Friday, May 31, 2013
Off to Greece!
Yes, we are leaving to the country of Greece for 4 days... what started out as just a quick weekend jaunt, was quickly enhance by Tanja, who INSISTED that we had to stay for longer to ensure that we got the value out of having to hire a driver to take us to Greece. She also had a contact who worked an amazing deal for us, complete with hotel, breakfast, and dinner for a wonderful price. I don't think I will have access to a computer while I am there, so if I don't, be looking for some wonderful blogs when I return! **And if anyone has known me for ANY amount of time, you know that Greece is the one place that I have most wanted to visit in all my life! So, as sad as I am to leave Macedonia for even a few days, I am an adventurer, and know I will have fun... Ciao!
Tour of Macedonia
There are many new monuments and statues and renovation that is occurring all around the city of Skope, due to the Macedonia 2014 project. The city is proud of its heritage and all of its history, and wants the story to be told not only in books, but visually all around the city as well, thus the project.
walked through the central square, and on to an area with a beautiful monument names "Immortalis", which was built to depict the welcoming of the heroes who fought for Macedonia, into the gates of heaven and ultimate victory. Also shown is a beautiful statue where men are gathered around, arm in arm, to protect the falling of Macedonia in 1903 (I will have to double check my dates/facts). Just an amazing tour of a beautiful and proud city, and a plethora of information in its fight, and ultimate success in becoming a free, democratic country.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
A Primary School Visit
being among the students the size we were used to! lol. They were NOT shy to use their English skills and asked us many questions and were proud to show us their English work. They also sang many songs and were excited to perform for us. We received many hugs and goodbyes as we left each classroom, and many requested our autographs as well! :) It is so wonderful that kids are kids, no matter where they are! We ended our day at the school with a championship futball (soccer) match and had our lunch outside while we watched it.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Talented Teacher
Tanja handled her lesson about Auctions with great enthusiasm. She even staged a "mock" auction for her students to participate in. She brought in a podium, a gavel, and an art masterpiece that was to be bid upon. She then called upon her students to be the auctioneer, and actually "sell" the item. The kids got totally in to the event, and were bidding like pros. It was great learning, AND fun for all involved. I can see why all of her students love her. She IS definitely one of the best. Niecy and I were able to spend some good time with the principal today, and had some great dialogue and discussion. (See picture above).
In addition to Tanja being an amazing teacher, she is also a dedicated and thoughtful friend. I have been honored to meet so many of her colleagues and friends, all of whom revel in their accolades about Tanja... as one friend put it, "Who DOESN'T love Tanja?" I have been with her only a few days, but I absolutely agree with the statement. Everyone who I come in contact with that knows Tanja is in the same boat... she is loved by all! I am so lucky to be her partner exchange teacher!
Little Extras...
Secondly, I would not be doing Skopje justice if I did NOT acknowledge the graffiti... it is everywhere.. it is just a fact of life around here. As I walk the city, it is covered with graffiti on most every building. And I believe graffiti is just a personal expression of one's self, albeit possibly not done in the correct way.? - but that is just my personal opinion... Posted here is an artist with great talent... I hope someday he (she) will find the appropriate outlet for the showing off their talent. I could not NOT show you how creative someone was...
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Men in Power
Once done, around 3:30, we were taxied to town center again, where we met up with Sarah, a gal from Tempe on a Business Exchange program (through the Tempe Sister Cities.). We went to a highly recommended restaurant named Pelister, which definitely ended up with high marks in our book, as well. We were quite hungry at this point in our day, and ordered two different pizzas to try (my favorite had cheese, spinach, black olives, and feta cheese), along with a Skopsko beer for me and Sarah, and a mint mojito for Niecy. Yum, yum!
Yas soom srekna! (I am happy!)
We all went walking over the old stone bridge to the other side of the city, into an old world bazaar. I purchased my first souvenir there, a beautiful copper? metal sun magnet. Continued to walk and take in the sites, picture taking along the way. Here is a photo of a statue of Alexander the Great's dad. Overall, a nice restful way to end our day. Niecy was picked up by here host family, and Tanja picked up me and Sarah, and took her home. Tanja was dead tired, as after we left her at the University, she was asked to join a task team of sorts, and ended up staying there until 7 pm! So long day for her! Home to just work on blog, and then I am off to bed. School (scholo) early tomorrow! Ciao!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Off to School I Go
We then walked me over to Niecy's host teacher's school, Rade Jovcevski, or, as it is called, Korchagin. We had to wait for a bit for Niecy and Ana to arrive, and as we did, I was introduced to the principal from that school, and a couple of other teacher friends that Tanja knew who worked there. Once Ana and Niecy arrived, we were introduced to many teachers from Ana's school as well. Ana had a day filled with either returning exams, or giving them. After we were introduced in one class, they thought for SURE that they wouldn't have to take the exam because WE were there... sorry, no such luck! After two classes, I was beginning to get extremely tired. Late night, and already spent quite a few hours in school was catching up to me. So, thankfully, I borrowed 20 denar and bought a strong, hot coffee drink. Thus the picture of the cup... lol.
