Episode 3: Solo In Soho

When you are so low in Soho

There is no hope, no how, no how

You've got nowhere to go

But you go along

— Phil Lynott, 1980

Or more like, solo in Sofia.

This week Sarah had to travel for business and you know what that means? Yep. I had to cook for myself. Go everywhere by myself. Do everything by myself. Had the place to myself. And, did I already mention that I had to cook for myself? Well, I had to cook for myself.

And although all of this sounded pretty scary to me at first, I managed along okay. I survived.

Sarah left me absolutely nothing in the fridge. So my first mission alone was to go gather some food for the house. So I went grocery shopping at the local Fantastico about a block away.

I got my usual stares the whole time I was in there. But I'm used it. The girl at the checkout counter gave me a pretty intense look as I shyly approached her register. But I could tell she liked me.

"Dobar den," I said with confidence.

She just smirked at me and started ringing me up. When it was time to pay, I pulled all of my money out of my wallet, and started rummaging through it like an old lady in a thrift shop. She got impatient and grabbed the money out of my hand, got what she needed, plopped my change on the counter and waved goodbye.

But I could still tell she liked me.

After I left the market things started looking up for me. There was a rather attractive girl with really cool fire engine-red semi-dread locked hair putting up a menu on the window of a restaurant staring at me so hard the she could barely do her job. This one had an unusual stare this time. It was more like a, 'I'm going to speak to you, stranger,' kind of stare. And what do you know, she spoke. She looked me straight in my eyes and said in English, "hello!" With the biggest most pleasant smile you could imagine.

I got a bit choked up, but I somehow manage to get out the words, "hello to you, too."

She started coming towards me, and I freaked out. But as she got closer, I started to recognize her. It was the girl from me and Sarah's favorite pizza shop! Damn, damn, damn! I thought it was just a friendly stranger with some carriage to actually speak to me this time instead of just blatantly staring. But instead, it was someone from a restaurant I'd already been to.

Nevertheless, we re-introduced our selves and I asked her again if her store had carry-out. She said "yes, come by, soon."

Okay, I should look on the bright side, right? She was very pleasant and friendly and spoke perfect English. And most importantly, I've made a friend of my own in Sophia.

How you like them apples, Sarah?

That night, Sarah's friend Joe called me to see if I would be up for dinner at Dessi's house. I said excitedly, "yes, I'd love to! But how do I get there?" Joe said he didn't mind picking me up, but that I could easily take the new metro, too. I could tell he really just wanted me to start learning how to get around on my own, so I took the bait and said, "okay, I'll take the metro." He gave me directions and I was off on my own. Solo in Sofia.

I shocked the hell of of myself and remembered how to get there and got a ticket without any ones help! What!?!

On the train, I must have gotten more stares than a Black man at a Klan rally.

But I'm used to it.

When I arrived at the station I called Joe up and he met me and gave me a tour of his very sweet condo. We got lost a few times trying to make it to Dessi's because Sophia seems to have something against street signs. When we finally arrived, Dessi and her husband greeted and welcomed me to their lovely home. Matt, Kami, and Tsetso was on the sofa chowing away something good and watching a cool wall projection of The Corrs live video footage. Then I remembered that Dessi had awesome taste in music. Dessi also remembered that I am a newly vegetarian who sometimes eats lamb, and offered me some salad and what looked like raw fish to me. I tried the fish, but it was insanely salty, so I passed it on to Matt. The salad was amazing, though. So I chomped that down in a heartbeat. After dinner, we played a game that my friend Rishi introduced me to back home. A video game called Wii Sports. And although I am an avid video game hater, with the exception of Pac-Man, of course, I surprisingly had a really wonderful time. Especially with the boxing and bowling.

