Salads Galore for Kamila

Who said you have to have salads only in the summer? One of Kamila's favourite foods is salad, they just hit the mark she says whenever a bowl of plate is tucked into.

Right throughout the year salad is part of everyday eating, winter is no exception as all the vegetables are persevered in big barrels or in bottle and jars. Right now in temperatures going down to -10 C salads taste just as good as they do in the summer, Kamila can't really believe this is the case.

"Of all the salads, I like the cabbage and carrot best!" Kamila declared after sampling one of Baba's dishes the other evening.

Yes Kamila, that's what you say now, but you may change your mind later when you try the potato and leek salad tomorrow evening.," we said. "What about the tomato and cucumber and pepper salad you said was the best ever only last week? we added.

"I get a little confused," confessed Kamila. "Every time I eat a salad, it feel like the best thing I have very had every time."

We had to agree and said, "We know exactly what you mean Kamila."

It remains that Kamila is in her element with so many salads being served and has promised to help plant out lots more vegetables in the spring on the farm when the weather gets warmer.

"One more day to go for New Year's Day!" exclaimed Kamila as she tucked in again to the cabbage and carrot salad. "I can't wait for the party tomorrow night!" she added.

"Yes, and you can tuck into that potato and leek salad and claim that to be the best!"

We all laughed as Kamila grinned knowing full well that is exactly what will happen.

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The First Christmas Eve for Kamila in Bulgaria

It was celebrations all round as Bulgaria celebrated its biggest party of the year on New Year Eve. Kamila really didn't know what to expect as this was the first Christmas here, but it didn't take long for her to get an insight as to what goes on during this period.

It was quite surprising for Kamila to see that most homes here in Yambol don't have lights or fancy Christmas trees but maybe just a little tinsel around a window or door, that's it. What she did realise was the amount of family get together that happened and everyone just enjoying the company and conversation alongside delicious food, drink and music.

It was Christmas Eve that Kamila discovered beer. She had tried it before and didn’t like it but this evening somehow it tasted different, maybe because of the company and atmosphere; who knows? On thing was for sure though, it was respected and only one bottle was drunk the whole evening. It went down really well with much of the traditional vegetarian food Kamila ate this particular evening, the menu was designed for her.

All Kamila's friends were there as the talked and danced the evening away, never forgetting the reason this evening was celebrated with a little prayer all together before the party started. Who knows we told Kamila, your ancestors might have been one of the Camels that the three kings travelled on to see Jesus in the stable.

That thought stuck with Kamila all evening and made it even more special.

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Money For Christmas Shopping

Well it's now approaching the time to do a little shopping we told Kamila today. We had set a little money aside for Kamila to do here Christmas shopping. Kamila had not dealt with money before so she was a bit bemused when we presented it to her.

She looked at it and asked "What do I do with this?"

It is very simple we explained. "You look for something to buy, find out how much it is decided whether it is a good buy and swap it the money."

Kamila was quite excited with the prospect of looking for something to swap for money, but then there was a little pause and another question was fired at us. "Where did you get this money?"

"We worked for it Kamila" we told her. "We go to work and for the work we do for other people they pay us money. Sometimes we work for ourselves, selling things we have made for money or getting paid for selling books we have written."

"I'd like to work and earn money." Kamila sighed as she gathered the money feeling slightly guilty she hadn't worked for it.

"Next year Kamila, we'll give you chores and you can then start earning, but just enjoy the shopping with this money until then." we told her.

Kamila sprung to life again and announced, "I won't be spending it on myself anyway, everything I buy will be little presents for everyone."

With this we prepared to go to town, and another adventure for Kamila shopping. We know she'll love it, she's female camel.

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Kamila Wins an Award!

Kamila was 'over the moon' when she found out that she had been given and award.

"What was it for?" was the first thing that came out of her smiling mouth.

"Well Kamila, you'd better read the message that came with it." we suggested.

This award stands for:

“These blogs invest and believe in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers, who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

Kamila's grin became even wider when she read this through with a little help from her friend Eli, who is a little bit better at reading. She was so happy that someone took the time to follow her adventures in Bulgaria.

"I will send this award to people who I think believe and invest it those values!" Kamila went on to say. "I know lots of people who deserve this award."

And so she did.......

Her nominationed sites are:

http://obstaclesandglories.com

http://twogreyhoundtown.blogspot.com

http://smalldogstuff.blogspot.com

http://www.feathersfinsandfur.com

http://blog.ourdoglog.com

http://featherfurfin.com

http://manddraponisanimalrescue.typepad.com

http://grrmidnightcocoa.blogspot.com

Kamila can't thank Laura of A Touch of Scrap for giving her this award - She is tickled pink.

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Kamila Helps With The Christmas Tree

Today was a day where Kamila got all excited, she was going to help with the Christmas tree. this is her first Christmas in Bulgaria and she couldn't quite understand why there wasn't such a fuss here compared to the madness she saw in Hamley's Toy Shop in London where she used to be.

We only have a little Christmas tree and we think Kamila was expecting a massive one that would fill the room along with tinsel in every nook and cranny of the room. This is what she saw in England along with all the big expensive presents that were being bought. And all this started in November. We are now into the second week of December and thoughts of Christmas are just beginning to be considered.

