It was Geri. The wonderful, smiling girl, with great sense of humour and loving life person I studied together in the high school... Geri, with whom I spent my first travel abroad - to Traben-Trarbach in Germany...

http://www.focus-news.net/?id=n857674

When someone's carelessness causes the death of a 22 year old girl, there is no forgiveness. There is endless pain. Absurd f****** Bulgarian reality.

Still not capable to believe it. You know - when you watch all the black statistics on tv and dont react that much, because "well, it doesnt happen to me or people I know, thanks god". And then, there is the moment when it happens. A person you know is gone. And it hurts so much then.

Geri, you will always have a place in our hearts! Rest in peace and I do hope to meet you in another one life again, dear...

I don´t know why and how, but I am in a Winnie The Pooh mood recently, expecially the Xmas version (of course, douzen of wallpapers to find). It brings me a smile and reminds me that at the end, everything is just great, no matter the worries and yes - the child in me is alive :) :)

I think it is easy to guess that the picture below is actually my desktop wallpaper - wonderful :) :) (if you smile so huge as I did when I found it, then definitely check http://www.dowwallpaper.com/index.htm - very nice free wallpapers and easy download)

What I sing recently...

Yes, it´s almost Christmas time!!!
I guess this is THE Xmas song for me in the last 2-3 years ;)

A trip above any expectations :)


I was sitting happy in the café at Terminal 1 in Sofia, feeling the excitement about the up-coming days. 5 days in Vienna and Prague ahead, together with Marc, Tsveti...
Marc: I just counted that I had lived with more than 12 people in the last 2 years. And Marc is definitely 1 out of 4 of those people I do love and care about!
Tsveti: A person who I did not have the chance to spend a lot of time with, but the first person in @ I met, even before joining the organization ;) Or as she describes our friendship: one from those personalities you feel that you know from ages, can trust and rely on. Amazing individual and so much similarities between us!

Of course, some problems at the very beginning: landing in Vienna, switching on my mobile to sms my parents and... what the ****, I did not have roaming...unbelievable! Never faced this problem before and did not know that after changing my tariff the last time I was supposed to order roaming! So, imagine me, so depending on my mobile at this moment (as I didn´t know exactly which time is Marc coming the other day, neither did I know how to communicate with Tsveti and the others now). Funny and smart though - I had my Swiss prepaid card, almost out of credit, but functioning :D Nevertheless, thanks to my mum and a friend, I had my happiness and independence the other day.

About the journey as a whole: at the middle of the second day Marc and I discovered the 3 pillars for our 5days together:

1. Walking and sightseeing - more than 15km on foot every day - yes, for sure the best way to "feel" a city, country, its way of living, spirit...
   
2. International eating - it looked so easily: you start with Austrian breakfast, go through Turkish lunch, continue with Japanese dinner, drink some Brazilian caipirinha... at some point Bulgarian cuisine, typical Italian, traditional Czech, continue with something that everyone eats/drinks in Central Europe...
3. Sleeping - 3 different places, always for just few hours. Naturally - easy to fall asleep everywhere after walking around the last 10+ hours

In front of Stephansdom

Posing next to Raiffeisen Bank Headquarters - greatest light effects around Xmas ever
and at the same time - wow, that´s called waste of energy...
Small child playing with Xmas decoration (or at least pretending so ;))
A bit grown-up child playing with... Xmas decoration as well :P

Before leaving from Bulgaria, my head was full with tasks, questions, challenges... I knew that I will keep thinking on some of them during the vacation, keep thinking on friends etc., but amazingly, all the concerns flew away quick and pure enjoy-feeling stayed.

