Monday, May 31, 2010

Proof!

well...I finally got a link to the teacher dance from Faculty Follies. This is right after Thriller when we cut into N'Sync. I am front LEFT...and spot on! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj6gessFcY8

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Prom Time....

Well last year we did not have a camera...so we did not make a post. Tonight we will be sure to document this momentous event...which is the senior prom. That's right, Branch and I are going to high school prom together. I am wearing the dress that I have worn to prom for the last 6 years...but that is okay. The spotlight is NOT on us teachers. It is on the Bulgarian students, who await and dream of prom night similar to the way that I think about my return to Chipotle each summer. Mmmm. I digress.

Prom--I can't describe the dresses only to say that one senior told me yesterday that her dress was going to be so big that it would be hard to get through the door and into the car...but, in her words, "it's okay because, after all Ms. McKenna, it is a once-in-a-lifetime event." True, true. Just to give you a glimpse of the magic, here is a shot my colleague sneakily took last year of some dresses, which, I hope, are only worn "once-in-a-lifetime!"

Sunday, May 9, 2010

The 1st Annual ACS Nacho Competition

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Kate and I decided to throw a party with a Nacho contest as its focus.  Getting good nachos abroad is always difficult, so we thought we would try to recreate some of those authentic flavors in our own Mladost backyard. 

 Hats off for the Nacho victors. 

18 platters of all types of nachos. 

 Looks yummy...

Numbered off and ready for the judges. 

 The judges. 

 The judges get to taste first.  

The judges confer - serious business.  

 The five finalists. 

And the winners are....(drum roll please!)
Really? was there any question? Obviously the Winner and International Nacho Campeón of 2010 was Señorita Kate McKenna- who else is a better expert regarding the concept of "Nachos in Your Face???" Congrats to all the contestants...sorry you couldn't cut the mustard...or, in this case, the jalapeno!

Dance Party Bulgaria - They've Got Legs

Balkan dancing is dominated by myriad of intricate leg movements.  The number one obstacle for new internationals wishing to master the art of Balkan dancing begins here.  Hopefully these pictures can capture some of the complexity and magic of the footwork required. 

Dance Party Bulgaria - Balkan Fever

This is how you do a dance party in the Bulgat - everybody dancing the 'horo' outside.  

One of the Balkan dance troupes invited to perform at the Balkan Dance Fest.  

All Bulgarians know these dances, and it is the accepted practice for everyone to join in.   

Closing the circle.  

In motion....

These dances are always hand in hand.  

There were a number of other Sofian schools taking part in the festivities. 

The traditional costumes add another layer of beauty to the dance.  

The chain of linked dancers is one of the staples of Balkan dancing.  

Some of the troupes came with incredible head decorations.  

 Enjoying the dance. 

Starting the circle.  

A Campus of Yellow and White