"Don't they like Christmas in Bulgaria?" Kamila questioned. We were quite astonished with Kamila asking this.
"Christmas here is different, Kamila," we said. "It is not all about Santa Claus or Father Christmas and spending ridiculous amounts of money on presents to impress, food and drink, it is about real Christmas celebrations with family with Jesus being born in mind and modest gifts with more love than money."

Kamila just paused a moment in between putting another decoration on the tree. After what seemed like a deep though she said. "I think I will like Christmas here better than in London."
We asked, "Why?"

"It has more meaning here" she said and went on to add " And more smiles."

This was a Camel who had seen the height of commercial Christmas from the most visited toyshop in the UK and now is experiencing the other end of Christmas in a tucked away town called Yambol in Bulgaria.

"Christmas is still a long way away, there's still over two weeks to go." Kamila pointed out as she carried on with the decorations on the tree.

"We know." we replied. "What's the rush? No one rushes in Bulgaria, even at Christmas."

We all agreed that Christmas shouldn''t really begin until the 12 days before Christmas Day, well in Bulgaria anyway.

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Kamila On Call with a GSM (Mobile phone)

Kamila is now a very happy camel as she is now part of the Global community that have a mobile phone. In Bulgaria a mobile phone is called a GSM. How did this come about.

It was an early Christmas present as we found a spare GSM whilst doing a bit of tidying up our drawers. It works, it had credit and was just sitting there doing nothing and Kamila came into our minds. We asked her whether she wanted the phone nut she wasn't quite sure how to use it. She also said that most of her friends don't have on so she wouldn't be able to talk to them. Not only that, this wise camel also when on to say that she didn't work and didn't earn any money so how could she pay for credit anyway if it ran out.

Well Kamila is really thinking sensibly now, unlike many others who own GSMs and run up bills they can't afford to pay.

After we had finished tidying up, we sat down with Kamila and showed here what the GSM does and how it works, she picked it up very easily. She found out that is had a couple of fun games and an alarm clock that didn't cost anything and that was more than enough for here to accept the GSM. She said that she will only use the GSM for ringing in case of emergencies, it makes more sense to do that as she sees and talks to everyone for free on a daily basis anyway.

We all had to agree that Kamila is turning out to be a very prudent camel, it must be the Bulgarian influence coming out after having been here for six months now.

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Kamila the New Bulgarian Route Master

We were due to go to Stara Zagora last weekend but forecast for snow put us and we are now due to try again tis coming weekend. Kamila was to come with us as she really doesn't get out enough.

When Kamila found that she was to coming with us, the questons started and the answers were given:

Where is Stara Zagora?
West of Yambol.

How far is it away?
50 Kilometres from Yambol.

How long will it take to get there?
About an hour by car.

Is it a big town?
Yes, it is the biggest in the region.

Can we take Eli with us as well?
Of course, as long as you make sure she doesn't get lost.

With all these questions answered Kamila also wanted to know which roads we would have to take. With this we presented her with a map. We showed her where Yambol was and then pointed on to the place on the map where Stara Zagora was.

"Now Kamila, it is you job to find out how we get from Yambol to Stara Zagora, you are the Route Master and tell us which roads to take." we said.

Kamila looked down at the map at all the lines and shaded areas looking confused. All the town were in Bulgarian but she knew the two places we had shown here so it didn't really matter. "Don't worry about a thing," Kamila suddenly said. "I will make sure that we get there safely, you can trust me." she added.

We looked at Kamila as she paced her eyes up and down the map. We wasn't sure that she understood as we said "Okay Kamila, you are in charge of the navigation, we trust you."

(We daren't tell her that we knew the way without a map, but that's out little secret. )

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Boiled Bulgarian Cabbage Stew

Kamila is such a helpful Camel around the house, when she is not playing with here friend, her helping hand is always there and today was no exception.

It is on the borders of winter now in Bulgaria and one of the most favourite of foods in this season, the humble cabbage. Well it may be humble in other countries but here it is the king of food in winter. Kamila had tired cabbage salad before and being a vegetarian Camel had the opinion that this was one of her most favourite foods and that the cabbage salad couldn't be surpassed, until today.

Baba was to make a boiled Bulgarian Cabbage Stew for this lunchtime and evening meal and Kamila was by her side helping out all the way through the process. She watched the ingredients go in one by one and took charge of the supervision throughout the two hour cooking period. She was fascinated by how easy the meal was to make and all the ingredients (all vegetarian) were so simple - Cabbage, tomatoes, onions, red pepper, salt and some sunflower oil was all that was required.

The meal was ready at lunchtime as we all tucked in, it was so sweet and moreish that Kamila gave this meal the mark of her favourite meal of all time and that is some accolade for a food as simple as this.

Her last remarks were, 'This cabbage meal wouldn't taste the same anywhere else!' We all agreed as we had tried it elsewhere and it just fails.

Kamila is learning all the time that the food here is the simplest and the best.

