Sofia and last trip to Romania

Well I got my type D visa. These thigns are so cumbersome here. But we have it and I think we are safe now. Contrary to what I believed, it is not a permanent stay one but a 90 days in six months, and can be extended for 6 months. Then what? ME NOT KNOW!

Had to spend the day in a car again with Dr. J knowing that he is a hairs breath away from being fired. Anyone know a literature teacher? That is the ONLY reason he is still here. He has done so much to piss so many people off! Latest: He walked into a girls hotel room and began telling her off becasue she was being too noisy. He lives in the hotel we use as a dorm for the studetns and he is pissing people off left right AND centre. He calls his students stupid and ignorant and so now, even if the students lie, no one is going to believe him. He really is completely ignorant!

Changer le disque as Garineh used to say.

Sofia was COLD! I woke up late Saturday and missed the 11am bus. Took the 2 pm one and got into town after 5, after dark! The country is covered in snow and it was beautiful but slow getting out there. Turnovo isnt nearly as cold though and I like walking here.

I miraculously found my way from the bus station to the bar where I was supposed to meet Petya and Elka, 2 of my former students from my school in Sofia. I had a great night with them drinking Mavrud (my new favorite wine) and eating REAL Chinese food.

We then went to a "party"! It was mostly Americans, some of whom were "scholars" and one lady in her 50s who was there with her husband and kids who was a professor of some sort. She spent the night gossipping about others and made me dislike her more by the minute. As she left, she siad "Nice to meet you" and I cannot lie so I said "Thank-you". You should have seen the look on her face! I'm sure its more for her gossip databank.

This got me thinking (of course) about people and education. No one can teach you manners but your mom. No one can teach you common sense but life. How do people go through life not getting this experience? Were they raised by wolves? I dare say wolves have more common sense than most of the people in high academia. My sister and the few friends she has are well rounded enough. What is wrong with the American education system? My experience with the people who lack this common sense and courteousness seem to all come from that part of the world. What is it about THAT part of the world? Open question here folks. Comment away!

As an aside and an AHA! Dr. J studies at Penn state! Says a lot and proves my theory even more.

Off to lunch with Petya.