We have had the great privilege of being invited to our lovely neighbours' 50th wedding anniversary do, with the added honour of being asked to make some decorated shortbread similar to the ones we made for the neighbours at Christmas. And what an amazing emotional time we had.
It was held in the village hall, a rather damp and neglected cellar where we had the village seasonal do a few weeks ago. But the feeling was warm. We were already acquainted with many of the guests, which surprised me, and our immediate neighbours, also English, were invited too.
When we arrived at noon with buiscuits and home made present and card (a painting of an oriole done by Dave) the room was already filling up. Venka looked amazing, twenty years younger than she is after having her hair done and wearing a dress, something we have never seen her in. Every table was laden with bottles of pop, their home made wine and, of course, rakia. Each place had a plate with a filo basket filled with the most amazing garlic, walnut and gherkin yogurt dip, surrounded by cheese cut like crinkle cut chips and the usual slices of flat sausage.
Those of you who have lived in BG for years will probably know what happens on these occasions, so apologies if I get it wrong.
The happy couple came round and greeted everyone with glass in hand, then the MC/DJ/singer (someone off the telly!) gave a speech, to which Jordan responded briefly (not his thing) and Venka spoke at length, finishing with thanking us (!) for being part of the celebrations. They then did another tour of the tables, collecting small gifts, single roses or cards with money. Family members came round and pinned to everyone a single snowdrop. The dancing started, and although Jordan doesn't (he has my sympathy) Venka danced and danced, and not just a shuffle, but hopping and skipping like a twenty year old, and she carried on for hours. She must be 70 or near, and has had a busy week digging, planting and dealing with the sheep they slaughtered this week, never mind all the cooking and preparing of food.
There was then a ceremony of some sort where the couple walked over a flower strewn cloth, joined together by both holding on to a napkin and a lady read words and shared wine with them, then broke a very elaborate bread creation. We couldn't understand a word but it was very emotional and I had tears streaming down my face. Then Venka danced.....
The meal was served, the usual sausage, burger, pickles and cold rice, with a big chunk of the unfortunate sheep sitting on top and a huge bread roll. I was last to get mine, and being a veggie Venka had done me a huge bowl of cold boiled taters, with olives, hard boiled eggs and stuffed peppers, bless her. Every so often she got up and danced, then went back to her food. There were lots of tender family moments. They are a small family, having just the one daughter and one grandson, but very close and loving.
More rounds of the tables and Venka danced. Even the lady from across the track danced, and she can barely walk. And Dave danced too, spreading his favours to include family and friends of the happy couple.
There were more speeches, some of it aimed at their lovely son in law who they obviously adore, and the cutting of a cake complete with indoor fireworks (maybe not the best idea given the location) Jordan had his photo taken with the man off the telly and handed him the bread creation. Then they danced again before the sweets were handed out, several small cakes...and our biscuits...arranged on a plate. A few people left and Venka continued to dance. She then came round with a basket of sweeties for everyone to take. I left then to go and lock the chickens in before the martens came looking for an easy meal. Dave came home an hour later, leaving Venka dancing.
It really felt that were had been given a big warm hug by the village, but especially the neighbours and their family. We laughed and cried until we were exhausted and most of all, felt so priveliged.
The lovely neighbours, Venka and Jordan.
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