Now, Where’d I Put Those Passports?
Seriously Weird | Posted by Jannie on 25 September 2009 @ 2:16 PM 47 Comments
The Czar? King? President? – yah, the President (that’s him!) of Bulgaria, one of this blog’s many lurkers, is flying us and a bunch of our friends over there for camping this weekend! In his private post-Concorde era Mach17 jet! Yay — camping in Bulgaria! What a dream come true!!!!
Kelly and her pals are so excited about the much-touted flaming marshmallow toss, the trampling of the moldy tomatoes and pin-the-cat on the blind-folded wild donkey.
And we big kids can’t wait for “the beer dunk,” whatever that is — but it sounds great.
(Whoops, for those of you who may have missed my blog’s first birthday celebration post a few days ago, JannieFunster.com is getting super-duper popular in Bulgaria. Huge huge fans over there.
And of course President Georgi* (Or Parvi, as he likes me to call him,) though far too shy to leave blog comments, e-mails me like, TEN times a day. And sends jokes. And pictures, like this one from yesterday…
That Parvi! Always up for a little humor break from his busy political day.
Anyway, gotta be at the airport in a little over an hour, rushing soon to pick Kelly up from school. Just wanted to give you the heads-up that I’ll be away from computer until Sunday, maybe Monday if I’m jet-lagged. Possibly even Tuesday, depending on how that whole Mach17 after-effect thing goes.
No Internet for me in the woods of Bulgaria, boo hoo — Parvi condones only wilderness-style camping. He writes “Miss Foonster — NO komputer on kamping! NO eye-phone! NO plastik forke! NO wirings in your upper undergarment!”
Unfortunately, they do have a 7-child hammock limit in Bulgaria, but I’m sure Kelly and her pals will make do just fine.
And off I go! The Mach17 awaits.
xo
* The President of Bulgaria is not to be confused with their Prime Minister, who also exists. Educational here at Funsterland, huh?! Who knew?
On 25 September 2009 at 4:30 pm Paige said,
that kitty is so funny!
love it love it.
kamping out so soon after the hot dog candle roast.
is blue bunny holding down the fort?
safe – fun – happy – beer dunking; I hope you win
On 25 September 2009 at 4:30 pm Paige said,
ooo looky I was first at least it looks like I was first
On 25 September 2009 at 6:37 pm Lynn said,
Yeah – I can’t even think where Bulgaria is. But have fun and be safe. Hope there are spidey dogs and big beers – we’ll see y’all when you get back.
On 25 September 2009 at 7:38 pm Jeanne said,
Just be sure to get back by February
On 25 September 2009 at 8:06 pm Patricia said,
The Pres sent you that picture? I was sure it was me?
Have a lovely weekend and thanks for leaving us this good and timely informative blog post – it will take me hours to get through it all
On 26 September 2009 at 4:29 am Miles McClagan said,
I loved Uncle Bulgaria from the Wombles…he was a star…
On 26 September 2009 at 7:28 am robbi said,
Janninski, Поздрав и ало от цял на нас тук in България е a голям чест за ти към бъда тук с us,thank ти. Приятен прощавам , разбойник says ало също. As you can see Janninski my Bulgarian is not the full quid but I mean well. I am of course well travelled myself as my good friend Michael will attest. He was standing in St.Peters square(thas in Roma)jammed in a massive crowd when two chaps walked out onto a balcony. The crowd went ballistic and my friend Michael turned to the Italian chappie next to him and said in his best Italian “Mi scusi, ma perché è ognuno consolando’ which as you will know means,”why is everyone cheering” and the Italian turned around and said “Well I don’t know who the old chappie in the conical hat and carrying the sheperd’s crook is ,but the bloke standing next to him is Robbi” ! if you were there and like Michael spoke the lingo he would’ve said” Bene io non so chi il vecchio individuo nel cappello conico e portare l’uncino dello sheperd è, ma l’individuo che sta in piedi seguente a lui è Robbi” or words plainly to that effect, and no, my Bulgarian doesn’t stretch to that.
On 26 September 2009 at 7:33 am sheila said,
I canNOT believe that thing didn’t break! lol
On 26 September 2009 at 1:31 pm Thomma Lyn said,
hehehe, the president of Bulgaria sounds like a fun fellow! Always a good thing to make time for camping amidst a busy schedule. Have fun!
xoxo xoxo
On 26 September 2009 at 2:23 pm wade said,
I was away on business in Dallas and missed your birthday blog. Congratulations. I have reviewed the video and the picture of the dead cat on your site yesterday and must tell you that I have sent copies to Travis County Child’s Welfare and to our local branch of the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals.If I were you I’d expect two calls. I don’t know anything about our extradition policy with Bulgaria.You might just want to fly straight back to Nove Scotia after the camping trip.Tell Parvi I said hello.