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The Bulgarian Calendar

Every day that goes by Kamila has a little glance at a Bulgarian calendar that is pinned to a cupboard in the kitchen. It is a daily fascination as she tries to say the new day in Bulgarian.

In the middle of the calendar is a picture of Jesus and underneath special days and Holy days of the Bulgarian year. Kamila is now quite good as saying the dates and day so the week, this is good practice for her over the last six months.

"Why are there seven day in a week?" questioned Kamila.

We tried to explained that the Bible explain how God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. This seventh day became the Jewish day of rest, the sabbath, Saturday. Also that the seven day week may have come about because it is roughly the same time of one moon phase.

Kamila listened with interest, but didn't fully understand the second reason. She changed the subject mentioning that she is glad that it is November now as in previous months she occasionally got a stiff neck trying looking upwards; November is right at the bottom of the calendar alongside December.

"Do they put the winter months at the bottom of the calendar because it's cold and you'd get a stiff neck trying to stretch up trying to read it?" Kamila asked.

"We don't think so, what a strange thought Kamila," we said.

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Plastic Flowers for a Birthday

This day the 4th of November, was a special one for one of the household. It was something that Kamila knew about as recently she was the focus of another special day. It was someone's birthday, Roshden Den (Birthday Day) as they call it here in Bulgaria.

Yesterday Kamila had taken a trip to the shops to buy some chocolates and some flowers, she had been saving up over the last few weeks for this and was very excited at the prospect of giving rather than taking for a change. She originally was going to buy some 'real' flowers but then remembered that they were going to be far too expensive. We suggested she tries the 1 leva shop, which sells plastic flowers as bargain prices and that's exactly where she went.

Today the flowers and chocolates were presented to the birthday Baba who is 85 today. She was extremely happy with the flowers and said that plastic one were far better that the real ones as they last for ever! Kamila's knew exactly what she was talking about as she had experience of the arguement between real and plastic flowers before.

The celebrations will continue this evening after work and more chocolates will be passed around; we had already had some at 7:00 this morning. Kamila is very much looking forward to that, she just loves parties.

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All Smiles This Week

It was all smiles this week as Kamila looks back over last weekend. We promised her as a Birthday present a trip to Skalitsa to see all her friends that she made there on her holiday in the summer. She was in a village dream world again as she met everyone and caught up with all the news.

Unfortunately a few chickens she used to be friends with her were no longer here. They had been slaughtered and eaten. When Kamila found out, she said that she totally understands that this is how things are here. She went on to comment that they were probably the luckiest chickens in the world with the life they had here. They were totally free range and enjoyed an outdoor life without stress.

Kamila also found out that she may have the opportunity to spend more time here in the spring as many things have to be done here on the land at the beginning of the growing season where her help would be needed. the countdown to spring has already started for Kamila, but she still has to experience a winter in Bulgaria for the first time. We might have to get here some more rugs to sling on her hump soon!

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Happy Birthday Celebration for Kamila

Well it has been a while now since Kamila's arrival in Bulgaria and today was a very special day, it was Kamila's birthday. Now Kamila being a female Camel and past the age of being a child camel she never gives her age away anymore.

It was quite fun today trying to guess Kamila's age, all here friends includng Eli, Marta and others had a go, but even if they guessed right Kamila still wouldn't say. We all tell here she looks just as young as she did on her last birthday, and indeed she does.

The post is irregular in Bulgaria so we hand delvidered here a birthday card this morning. It is written in Bulgarian, but Kamila knew what it said anyway. "Not much guessing needed there," she said as she admired the flowers on the front of the card.

She also got a present of a box of chocolates, now many might think that that's not a lot for a birthday present, but in Bulagria it is the thought behind the present rather thant the value or how impressive the present is. In fact it would be quite embarsassing to give someone a present that costs a fortune, this of course is the way of the western traditions, not Bulgaria. Kamila is understanding Bulgaria very well now as she thanked us and offerred everyone a chocolate from the box of chocolates that was her present.

We have a little surprise for Kamila this evening as we have cooked some cabbage, Kamila's favourite and will be eating it tonight with a little drink calledboza, a very low alcohol millet fermented drink. It may end up with song and dance by the end of the evening. And as a special treat we will be taking Kamila to the Skalitsa Farmhouse to see her friends there this weekend. She doesn't know yet, so lips sealed until tonight please.

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A New Friend Called Marta

Away from serious matters for a while Kamila has a new friend for life. Marta is a bear of great experience; she has come originally from Scotland, spent some time in England then Cyprus and now finds herself in Bulgaria. Who knows where else she will end up?

Kamila took to her straight away and a series of never ending questions from Kamila were fired at Martha. Kamila with her inquisitive mind wanted to know all about her past adventures. They do have the common fact that they were both in London for a while and stories and comparisons made from that.

It remains that Kamila has a growing family now in Bulgaria, this make her feel like it is home for her. Eli her other best friend is always with her and she has many friends in Skalitsa village at the farmhouse.

Watching from the outside we can see that Kamila doesn't have time to sit and think anymore she is too busy doing things with all her friends and helping people here. That is heart-warming to see.

