Anyhow, I guess I should be grateful, because as I found out later, the other option would be a cage in a so-called 'dog hotel'. And Liz and Svetlo were really nice to me, as well as very patient with my "oh poor me, I really need to go out" performances. I did try to put out my best behavior, though, hoping that they offer to take care of me again in the future, since I am not crazy about 'dog hotels'...
As for mom, she got what she deserved for leaving me behind. Sofia was cold and rainy. The best part of the trip was the hotel - the room had a view of the Vazrazhdane Square and a BATHTUB! Mom loves bathtubs :) The first day of the orientation included presentations about practical issues in Bulgaria. Useful information, but only if your assignment is in Sofia. If you are located elsewhere, you're out of luck, as none of the wonderful support services (such as legal assistance!) is available out of the capital. Bummer.
In the afternoon the group visited the National History Museum. Unfortunately there was not enough time, as Bulgarian history is as old as the Greek one (shhh!). Strangely, there were a lot of bells there, which bear no relation to the liberty bell, though. In the evening there was a reception during which the Fulbright team met with the new U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, Nancy McEldowney. Meeting the ambassador was a lot more low-key and informal than mom expected, and she liked that. Mom also saw many familiar faces from FISI'08.
The following day the group took a trip to the Sueva Dupka Cave, Glozhene Monastery and the village of Ribaritsa in Stara planina mountain. Mom has seen a few caves and monasteries in her time (though no monastery with a satellite dish!) so the thing that impressed her the most was the scenery. Despite the nasty weather mom was mesmerized by the rich landscapes and traditional villages that the bus drove by. I would be too, but then, I wasn't there, was I? Arghhh!
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