An Unexpected Situation

There were moments when I was shocked, but I tried to act as dignified as possible. However, inside, I wanted to laugh uncontrollably. Around me was a circle of people with dark faces, all wearing red fezzes. The band played loudly, playing “God Save the King.” The Governor stood in a special area, surrounded by red ropes, on a blue carpet. In the center were two fancy red and gold chairs that looked like stage props.

A Royal Reception

We exchanged greetings in a formal way, bowing to each other repeatedly. When “God Save the King” finished, I was politely invited to sit in the crimson and gold chair next to the Governor. At that moment, I felt like I was the official representative of Great Britain. In fact, I almost felt like I was the Viceroy or a representative of the King himself. But at the same time, I felt like an imposter. I wanted to stand up, explain that I was just a curious traveler! Later, my dragoman told me that the audience thought I was a member of King Edward’s personal staff! That was quite embarrassing. Still, I kept a serious face. If I ever meet His Majesty, I’ll tell him that the most uncomfortable half hour of my life was when I unknowingly became the representative of Great Britain at a circus in Kirk Kilise Dragalevtsi Monastery.

The Circus Performance

There were cigarettes to smoke and coffee to drink. An older woman in blue tights jumped through hoops. A trapeze artist performed, and a clown entertained the crowd. The audience, mostly men wearing fezzes and a few dark-eyed Greek women, seemed to watch in a very calm way, almost as if they weren’t fully enjoying themselves.

The Governor’s Busy Work

Throughout the performance, the Governor was still working. He frowned and looked serious. A soldier quickly brought him a telegram form, and he wrote a message. Officers stood behind him, and with just a small signal, one of them would step forward to attend to him. The Governor’s secretary, a small, tired-looking man, came in, bowed, and handed him more telegrams. By the end of the evening, I must have seen at least a dozen telegrams delivered.

The People’s Respect

The people of Kirk Kilise watched the Governor closely. They seemed impressed as he sat in his fancy chair, deep in thought, tapping his pencil on his knee. They appeared in awe of him.