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Hunting and Killing for Fun

It was a Kamila that was shocked totalling today as she naturally wanted to find out what animal skin was hanging up on the bedroom wardrobe.

Not used to human ways really showed as Kamila was told that this was a fox skin. She asked why the fox was killed and this was the shock factor to her. We explained that fox skin is very popular with many people and the fox is killed purely for fashion. We went on to explain that the fox was not killed for its meat and that many people hunt foxes just for the pleasure of the kill. These people are usually rich.

Kamila just couldn't understand how people can be so shallow minded as she looked at here own coat of fur which was just as attractive as the fox's. We knew what she was thinking.

Kamila was made to understand that hunting happens in Bulgaria but hunting although a popular hobby is also a practical activity. The meat is eaten by products from the successful hunt is all used, i.e. nothing wasted. Furthermore hunting is for everyone here, not just for the rich.

It was a confused Kamila looking at this fox and wondering about lots of things. Well she has good reason to we suppose.

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Religious Camel

It was a big day for Kamila as she saw the light for the first time in her life.

Sitting by the bed was a couple of pictures of Mary and Jesus Christ, every morning a little prayer is said by them. Kamila watches as this happens, but hadn't said anything about it up until now.

Kamila couldn't hold her curisoity back as she asked what was going on and what the pictures were about. The answer to the questions she put to us would take a lifetime to tell we said as we began to explain who Jesus was.

After a while Kamila began to realise that this was a story that she wanted to hear about. Kamila was quite affected by the morals of why Jesus was in millions of people's lives even after 2000 years.

So, Kamila is now off the starting blocks to understanding what Christianity is all about. Tomorrow we want to tell her about Noah and the Ark, she'll love that story as she will be able to relate to it as a camel.

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Good Work Then Play

Kamila has a routine now and Friday is washing day as she help load the washing machine, which she knows all about. Then it's into the garden yard to hang the washing out to dry. Separating items that need ironing and finally putting all the clean clothes away in the wardrobes.

Kamila's favourite job was the last one because she knows that it is not long now where she can relax and play with Eli for a while. There's nothing like knowing you've done a good job and the reward is playing without guilt.

Now that's rather philosophical from Kamila today!

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Picture on a Book

It has been two weeks now since Kamila returned to Yambol an she was missing being surrounded by the wonderful nature and the Skalitsa countryside. She caught a glimpse of a sight she had seen a few time on the cover of a book. It was a picture of a sunset taken from the garden of the farmhouse and used as the cover of the book.

"I remember beautiful evenings like that." she said with a sigh. "We just don't get sights like this in the town." she went on to say.

We tried to explain by saying "Well Kamila, there is no work it the villages that why we have to live in the town, to earn money."

"I understand" said Kamila. "But it is a shame that people can't make a living from living in the countryside."

"That's the way of the world Kamila, the cost of living always rising and the country folk struggle to make ends meet." we added.

Kamila was in deep thought after this and walked off slowly to sit down on the sofa. We all wanted to know what her thoughts were.

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Lots to Talk About

It's been a while now since Kamila got back to Yambol and the best moment was seeing Eli again. She had missed here so much and there was so much to talk about.

So that's exactly what they did, everyday another sotry was told by Kamila about her time in the Skalitsa village. She explained about all the differences between living in the country and living in the town. Eli couldn't get a word in most of the time.

They both are still the best of friends and Kamila promised that Eli could come along with her next time she goes on holiday.

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Kamila back Home

Kamila arrived at her new home and after a good nights sleep she requested that she now doesn't want to continue this daily diary as this is not what she is here for.

She had decided for quite some time now to live her new life with her Bulgarian friends out of the spotlight. She is quite shy and finds that pictures and diary accounts of what she does everyday somewhat get int he way of her life here.

She said we can occasionally catch up with the news of her life her, but not everyday.

We had to agree as Kamila is a free camel and has camel rights just like everyone else, even in Bulgaria.

So, Kamila will be seen on occasions but not everyday.

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Back to Yambol

It was a long and lonely path today as Kamila made her way to the car. She was on her way back to Yambol after some three weeks holiday on the Skalitsa Farmhouse. She had a wonderful time and fond out how different it is in the villages compared to the towns in Bulgaria.

She will be reflecting on the experience over the next week no doubt, but right now she is looking forward to seeing Eli again, who is waiting in Yambol for here.

Although Kamila loved it here in Skalitsa, she saw for herself that it is hard work for many people who live here. they have no money and have to grow their own food to survive. Basics such as water is always available although you sometime have to walk to get it but to Kamila and most people living here, that's not a problem.

So, Kamila, full of thought, says goodbye for now to Skalitsa, she will have lots to talk about when she gets back to Yambol.

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Storks in Skalitsa

Kamila was feeling quite sad today. The reason was quite simply that tomorrow was the last day here holidaying on the Skalitsa farmhouse. She will be very sorry to go, but at the same time be happy to get back to here friends she left behind in Yambol.

She wondered into the street and saw at the end of the road a stork's nest with three baby stork there. We told her that they will be flying away very soon and will return to nest again next year in the same spot.

Kamila was quite taken with these birds as they were very large and graceful as she saw them glide over her head on occasions.

