Final Post

Awoke this morning (after only about 6 hours of sleep) to a warm, ok, hot morning.  The sun was already up, well past sunrise, and it was surrounded by some light clouds.  Welcome back to sunny Tempe, Arizona.  While still tired, once I am awake, I am awake.  So I decided to make some iced coffee and finish the posts on my blog.  Hmmm...  not enough ingredients to make coffee so I text David to please bring me a McDonalds iced coffee and an egg McMuffin on his way home from work.  Then I worked on my blog, started unpacking a bit, went through all the mail that accumulated over the last 3 weeks, etc.  Yep, that's reality. 

But, I could not end my blog without sending out a HUGE thank you to all of the people who have made my journey so memorable and special.  First of all, The Tempe Sister Cities Program and all the wonderful members who had faith in me and chose me to represent them on this trip - I hope I made you proud.  To all my family and friends who joined me every day, via this blog, on my adventure (and to people from all over the world who are also following my blog, HI!  and thank

you).  To the warm and welcoming people in the country of Macedonia, who I now call my friends.  To a new friend, who I had to come to Macedonia to get to know better, Sarah - I hope we continue our friendship back in Tempe.  To my constant companion, and newest addition to my best friends list, Niecy - I wouldn't have had NEAR as much fun without you there with me!   And, last, but CERTAINLY not least, my new family in Macedonia...  Tanja, Toni, and Marko.  You made me feel at home from the beginning, and I can't wait to see you all again.  There's a saying in Macedonia that  President Ivanov told us... "You come to Macedonia the first time by chance.  You come to Macedonia the second time because of the first time.  You come to Macedonia a third time because you love it".  I DEFINITELY love it and will be back.  So goodbye, and until next time... 

With Love From Macedonia,
J

The Longest Day

After our wonderful side trip to Vienna, we boarded our flight headed to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.  It was over a 10 hour flight, and since it was a day flight, even though I was exhausted, I got absolutely no sleep.  I read a book on my Kindle Fire, watched two movies, Big (with Tom Hanks, an oldie but definitely a goodie!)  and Playing for Keeps with Gerard Butler. I had actually already seen it, but not much else caught my eye.  I had some great food and a glass of wine with my dinner.  Austrian Airlines provided a pillow and a blanket, and yes, I even USED the blanket, as the flight was quite chilly.  The flight was long and I was continually checking the on flight program that would show where our airplane was in relation to where we took off and where
we were going.  It is so interesting to me to check that out.  We flew over England, and into the Atlantic Ocean, and then over Greenland (which was totally covered with ice), and then through Canada and down to D.C.  Our landing was on time, and we had no jaunt planned for D.C, but even if we did we probably would have cancelled it as Niecy and me were both already pooped.  When we exited the plane we were loaded into this type of transit vehicle which looked like a cross between a garbage truck, an armoured car, and something from a science fiction movie.  The hostages (us) were then taken to the U.S. Customs check in, where we had to claim any and all items purchased abroad.  It was an incredibly quick process, and we were OK'd for passage back into the United States of America...  we then had to pick up the luggage we had checked on in Skopje, and transfer it to the United Airlines connecting flight.  Both Niecy and I were sweating it, because our bags were like 10 pounds overweight! (OK, MINE was 10 pounds, Niecy's was just 5)... and we were worried that we would either have to figure out where to put all that extra weight, or pay bucks to accommodate it, but we were lucky and just had to throw our bags onto the conveyor belt, and neither were weighed.  Yea.  (A side note, we were so lucky in Skopje when we checked in our bags, because Tanja knew someone who worked at the airport (imagine that!) and he got his boss to override our weight excess with no problems!)  Thus our longest day continues...  Niecy and I then had to go check in with the United Airlines counter and get out boarding passes.  No luck here, as we were both put in rows that were miles apart.  Oh