After fun with Wii, they wanted to go do karaoke at a local bar. I am learning that Bulgarians love this more than we do. Anyway, I guess I should tell you that I'd already did a pretty good karaoke performance during our trip to Velingrad. Believe this one or not, but the deejay was blasting Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel and a lady must have spotted me in the crowd (which I'm sure was difficult for her do) and handed me the mic, at first I was pretty reluctant, and then I remembered that faithful night when Brittany and I attended her friend's wedding a few years ago in Pennsylvania. According to Britt, at the reception, I did a stellar imitation of the King of Pop's Motown 25 performance that had the crowd cheering for more! A little boy even asked for my autograph! Ha! So after a quick reminisce of that memorable moment in Pennsylvania, I grabbed the mic from her and I said, "why not?!?" And jumped on the stage and did my best King of Pop imitation that I could possibly do.

Well, my best must have been pretty darn good, because the crowd loved it! After I finished blowing my vocal cords out trying to hit those MJ screams and high notes on The Way You Make me Feel, the deejay went right into Billie Jean, and the crowd went wild. That's when I whispered to myself, "aw, suki suki, now--these people love me!" And tore into Billie Jean with King of Pop like confidence.

There was also a famous Bulgarian actor in the crowd, who, according to Sarah's Bulgarian friends, would be equivalent to our Jay Leno. I notice he was cheering me on like I was the real King of Pop coming back from the grave. But like I said, believe this one or not, because I left my camera in the hotel, so I have no pictures or videos to prove it.

Anyway, because of my stand out performance in Velingrad, Sarah's friends insisted that I repeat this performance in Sophia. So I did. The girls and Matt said they and the crowd loved it, but I feel it was not as good as my Velingrad debut. Mostly because of my blown-out vocal cords the night before and also because of Matt's stellar performance of Baby Got Back that totally eclipsed my rip off King of Pop imitation!

The next day, I decided to relax at home all day. Being at home alone must have helped spark some creative juices in me, because I completed two paintings for what will be included in my next traditional art series, tentatively titled The Stranger. It's a conceptual series that will include about 17 pieces, and I'm sure some scraps and sketches will come out of it, too--which usually end looking better than the polished-up-over-worked pieces. Ha! All and all I am really happy with the two that I completed. By the way, I usually hate my own work! But these two make me anxious to finish up the project!

On my last day alone in Sophia, Joe invited me, Matt, Tsetso and a few new English friends out for what was to be my very first European football (soccer) match! Gold Cup to be exact. It was a fantastic game between CSKA Sophia and Fulham that ended in a tie. But the downside of the event was at the very end when the sight of hundreds of policeman in riot gear surrounding the bleachers that housed about 200 Fulham fans, who'd came to cheer their team on, left a sour taste in my mouth. I really only have 3 words to say to that.

Get a life.

Seriously though, people take their love for sports and their teams way too seriously. Definitely one of my initial turn offs regarding sports and resulting in my 20 year self-boycott of all sporting events with the ironic except of boxing. That's because you never hear any reports of riots or fights breaking after a boxing match is over. Go figure.

The game was also my boy Matt's last day in Sophia. He's unfortunately is returning to the USA. And although Joe, Nevena and the others are awesome company in their own way, Matt and I are "members of the same team," if you get my drift. So I'll miss having my boy around.

Good luck to you, Matt.

Before I forget, again, in last week's blog I got so involved in telling you about my acting gig that my mom reminded me that I failed to mention what was going on with the substitute teaching job. Well, that's because nothing is going on with it. Yet. I've been trying my hardest to spread germs on Sarah's friend Joe to make him ill. Ha! Why? He's one of the teaches at the school. So when he and the other healthy ass teachers get sick, I guess that's when they'll call me in to sub for them.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot something else, my Prefab Sprout CD, Let's Change The World With Music, finally arrived! And although it's entirely made up of unreleased tracks from their late 80's early 90's creative peak, it's quite stunning work! I don't use this word often to describe someone, but Mr. Paddy McAloon is simply a genius. Sarah didn't think it would arrive. She thought it would get stolen in the mail. Ha! Well it's here!

You still liking them apples, Sarah?

The Beatles Remasters also arrived, but not in my paws. They are apparently at...customs? Well, at least they are somewhere close by. Can't wait to hear them.

Oh, there is one downer about the arrival of my Prefab CD. It was mysteriously opened upon arrival. Could be a drug search thing or somebody has copied my CD before they delivered it to me. If so, enjoy yourself, it's real good!