"Do you get Storks in Yambol?" was the question on Kamila's lips.

"No, just int he villages where they have peace and quiet and lots fields of hay and straw to search for food." we replied. "You can come back next year and see them again Kamila," we added.

To this Kamila turned towards the storks and shouted out, "See you next year storks!"

They didn't hear or understand Kamila, but we didn't tell her that.

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Why a Fence?

"Why have you put a wire fence all around you house?" Kamila asked as she surveyed the front garden once again. "If there was no stealing here and no crime wouldn't it be better to take it down, it spoils the view."

"Kamila," we said. The fencing isn't there to keep people out, it is there to keep all the animal out, people aren't a problem but animals are. They would eat all out crops and flowers in a day if they got in!" we added.

We went on to say,"The turkey are the worst, they can fly quite high gettgin over low barriers quite easily and are a nuisance."

Kamila replied by saying. "I didn't realise that and forgot that not all animal are the same as me, they don't know what stealing means, but I do."

"Kamila, you are a very special camel to think like that." we said. Kamila agreed that the fence in the end was a good idea

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Three Tools for Self-Sufficiency

It was a monster knife Kamila caught site of in the summer house and getting close it dwarfed here as she to sat on the Bulgarian spade.

We told here that the big knife is a Bulgarian Scythe which cuts the long grass for hay. The Bulgarian spade she sat on was fore braking up the soil and the blue rake is for smoothing out the soil for planting.

With these three tools you have everything you need to successfully grow and maintain the land. Every Bulgarian in the village has these tools and some are up to 50 years old and still work perfectly.

Kamila was quite amazed that this was all that was needed to be self sufficient on the land.

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Barbecue to Come

Inside the summer house we keep out little barbecue set. Kamila was used to barbecues but she had never seen one using a kit, it was always with a couple of stones and dead wood in Egypt.

"Can we use this one day so I can see it work?" Was the request Kamila put in.

"We are due to have one this weekend before you go back to Yambol, you can see it working them Kamila." we replied

Kamila wanted to know what we were going to cook on it, but we didn't know yet. We normally don't decide until the day before we told her as sometimes food just turns up here from neighbours without warning, so we can't really plan ahead that well.

Kamila did notice that we did get a lot of visits with people carrying food and dead animals, now she know why, they are gifts.

"People here must really like us," Kamila said with a smile on her face. "They are so poor but give us so much and I don't understand why." she went on to say.

"That's just how the people in Skalitsa and other villages are are," we said, "Kind and generous to the bone,"

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Water on Tap In Skalitsa (sometimes)

Another spot on the farm and another interest as Kamila looks now at the watering system in the garden. She know about this from Yambol where water is on tap in the garden.

We told here that there are many times when the water is cut off and we have to use water from the well.

"I'm okay," Kamila says with a smile, "I can go without water for up to 10 days, I'm a camel."

"You will do very well living in Skalitsa then." we agreed, "A regular water supply for the taps are a major problem for many people here."

"But there is always the water from the wells" Kamila argued.

"Yes, but there is but not all people in Skalitsa are happy with the water from the well it is a little inconvenient!" we said.

"That's shouldn't be a problem at all," Kamila confessed, "After all, we are living in an outback Bulgarian village, this is normal here isn't it? If they went to outback parts of Egypt, everyone would count themsleves as very lucky for water here" Kamila understood exactly what this was all about.

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Sausage Shaped Tomatoes

"Sausage shaped tomatoes!" Kamila called out as she took a different turn on the farm to find another field of crops that we had grown there.

"They're not tomatoes Kamila, they're red peppers" we called back.

It was an easy mistake to make as both the tomatoes and the peppers start of green turn to orange and then finally end up red. With this we couldn't blame Kamila for the easy mistake she made. It was quite funny, as now we will look at the peppers and we will always think of what Kamila called them. 'Sausage Shaped Tomatoes!'

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First it was the tomatoes now another food growing on the farm had the attention of Kamila. She just can't believed how much food is just lying around the farm. Everywhere she looks there is something growing that we will use to eat or store for winter.

We had grown the herb parsley in one area of the farm and Kamila went to have a closer look. She too a little bite and decided that it had a good taste but a little bitter. We explained that we add this to all sorts of dishes and salads especially but we only put a little on at a time.

In fact we were planning to have a potato salad this evening with parsley added and we asked Kamila if she could pick the parsley for us ten minutes before the potatoes were being served.

"Of course, I love to!" was the immediate answer from Kamila. She is such a helpful camel and is becoming quite a 'country bumpkin' right now with her interest in everything here.

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Hanging Tomatoes

As Kamila brushed past the garden there was something that stood out like a sore thumb. It wasn't only the sight of a bright red tomato that caught here eye but the strong smell of the tomato plants as they were touched.

Kamila had of course seen tomatoes before, we bring them back to Yambol every week from the farm, but she had never seen one hanging from the plant before being picked.

"So that's where you get them from!" was her comments as she took a closer look. Kamila was quite taken by the tomato and the fresh smell that came with it.

She also saw lots of green and orange tomatoes that wheren't quite ready to pick just yet.

