Rajun in Bulgaria: Mulitfa and what not

So, I had a busy little weekend here in beautiful Grohotno. I considered this my first “real” weekend, as it was the first time I wasn’t completely dazed and confused. This past week I worked a lot at the museum. Working here is a lot different than in the states, obviously. I get to the museum at about 8:30. I talk with my boss for half an hour or so about what I did the night before, or I get filled in on the latest gossip. After that we head down to the café where we meet 3 or 4 other ladies and we have coffee for an hour or so. THEN, it’s time to get to work. Usually, if we work for an hour straight we have to take a “pucheefka” or break. This means more coffee and maybe visiting the school or someone’s house. It’s really hard to get used to as I was kind of a work horse in the states. I find myself doing research and translating museum stuff after hours at home. I have to get used to leaving thins undone at times I suppose.
ANYWAY! This weekend. Saturday I went to something called a “Mulitfa.” This happens when a new baby is born in town. All of the women (no men allowed) go to the house of the new mother bearing gifts. Some people bring clothes and toys for the baby, money and sweets for the mother, and something to cook (pasta, veggies, beans, whatever) for the Baba’s. After we gave the gifts we sat and visited with the mother and baby for a bit, and then we were whisked away to a room with a long table and many chairs. There were 3 other rooms in the house set up just this way. Then, we were served tons of food that the Baba’s had been preparing all morning. Later, I attended a birthday party of Dulek who turned 1 this week. Everyone came bearing gifts again (I bought her a stuffed elephant, which I’m pretty sure was her favorite gift) and then we all sat around long tables and ate sweets, and random goodies. Just as I thought the party might be coming to an end, as I was stuffed and pretty tired, here comes the main course! What more food? You better believe it, we were there for hours, but it was a lot of fun. I really enjoying sitting and talking with the older women of the town, but it’s tough sometimes, as most of them know only Turkish or limited Bulgarian.
Sunday our clocks were rolled back and I had a knock on my door at 8am. It was Mustafa, my 17yr.old friend/tutor who said to get dressed, “You’re coming with my mother and I to the mountain.” Ok, I quickly got ready and was met outside by Isabelle with gloves and a bucket. We hiked about an hour up the mountain and picked rose hips for hours. It was so much fun and I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen in my life. I took pictures, but they don’t nearly do it justice.
So, that was my weekend. Till next time!