well.  The next item was finding some food (of course).  We knew we had a plethora of time, so began walking through the many different terminals there and ended up at a Gordon Biersch restaurant.  The place was extremely crowded and it didn't look like we would find a seat, but the bartender, noticing our plight, came to the rescue and asked one patron to move down so Niecy and I could get a seat together.We both ordered burgers (burgers for our last meal before we left for Macedonia and burgers for our first meal home) and fries.  We sat there for probably and hour and a half or so, making small talk with our neighbors.  One guy (a Marine who works at the US Embassy in Dubai)was headed back home and had some interesting stories to tell us about that area of Europe.  After we finished there, we went to wait at our gate.  Niecy needed a plug to charge one of her many electronic devices, and she found us a little corner to hang out in until our 7 pm flight...  strike that...  8 pm flight...  strike that again...  8:30 flight...  there was some problems with our connecting flight
that was coming in from Texas, and our day just keep getting longer, and longer, and longer...  (here is a lovely picture of Niecy and me trying to get some shut eye on the floor at the aiirport).  We finally boarded, but this 5 hour flight seemed to be longer than the 10 hour flight.  It was getting dark, and we were actually chasing the sunset because we were going from East Coast to West Coast, but still could not sleep.  I was dead dog tired, but just could not get comfortable.  Oh well.  FINALLY arrived back in Phoenix at about 10:30 p.m. Arizona time (which was 7:30 a.m. Macedonia time!)...  28 hours of travel time.  David (my hubby) and Micah (Niecy's guy) were there with open arms to welcome us home.  Finally...  the end of the longest day.

Breakfast in Vienna

The first leg of our flight was a short, uneventful, one hour stint.  And I was NOT looking forward to sitting in the Vienna airport for over 4 hours waiting for our next flight.  Oh, did I happen to mention that I have an AMAZING travel partner, Niecy?  Well, I do.  Niecy did some homework, and had planned a quick jaunt into the city of
 Vienna during our layover.  As soon as the plane landed, Niecy and I hit the pavement running to catch a 6:23 subway train #7 that would take us into the city center.  Our plane landed early and we were able to catch the 6:04 train into town.  It was a heady feeling just to be taking the chance during our layover to see this beautiful city, and we were not disappointed.  The subway ride took about 20-25 minutes, and we enjoyed the view of small towns and open fields
from our window.  Niecy (the navigator) carefully checked and rechecked the map to ensure we got off at the correct stop.  We jumped off the train and headed out to the city, which was just awakening.  We walked along curvy streets, taking in all the sights.  We stopped for breakfast at a little umbrella covered Coffee Company, and had a delicious fare, including the first iced coffee of my entire trip.
Niecy had consulted her GPS and saw that there was a huge church close to our location, so ever trusting as I am of my friend, we set out in search of it.  And when we found it, OH MY GOSH!  It was breath taking! (My pictures do NO justice to its beauty...) The outside of the enormous building was darkened from years of exposure to car exhaust, time, and the elements.  You could tell they were in the process of cleaning certain portions of the cathedral because the color was much brighter, creamy white.  We entered the quiet calm of the church and just stood there taking in all of the grandeur.  It is difficult to put in to words the beauty that surrounded us.  We
stayed as long as we could, then had to head back to the train station to catch our connecting link back to the airport.  OK, we were pushing it just a bit, because our train wasn't to pick us up until 9:15 and it didn't get back to the airport until 9:45 and
 our plane was to take off at 10:25.  We literally were running through the airport to get to our flight.  Security ended up being a crazy ordeal, and I think we had (or parts of our luggage) had to be scanned and rescanned at least 4 or 5 times (did you know that an underwire bra can set off the security scanners?
 Well, I sure found that out!).  Anyway, we made it through, and yes, we were the last ones on the plane, but it was so worth it to spend a few precious hours in the inspiring city of Vienna.

The LONG Journey Home

It is almost midnight, and I will be getting up in 2 1/2 hours to leave for the airport at 3 a.m. for our 4:30 a.m.flight.  OK, WHO set up this flight...  they owe me big time...  anyway, you will not hear from me again until I reach Arizona at 9 p.m. on Friday night, but that is a looooooonnnnnnggg time from now.  

We fly first to Vienna, and then have a 4 1/2 hour layover before our long

 flight to Dulles. Once we reach the states we have another long 5 hour
layover there.  Then the final leg that takes us back to Phoenix, and home sweet home.  It is a total of over 26 hours of travel.
 Yep, we will definitely be dead on our feet by that point.  But, we will be happy to be home at last.  Bittersweet as Niecy said does not really match the feeling...  look for one
 last wrap up blog entry when I return home to the blistering heat (116 degrees vs. the gorgeous 75 degrees in Macedonia) in my beautiful state of Arizona.

