Define "Normal"

Normal. So normal. This week felt like the most typical work week I've had so far on Remote Year. But you know what the funny part is? The fact that I went to a Magic Mike-esque club on a Wednesday, where I watched Bulgarian men practically get it on on a stage with women who claimed that their bachelorette parties required this. Or the fact that I met a local girl bartender who I promptly became friends with after talking about everything there is to do in the city. Or the fact that I'm in Bulgaria. All of this while I had one of the busiest work weeks I've had yet (which is such a good thing), and it felt normal. That's pretty insane, huh? On to the quick bulleted recap. This week I:

• went to a Bulgarian wine tasting at a tiny local shop here in Sofia. The man that owns it only sells wine from Bulgaria, and every one was soooo good. There was even a white one I liked! (Though, don't be fooled. I am not wineist. I love all wine.)

Michelle had the right idea, drinking while posing. 

• had a girls night at La Cubanita, a fun restaurant and bar that (apparently) the movie Magic Mike was based on. Or so it seemed. Unlike the strip club I went to the first week here, the men pulled off quite a different show than the lethargic ladies. Then again, I'd be a terrible stripper, so no judgment on those bold women. These guys were VERY into their choreographed dance moves and their own bodies. It was a really fun night, though.

He likes to move it move it.

This girl was SinGlE foR The NiIghHtTt!!!!!! No seriously we have no idea what's happening here.

• worked a lot. It's funny. What I do for a living revolves a lot around creativity, and when there's no creativity, there's no good work. But when there's no inspiration, there's no creativity. Thus, being on this trip has prompted what I believe is my best work yet. Too bad no ad agencies believe in remote workers...maybe I'll start one. But I got to work on things I've never done before. I wrote two articles for a national publication. (And it was fun!) I wrote a blog post about how to open a bank account in New Zealand. (?) I wrote three blog posts on Halloween parties, auto insurance, and apartments. I wrote a LOT. And I wrote for MONEY! And though it wasn't all the things that I'm used to writing, it broadened my portfolio and is allowing me to practice my skill. For that, I'm really really grateful.
• slid into everyone's DMs asking them to go to dinner with me and it totally wasn't weird (right guys?) But seriously, I mentioned that I had made it a goal to get to know people on a more personal basis, and I'm learning a lot about other people that I haven't had the chance to talk to. It's great, because everyone here is the best ever. 
• went to the fancy gym, Pulse a lot. I'm on a free pass and somehow they haven't kicked me out yet. (SHHHH) Really though, LOOK AT THIS PLACE. It looks like a club. 

This gym is fancier than the club Bedroom, mentioned below.

• went to a club called Bedroom where there were, in fact, no beds. And we were pissed. After all, I did show up in pajamas...But we felt like celebrities when American rap music came on and we could spit all the words quicker than Eminem on 8 mile. 

Why isn't anyone ELSE wearing pajamas?

• went to an underground warehouse party! No pictures because I guess I was living so deeply in the moment that I forgot about technology. The owner gave us a tour for some odd reason and then I almost got kicked out because I forgot to pay the 20 lev cover. (LEV is the currency here.) Oops.
• stayed in town this weekend and explored the city. I think it's the first weekend that I haven't done a side trip, whether it be a day or weekend. I saw the sites, found two craft beer bars, watched the sunset on a roof top, played beer pong with local Bulgarians, went to two dance bars/parties, had brunch with friends, and really just felt like I was living a normal weekend in Dallas, only...not, because I'm in Bulgaria. 

My best gal frands and a giant hookah and a bottle of vodka and half naked men (not pictured). 

The weekend ended and I was still in the city I was supposed to be in and everything felt right with the world. I found bacon and eggs and pancakes and joy in the little things, which is sappy AF and I'm sorry but it was just NICE. Coming up! I get a new job finding love for people (in a hopeless place) and become a Greek goddess. (Mmmmm green goddess dressing...man I'm hungry.) Until next time...