Be seeing you.

O

Episode 2: Let It Be

When I find myself in times of trouble

Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom

Let it be

— Lennon & McCartney, 1970

If you can't beat them, join them.

That's what they say, right? Well, I've decided to give in to my celebrity status in Sophia and and let it be.

The decision came to me one morning after visiting my favorite fruit stand where I get my daily fresh green grapes. That day I was wearing my mirror shades and all black, and as i approached the bars to our gated condo, I noticed two kids had been following me. I abruptly turned around and gave them my best surprise birthday party look and they ran off giggling. Right then and there, I said to myself, "wow, these people must really think I am someone famous. Well, if you can't beat them, join them, Owen."

So from now on, whenever I leave my apartment, I imitate that old 1969 clip of George Harrison leaving Apple Studios. I wear a big hat and dark shades, and always look down when someone stares at me. Never let them know I'm looking back at them. You know what I mean? Real celebrity-like!

I really put it to the test, too. While getting ready to see Macy Gray (who was quite wonderful, by the way) I told Sarah to also look the part. So she grabbed her darkest shades, put on her business look, turned on her agent-like walk, and hailed cabs for me. I noticed a couple girls peering inside our cab trying to figure out who and the hell I was. It's really starting to work for me, though. Now I feel like they have a real reason to stare at me. I also now know a small bit of what a celebrity must feel like each day of their lives. It's kind of weird, believe it or not, because some days you really just want to not be noticed or stared at when you just want to go to the store or take peaceful walk through the park.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, back to Macy Gray. Like I said, she was quite impressive. She performed her big hits, including I Try, and a stunning remake of Radiohead's first single, Creep. She also made the predominately Bulgarian crowd feel right at home by giving out warm and honest compliments, such as yelling out in between songs, "the country with the most beautiful girls & boys," and she was positively correct about the former, maybe not the latter, and she also said Bulgarian's were the "best party goers ever." Another fact I witnessed first hand--Bulgarians got rhythm!

For her encore, she added a cherry on top for me by performing a tribute to Sly & The family Stone, the band that she owes a world of debt to for influencing not only her band's sound, but for her signature raspy-like Sly Stone-drawl that he used on the hit If You Want Me To Stay and the album Fresh. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her for showing the love to him.

Sarah's friend Nevena and Joe along with 2 of his friends joined us for the show and I told them about my new found approach to my celebrity status and Joe was all for it. He even got excited about it. He said he'd try and find some big muscle-headed dudes from the American School to act as my fake bodyguards. He even volunteered to be my translator! Ha!

The next day I told my friends John and Chris about it via Skype and they even encourage me to make up a phony celebrity name just in case someone ask me for an autograph! Me and Sarah's good friend Matt came up with a good one, too: Hugo Montenegro. I stole it from the dude who created the I Dream Of Jeannie theme. Rest in peace Hugo. And no disrespect, but I'm copping the hell out of your name, buddy!

The following weekend, it was time for another road trip. This time back to Sarah's host family's home in Samokov where Alexander and Slaveika cooked us up a mean meal! The next morning we were off to Villangrad for the much talked about natural hot mineral springs and massage hotels where we met up with Matt, Joe and some more friends of Sarah that I'd never met before; Kami, Kalina, Tsetso and his sister Dessi.

And what do you know, I got my first ever massage! It was simply heavenly. This woman took my hand and lead me to a tiny, dark and sexy room where soft Young and the Restless like music played in the background while she rubbed hot oil on my body and truly Rubbed Me The Right Way! Now I know what Johnny Gill was singing about! It felt so good that I wanted to propose marriage to her right after it was over! Ha! Man, if this is what rich folks do in their spare time, I need to hang out with them more often. What!?!

