October 30, 2005
An Early Halloween
Silistra celebrated Halloween a bit early. Friday, in fact. And I mention only Silistra because, for the most part, Bulgaria doesn't celebrate Halloween. There's no trick-or-treating, no costumes. It's just not a part of Bulgarian tradition. But that's not to say that Bulgarians don't know about Halloween. All of my students can explain Halloween as well as any American student can, and there is the odd party, like ours, but usually only when there's an American around to certify it an official Halloween party and not just a night where everyone dresses up in order to drink beer.
This year, ours was a great party. We had a pertty high costume turnout, as you can see, and a nice quiet tavern that we all love. I went as a big, fat American after getting the idea from watching "Super-Size Me!" on DVD the night before. The first line on the back of the box read "Why are Americans so fat?" and my students' opinions on Americans have always backed up my belief that most Bulgarians think that all Americans are fat. Here's the money shot of me in the fat suit and "make-up":
The chocolate was only a temporary special effect. I decided, correctly I think, that the costume shouldn't be disgusting. Just funny. And I got that effect I think.
And boy did I pay a price for effect, carrying around that weight in just pillows, sheets, and shirts is no easy thing. I can't imagine how hard it gets with real fat. The worst part was the rear, where I had put my second biggest pillow. There wasn't much I could do to be both comfortable and keep my rear from drooping most of the night. I wound up settling for a drooping rear that I had to adjust every five minutes. Which I think also helped the effect.
Anyway, it was a good time. If I've done nothing else here, I've helped give enough reason to throw 3 great Halloween parties. Good, solid times
Posted by Rob at October 30, 2005 07:07 PM