 Ciao and happy travels!

Last Day in Skopje

Today is Thursday, and it is the last day that I will be here in the beautiful city of Skopje, Macedonia.  I spent the morning repacking and organizing my suitcase. I have so many more items than what I came with that I am VERY concerned about the weight...  but, never fear, Tanja knows someone who is working at the airport and all will be well.  Thank heaven for Tanja!  After a nice (huge) breakfast fit for a queen, I worked on my blog for a bit, and when Tanja arrived home we left to "check OUT" at the police station.  When that was done we went to pick up Niecy and headed for the Museum of the City of Skopje.  It is housed in the "Clock Tower" as I have named it, the former train station where the clock on the building stopped at the exact time of the

catastrophic earth quake that happened almost 50 years ago.
 As we entered the building we were greeted by a man who offered to be our guide.  The museum has a wonderful exhibit of artifacts, some dating back to 400 years BC.  There are many items like clay oil lamps, jewelry, bone tools, and even an incredible statue made o sf marble.  The history is so rich in this city, and I love to hear about it and learn more about this region.  Sorry, but we were unable to take any pictures in the museum, so you are not privy to the amazing history that I saw.  After we left the museum Niecy and I were out looking for the last few items that
we needed for gifts, and just enjoying the beautiful, cool 75 degree day.  When we were done shopping we decided to end our journey where we began it, at the restaurant Pelister.  We sat at a table right by walkway of the center, where we were able to people watch and talk with ease.  We ordered a drink and decided to share a pizza, just like we did when we first arrived here.
 As we sat and reminisced about our wonderful visit, I saw a wall of rain headed our way so instead of calling Tanja to pick us up (and chance being caught in the rain, we decided to order another drink and wait it out...  GOOD choice!  In no time, the POURING rain was upon us and we watched people running for cover.  This picture shows a desolate center as the rain pounds down.  We actually had to move our chairs back from the edge, as we were getting wet as well.  Niecy and I then decided, what the heck, let's order some dessert...  what's another pound or two at this point?  lol.  So we ordered chocolate lava cake and ice cream AND profiteroles (cream puffs with chocolate sauce).  Yum... we stayed until the rain stopped and the blue sky was beginning to peak through.  Tanja sent Marko to pick us up and he ran Niecy home, and then me.

 I finished my packing and laid down for a quick nap.  When I got up I decided to take my shower and get all ready so when I have to wake up at 2:30 in the morning, I will basically be ready, just need to touch up a bit.  After I got ready, Tanja called me out and the family gave me a few wonderful presents.  An amazingly beautiful and comfortable pair of sheepskin slippers for me, a  bottle of the finest Macedonian red wine for David, and Toni (the sweet man that he is) went and picked up baklava and tulumba sweets for us to take home to share with our families.  I had a gifts (tokens of my appreciation) as well, and gave them to Toni (a bottle of rakija), Tanja (a southwest cookbook), and Marko (a sun key chain).  No gift could be grand enough to say thank you for the amazing time that I have had being a part of their family.  So they will have to settle for my heartfelt thanks...  which they will. I am done packing, am drinking my last toast of Uzo as I put the finishing touches on my blog.  I MAY get 3 hours of sleep if I am lucky before I have to get up and leave for the airport.

Rained Out...