"Can I take one back for Eli?" Kamila asked.

"Yes Kamila, we'll let you pick one to take back don't worry we won't forget." we replied.

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Night Light for Moths

Another point of interest as Kamila walked through the grounds of the Skalitsa Farmhouse yard. "I know it's a lantern, we have them in Egypt and they use oil." she said referring the the dangling lantern. "Where do you put the oil?" she enquired.

It uses candles not oil and we put it there to attract away the moths from us at night, the light isn't very strong."

"That a good idea, I know moths do like lights, very clever!" she added.

We agreed that she could see the light work this evening as the darkness of the evenings now are drawing in and it wouldn't be too late by the time darkness arrived.

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Too Much Farm Work

Every day in Skalitsa, Kamila learns something new. She now knows that it is totally different from the town life. Things here are much slower, but at the same time there are far more jobs to be done.

"I don't know whether I could move here and live here." Kamila suddenly said.

"Why's that Kamila?" we asked.

There is far too much work to be done on the land, then there is the yard and all the animals you have to see to at least twice a day. You have to clean them out and take all the rubbish to the tip. The work is never ending and then there is the crops to look after!"

"You're right Kamila, the work never ends on the farm, it's not a holiday at all for most. You're very lucky to get time here and not have to work" we said.

Kamila is a very lucky camel as she sat on the table thinking about all the people who live here and have to work all hours to make a living.

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Sour Grapes

It was a later night last night as Kamila saw the mushroom lights working lighting up the garden. It was like fairyland to Kamila.

Above Kamia's head now in the terrace, there were something special, a natural Bulgarian treasure. She was about to discover the vines which give so much pleasure here.

"Can I try one?" was the cal when Kamila took a closer look.

"They won't taste nice just yet, they need another month before they become sweet and ready to pick and eat." we told here.

That didn't stop Kamila who had already put one in here mouth. Here face screwed up as the grape was bitten into.

"You're right!" she mumbled, "It tastes sour."

"You can try again in September when we pick them to make the wine and rakia you'll love them then."

Kamila was getting used to waiting which goes on a lot in Bulgaria and contently accepted that yo have to wait for the best things in life.

(You can see all about rakia on The Rakia Site)

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Mushroom Light

"Wow a mushroom!" Kamila said, as she confronted the object in front of her in the garden.

"It's may look like a mushroom but it's not, wait until tonight Kamila, it will light up like magic," we told her.

Kamila's eyes widen as she asked if she could stay up to watch the mushroom light work.

We told Kamila that if she had an afternoon nap, if would be fine to go to bed a bit later than usual to see the light.

Somehow I think the name mushroom light will now stick after Kamila christened it today.

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Plastic Bottles

On the way out to the garden this morning Kamila spotted a plastic bottle hanging from the grapevine. What's that?" was the inevitable question.

We told here that is hangs there to scare flies away. We went further to explain that as the flies get close to the bottle, they see themselves reflected but magnified. they think there is another fly there bigger than them and then they fly away.

"That's a good idea," Kamila said. "I thought they were just hanging out to dry," she added.

"Well they've been there for two years, they should be dry by now." we said.

We all laughed as Kamila merrily went on here way to talk to a goat that had just poked its head around the corner.

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Window Watching Kamila

It was late afternoon, Kamila had had a lay in as she was a bit tired with all this tree climbing yesterday, she decided to spend a most of the day indoors.

Looking out of the window was a sight that she had never really had a chance to see ever before. Plants growing everywhere. In Egypt, nothing grew, it was all desert, in London it was all cars and people, but here, everywhere she looked she saw growth.

"I love it here," she said. "There's always some thing going on outside, either a bird flying overhead or a goat or a sheep walking past, it's so interesting."

Kamila faced was fixed to the window most of the day watching the wildlife and nature before her.

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Kamila helps make Skalitsa Banitsas

It was with great fascination that Kamila watched me make the Skalitsa Banitsas early this morning. Kamila didn't realise how all the ingredients put together in different ways made the end result taste so good. Kamila even helped with the mixing of the yoghurt, flour, egg and baking powder but didn't want to get involved with the messy business of breaking up the sirene (Bulgarian white goat cheese.)

Afterwards, when the Skalitsa Banitsas had cooled down Kamila helped put then all into a plastic container. She knew these could now be stored in the fridge and eaten for up to a week later. "These are going in the freezer Kamila," I said. We will taken them back to Yambol after our holiday and eat them there."

Kamlia was quite pleased with herself, she now considers herself a good cook and now looks forwards to more cooking in Skalitsa. "There's so much food around here," she said looking out into the garden later.

"Yes Kamila, that's one of the reasons we love it here!" we added.

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The Linden Tree

It was in the garden by the side of the Skalitsa Farmhouse that Kamila caught sight of a big tree. "What tree is this?" Kamila asked.
"It's a linden tree Kamila, the type of tree that we can pick the flowers in spring and make tea with them, you saw the tea in Yambol." we explained.
Kamila climbed up the tree and nestled herself between the junction of the two main trunks.
"I like it up here." she said as she gazed over the garden wall into the street. You can see all that goes on from up here."
"Yes, Kamila, you can keep guard in your lookout post while I go and make a cup of linden tea."
Kamila kept post and the tea was made, perhaps she'll like to taste the tea now after knowing where it came from.

