easy. I suggested Old McDonald Had a Farm. Does that tell you anything.
Is there a song that comes to mind when you think about where you live now?
Well, a teacher here in town asked me what song she could
have her students perform in English for an up-coming event...it needed to be short and easy. I suggested Old McDonald Had a Farm. Does that tell you anything. In contrast, is there a song that reminds you of home?
Any Beach Boys songs will do.
Where are you from? How is it different from where you are now?
Where are you from? How is it different from where you are now?
I am from America, isn't that enough to say.
What industry is common to your town/region?
What industry is common to your town/region?
My town is known for it's wine making. In fact, the Preslav Wine has received 22 gold medals from the competitions held every year the last week of March in Plovdid!
What do you eat?
Not much...that is why I have lost 30 pounds and gone down 3 pants sizes.
Do you have a common meal for dinner? Lunch? Breakfast? What is it?
Do you have a common meal for dinner? Lunch? Breakfast? What is it?
Breakfast is yogurt and cereal...I don't eat lunch or dinner except maybe once a week.
Do you cook your meals, have someone else cook for you, eat
out most of the time?
Do you cook your meals, have someone else cook for you, eat
out most of the time?What do you think!
What is your favorite meal?
What is your favorite meal?
Food is not a priority for me.
Do you eat alone? With friends? A baba? With the television?
Do you eat alone? With friends? A baba? With the television?
Once a week I meet with Susan for dinner, otherwise camo az.
What is your favorite desert?
What is your favorite desert?
Don't eat desert.
What is your favorite food now that you had never eaten before you came to Bulgaria?
What is your favorite food now that you had never eaten before you came to Bulgaria?
How about a dooner (English spelling?)
What food do you miss the most that you cannot get here?
What food do you miss the most that you cannot get here?
Actually, if you read up a few lines, you can see that food is not a priority...I eat enough to survive. That is pretty much how I lived in the good ole US of A too. Guess if I had to say something, it would be seafood (crab and lobster are pretty good)
How do you feel you have been most useful to your community?
Since I am a pretty ambitious person, I try to be at all meetings, events, performances, etc., as well as doing direct work within my community. They know I am
here and available for anything and everything.
How do you feel your community has been most useful to you?
My community has been very receptive to my presence in town, and whenever I have gone looking for something, they have been extremely helpful...like the local shoe repairer who works out of his home and has no sign to indicate his business. Or, the shop keepers who put up with my bad Bulgarian to accomodate my every need. Just the fact that they include me as a resident here, makes my day.
At this point in your service, what do you look forward to bringing back with you to the States. (i look forward to making shopskas and showing off my baba socks)
I don't plan to be in the states that long after COS since I will be re-upping next April for another Peace Corps service area. During the interum period, I would hope to enlighten others as to what it is we are doing here...not like the brochures and ads offer, but true experience sharing.
How do you feel you have been most useful to your community?
Since I am a pretty ambitious person, I try to be at all meetings, events, performances, etc., as well as doing direct work within my community. They know I am
here and available for anything and everything.How do you feel your community has been most useful to you?
My community has been very receptive to my presence in town, and whenever I have gone looking for something, they have been extremely helpful...like the local shoe repairer who works out of his home and has no sign to indicate his business. Or, the shop keepers who put up with my bad Bulgarian to accomodate my every need. Just the fact that they include me as a resident here, makes my day.
At this point in your service, what do you look forward to bringing back with you to the States. (i look forward to making shopskas and showing off my baba socks)
I don't plan to be in the states that long after COS since I will be re-upping next April for another Peace Corps service area. During the interum period, I would hope to enlighten others as to what it is we are doing here...not like the brochures and ads offer, but true experience sharing.
Are there any projects you are working on at the moment? Tell us about it.