Our weather has been so absolutely beautiful here during our stay in Macedonia, that I guess it was inevitable that it would change.  So,  the day before yesterday it was a bit rainy, yesterday it was a bit MORE rainy, and today it just decided to rain for almost the whole day. So the trip that Dobrin had planned for us to go first to an ancient observatory, and then later to a winery, were rained out...  total drag.  I was really looking forward to going to both of these places, but who am I to argue with Mother Nature?  So I had a lazy day, and actually got a taste of reality, as I finally checked my home and school email.  I vow NEVER to look at them when I am on vacation, as it is such a "reality check" and when I am on vacation, I am SO not ready for it.  But, with nothing else to do this morning, I caught up on the 60 school emails that awaited me, and some personal ones as well.  With that done, Tanja came home and made me some lunch, and then Niecy, Ana and her 2 kids picked me up to go to the mall and do some final souvenir shopping.  We had a great time at the mall, and I finally found a "high/low dress" as I call it.  It is a beautiful blue and very comfortable and airy light.  (See picture below).  Sarah dubbed this dress, "The Mullet Dress".  lol!
She is so funny.  After the mall, Niecy and I were still in need of some more stuff, and the kids were tired, so we talked Ana
 in to just dropping us off at the open air market/Old Bazaar to continue our shopping.  We spent another couple of hours wandering around the Bazaar and looking for treasures.  I found everything I needed, and Niecy did well, also.  My greatest treasure was a gift for my son in law, an antique book from 1913.  I hope he loves it!  I took a taxi home and Tanja fed me again, and then I took a quick power nap. Tonight is our "girls night out", even though the original

plan was a salsa Latina discotheque, the rain and time washed that out, so we all got dressed up nice and cute and headed for the mall.  We ended up at a nice Italian place where we had a variety of drinks
and appetizers, including caviar on toast (Niecy's first time!), and some flambe (flaming!)  pancakes (crepes).  Since the restaurant could NOT light the crepes on fire at our table, I was invited to join them in their kitchen to take a picture of the happening!  It is so wonderful to be treated like a queen!  :)

 As we sat together and received our first drink, I tried to make a toast, but ended up getting choked up at the thought that our time is almost through. But I pulled it together and we toasted to "New friends, lifelong friends".  We spent the evening reminiscing about our trip and the memories we would be taking back with us.  Then we began to plan ahead for the reunion when Tanja and Ana come to join us in August.  We have so loved our time here and can't wait to reciprocate the pleasure of hosting our wonderful exchange teachers & showing them how amazing Tempe is.

Catching Up...

It is kind of hard when you are so busy and you forget to write down everything that happens...  so, I need to catch up on a couple of things.  First of all, these things happened the day before we left for Lake Ohrid, so at least you know where they fall.  I will try to figure out how to put them in the right order later.  But for now, here it is.  After we went to the school for the blind, and the Skopje Zoo, Tanja took us to a wonderful Serbian restaurant called Roulette.  It was a beautiful place and we sat outside to eat, as the weather was so nice.  Right after we sat down the owner of the place came over personally to welcome us (yes, Tanja knew him very well).  We decided to eat "family style" and left the choices up to Tanja and the owner.  Niecy, Sarah, and me were happy to eat whatever they put in front of us.  Our meal was, of course, delicious and we overate as is now our norm. We had a delicious meal of salad, fried zucchini, potatoes, & a plate of amazingly tender & delicious meat as well.

After we finished we went with Tanja to visit our favorite travel agent, Sashko, @ Elite Travel, and he booked us another amazingly inexpensive trip to Lake Ohrid, complete with a chartered bus and a private apartment.  We were getting a bit tired by then, and  we tried to talk Tanja into letting us take a nap, but her response was, "You can sleep when you are in Arizona!" Such a slave driver!  lol.  When we completed that task, we were off to meet Meri (the head honcho lady in charge of the TSC coordinating program here in Skopje) as she had arranged for us to do a double decker bus tour of the city.  We all met up at the "arch" as Niecy and I were calling it, but it is actually called the gate.  Our bus arrived and we were the only people on it, so it was a private tour!  We had a guide to talk us through our sights and the tour was wonderful.  We decided after that to go have a drink and some dessert.

 I am not sure of the name of the place we ended up at, but it was right off of the River Vardar, so it was a wonderful setting for us to sit outside.  We all got drinks, and then some delicious dessert choices, which most of us chose a chocolate lava cake with ice cream.  DELICIOUS!  We sat around and talked for over an hour and a half, and the conversation was delightful.  Some shop talk

about TSC and the program of course, and some just relaxing, friendly talk as well.  Meri has done so much for us and is a real asset to this country, this program, and to each of us!  Tanja and I had to head out a little bit before the rest, as we STILL had a graduation  party to attend for a neighbor's daughter.  And yes... Tanja told me there was a whole 'nother meal coming!
Off to Zorica (Zor ee saw) and Strasho and their daughter Elle's celebration.  Yes, more food...