On 26 September 2009 at 2:55 pm cinderkeys said,
Have fun, guys. And keep an eye on that cat.
On 26 September 2009 at 6:44 pm Rhett said,
Wow. That’s great. The P of B emails you like ten times?! I’m sure the P of B has a crush on you and you are guys having an extramarital e-affair!
On 26 September 2009 at 6:46 pm Rhett said,
I meant: ‘you guys are’. [So imp. I corrected that since grammatical correctness is the highest of all my great many virtues and my salvation directly depends on it.]
On 26 September 2009 at 7:32 pm vered | blogger for hire said,
You sure know A LOT about Bulgaria.
On 26 September 2009 at 11:01 pm Talon said,
Wow – I can’t believe that hammock took all that stress! Amazing! I love how Kelly’s in the thick of things!
Hope you get the royal treatment you deserve, Jannie! xx
On 27 September 2009 at 2:05 am SnaggleTooth said,
Have fun roasting Baklava over the Campfire, n hope the Jet-zoom-lag n prez treated you all well. If your hammock gets too crowded, just roll it a few times, n hang on, so everyone else falls out.
Don’t relax too much without the internet! Are Bulgarian Sqeeters bigger?
On 27 September 2009 at 11:04 am Nadia - Happy Lotus said,
That is so awesome.
You never know how life is going to play itself out and this is such a great example.
I know you will not see this until you get back but have fun and safe travels!
We all look forward to hearing about your adventure!
On 27 September 2009 at 1:55 pm Tess The Bold Life said,
Jannie,
The video is awesome and so fun! It reminds me to play, lighten up and be silly. You’re so worldly now with all your fans…thanks for being hilarious.
On 27 September 2009 at 5:52 pm Patricia said,
I think you must have located those passports and are having great fun!
On 27 September 2009 at 6:03 pm Yaya said,
Haha! That hammock looks fun!
On 27 September 2009 at 7:58 pm Caity said,
Jannie you always make me smile! Now I want to go on a hammock though! Have fun!
On 28 September 2009 at 1:13 am J.D. Meier said,
Well, that’s a chance event … Imagine finding a cat that does crunches on a computer.
Your trip sounds too good to be true. Have a ton of fun and I’m sure there will be great stories.
On 28 September 2009 at 1:38 am Davina said,
Well you’re probably home by now, so hope it was a Funster trip. And that kitty on the keyboard… Gawd, how cute! Absolutely adorable. I could use one of those actually… saw a mouse run across my living room floor tonight. Eeeek!
On 28 September 2009 at 3:15 am Barbara Swafford said,
Hey Jannie,
Are you home now? Hello! Hello! Will you tell more about your trip?
Hello! Hello! Are you there Jannie girl?
On 28 September 2009 at 4:26 am CG Walters said,
Enjoy!!!
On 28 September 2009 at 6:38 am Jannie said,
Yes, we’re BAAACK, and not too worse for the wear actually. Our hearing is slowly returning and I think I might even see a couple of my eyebrow hairs just starting to sprout back too. I’ll for sure tell ya all about it. See you soon! xo
On 28 September 2009 at 8:28 am Glenn Buttkus said,
Moonlight over Bulgaria, what a concept; and to
travel so far, so fast must have been a hoot for
Kelly and blue bunniness. Didn’t Jim make the trip?
Did you make it to the Black Forest, or the Carpathian mountains? The Balkans, what a heavenly place to spend a rushed weekend. I guess Parvi flew you into Sofia, the capital? Then by state helicopter to the ocean resort over at Bulgas by the Black Sea, or was it Sozopol? Did you run into many gypsies while there? There is a huge Roma population I understand, and to them blue bunnies are a delicacy. Bulgaria borders Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania. Sort of nice that they ran the commies out of there like 20 years ago. How is I NEED A MAN selling over there? Jerry Lewis has France, and Jannie Funster has Bulgaria. Who knew?
Glenn
On 28 September 2009 at 8:32 am Mama Zen said,
Beer dunk? Just think what shiny hair you’ll have!
On 28 September 2009 at 9:09 am Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord said,
Oh man, I love any picture featuring a sleeping kitten. Why is that?
Hope you’re having a blast!
On 28 September 2009 at 9:36 am Dot said,
“Oh, to be in Bulgaria now that April’s there….” I may have remembered that a bit wrong. What a wonderful trip! So much to see, so many cultural differences to learn about. And to have the President as your escort, how cool! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
You’re hilarious, as usual.
On 28 September 2009 at 2:32 pm K said,
Tell the president “hi” from me.