I have written a SPA for a new room to be constructed in the museum...for display of artifacts presently stored in boxes. Actually, I wrote it quite a while ago and am still waiting for my counterpart to give it back to me for submission. I have a pen pal program set up between two 7th and 8th grade classes here, with classes in the states. I work with a local women's group to improve their English. I have contacted sev
eral organizations regarding book/computer donations to our local library, and try to work with the children from the orphanage (so when Susan COS's, I will be there for them). I also have joined the local aerobics class and two dance classes.
What one thing do you wish you had now that you do not have?
Some of Stefan's cherven (English spelling again?) vino.
What do you do in your sparetime?
I have written a SPA for a new room to be constructed in the museum...for display of artifacts presently stored in boxes. Actually, I wrote it quite a while ago and am still waiting for my counterpart to give it back to me for submission. I have a pen pal program set up between two 7th and 8th grade classes here, with classes in the states. I work with a local women's group to improve their English. I have contacted sev
eral organizations regarding book/computer donations to our local library, and try to work with the children from the orphanage (so when Susan COS's, I will be there for them). I also have joined the local aerobics class and two dance classes.What one thing do you wish you had now that you do not have?
Some of Stefan's cherven (English spelling again?) vino.
What do you do in your sparetime?
Lots of puzzles (Sudoku), read, but I usually finish a book too soon...like in 1 sitting. Take walks, exercise, write in my journal and to friends via e-mail, talk on Skype with family or friends once a week.
If you read, what book are you reading now? Would you recommend it?
I read whatever I can get my hands on, but usually pick them up at the PC office when I go to Sofia.
If you watch TV, what is your favorite show? Would you recommend it?
If you watch TV, what is your favorite show? Would you recommend it?
I am really getting a kick out of Music Idol...way more drama than our show back home.
What did you use to do in the states during your free-time that you cannot do now but wish you could?
What did you use to do in the states during your free-time that you cannot do now but wish you could?
GOLF, GOLF. GOLF
Have you been to any cultural activities that you would like to return to and bring more friends to?
Have you been to any cultural activities that you would like to return to and bring more friends to?
Yeah, I would say that if you haven't seen Jimmy dance yet, his next performance is something you must attend.Don't know if I would recommend the Kukeri festival unless you refrain from eating the local food...at least that for sale in the streets. It was a great time until I contracted food poisoning and ended up sick for 2 weeks, black tongue and all. It did help me lose some more weight though and give me something to talk about with Dr. Georgi when he came to visit.
Is there any advice you wish you knew, would like to give, to a pcv going through training now?
Don't believe everything you read before signing up...but do keep an open mind. What you expect it to be, and what it really is, may be totally different...but still rewarding.
Anything else you want to share?
Is there any advice you wish you knew, would like to give, to a pcv going through training now?
Don't believe everything you read before signing up...but do keep an open mind. What you expect it to be, and what it really is, may be totally different...but still rewarding.
Anything else you want to share?
I have really gotten used to 2 and 3 hour lunch breaks when there is something to celebrate. Of course my sister thinks I am going to go back to the states an alcoholic (she says PC will have to take care of my rehab). I don't eat that much you see, but I never turn down a drink. I just celebrated my 59th birthday and had a catered lunch brought in to the museum, as per their custom here, They gave me some beautiful gifts and a VERY large bouquet of flowers. Just having them remember this day and treating me as a fellow resident of their country (one of the gifts was a button that said...I am not a tourist, I live here), makes it all worth while.April 24th till May 3rd I will be in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, traveling with my sister and a friend,,,hope I remember how
to drive!!! May 4th,,,Kiro and Dessi's wedding in Boboshevo
to drive!!! May 4th,,,Kiro and Dessi's wedding in Boboshevo What do you most hope to accomplish by the time you go home?
I would like to feel that when I leave, a piece of me stays here with the people as a good memory of my time spent in their city. Also, I figure by the time I go home, my Bulgarian might have actually improved.
I would like to feel that when I leave, a piece of me stays here with the people as a good memory of my time spent in their city. Also, I figure by the time I go home, my Bulgarian might have actually improved.
Posted byWil Dalton at 8:14 PM
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