Monday, August 13, 2007

Just by the way...





Just some smiles from the European capitals (ex-capitals): London, Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam and Bonn.

Have a great week:)

Sunday, July 22, 2007

London...the city which I like so much


Almost missing my flight, I managed to arrive at Charleroi airport at 7am and get on my flight to London. First time with Ryanair but they're OK for a short flight.

I had terrific time, meeting my dearest friends. There has been a wedding of a friend of Svet and me and lol...it's amazing that 1 year and a half ago we were all free and independent and had great time in Germany...wehreas now she got married. Serious step but very predictible for the very Eastern European girls (they get married quite young).

Finally I met Lolz and we went on the longest sightseeing tour...though it was raining and the weather has changed every 5 mins, it was good to see so may things like the Tower Bridge, the Shakespeare hall, Picadilli circus, Traffalgar Square and so much more of this great place. Actually, I would love to live there. At least it offers 2 things I am addicted to: great career opportunities and great shopping places:) If I don't change the continents, I will definitely switch the locations as I like it more and more...

Enjoy the pictures...

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Between Bonn, Brussels, London and Paris

3 June, 8:50 am. Just woke up and decided to write a short note.
After moving out for the third time, I still have one round more to go until I have my own place. I've realized it's high time I settle down as this moving in/out is too much of hazzle for me and it's on top of everything I have.

My life these days is all about my work. It turned out that I'm acting as HRD Manager (Human Resource Development) with having insufficient experience for that and being less paid than this position stands for. When I went to work on Tuesday, I really didn't expect it to be the hardest week but now I know that it can be worse. It's a lot of learning opportunities that I get, a lot of responsibilities and challenges. I remember BaLDS 2007 and the opening with Maxim Behar, Sneja Topuzanova and all the leaders. And I do remember what some of them have said - that most of the leaders have their leadership challenge at their early/mid 20s and at that time they formed as future leaders. Well, after having so many downs for the last 9 months and having all these responsibilities now, I do see it as my leadership challenge and I hope it turns out to make me really good in my job!
I've realized some things:
1. Hate my Outlook - can't stand checking and replying to the requests all the time;
2. Got addicted to work from home at nights and at the weekends;
3. Have to learn to say NO to the colleagues who on top of everything, delegate me their work;
4. Need to revise my Development plan;
5. DESPERATELY need a MENTOR - for the first time I don't know whom to ask for mentoring and 1st time I realize I need one

But life is not only trabajo, there's life after DHL...
So, as crazy as I am, I decided on top of the business trips I have, to go for a weekend in London and meet some friends there and to go and finally see Paris on my own. Moreover, I've signed for French course and oui, now I am starting with the most difficult language in Europe! But I plan to learn it and speak it. Thus, I'd be able to get a job more easily even in Canada or Africa:)

And I plan to start with the salsa again but don't know whether after filling my agenda with all these, I'll manage to take any rest! At least not until October, for sure!

Guys, once again, feel welcome to visit me in the EU capital. I do like Brussels and working here for this company but...nothing is forever! So come before I finish with my contract!

Take care and hope to hear from you!

Yours,
A.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Coming next...WARM UP PARTY in BRUSSELS

Another great weekend in Bonn...

Very glad to be again with my friends and to enjoy the nice and relaxed atmosphere in Bonn! I like Brussels, but I guess I will always miss Bonn and at least keep the good memories from the best time in my life! I always feel as if I am back home:) I guess that's what I needed after the tough time I had with the Assessment center...At least now I know I will go on with the HR Development, no matter what!

What I am looking forward now, apart from my job, is the long weekend at the end of May, when I plan the Party of the Parties...the Cherry on top of the ice-cream and the greatest event in May! Some details:

25th May, Friday
Rue des Platenes 39
0032 48 6737619 (my mobile)

WARM UP PARTY IN BRUSSELS

As I feel quite lonely in my flat and as I miss the crazy party spirit, I invite you for a great..greatest...and even KUZVA Great Party, hosted by me myself!

Bulgarian dishes provided by me (P.S. I am amased how much I improved my cooking skills during the 4 months I spent in Bulgaria), international drinks provided by all guests, belgium chocolates and nice music! Night walk around the bars, Brussels study tour and a lot of beer...and of course - ME:)

Hope I see more of you! Of course, no worries about accommodation as long as you're flexible to share the place with all the guests! For Bonn's mafia guests - parking in Brussels is hard to find but I hope you'll manage it;););)

Muchos bessos...

A.N.

Monday, May 7, 2007

When dreams come true...Brussels' story



As I like saying...Watch out what you wishes and for when do you wish your dream comes true!

5 months back, in the cold December, I visited one of the greatest cities in Europe and I wished I started a job there. Less than 5 months later, here I am - working for HR department in this city of beauty!

My first week is much nicer thanks to my great friend, Milena...the person who is making me realising the strange Capricorn's behaviour and the one who always knows how to cheer me up!

What I find shocking here:
1. Shops close very early - at 6pm it's already the end of the working day. The working week is 37 hours and people are quite relaxed. Definitely have to consider my working style, hope I don't get used to this "lazy" style!
2. Almost no taxis on the road - honestly, I miss the cheap yellow taxis in Plovdiv which were everywhere, at any time. Here, there are some just around the main places...
3. It's much possible that you don't find the best place to live as some people here offer great mysery at extremely high price. Anyway...I'll keep searching!

I won't get into details how I feel - generally ok, still adapting and settling down! I had some wonderful sunny days here, visited the EU commission and council during the Open doors day (Here you can see some pictures), had a great bar night on Saturday and a wonderful Bulgarian presentation on Sunday, a lot of meetings at work and generally...busy as always:)





Enjoy the pictures and will keep in touch!


Greetings

Ann...

Here you can see some pictures
BG Presentation in Brussels

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

The surprise


It's nice to be back to a place where you've spent some great moments of your life. Luckily to me, I had the chance to go back to Bonn for a couple of days and the time spent there was really great - seeing my friends, my colleagues, walking around Rhein...I did not realise how much I've missed this place till then. Nothing is the same but I'll always be happy when I come back to where I have spent the most significant year of my life.


Thank you for the nice chats, for the BBQs, the party in Hausbar, the brunch and above all - for your friendship! Hope I was a good surprise for you :) And I'm glad Brussels is so close to Bonn and we would meet again!