The Big Move

I am moving to Bulgaria in two months.

This freaks me out just a little bit because I do not actually, as of yet, have a job in Bulgaria. Or, for that matter, a place to live. So I guess really what I mean is I am going to Bulgaria with the hopes that I will find employment that allows me to pay rent and my bills and eat... and, in turn, the powers that be (i.e. the Bulgarian government) will let me remain there for longer than 90 days. I would also like to not live in a cardboard box on a corner somewhere, but aside from that I'm fairly easygoing with lodging. Oh wait. I would also prefer to skip the "Turkish Toilets," at least in my apartment. I am no Paris Hilton, but for the privacy of my own bathroom, I prefer the option to lounge if I so choose. Ahem.

A large part of me is completely overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I must accomplish between now and December... and numerous people have informed me that I am insane for selling all of my stuff and moving halfway across the world without any really promising prospects. (If I weren't me, I would probably call me crazy too). Nonetheless, I must admit most of what I feel is a loopy, giddy, holy CR*P! excitement.

So why Bulgaria, then? Well, I confess it's primarily because my boyfriend moved there to spend two years as a Volunteer with the Peace Corps. But I am not really "that girl" who follows her boyfriend to the ends of the earth. Or, I should say, I am not just that girl. In December I will have my Masters Degree in Public Administration and I would like to ultimately work in International Development. Although I spent five months in the Peace Corps myself... that experience ended far sooner than expected following a knee injury and I find myself now lacking (and longing for) overseas experience. So I'm doing this for me too.

It should be interesting to see how this pans out. Right now I expect to participate in a course that will provide me with CELTA training to Teach English as a Foreign Language in Sofia, the capital. Incidentally, this is also where I will probably look for a job. Much as I would like to find a place to live in Ryan's town of placement, this is unlikely. Besides, the three hour bus ride between his town and mine should provide endless entertainment and allow me to see more the the country that I'm hoping to call my home. From what I can tell it is truly a beautiful place with amazing and gracious people. (Ryan also tells me they have yummy tomatoes. Good stuff all around.)

The better question, then, is why not Bulgaria?