I got what I desperately needed: wonderful conversations with even more wonderful friends, life from different perspective, powerful ideas...
Of course, we celebrated 8.12. as well. It was a fantastic time in Prague, in a Bulgarian restaurant (of course, I was the only one who haven´t been missing the BG food for ages :P). I enjoed wonderful Bulgarian humour, served by Tsveti and 2 other BGs, Zuzi (amazing Slovak girl speaking perfect Bulgarian - yes, perfect, even slang!) and Marc. I have never felt so impressed by our typical BG sense of humour, mixed with discussing the BG way of doing things, the BG way of living etc.
Quote of the evening: Zuzi, when asked why she studied at the Bulgarian school in Bratislava, as non of her family is BG origin: "Well, I always wanted to learn a language which is not that widely spoken, e.g. English, German... But you know what - Bulgarian is actually an international language, I didn´t know it..." Of course, this statement surprised me a lot and I asked why. The answer I got: "Bulgarian is spoken all around - just take a look, you are all over the world - in my grocery store, in a souvenir shop..."

Love you, Tsveti!
Enjoying Prague together and eating medovnik :)
3 happy faces and Prague tower

I guess we all appreciated the opportunity to spend few days together and have the time to really catch up - chat about present and future plans, finding answers or at least advises of questions we are asking ourselves all the time. To see that there are other people with similar world views, to understand differences, to share your concerns and at the end to feel released by receiving ideas and feedback, to help with your experience etc.
Cause this is life, folks - time goes by so quickly, sometimes even without we notice it for real and all we need is to set our priorities and follow them. Of course, time is never enough and that is what I hate now in Bulgaria - hearing it from all around, which mostly costs saving on good moments and refusing to do your hobbies because of lack of time (or lack of priorities?!).

Same city, different views

Sometimes we think, re-think and hesitate too much instead of grabbing an opportunity and enjoying its results. Instead of being more spontaneous from time to time. Yes, you will continue having many work engagements every day and week, no matter you like this fact or not. So it just depends on us what will prevail when ruling our life. Dont care too much about what "other people" say or think about you - we laughed so much with Marc when sharing reactions of friends and relatives who understood that we are going together on vacation. This vacation was a present indeed!
Thank you dear Marc! For all the talks, sharing, wonderful orientation, our sushi evenings and caipirinha night, for being such an amazing individual, for reminding me what Swiss means (mm, yes, the fondue was terrific :)), for the plans for a future vacation ;)


So, back in Sofia now. Even more things to think about. Though some of them seen from a different angle.

Time for decisions.
Time to be more determinate about my actions and what I want to happen to me in my life.
Time to finally decide whether a special person for me will really have a different role in my life or just stop giving him chances.
And definitely trying to rely more on the motto: "..just trust the process".
Seeking for answers until Christmas.

Just happy :)

The end - thanks for reaching it ;)

My traveler´s hints: Vienna and Prague

I decided to start sharing some traveler´s impressions and information from my trips from now on. I hope you find something interesting. Otherwise - just scroll to the pictures and enjoy ;)

Vienna
Christmas time. Maybe the most amazing time to be in Vienna. And yes, their popularity for wonderful X-mas decoration has its reason ;) I was released to find out that my love with this city still exists. I guess I just adore the charming mix between Western and Eastern Europe + Asia meeting here, though you still know that is west, as everything is so relaxed, clean, well-arranged... I have never discovered so many cafés, restaurants - every of them so unique, different atmosphere and visitors, different decors. Everything so stylish made, with love. So many art all around - Museum Quartier, wonderful buildings from the last century and earlier, so many souvenir, jewelry shops. The Hunderwasser Museum is a must - to find more about his style of painting, not only to enjoy the architecture. Brilliant environmentalist, amazing pieces, the idea of tree renters, straight is not interesting... What you should try - just stop on some of the X-mas markets (the one on Maria-Theresien-Platz is the biggest and most interesting) and drink hot wine or some hot punch, add some "fire" almonds and enjoy it :) The so famost Sachertorte is according to me not so special - better save your money and go to eat some sushi and maki (no clue why but I heard it already from other friends and agree with it: Vienna is a great place for sushi fans. We discovered amazing place called Natsu - at Burggasse ;). Visit Naschmarkt - different spices, nuts, fishes, cheese - is offered to try. If you think that wasabi is too hot for you, taste the wasabi peanuts and you will be proud of you ;) Where to stay - Wombat´s! The best hostel I have ever been so far. BUT when booking it, take a note that there are 2 Wombat´s in Vienna --> I suggest you to choose the Lounge. Shopping: for the freaks who only have a day or two for shopping, keep along Mariahilferstrasse and afterwards Kärtnerstrasse. There is a huge outlet "city", 20km far from Vienna --> ask for Parndorf. If you want to keep in the city - well, Shopping Centre Sued will be enough as well ;) Where to go out - yes, he have been questioning ourselves the same all the time - there are so many places...

