This is Cathy the other kinder teacher. We are going to have a great year working together. If I come home at Christmas with a British accent it is her fault :)

Ready for kindergarteners!

This is what my classroom looked like the first day I went to school...

This is Damon and Elise. I taught with both of them in Monterrey, Mexico the past two years. They are the ones who forwarded the kindergarten job opening to me (so thanks to them, I'm here :) ) They got engaged during our kayak trip in Baja last New Year's Eve. They are planning their wedding for this coming summer in Chicago. I'm glad to have two wonderful friends here in Sofia with me :)

Last night we went to a traditional Bulgarian dinner, with music, dancing and a ceremonial dance on hot coals. It was a really nice evening in the mountains with the cool crisp air.

ALEKSANDER NEVSKI MEMORIAL CHURCH

This church is one of the symbols of not just Sofia but of Bulgaria itself. The church was built between 1882-1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence during the Russso-Turkish War (1877-78).

CHURCH OF SVETA SOFIA

This is oldest Orthodox church in the Bulgarian capital. Outside of the church is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame and stone lion.

SVETI NIKOLAI RUSSIAN CHURCH

The church was built between 1912-1914 for Sofia's Russian community, it is named in honor of St. Nikolia, the "miracle worker".

PRESIDENCY

The Bulgarian president's office. It is not open to the public, but there is a changing of the guard ceremony every hour. We weren't there on the hours so I missed it this time. I will make sure to check it out soon though...

SVETI GEORGI ROTUNDA- "Church of St. George"

Regarded as the oldest preserved building in Sofia. It was badly damaged by bombing during WWII.

I finally got to see the school today. We had a quick introduction and a tour around campus. Orientation begins on Monday. I'm excited to get into my classroom and start setting up :)

I went for a walk around the city with a couple friends. We are going on a walking tour on Friday and a traditional Bulgarian dinner in the mountains so there will many more pictures soon.