Sunday: "Welcome Back to Bulgaria!" I almost expected banners and balloons when I stepped off the plane and onto the tarmac with the other passengers returning from a summer vacation abroad. But alas, no banner, no balloons, just the customs official stamping my passport, one of many he sees on a daily basis and therefore decidedly not special. But, hey, I'm back, it feels good and I'm happy. So where's the complaint? The hustle and bustle of Sofia can be a sight for sore eyes if you've been away long enough, and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting it up with the taxi driver, asking him about the summer's weather, the emptiness of Sofia's streets, and, of course, the dreaded road repairs. This got him going, ranting and raving about mad Boiko Borissov and the Mafia and who knows what else. Ah, it's good to be back.

Tuesday: When you've been out of this crazy country long enough, a place where you feel comfortable and chaotic, an odd but pleasing combination of polar opposites, everything seems enhanced: the salad is fresher, the parks are cleaner, the cafes are livelier, the banitsa is sweeter, the women are sexier and the rakiya is stronger. Granted, after two or three days it all wears off and you're right back into the scene, grumbling about the traffic and the crowds, the trash and the dirt, the work and the erratic hours. But perhaps this is where you have to strike a balance, one in which you appreciate the good things, the improvements, with a positive outlook and at the same time are aware of the bad without letting it overwhelm you. Talk to me in two months and I'll let you know how I feel.

Wednesday: The problem here is focus, damnit. I feel like my head is in the clouds. I'm all over the place, trying to figure out what it is exactly that I want. It seems like life presents to you these stages in which you're supposed to accomplish a certain amount of things in a given amount of time. I suppose this is what is meant by "striving to reach the status quo". In most places, Bulgaria being no exception, you're expected to finish high school and then go to college. Ok, check, done. Next you're supposed to get a job, perhaps go to grad school, and work towards a career. Ok, semi-check on that one. Then it's time to get married, buy a house and a car, and start making babies. Hmmm…..tricky. What happens if you're stuck somewhere in the middle and confused about where to go from there? No one gives you those answers, and society does not direct you. You float somewhat aimlessly, unsure if you're making the right choices and whether or not you're working towards the things in life that are important. If I'm not alone on this one, please speak up.

Friday: Woo-hoo, weekend's almost here. Time to party it up in Sofia. But what are the options? Catching up with friends at a restaurant is always pleasant. Club-hopping can be fun but tiring. One last go at Sofia Land before it's forever closed could be enjoyable. Wine and a movie at home might be nice. At least in Sofia you've got alternatives. Anyone who complains about that should go to small-town America or suburban England and try to have a good night out on the town that doesn't involve a dingy bar with only the locals for entertainment.

Monday: Work, work, at least what I do is satisfying. After a long summer break it can be quite difficult to get back into the swing of things, juggling a hectic schedule and making deadlines, fighting traffic and putting up with the Bulgarian business mentality. I'm thinking today will be finished off with a nice rakiya (or two) and some personal reflection.

Tuesday: I went ahead and did it — after receiving pressure from some of the crew back home, I gave in and joined an online chat group that keeps you in touch with friends from the past and opens up the door for contact with new ones. Do I regret my decision? Not as of yet, but it surely is becoming addicting, and I could do without some of the messages I've received from strangers. That being said, I have met a few very interesting people, Bulgarians and foreigners, who are really pleasant to chat with and are making my return to Bulgaria very  enjoyable. Being suckered into joining was worth it, if not only to meet them! Now if only I could get some work done and focus…