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Published: April 10th 2011
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I've had another fantasic week here - Can't believe I'm 1/3rd of the way through my time already. It's going way too quick and I don't think I want it to end.
Got a routine going now so this weeks structure was pretty similar to last weeks in that we went to the childrens home, went to the centre for mental health and went to our Bulgarain language lesson.
It's been a very productive week in that we have met with directors and managers regarding some of the issues we have faced in previous weeks and are now in the process off arranging and providing training for some of the staff we work closely with regarding posture and manual handling...so basically, not only are we working at a qualified OT level, we are working at a band 6/7 level and doing above and beyond our expected role. I don't mind though - its a fantastic experience and I feel that in order to make any remote change to the attitudes and the routine, we need to start from the top! Got some good ideas for working with the children too - Its great because we are pretty much free
to try anything we feel will work, whereas in UK there would be documentation, standardised typical assessments and risk management all to work though prior to even considering doing the smallest activity. Of course we pay attention to all these, and are working as we would inthe UK, but the rest of the culture and staff etc. are so layed back they are pretty much horizontal.
The weather has been a lot nicer this week and jumpers have not been needed which is a nice change. Even managed to have a sunbathing afternoon on the balocny while planning some of my work.
Last Monday we attended a university presentation for all the exchange students and had to do a big presentation all about England. It was really good - talked about typical stereotypes, London, York, festivals etc. then watched the other groups present about their country. Afterwards we went out for tea to a traditional bulgarian restraunt and had some lovely food, then had a lesson in traditional bulgarian dancing! (Its a little like ring a ring a roses!)
We have met more new people and feel famous as every day we have a new 'friend request'
On a stroll
Apparently walking on the railway line is safer than the roads! on facebook or a new tellephone number in our phone. It's crazy. When we walk to and from our placement now, we tend to bump into atleast 3 separate groups of people who we stop and say hello to. Love it!
Had another few great nights out this week too - the Bulgarians really know how to party! We did Karaoke on Wednesday evening singing a wide selection from 'You've got a friend in me (from Toy Story) to 'GIrls just wanna have fun'.
Had a great weekend relaxing and have made sure I've given myself the time off from placement in order to get through another busy week. Had a gathering at our 'mansion' on Satruday night which was really nice - had half of the EU here, about 10 different languages all in one room (majority speaking good English though so we were ok).
And today... we are all going on a bus journey to a very tall bridge in Pisanets (south of Ruse) - which I might jump off... (with elastic stuck to my feet!)... not decided yet if bungee jumping is something on my 'list of things to do before I die'... as
doing it might actually kill me.... I'll let you know next week if I was a chicken or not! 😊
Hope everyone at home is well. I'm loving the Skype conversations so keep calling.
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