On the way between Prague and Vienna
Now is the time to say: Thaank you Nasko for the hint! The best, surprisingly luxury and cheapest way to go from Vienna to Prague is by Student Agency (http://studentagency.cz/). New buses, wifi (!!!), free coffee, just cool :) Just keep in mind that you are actually heading to Viden (=Vienna on cz). It takes 5h.



Prague
Wonderful! City full of energy, monuments, wonderful architecture and a lot, a lot to see... We started again at the X-mas market and tried delicious trdlo (the one who managed to pronounce it right gets an award from me :P), something like BG "mekitsa" but with garlic oil, ketchup and cheese (too fat). Of course, you should try as many beer sorts as possible, medovnik (honey cake), medovina (the God´s drink, honey wine) and typical Czech cuisine. It is mostly represented by dumplings, meat, cheese... for me it was quite fat food, also sweet-sour taste often. Sightseeing: take any "written-in-the-guidebooks" ride and you won´t be wrong ;) My top impressions: Charles Bridge, the castle, Schwarzenberg Palace, the swinging buildings, Place of the Republic. I was amazed by the St.Vitus Cathedral and especially a silver sculture there (see the pictures down) - unfortunately, I couldnt find any information online what does this sculpture represents. I was shocked by my first idea about it: "God and Jesus in his hands...hmmm, though God is not allowed by the church to be portrayed"... If you know the answer of this mystery for me - please, share it. I was shocked by the street numeration in Prague - old, new numbers, other numbers - omg, how do these people manage it... and to say it proudly, I have improved a lot my orientation during 2007. Shopping - juhuu, welcome in Eastern Europe where shops are open till late, even Sundays ;) Unfortunately, can not suggest something concrete - just walk the main streets :)

No title

Life is beautiful, as it has always been.

Mixing 2 cups of work life with 1 cup of university life and 6-7 spoons of private life in the last 2 weeks shows that I am still a good cooker ;) Of course, there are many thoughts on life now - not only because of the changes recently. I guess I am getting used with the idea of settling down a bit and as some doctor, I observe accurate its results. Life is more serious, less space for too much spontaneity (like just deciding to leave for some days during the week). Yes, I miss a bit the way I was used to live, though this one is more various, challenging, striving for permanent balance.
Different.

Getting too reflective recently - definitely something I want to change, as reflection is not the best medicine for every pain you feel. To be honest, reflection mostly leads to more concerns, ideas how to deal with A,B,C, than to "sunny" positivism. Trying to get away its influence and put it into something more creative or better said - productive. Still looking for decision and answers how and what in...


Life on the road soon (ah, only the thought of it brings me a bright smile): My guides of Prague and Vienna on my bed now, waiting to be written, marked, commented etc. Looking forward to this adventure - especially because I will meet Marc, Tsveti and Deni again!!!

...and the thought that made my day today (thank you, D.):

“The world we all want to live in is there.
We just need to take away everything that is not that world.”

Messy thoughts in pictures...


I woke up with this picture in my mind... the red tree infront of my terasse in St.Gallen... the terasse itself and the nice view were definately a place to relax and free my mind from everything... I guess I quite a lot miss such a place in Sofia now. Time to look around and discover something...