Definitely did the trick to wake me up and allow me to enjoy the next couple of classes.
Tanja to the rescue at about 5:30 p.m. As interesting as my day had been, I was glad to see her because I was exhausted! She took me home, fed me lunch, and I took a long power nap (1 hour vs. my usual 30 min!) Up around 6:30, worked on my blog, then went on a walk with some of Tanja and Toni's friends. Left at 8:30 and our short walk ended up including a stop for ice cream, and visiting friends. Home at 11 pm. I am wrapping this day up and hitting the sack! Until tomorrow... dobra nok^ (good night).
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Dancing All Night
OK, did I make reference to DANCING ALL NIGHT? Well, that is exactly what we did! We got dressed up nicely and headed to the wedding of one of Toni's relatives. Toni's mom and dad went with us. The wedding reception place was a very nice restaurant that was reserved just for the wedding party and guests. As we arrived, each guest and their party were photographed with the bride and groom, and later that same evening would receive the photos and the opportunity to purchase them. What a great idea! As we entered we were seated at our table and our first course was already waiting. Fresh makings for a green salad, and a plate with cheeses and meats. Also, the famous Macedonian whiskey was there for us, as well. Soon after, the bride and groom made their grand entrance and a song began and they started to dance. But, to my surprise, all of the guests were making their way to the floor as well!
The tradition is for ALL to join in with the married couple on their first dance, so Toni and I hit the floor! It was not the traditional folk dance yet, that was to come soon. I was greeted by and met so many wonderful people, I felt very welcomed. More food, more music (a VERY eclectic mix of music, much of it American, from the 70's until current!). And Tanja knew ALL of them and sang along! Oh ya, the dancing... I was invited to join in on the first folk song that came on, and was drawn in to the moving line of people... I quickly had to learn the steps,which are not hard and repeat over and over. And there is no such thing as one song... they just continue without ceasing, and people just dance and dance and dance. What a wonderful time! Here is the only photo I took all night! I should have had a picture of ME taken dancing! Next time! Between each dance set we were served another course of amazing food. Dancing, eating, drinking, dancing, eating, drinking... it continued until we left which was not until after midnight! I am so glad I am not teaching tomorrow! Hang in there Tanja!
Busy Day
After walking for so long and far, Toni asked I would like to try one of the drinks of Skopoje, and I asked if it was as strong as the whiskey I had last night and he laughingly said no! It was actually a drink made from corn, and it is called boza. We went to a special shop and ordered boza along with a couple of pastries, baklava and another delicacy dripping in honey called tulumba. Talk about SWEET! I thought I was going to share them with someone, but noooooo, I had one of each to myself! Delicious!
And no, the eclairs were NOT mine! When we finished eating we continued walking and learning about the history of Skopje, and Macedonia. Did you know that there was an earthquake that hit Skopje in 1963? It destroyed many buildings, and one building that has a clock on the front of it actually STOPPED at the exact time that the earthquake hit! Such a plethora of information and sites to see today. We finally turned back to walk back to the car (YEA! my feet were saying!). Made it back to our starting point and said good bye to Toni's friend, Goran, and his dog, Luna.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
A Warm Welcome
My host teacher, Tanja, and her son Marko met me at the airport with open arms. Marko graciously took my big luggage bag (yes, I heard a surprised gasp as he grabbed the heavy load!) and I was actually 3 pounds UNDER the 50 lb. max! lol. Jumped into a nice car and headed the 10 to 15 minutes to their beautiful home. The traffic was lively, and Marko zipped in and out with the best of them! I think my driving skills would be right at home here! I was shown around my new home and then had a cup of coffee sitting out on the terrace, with a cool breeze blowing. *Here's a picture of the lovely view from my bedroom terrace.
