A highlight of Step to Bulgaria’s very intensive 2018 was an autumn visit to the Museum of Socialistic Art in Sofia by 4 American high school students. They came from the USA as part of the YES Abroad Exchange Program.

Here’s what Grace, Joey, Lauren, and Markal shared about this field trip:

Grace Bird: Visiting the Socialist Art Museum was extremely interesting as it gave me a unique insight into Bulgaria’s past. I had not realized the pain and controversy that resulted from the Communist and Socialist eras, and Nadia’s ability to explain the art and its connection to the past while simultaneously teaching us some new Bulgarian words was impressive. I truly enjoyed having the chance to learn outside the classroom, and hope we go on more outings in the future. Thank you!

Joey Johnson: Georgi Dimitrov’s statue dominates your initial view of the sculptures at Bulgaria’s Museum of Socialist Art. The first leader of the communist regime in Bulgaria is portrayed in a hulking tower of granite, broad shouldered and strong. His hand grasps his trench coat in a gesture mirroring Lenin, whose own statue is only a few meters away.

In the process of learning history we usually focus on the larger figures, and to be fair, Dimitrov does cast a longer shadow than most in Bulgaria. But places like the Museum of Socialist Art don’t just remind us of those giants. They also remind us of those who had to live in that shadow. The museum isn’t a memorial to the dictators of the past, but is instead a reminder of the millions of individual stories who suffered or were lost because of them, from the workers of Bulgaria to the students of Prague.

From our first day in class, Nadia has tried not just to teach us a language but open us to a culture. Field trips like our day at the Socialist Art Museum are an incredibly helpful tool for that. They expose us to history that helps explain the present, and by going with her we are able to hear about it through the eyes of someone who lived it. That is invaluable.

Lauren Leadbetter: The communist era in Bulgarian history was a very interesting subject to research before coming here. The wikipedia articles and pictures shown online give a certain perception of a grey and dark city. When walking the city center its currently such a stark contrast I couldn’t believe it was ever like that.

Going to the museum of socialist art was an incredible mix on modern pieces reflecting on the era and a collection of pieces made during communism. There were sculptures, paintings and videos helping us understand. Having Nadia there with us to explain the past context and current impacts of communism in Bulgaria was vital to having a deeper understanding of the place I’m living.

Markal Kelly: Being in Bulgaria these last few months I have gain so much knowledge about the culture and rich history. While attending the trip with my language teacher, I have further broaden my horizon to new knowledge. Thank you again Nadia for the amazing opportunity.

И аз ви благодаря, мили ученици! Беше чудесно!