I finally watched this movie! Yes, yes, I know... After a quite relaxed week I realized that it´s not that bad to make a small movie festival at home from time to time ;)

..and definitely want to watch this movie again... one from the most amazing performance of Al Pacino ever!!!


Starting work tomorrow and looking forward to a bit different week. We´ll see ;)

I finally watched "We Feed The World"...
Pleased to see that there are many movie makers nowadays like Erwing Wagenhofer who smash some trues into your face to make you finally think more on them...

it is hard to do a statement on such movie. And even questioning yourself: "How can I change this? How can I prevent X from Y?" dont help much out...

A bit proud of myself for choosing precisely what I eat and standing on and buying bio food - I guess living in Bulgaria helps a lot as we are still an agricultural and developing country, using natural seeds and simpler ways of production.

Though so damn far, far, far away from really being able and in the power to help efficiently to fight starvation, world poverty...and signing some petitions and taking part on round tables doesnt make me feel that I support somehow this or that.

Highly recommended to watch: http://www.we-feed-the-world.at/en/film.htm or at least the trailer above (sorry, on German).

P.S. A bit ironic maybe: you´re easier to find the brand-newest Hollywood movie, which still havent reached the cinemas in a torrent than We Feed The Wolrd...

Two weeks - much or less

My last two weeks were more than different - so various days, surprises, work, university problems, friends, love all around, preparation, nice chats, happiness, happiness and so much satisfaction...

Sometimes I think that I live like it´s going to be my last day and doing soo much, day by day. But I love it! That´s the way I feel alive!

So, what happened since the previous edition?

A lot of preparation and excitement about a wedding - one of my best friends is getting married in 3 days! So damn happy: Nevena & Ivan finally officially ;)- I have lived with the couple 1 year long and we love each other so much!! I am a bridesmaid together with Toni and you can imagine: 1. we both with the same clothes and everything 2. preparing the maid party, yey (tonight!!!) 3. so happy, happy, preparing and helping with stuff around :) :)


University work - ah, no comment... yes, I finally got bored of my university and I decided not to be the best student example - most of my lectures dont make much sense... some stress with papers writing, etc. though smiling at the reality ;)

Friends: Slavena was back in Bulgaria for few days and we managed to drink a hot chocolate together!!! We couldnt get enough - so much to talk about, gossiping, serious stuff, BG, CH, men, those stupid men... She brought me back home in Switzerland... such a great time and feeling to remember and speak about ppl I havent seen for 3months now... Miss you all guys, so much... :/
Spending time with Toni around - shopping, some randomness...
Discovering some new traditions with old friends ;)
Going out with my old colleagues - still feel better and more interested to spend evenings with them ;)
Getting to know my new colleagues - cool people as well, still dont know all of them (over 100ppl)
Celebrating Rafa´s B-Day: yey, funny time together, not that long with really nice, a lot of dances and having breakfast at 2am, after we packed us - 7 ppl in a middle-small car :D

Spending time with my family: Yes, I even managed to go home for 3days, in order to take a bye from my brother (who left for India) and finally seeing my entire family. Many chats, mashroom pick, walks through nowhere, eating delicious food

AIESEC: So, you have to explore everything before you leave this organization. Yes, one step closer and feeling at the end of my @journey now: I was invited by my dear friends in @VTU to chair their Local Induction Seminar. I had very intensive, challenging and nice time - 4 days, 10ppl conference team, 35 ppl as a whole. Great and most important: goals achieved for the delegates. Any other conclusions: left in my reflection and mind, not going to be shared here ;)


And finally, but totally not least:
I got the job!!! A dream came true! After 4 rounds of interviews, tests, falling in love withthe company before even working for it, I got the job: Say hallo to a brand new trainee in Deloitte Bulgaria, consulting department!!! :) :) :) :) :)

...and never stop dreaming guys...
... and enjoy life as great as you can...
...love yourself, love people around you...
...and never stop showing it ;) ;) ;)