Keith has been in Bulgaria since April working as a liaison of the American Bar Association. He offers assistance in the application of the country's laws and in improving the efficiency and image of the Bulgarian legal system. The position saved him from the realm of retirement, a place he was happy to leave behind.

After retiring once, Keith Thomas isn't quite ready to do it again.

He practiced law in the U.S. for 30 years, the last 16 of which he spent working for the U.S. Department of Justice. In April of last year, he decided to take advantage of the department's early retirement program.

After enjoying some time off, Keith decided to apply for one of the American Bar Association's public service projects - the Central and East European Law Initiative (CEELI). "Originally, I was supposed to go to Slovakia, but that assignment fell through," explained Keith. "They then asked me to come to Bulgaria for a year."

Keith did a little research on the country, and liked what he saw enough to accept the offer. "We try to assist fellow lawyers in applying the rule of law," he said, adding that they help lawyers and government officials here by showing them various models of how other countries have applied similar laws. "One of the principles of the CEELI program is to provide assistance in a neutral fashion."

Part of his work also deals with anti-corruption and increasing transparency at the government level. "There is a public perception that things are very corrupt," he said. "I don't have a sense of the extent of corruption, but if there's a public perception, then there's a problem."

Keith began his work in the country in April, and was surprised by what he found. "I didn't expect Bulgaria to be quite so European," he said. "I think all the cafes, and parks, and stylish people walking around gave it a flavour of Europe."

He's met a lot of interesting people since he's been here, which has also left a different impression then he was expecting. "I had heard people talk about the `Bulgarian attitude,' but I haven't seen much of it. I have a staff of young Bulgarian lawyers who are smart and capable, and have a can-do attitude," he said.

"Virtually everyone I've met in the legal system is committed to reform."

The physical beauty of the country has always amazed Keith as he's managed to make his way to Varna, Plovdiv and Rousse, among other places. "I've been impressed by the diversity of the countryside," he said. "In a small area there's mountains, and the seaside - it's a real plus."

Keith does find himself missing some elements of home, however - specifically his wife who is working back in the U.S. "I'm planning on going home for a few weeks at Christmas," he said. "And we hope to meet somewhere in Europe in the fall - probably Paris."

Since he arrived, he's been taking Bulgarian lessons, but he admits he has some work to do. "I usually take a lesson a week, but I tend to get busy, and don't study much in between," he said. "My restaurant Bulgarian isn't too bad."

And in terms of the restaurants, Keith's content with what he's found here. "I like Bulgarian food, but I'm still looking for a good Thai restaurant here."

In his free time, he enjoys jogging, tennis and playing golf with other members of the expatriate community on the country's sole golf course. "It's not the greatest course in the world, but it's about being with people and playing the game." As he's only five months into his contract, Keith isn't quite sure what he'll do when it expires. He said he wouldn't be opposed to extending the contract, or heading home for a while and then returning for shorter-term contracts elsewhere in Eastern Europe. "I'm not ready to truly retire," he said. "I'm really enjoying this - it's an ambition come true. "It's been really great, using my experience to help this government. If you can make some contribution - that's enough."

What's most enjoyable to Keith, however, is that he's in a position in his life where he's able to do this on his own terms. "I'm not doing this for the money. It's a nice situation to be in." If Keith does decide to leave next April, however, he knows it won't be easy. "I'll miss the comradeship of this office," he said. "They're a really nice group of people. I'll also miss the work and the challenges."