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The Flyscreen

It was a mystery to Kamila as to why we had two doors. We explained one was for security and to keep the weather our. The other we told here was to keep insects and bugs out of the house as some of them bite and sting.

"I don't have a problem with being bitten or stung, I have a thick coat to protect me." said Kamila with a grin on her face.

You very lucky to have in built protection Kamila but us humans are very juicy food to many insects, we have to try and put them off with sprays and netted doors."

Kamila thought for a while, then said, "I'll stand guard on the balcony and have a quiet word with these insects and bugs, they seem quite friendly in Skalitsa."

We didn't want to upset Kamila so we left here thinking she was doing us a favour. We don't think she knows what insects are in Skalitsa, they are different from the town insects of Yambol. We'll see how she gets on.

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The Wood Burning Stove

It was with much curiosity that Kamila took with the chunky black wood burner that sat in the living room.

"What is this?" was the expected question as Kamila walked up to observe.

"It's a wood burning stove and we use it to warm the house up, heat water up and sometimes cook on it. We also use it to burn rubbish."

"But it's warm here why do you need the house heated?" Kamila questioned further.

"It gets really cold here in the winter, we just wouldn't survive here without it." we added.

Kamila hadn't been through a Bulgarian winter and in England she was in Hamleys toy shop all the time, she didn't know what it was like to feel cold. And before in Egypt it was hot all year round.

"You'll just have to wait for winter and see for yourself Kamila" we said.

This was all new to Kamila but in the meantime she would make the most oft he long summer here.

"The summers are just right for camels, but I don't think I'd like winter here if it is cold," Kamila said smiling with the thought of the many months of warm weather still to come here.

"Don't worry Kamila" we said, "The wood burner will make sure that you never get cold."

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Tired Teddies

Kamila was up rather later this morning, the fresh air just knocked her out, there is no pollution here in the village and you can see for miles and miles if you look out onto the garden. You =can even see the mountainous Turkish border to the south and the ski slopes of the Balkans to the north.

As Kamila looked across the room she saw two more teddies, they looked exhausted. Kamila introduced herself and ask why they were so tired.

"We have been up since 4:30 doing farm chores, we've been on the go for four hours now and we are just taking a nap before we start up again." they said with a yawn to finish. "I hope you don't mind but we'd like to rest a while now."

Kamila was quite surprised and wanted to play with them but they were too tired for that. Looks like I'll have to find someone else to play with she thought, every one's to busy at the moment.

With that Kamila just relaxed herself actually feeling a little bit guilty about not helping with the chores and in fact having a holiday. It was a deep thinking Kamila right now.

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Up Early

Kamila woke up very early this morning, 5:00 but that what they do in the villages. Kamila said that the silence in the night brought back memories of Egypt, there wasn't a sound to be heard at night there either.

First off, Kamila had new friends to meet, the village folk in the house were a rabbit and two teddies one large and one small. Kamila was a bit shy with them but soon got to know them as they talked about where they had come from and what life was like on a farm. It was very different from the life in Yambol town.

They said that there were more village teddies around but they were out helping milking the goats with our neighbour at the moment. It is a very busy time in the villages right now and the days are very long, we don't get to go on holidays as the animals all need to be tended to every day of the year.

Kamila was confused. If I'm here on holiday then they must be here on holiday all the time were her thoughts. How lucky they are to have a holiday every day of the the year she thought.

Is she right in thinking this?

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Kamila in Skalitsa

It had been a whole since Kamila had a holiday, in fact when we asked her she didn't know what a holiday was. We had to explain that sometimes it was called a break or a vacation and was something you do when you have time off work.

It seemed that Kamila hadn't ever had a holiday before so we decided to take her to the Skalitsa Farmhouse for a two week break.

When Kamila found out she was all excited and couldn't keep still thinking about what she would find there. She had heard so much about our time there and now she could see for herself.

So, we went and Kamila was fidgety throughout the 35 kilometres car journey. She watched with amazement the fields and animals as we whizzed into the country side.

"I can't wait to get there!" Kamila kept saying every five minutes.

We finally arrived and Kamila saw for herself how beautiful the farmhouse was and countryside around it.

She sat by the living room window just taking all these new things in.

"Tomorrow will be another adventure for you Kamila" we said. "You will be a village camel for two weeks."

Kamila didn't say anything but was just in deep thought, she didn't know what to expect tomorrow.

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Hi-Tech Kamila

Kamila was watching television this evening and suddenly the channel changed and from watching 'Deal or No Deal' the Bulgarian News appeared. She just couldn't understand why this happened.

Baba wanted to see the news and she have used the remote controls to change the channel but Kamila didn't know about this.

"How did that happen?" Kamila asked.

We showed her the little remote control set that cane with the television and explained that we can change channels without touching the television.

"Can I have a go?" Kamla eagerly asked.

"Of course Kamila, but only after Baba has seen the latest news." we said.