I don't want to bore you with stories of the entire weekend, so here's more in pictures for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=581176788805%3A1230797332&cm_mmc=site_email-_-new_site_share-_-core-_-View_photos_button

On another note, regarding work, or shall I say my sudden new found film career. I, (me taking a deep breath) actually landed that part in that zombie film I was telling you about in week 1's post. I signed a contract and went for a costume fitting and everything. I met the director of the film, Mike Hurst and the assistant director Galia. Can't remember her last name and to be perfectly honest, the names I just mentioned might not be exactly accurate. So please don't quote me. I met so many people in one day that my head started spinning afterwards trying to remember all of them. I did ask them all to forgive me in advance if I just so happen to forget their names. They seem to have understood. I hope.

And before you even ask me, I am not quite sure I can mention the working title of the zombie film to you, yet. So as difficult as it is for me, I will just have to keep my big mouth shut about it and try to act like a real actor and vow to secrecy about the film's secret plot, actors, etc. If I get word from the director that it is okay to do so, then you all will be the first to know. Until then, don't ask me 'cause I ain't telling! Well, maybe I'll make an exception for you, Mom. Just don't tell my big mouth little sister!

However, I will tell you all this. Being around all these Hollywood types, was the most surreal thing I've ever experienced in my whole life. I really had to pinch myself a couple times when I was in a meeting discussing what they will pay me. I told them simply, "they pay people to do this?" They all laughed.

The director asked me in our meeting, "Owen, is it okay if we put you through a world of blood, gore, and violence?"

I just looked at him with a stupid expression on my face and said, "uh, hell yeah, dude."

I need to be patient, they just don't know how huge a fan I am of zombie films. Dawn of the Dead is still amongst my all time favorite top 20 movies ever made.

In my fitting room, the ladies who sized me said that it will be difficult finding a body-double or stunt-man for me because I have a (me clearing my throat) body like a model. Ha! I just laughed at them and gave them my best Martin Lawrence impression, bug-eyed, looking up and down, left and right, trying to spot the hidden camera and the late Allen Funt ready to pop out and say, "you're on Candid Camera, son!"

Anyway, if all of this is really real, then I'll be really anxious to meet my stunt man.

And yes, folks. I had to ask the director if my character dies in the film and then explained to him that in America it's kind of a running joke amongst us Americans that the Black characters always die first or eventually in most horror movies. They got a huge kick out of that and then told me the answer.

Nope. I won't tell you.

Be seeing you.

O

Episode 1: Brave & Strong

Frightened faces

to the wall.

Oh, can’t you hear

your mama call?

The brave and

strong survive!

When you walk

know where

you’re walking.

When you talk.

The brave and

strong survive!

— Sly Stone, 1971

Yeah, I think I pretty much survived my first week living in a foreign country.

How do I feel?

Well, Sarah and my good friend Rachel summed it up perfectly. They called me brave to want to go live abroad. So yeah, I feel kinda Brave & Strong.

The first day of travel was pretty scary. And, surprisingly, it wasn’t because of the English or Bulgarian airport authorities. It was the good ol’ folks back home at Dulles International. Yeah, the pleasant lady almost didn’t allow me through. My boy Joey was there to help me stay somewhat calm. Although he seemed to have enjoyed seeing me sweat the entire time.

Eventually, and big thanks to Sarah, I quickly showed them a return ticket to Greece and after resizing a few bags and paying a $70 dollar fine for one over-sized one mostly caused by the smuggling of all 6 seasons of The Benny Hill Show, I was allowed to pass through. But after that, it had me on alert mode for the entire trip. I never felt so nervous in my entire life. Okay, well, that time when I was sent to the principle’s office for arm-farting when I was 6 is a runner-up. But this time it was serious. I eventually found a new copy of the latest MOJO magazine with the Beatles gracing the cover. It relaxed me a bit.

In all, my flight to Sophia seemed like it took a day. And in way--it was literally a whole days trip. I mean, well, you lose a day when traveling that far. In other words, I left on a Thursday night and arrived on Friday night.

When I finally arrived to my new home, I got really ill. I broke out in a crazy rash all over my body. I think it was either from the arctic temperatures on the flight to London or the combination of a change in body temperature and reaction from taking the antibiotics I’d been prescribed. And to make matters worst, I’d been studying lines for a possible part in a zombie movie of all things and had an audition scheduled for Saturday!

Yeah, I said zombie movie.