Unpacked later and took a much needed power nap. Awoke to some the amazing smells of dinner cooking, and kicked out my first blog entry here. Toni, Tanja's husband, was now home and he joined us for dinner. Dinner was a homemade, delicious event, with a type of chicken noodle soup, baked salmon, yummy potatoes, slightly spicy peppers, fresh squash, salad, and a variety of fresh bread. Of course, we started dinner off with a toast of their famous Macedonian whiskey... wow! It would "put hair on your chest!" as my daddy would always say! Needless to say, I ate, and ate, and ate, and ate. Afterwards, Toni and Marko (and a friend who just had to come over to meet the new American friend, ME!) went off to go watch a big futball (soccer) game with friends. I was still feeling good, so Tanja invited me on a walk. We donned our walking shoes, and hit the road. She walked me all around the immediate area, walking up and down streets, telling me about important buildings, who lived where, and just come great background on her beautiful neighborhood. We probably walked 5 or 6 km. By the time we got back home I WAS tired, and said my good night and was off to bed. What an amazing day and start to my adventure...
Unpacked later and took a much needed power nap. Awoke to some the amazing smells of dinner cooking, and kicked out my first blog entry here. Toni, Tanja's husband, was now home and he joined us for dinner. Dinner was a homemade, delicious event, with a type of chicken noodle soup, baked salmon, yummy potatoes, slightly spicy peppers, fresh squash, salad, and a variety of fresh bread. Of course, we started dinner off with a toast of their famous Macedonian whiskey... wow! It would "put hair on your chest!" as my daddy would always say! Needless to say, I ate, and ate, and ate, and ate. Afterwards, Toni and Marko (and a friend who just had to come over to meet the new American friend, ME!) went off to go watch a big futball (soccer) game with friends. I was still feeling good, so Tanja invited me on a walk. We donned our walking shoes, and hit the road. She walked me all around the immediate area, walking up and down streets, telling me about important buildings, who lived where, and just come great background on her beautiful neighborhood. We probably walked 5 or 6 km. By the time we got back home I WAS tired, and said my good night and was off to bed. What an amazing day and start to my adventure...
On the road again...
Thursday, May 23, 2013
The Day Before...
Yep... it's happening again! It is the day before I leave on my next adventure with Tempe Sister Cities, and... yes... it was another CRAZY "day before!" I already got "beautiful" earlier in the week, with my pedi, mani, and hair, but definitely had more stuff to get done today. I started off the day at school (WAY ahead of where I was last time!) and was out of there by 10. Then got a little time in the sun and then even had time for a power nap.
I had to go by Target AGAIN, because the first dual voltage hair straightener did not work, and I had to go exchange it! (this may not seem important, but this was one of my most stressed about items. Dual voltage means that the appliance is able to handle the different systems of electricity WITHOUT burning out your appliances! I read many a horror story when I Googled it!) I found a great dual voltage hair dryer made by Conair, and a straightener made by Revlon. On the dryer I actually had to manually change a dial but the straightener was automatic. I just had to bring my plug adapter to fit into the European sockets. But, I was packed enough to be able to meet Linda P. for a glass of wine and pick up the gifts for the mayor and other prominent people in Skopje! It is now almost 11 pm, and I am packed, and have weighed my luggage at least 10 times, but am all set! Wow... I can't believe that in about 9 hours I will be on my way to the other side of the world, and off on a new adventure. Well... I am ready... are YOU!?!?
I had to go by Target AGAIN, because the first dual voltage hair straightener did not work, and I had to go exchange it! (this may not seem important, but this was one of my most stressed about items. Dual voltage means that the appliance is able to handle the different systems of electricity WITHOUT burning out your appliances! I read many a horror story when I Googled it!) I found a great dual voltage hair dryer made by Conair, and a straightener made by Revlon. On the dryer I actually had to manually change a dial but the straightener was automatic. I just had to bring my plug adapter to fit into the European sockets. But, I was packed enough to be able to meet Linda P. for a glass of wine and pick up the gifts for the mayor and other prominent people in Skopje! It is now almost 11 pm, and I am packed, and have weighed my luggage at least 10 times, but am all set! Wow... I can't believe that in about 9 hours I will be on my way to the other side of the world, and off on a new adventure. Well... I am ready... are YOU!?!?
Sunday, May 19, 2013
High Tech...
OK, am I getting high tech or what?!? Check out what I was able to figure out how to do... at the bottom of this blog page and you will find a link to a website with the weather from Macedonia! This way you can always check to see what kind of beautiful weather I will be enjoying... and did I mention that it is about 20 degrees COOLER in Macedonia than it is here in Tempe... woot! woot! Lucky me!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Here I go again...!!

Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)