On 28 September 2009 at 2:53 pm Jannie said,
Well, hello again, Wonderful Ones! So great to be back Stateside.
Paige: Hi. EVERYONE who entered the beer dunk was a winner. All the free beer you could swill in 2 minutes. You know bobbing for apples? Kinda like that!
Oh, blue bunny stashed himself away in my make-up case. And yes, you were number one indeed! Did it spurn you on in joyful abandon all day? 
Lynn: Well, I’m not even sure exactly, but it was one long (short ) plane ride there and they had lots of trees there. And something resembling a cross between a moose and an armadillo.
The beers were as big as small abandoned castles.
Jeanne: February, yes, in time for Valentine’s Day! And the tromping of the wind-soaked sugar cookies, a fun Austin tradition indeed.
Patricia: I think it was Parvi sent that. Yep! I always get his, your and the King of Spain’s e-mails mixed up.
But you obviously all run in the same circle of funsterish joke mails.
Miles: The Wombles.. was that the series John Cleese did on the life-cycle of the earthworm?
Something rings a dim bell there.
Ribbi: Je n’ai pas compris aucun mot. Presqu; aucun. Auriez vous la gentillesse la prochaine fois d’ecrire en francais ou en russe. S’il vous plait, Monsieur le voyageur mondial. Le francais preferablement.
Merci.
Sheila: I totally know what you mean! I was holding my breath indeed. As one parent pointed out, they wouldn’t have far to fall. But still. And poor little Kelly sardined in there among all those kids, she’s real small — about half to two thirds the size of most. But she survived and it was fun for them and I got a nice video.
It’s starting to rain.
And Kitty brought in another small snake. Black, white and yellow, about 6″ long.
But back to Bulgaria.
Thomma Lyn: I wish Parvi would’ve let me video-tape him doing his version of river dancing, with his ballet twists and just a hint of the Klesmir foot-stepping. Oh well, you’ll just have to imagine it.
Wade,lovely on the hardly even belated at all birthday wishes, they fall on welcome ears, thanks. You’ll perhaps be happy to know the joint Travis County Child And Critter Associations are both over swilling beer in my living room Such a happy bunch!
Escaped extradition! But I’m not sure Roman Polanski is today, haven’t checked on any news since last night. Just as well, eh.
Cinderkeys: That cat!! He had to be blind-folded too.
But hardly any, well maybe a few over half of the kids ended up with any scratches.
Rhett: An extramarital e-ffair!! Ha, you need to copyright that! No, Parvi has a beautiful wife and is happy in bliss with her.
Vered: I’ve had a rather good crash-course in that fair country via Wikipedia in the last few days!
Talon: See my above to Sheila on the hammock stress. Oh yes, the finest of royal treatment. Real cream in my coffee, genuine imitation cotton sheets,
Jim and my own tent with maybe only 4 or 5 gaping rips to let the wind rush in. Just awesome!!
Snag, my dear Snag: Their mosquitoes are kind of a crossbreed between a rat and a small fox, so yeah a bit on the larger side. But actually quite tame. And they live on tree fungi.
Nadia: Ahhh, the adventure of a lifetime for sure — right from the moment I went deaf, to the giant apples falling from the tree onto my noggin, to the traditional farewell lunch of roasted goat’s cheese with beets and raw wheat.
Tess: Worldly! You don’t know the half of it. New polls are indicating I’m literally CLIMBING the charts among the native Mexican beer drinkers on the outskirts of Eastern Moreila.
And also I’m very very popular with the Amish.
You know what, Kind Peeps. I’ve reached comment number 18 now and I’m going to do something wild and step away from this computer — as much as I was in withdrawals for it in Bulgaria. I am ready for a break.
I’ll of course be back to answer your remaining Wonderful Comments before my new post in the a. of m. goes up.
Toodles
xo
On 28 September 2009 at 3:23 pm Momisodes said,
Oh I can’t wait to see pics and read about the trip.
On 28 September 2009 at 4:14 pm Lena said,
Oh, Jannie – I’m sure you’ll have a brilliant time (when do you never! You’re so full of fun and love!) and please, please, tell me how the ‘beer dunk’ went! Parvi sounds like a really nice bloke!
Ps…..and the only way you know if there’s too many kids in a hammock is when it snaps!lol
Lena
XxX
On 28 September 2009 at 6:18 pm Heather Kephart said,
I’d like to combine the flaming marshmallows with the beer dunk.
Or would we catch on fire? Hope you had fun!
On 28 September 2009 at 9:39 pm Rose said,
Have fun & I love the picture of the cat.