Lately, I am finding that no one believes me. Possibly because I am huge zombie and horror movie fan in general. So for me to have a audition lined up for a part in a zombie movie just right out of the blue, does sound a bit far out. But it’s true. I did, I really did audition for the part of a truck driver for an upcoming American zombie movie! And I think the casting director liked me. Well, she liked everything except for my gazing into the camera every once in a while. I guess I got possessed by the ghost of Mr. Roper.

After the audition we rushed off to see my big birthday gift I'd been waiting for months to see! Madonna Live! And despite techno-like versions of her hits and no Borderline (one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time) performance, the show was excellent! And wow, she looked and sounded amazing! At times she would come out jumping rope or something aerobic to remind us just how great shape she is in at age 51! And, as a special added treat, for me, and even the crowd it seemed, she pretty much dedicated the entire night to the memory of her fallen brother, Michael Jackson on what would have been his 51st Birthday. She also made sure the crowd knew that what she said about Europe's treatment of the Roma was no fluke, she repeated it in song and invited Roma dancers and singers on stage with her. It was a proud moment for Sarah and her crusade to aid the Roma.

Anyway, after the party was over, I got all fixed up at the doctor's office with a couple pills and a strict diet he prescribed of no sunshine, soap, water, citrus fruit, chocolate or meat and within 2 days, the awful rash was gone like it was never there! Speaking of change in habits, particularly foods, one I'd been thinking about this for sometime, is becoming a vegetarian. Now I'm sure. I've become a full fl edge vegetarian! ha! So far, I'm loving it. But how long will it last? Let's put it this way, that Macky D's on the corner of Vitosha looks prettier and prettier each and every time I pass by it.

On an unfortunate note, with all of my illnesses, Sarah and I had to cancel our trip to northern Greek beaches (Halkidiki) because we were not sure if I'd be healthy in time to go. So instead, we ended up taking a road trip to the Black Sea over the past weekend. I'd missed my opportunity to go there the last 4 times I visited Bulgaria, so now I finally got my chance to go and it was awesome and lived up to Sarah's hype! Here's pictures from the trip for your enjoyment:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=933795788805%3A1035417555&cm_mmc=site_email-_-new_site_share-_-core-_-View_photos_button

We rented a Volvo but it had no USB port to hook up my iPod. Damn. Damn. Damn, it was tough at times, because Bulgarian radio is pretty bad. We did manage to find a radio station that fazed in out of 80's pop hits. Plenty of Michael Bolton to throw up to. But boy I must admit, I never thought I'd see the day when I was happy to see restaurants like KFC and Shell gas station on the road sides and hear some Michael Bolton on the radio! Trust me, his constipated voice never sounded better when that's all you have to remind you of home, you have no choice but to appreciate the little things.

It's only been about a week, but I miss you all blind. But I am really happy and truly enjoying life here in Bulgaria with Sarah. Everyday there's something new and challenging to look forward to. I recently landed a substitute teaching job at the American School of Sophia. I really like the principle and vice principle who interviewed me. And although the student body look at me as if I were a "celebrity," they seem chill and easy going. So I am looking forward to my first day of work and getting away from being the house boyfriend for a minute or two.

Speaking of work, sadly, I have yet to find the inspiration I need to start a new painting/drawing series, but the urge and hunger is there, which is a good thing considering I thought I'd lose the creative spirit within me being in a new environment. I am also looking forward to running, again. But due to my "celebrity" status here, I have to change my routine and do it early in morning or late in the midnight hours where I won't draw too much attention to myself. Now that's even scrapped, because of recent news reports as of late of an American girl getting mauled to death at night by a pack of wild stray dogs in the park that I'd intended to run in. It's worrying me just a tiny bit.

As for music, I have yet to find a good CD store here. But so far my needs are all met with the recent burnings of my entire catalog of CDs before I left home, making my iTunes count at a solid 35,000 songs. That's about 92 days of music! Ha! Now I am just eagerly waiting for the arrival of the new Beatles Remasters and the new Prefab Sprout album.

Okay, I am signing off for now. But stay tuned for Week 2.

Be seeing you.

O