St.John's

Hello

Thought after a couple of days an update was in order.

The steps are finished. YAY. we are considering adding a handrail but nothing has been decided yet. I uploaded some pictures of the job, try not to look at the bowed right rail, or the connection of that rail to the door frame. Luckily you can't see the sixth step (which split in two when we tried to put it in place, we left it as is, it should be fine we hope). We are planning on it outlasting the last steps (which lasted 10 years).

Khardjali the town has some very odd features. The town clock, rather than ringing bells, plays a selection of communist hymns celebrating the liberation of Bulgaria from the turks. It is a different tune every hour and some are rather shorter and simpler than others. The food here is brilliant and not brilliant.

I tried to cook tea for everybody last night, it was a disaster. The cheese I bought turned out to be butter (which I discovered after having grated most of it). I used these instant noodles which turned into a glupe when I cooked them (I later found out you are not meant to cook them), though the mother who owns this place was nice enough to convert it into a sort of bread. Once tea was served (at around 9 O'clock) I found that although everybody spoke nicely of it, it tasted pretty bad. Still I was commended for having a go.

I hope everything is well at home. Pray that we won't all destroy each other as we get sick of each others company and this place (the commie buildings are so depressing). Pray also that the childrens program will continue to get better.

Fred