Time in the MTC

[tanwade]

We had water filters for the water but it isnt too bad. The weather is much like it is in Utah, with the exception that humitity can make it hotter in summer and colder in the winter. It just depends on what cities you serve in. That is one of the great things about Bulgaria, although the county is small in size there is alot of diversity. You have high mountain tops, to fields and fields, and also the sea which is beautiful.

[Blindspot]

All of the missionaries are issued water filters for the tap water.  Personally, I always bought a 7 or 10 liter bottle with the reusable pump for my drinking water needs (I lived there as a civilian and didn't get the nifty filter).  I rarely drank out of the tap.  Not because it was harmful (I drank tap water most of my mission without any repercussions except a touch of mental instability), but I just like the flavor.  Devin is my favorite, but Gorna Banja isn't bad either.  Can't stand the Thorn Spring stuff.  I digress.  I usually carry a .5 liter bottle in the summer.  Stay hydrated.

The weather is temperate.  4 Seasons.  Snow in the winter.  Hot in the summer.  There is some variation between the cities, but you can't really plan for that.  The think I hate most is the mud.  You learn to walk in such a way as to not get your shoes and the back of your pants (or dress) dirty.

If you get there and find you are missing something, it is usually easy to find.  I would recommend a nice warm coat.  You can't skimp on that.  Better to have it and not need it.  I loved my full length wool coat (as opposed to those silly inspector gadget trench coats), but that's just me.

[Brinton]

You can buy bottled water, when you are out and about, at every kiosk or bus stop (because most bus stops have people selling stuff at them).  The tap water won't kill you, but like Blindspot, I didn't care for the taste.  When you go to homes, you will be offered drinks made with tap water, so you'll get it anyway.

As for weather, as a sister, you will wear a dress..duh!  But, in the winter the wind will blow up the back of your dress and make your bottom cold.  So, I suggest taking at least two pairs of some sort of thermal bottoms.  I had thermal garment bottoms, they are lightweight, but warm.  I wore them over my normal garment bottoms and they were great.  I also took tights, some wool socks and I bought knee lenght boots there.

As for a coat, I also echo Blindspot, a long wool coat with pockets and a hood if you can get it, will be your best bet instead of the "silly inspector gadget" type coat.  I also had two sets of mittens and a wool beanie/sock hat too.

And there is no way to avoid the mud.  I cleaned my coat, boots and dress hems every night.  It was just part of the drill.

Joyce

[mightymoose]

So I know I shouldn't be even worrying about, but is it possible to purchase an acoustic guitar over in Bulgaria? Haha I'm gonna miss mine so much and I got a butt load of guitar hymn books for christmas and I want to be able to take them over with me.

[Brinton]

At one time a lot of the missionaries had guitars and played them, however, at some point in the recent past the mission president or the Area Authority banned missionaries from having them -- missionaries were wasting time etc.  I don't know if that rule is still in place, but dont' count on having lots of time to play.  Get used to going with out your "toys", but your mission will be better for it.

Joyce

[Patrick Weiss]

ha ha... looks like my guitar is staying home as well  oh well it's part of the experience!