It was around 9 am when we left Natascha's house this morning. We walked to centre of town and on the way met with Taia one of the girls working at the centre. She took some pictures as we were walking towards the centre. I had an idea that something was waiting for us but I had not expected such a big welcome. Applauses, flowers, music. Many people had come to congratulate and welcome us to their town. I felt overwhelmed as I never thought people would be so touched by our initiative. The master of the beautiful woman choir came to us with this huge bread and salt while pictures were being taken from all sides. Chris and I were just standing in the middle of this huge circle of people all so excited to see us, the bikers. Even the mayor had taken some time to come to do a speech in our honour while the priest rang the bells of the near by church for this occasion.

We then listened to the beautiful songs from the choir while Natascha translated their content. That was so beautiful. These women like the choir of Ivankiev are just amazing singers. Their voices gave me goosebumps. A couple of songs included traditional dance which reminded me a little bit of Irish dance. So nice!

After the concert and the speeches, we met with a liquidator who was part of a program for rehabilitation of disabled people then we went to see the local museum which gathered many antiques from the area and had lunch with the mayor and the depute mayor, 2 young men with determination and good will. We spoke about his project of cleaning the town. There is so much to do in terms of organizing garbage and cleaning up the streets. This seems pretty basic stuff but it involves a lot of work and energy and I trust this mayor to have all the qualities required to do an excellent job.

After lunch, it was time for me to do my art therapy lesson. I had gone over lesson the plan with Natasha the night before so she knew what it was all about. Still I felt a little bit nervous because I did not know who were going to participate and felt a little bit out of my role as an art therapist being a biker and ambassador for the past weeks.

I did not have to worry because the art therapy session went very well. Everyone was enthusiastic and involved in the creative process, even Natascha could not resist to join in. I had forgotten how art is so powerful and how not must is needed for people to connect to the art and allow their self to speak creatively and spontaneously. I was so impressed and was reminded how much I like working as an art therapist! There is more to say about this workshop but I will get to it in the art therapy section.

After the lesson, kids had to leave, so I took some time to discuss with the staff about my approach to art therapy and the behind of the session. I was also curious to know about their way of working with the children. I regretted we could not be able to speak directly without translating back and forth what is being said.

It was time to eat again Taia had cooked for hours to prepare this delicious meal but first we were invited to take a look at this beautiful art work which was done by a local artist. What I liked the most were the jewellery she handmaded I could not resist buying one of the necklaces. The artist explained to me that the stone of the necklace was like a talisman and was supposed to protect from bad energy.

A journalist had joined us for the meal. It turned out that she was also a composer and talented singer. I was pleased to hear more music for desert.

It was getting late and our translator was tired and had to go home. We were having so much fun that we decided to stay a little bit longer at the centre. Oksana husband arrived and took the role of our interpreter as he knew some English. He told us he was a pediatric surgeon at the hospital here in Boyarka. And he is only 26 years old!! I was impressed. Oksana and him had just got married, a month ago. They invited us in their home to see their wedding pictures. They are a very nice and sweet couple. They walked us home, thank goodness because I would have never found the way to Natascha's house.