Day One: Brno

Marshall and I woke up and had breakfast at our hotel (the Best Western). It was really good. I had yogurt with granola, bacon, and a roll. Marshall had a HUGE omelete that I am going to try tomorrow!

After that Marshall and I went walking around the city. The city is very clean and quiet. We were up early (10am) I guess because there were not a lot of people out. But we walked around a saw a park down the street one way and a church the other way. Towards the downtown area we saw more places to shop, restaurants, and what I think was a theater.

The weather is a little cold here but I'm enjoying it. I walked around in a sweater, scarf, hat and gloves and was pretty comfortable. The hotel is very hot, I found out this morning that I could open my window and I am much more comfortable!

For the rest of the day we are free so I'm going to read and watch a movie. Marshall is downstairs people watching! Tomorrow we have our meeting with the adoption officials.

Bulgaria Holidays

Jan 1 - New Years Day

Mar 3 - Liberation Day

Celebrate independence from Ottoman Rule: Mar 3, 1878 the Treaty of San Stefano was signed.

Apr 10 - Good Friday

Apr 13 - Orthodox Easter Monday

The symbol for Easter is the bright red colored egg and it is baked into a special bread. On Saturday the families bring their bread to church and offer it up to family, God, and other friends/relatives. The greeting "Christ is Risen" and the answer "Indeed he has risen" is repeated for 40 days after Pascha (Easter).

May 1 - Labour Day

May 6 - Saint George's Day/Army Day

A day where villagers celebrate when St. George came and slaughtered the dragon that was stealing away the sheets and lambs. A sacrifice of a lamb is made in every home on Gergyovden (St. George's Day).

Also the Army or Bravery Day. A parade in honor of the military is held.

May 24 - Culture and Literacy Day

Celebrates the Cyrillic Alphabet and the Bulgarian culture.

Sep 6 - Unification Day

Celebrates the unification of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia.

Sep 22 - Independence Day

The formal independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Nov 1 - Revival Leaders' Day

Dec 24 - Christmas Eve

Dec 25 - Christmas Day

Fasting and feasting is common during this holiday. Also is the baking of a loaf of bread with a small piece of silver inside. It is said that the one who finds the silver will have good luck.

Dec 26 - Second Day of Christmas

Marshall Williams Reporting Live From Bulgaria

Marshall Williams, Senior Vice President of International Adoption and Family Services, is currently in Bulgaria. Check in daily to hear the latest about his travel adventures.


Audio Journals:

• February 16, 2009 - Arriving in Bulgaria
  
  
  


• February 18, 2009 - Tour of Bulgarian Orpahanges
  
  
  



• February 23, 2009 - Final Report From Bulgaria