On 28 September 2009 at 11:38 pm Robin said,
Did you find the passprts? Guess you must’ve. I hope you enjoy meeting all your fans over there – I hope they aren’t TOO huge. – R
On 29 September 2009 at 12:27 am VeRonda said,
Wait! I’m stuck on the fact the cat’s legs are crossed! Crack up!
On 29 September 2009 at 3:35 am Ching Ya said,
Oh my, are there like..*counting* 9 kids in the swing?? Is the kid that fell off ok ?? Sure hope so..
Now how would one expect to go to Bulgaria in a private jet! Sure is some crazy fun and unexpected joy there. You are blessed with lots of cool happenings coming your way. Inspire me to never stop doing what I love and be proud of it. ^^
And the kitten, oh she’s going to be famous alright. lol..
On 29 September 2009 at 4:52 am Jannie said,
Patricia: I never actually found the passports but Parvi’s jet had an advanced radar shield and we flew undetected, no prob to circumvent Customs and Immigration over there.
Yaya: My Yaya girl!
I myself, am big big fan of hammocks. I was in one a week ago and never wanted to get out.
Caity: You smiled ’cause you knew I was making all this up, right???
J.D. Too good to be true, (or true at all,)
only begins to touch the iceberg of our adventure. Yes, you should see the abs on that little feline — fabulous!
Davina: We’ve had mice here. Kitty took care of them quite nicely. Cats are great for so many things, cuddling especially.
Barbara: Yes, the trip. What a trip!
I shall tell all in a near post.
Hey, CG — you know I did!!!
Glenn: I Need A Man is almost as popular as my blog there.
Mama Zen: Yes, it made my hair so fabulous I don’t think I’ll wash it for weeks.
Megan Joygirl: My favs were always sleeping puppies.
Dot: April in Bulgaria, chestnuts in blossom…
K: Shoot, I’m back already, but I’ll be sure to say hi in an e-mail to him.
Momisodes: You know it! And the flaming marshmallow toss is actually much trickier than it sounds. But so rewarding!
Lena: Yes, just living the life of Riley here.
Thank goodness the hammock was close to the ground.
Heather: Capital idea! I did have to dip my scorched hands in the cold beer a couple times. After a few tossed mallows you get used to how to do it, so the burning is minimal.
Rose: Thanks and thanks!!! Sweet little kitteh, eh?
Robin: Those fans — absolutely clamoring I almost couldn’t breathe.
That’s why it was so nice just to get away in the wilderness from all that cloying attention.
Veronda: I just love that little kitteh too, want to give him big snuggles he is so sweet.
Ching Ya: Most “unexpected” this joy, yes! And did you know the Mach17 goes like, ludicrous fast, like they can’t even formulate the exact speed. It might be upwards of 17,000 miles per hour.
On 29 September 2009 at 5:43 am robbi said,
Jannie, Unfortunately I have not more than three words of French.Of course I would converse with you in either French or Russian, if I could , but alas and alack I have no words of thse languages at all. I have travelled the world many times but always with a phrase book as a companion, French would be preferable I know( it is the language of diplomacy & love), but once again I must add just repeating the three words I have would make for a very one sided conversation.J’aime(Je jouis de) vraiment votre écriture immensément, pouvez vous continuer longtemps .xxxrobbi (Поцелуи по-русски конечно.)
On 29 September 2009 at 11:21 pm Rhett said,
Jesus you are such a celebrity — remind me of a young female radio jockey back in my home town who had half the town emailing her — but she was so sweet she would answer either through mail or on air. Angelic!
On 30 September 2009 at 12:45 pm Liara Covert said,
People are systematically reviewing what they do and realizing each thing they do is a kind of ceremony you can do with reverence. You sense spirituality and love in all you do. It is not necessary to change what you do in order to see and experience this life differently. To develop a healthy relationship with emotion helps you wherever you are, whatever you choose to do.
On 30 September 2009 at 12:49 pm Liara Covert said,
Bulgarian feta is something to experience where it is made. When in a place, experience the local culture and become a local for the period you are there. Whatever you need is alays inside. As you learn to become less afraid of life, perception shifts, energy virbations rise and you find reasons to enjoy life wherever you are.
On 30 September 2009 at 2:22 pm Jannie said,
robbi: Vous etes revenu, mon cher. Enchantee! And would that your ecriture continue a long time too! At least until 2064, merci.
Rhett: yah, yah, yah,
angelic me. 
Liara: Yes, yes and yes on the first comment. As to the second, this vagabond wayfarer with a heart to travel will have to do so in my mind these days. A trip to the bookstore can we a wonderful adventure, tho.
On 1 October 2009 at 8:59 pm Karen said,
Wowzers! What a life you lead! Have a great time.
On 3 October 2009 at 3:13 pm Jannie said,
Karen: So did you think I REALLY went there??