Half an hour later, after the news, the television was changing channels every few seconds, Kamila was in charge, she thought it was magic the way this worked. We didnt' try to explain how it worked as we didnht' really know ourselves. It was a Hi-Tech Kamila the rest of the evening.

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"I Love Rock 'n' Roll" Kamila

It isn't often we listen to the radio in the home, the television is on most of the time, not watched but just as a background to conversation, that normal in Bulgarian.

Kamila therefore doesn't often get to hear much music, so when we tuned into the radio today we had some rock 'n' roll to listen to. this was a first for Kamila who didn't really know what to make of it.

We told here that it is good to dance to, but Kamila can skip and hop but can't dance, she has four left feet. She was quite content to put her ears next to the speaker and just tap one foot in time with the beat.

"I love Rock 'n' Roll!" she said after listening for a while. Strangely enough just after she said that the song 'I Love Rock 'n' Rock' was played. Kamila thought that was very funny, as her foot continued to tap in time.

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Fresh Breath Kamila

Just before we went to bed Kamila asked what we do before we actually get into bed. She said that strange noises can be heard in the bathroom every night before we go into the bedroom.

We had to think hard and ask Kamila to explain what sort of sound she could hear as we were mystified as to what this could be.

Kamila said that is was a scratching sound and afterwards a bubbling sound. We thought again and suddenly realised that is was just cleaning our teeth and then gargling with mouthwash.

We took Kamila into the bathroom and showed here what we did. We also explained that is was very important that we brush our teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste in the morning and before we go to bed. This stops germs attacking out teeth over night and during the day.

Kamila said that she'd like to brush her teeth with us every night, so that's what she'll do from now on, clean her teeth and gargle mouthwash.

Kamila is now not like other camel as other camels don't brush their teeth every night. She'll be the camel with the best teeth and the biggest story a camel with fresh breath, now there's a first.

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Bad Tasting Coffee

Kamila is such a curious camel that she wants to know about everything, today was no exception.

It was a cup of black coffee that took her interest as it lay there steaming away on the table.

"What's that?" was the inevitable question that comes to us time and time again. We don't mind in fact we are happy to explain things to Kamila, we'd do exactly the same in Egypt if we were there.

"It's hot coffee," we replied and went on to explain that many people drink this as it is refreshing. Kamila tasted it, "It's awful!" she said screwing up her face.

"It takes a bit of time to get used to the taste and it is only adult that like it" we tried to explain.

"Well, I don't think I would like being and adult if I had to drink that everyday." Kamila firmly said.

"We'll see we'll see," we replied,

It could be that even adult camels don't like coffee was the conclusion.

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Roses All Round

Kamila really felt sorry for Bandit who only has one arm. She didn't sleep too well last night thinking about the problems he would have with this disability.

So this morning Kamila, a tired Kamila, got a rose and went give it to Bandit, but bandit wasn't there.

"Where is he?" Kamila demanded to know. "I have a gift of him and he's not here!"

Of all the strange things that happen, there was another one on the list this morning. Bandit had gone into the garden early to pick a rose for Kamila!

Moments later they both met and swapped roses. What a funny thing to happen we all agreed. "Great minds think alike" we told them.

"Let's go and give Eli a flower each," they agreed. Eli was still asleep and what I nice thing that would be to wake up to!

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One Armed Bandit

"Hello, who are you?" was the immediate question Kamila asked to a stranger who suddenly appeared this morning.

"Hi I'm Bandit, who are you?" the little figure replied.

After the initial introduction Kamila found out all about Bandit. He was from the Yambol centre supermarket, someone had taped him to a packet of crisps, he was a free gift.

Galia felt sorry for him after seeing that he only had one arm, hence the name Bandit.

Kamila felt sorry for Bandit, and agreed to take him on as part of the family. they met up with Eli later and all had fun together.

Later Kamila said, she loves it here and feels much more at home with all the friends and family living together and always smiling.

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Upsidedown Kamila

Kamila had been practising standing on two legs all day and was getting much better at it. then she had an idea to try and do a hand stand but it wasn't a handstand because she hasn't any hands.

"Look at me!" she called out, "I'm doing a hoofstand!" We all looked with amazement as Kamila the acrobat was there upside down on her sofa seat.

"Be careful Kamila," we pleaded, "We don't want you to hurt yourself."

Kamila I think was just showing off a bit, Eli was watching as well and was also a bit concerned at Kamila's acrobatics.

It wasn't too long that Kamila realised that we were all worried and she stopped and apologised for the worries she caused. We all agreed that she should stay on her four camel legs, like she said, it is much safer that way.

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Four-Legged Argument

Kamila had always walked and stood on four legs, she find it very funny that humans balance on two legs, surely four is better than two she argues. She contests that if we all walked on four legs there would be less accident falling over etc.

She has a point, and just to prove this she tried standing on two legs just like us. She was very wobbly and didn't look comfortable with it. "See!" she called out just before she toppled over back onto her four legs again.

Well, Kamila really does have a point from where she is standing,

We tried to explain that we only have two legs but our other legs are arms. But Kamila still thinks she is right, along with all her other four-legged animal friends.

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