Hello from Sophia!

I left St. James Park this morning and it was weird. Yesterday, Sara and I did some random things around the garden, kind of cleaned it up and set up a watering hose in the field so it won't take 2 hours to water everything anymore.

Side story: Sara and I had a breakthrough on Wednesday. We came back from work and, surprise, she was complaining about something and said Ï honestly just dont know if I can stay here". So I kind of lost it and said "Yeah, its pretty obvious you arent happy here or with any of your travels really so its best for you and Elly if you go, I think". It was harsh, but it was hott and I was tired and trying to deal with the fact that I was leaving- so I kind of lost my temper. It led us into a bit of a tiff but, in the end, it was good. She admitted that she just wasnt happy with the way her life was going, I asked her some questions about where the time in life goes and we ended up understanding each other more. Im glad it happened, its never good to leave on a bad note with someone.

Anyway, yesterday after watering, Dancho and Charla (this crazy, hillarious Iranian woman who lives in the village) came over with wine and Elly made my favorite dish she makes (masala curry). We all sat outside in the outdoor living room and talked, drank and laughed. It was a great last night. I said my goodbyes to my village friends, it was a beautiful day and I felt ready to go. Elly and Kathy are opinionated and very set in their ways. It had been amazing to learn from them, get a new perspective and think about things in a different way but, because they are that way, its hard for them to be supportive of other lifestyles. I don't know if I will eventually live as they do, maybe, but I know I am not going to do it right now. They are on such a high that they have really made their dream happen, and I am so happy for them that it did, but I think I have learned all I can from them and have taken away as much as possible. I will always hold St. James Park as a special time for me but it is time to go on and see and experience more.

I am staying in Sofia tonight because I have been too exhausted to do enough research to head to Belgrade tonight. I caught the 10:15 train this morning and plan on taking a LONG shower, watching some soccer and sleeping in tomorrow. I cant wait.

Next stop Serbia!

Lindsey