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

We began today back in the school Koco Racin, observing the English first grade classrooms that were unavailable yesterday due to testing.  Jasmine was our English teacher accomplice today.  The classes we viewed were wonderful and we left feeling blessed that we were able to spend another day with some primary students.
 After that Tanja picked up me and Niecy and we went to add Sarah to our mix.  Tanja drove us downtown to meet up with a former student of hers, who was a tour guide.  We began our tour at the Fortress, a rebuilt fort where, after the first fortress was destroyed, pieces of the ruins were moved to the top of the high hill that overlooked the city, and was a much more secure area by which to guard and protect it.  Our tour guide, Demiter,  was extremely knowledgeable about the country of Macedonia, the city of Skopje, and its ancient and current historical facts.


We walked down the hill to a mosque, complete with a spire.  This mosque had been partially destroyed in an earthquake, but rebuilt and reinforced, and is still used extensively today.   There were many, many interesting buildings, and here is pictured a unique, but very beautiful door that I found.  I remember finding a unique door when I was in Germany, so this will just be added as something that intrigued me along the way.  I took so very many pictures today but will share only my favorite ones.
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.
We were taken to the open air market, or Bazaar, where there were shops for anything you could ever imagine!  Gold, silver, jewels, fresh food, belts, zippers, clothing, toys, spices, personal items, men's wear, women's wear, baby items, and the list goes on and on.  After leaving the old Macedonia market, we crossed the
oldest stone bridge in Skopje, and walked over to the newer side of the city.  We
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.

Tanja picked us up after the tour, and we went home to change for our important visit with the Major (Mayor) of Macedonia.  We all dressed up nicely, and took gifts for the wonderful Macedonia coordinator for the teacher exchange, Meri K., and gifts for the esteemed Major, as well.  Our visit was scheduled for 4:30, but as with most any public official, they are busy, and, understandably,
circumstances made us wait for a bit.  After we were admitted, we were admitted to the office, and met by the Major.  We all sat around a conference table, and, with the assistance of an interpreter, were warmly welcomed to the city of Skopje, and the country of Macedonia.  We discussed our visit so far, and the Major gave us a passionate dialogue about the importance of the city's renovation, and his greatest hope for the future of his wonderful city, and country.  It was a great honor to meet, and be met by the Major.  We wish him continued success with his endeavors. I was unable to take any photos of this meeting, but a professional photographer was present, and took some that will be posted on the website of the Skope government.  There should be one article in Macedonian, and another in English.  http://skopje.gov.mk/ShowAnnouncements.aspx?ItemID=5845&mid=482&tabId=1&tabindex=0

After our visit, Ana, Niecy's host teacher, offered to take us into the city and get some dinner with us. Being as we were all hungry, we agreed...  "Yas soom gladna!"  (I am hungry!)  lol.  Aren't I ALWAYS!  :)   Anyway, she took us to a place to get some kebab.  OK, I was thinking like a shish ka bob, but no, that was not it.  What it WAS, was some delicious meat, about the size of a breakfast sausage, served with a grilled pepper (hot!), and some white onions.  We ordered exactly what Ana had ordered (yes, we totally trusted her!), and that included a fresh salad of tomato and cucumber.  After eating the delicious meal and talking about all different things, we were taken back home to our respective homes.  What a wonderfully, informative day, and terrific end to our week!

A Primary School Visit

Today Niecy and I were taken to one of the best  primary school in all of Skopje - Koco Racin...  the principal is Irena Popova (shown in photo with us) and we started our day in a typical 1st grade Macedonian class.  There were 20 students and they were SO well behaved, and on task in spite of our being a major distraction.  We were then accompanied by the English teacher to three different third grade classes.  We had such fun

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.

After Tanja came to pick us up we were taken to a place called The American Corner. This is a place by the university library that is accessible to anyone who would like to use their services.  There are tons of books and movies in English, and computers are also available for use.  We had just missed a study session on Education and Youth, and there was not another session scheduled that day.  So, Niecy and I hung around for a while and read and relaxed.  Niecy was picked up later and Tanja sent Marko for me.  We zipped home, where there was a wonderful lunch waiting for us. It was called a pita, but was really a flaky pastry filled with cheese and rolled into a long rope, which was then curled around and baked.  Delicious!  After was a nap, and then Tanja and I got ready for a special invitation graduation party at an exclusive restaurant.  We got all dolled up, and then arrived at the restaurant.  I met many more of Tanja's friends, ate from a delectable smorgasbord, drank wine,danced, and then got rained on as we ran for our car at almost 1 a.m...  and yes, we DO have school tomorrow... they DEFINITELY keep later hours here than I am used to! Good night!

Talented Teacher

Today, I spent the day with Tanja at her school, Vasil Anteski (Dren).  Niecy and I were privileged to spend  a couple of class times with Tanja and her economics classes.  Let me say first of all, that Tanja would score VERY WELL within the Marzano evaluation system in Kyrene.  She is such a dynamic teacher, and has such a passion and love for her students and what she teaches.  One of her students today said she was his favorite, and she was a "magnificent" teacher.  I concur!  She keeps her students (high school, mind you!) so engaged in their learning.


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...

Just a couple of notes here...  first of all, you NON blog people, did you know that you can just click on any picture and it will enlarge it for you?  Well, it will!  Sometimes I need to minimize the picture to fit properly but you lose a lot of the details, so just click on it and you will see it all!

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...

Men in Power

My day included meeting three powerful men in the realm of education and policies.  At 11:00 our first appointment was with Bzanko, a man (who happened to be a former student of Tanjas!) who is in charge of the auditing sector of the government.  Niecy and I spent a over an hour talking about the economy of Skopje, and all of the innovative ideas that are in the process to further improve their economy and educational progress.  His building was located in the  downtown center and we toured the facility at the end of our informative visit.  Our next visit was to the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje.  We met with Professor Kochov, PhD., Dean of the school, along with Lazar Gechevski, Director of the Energy Agency of the Republic of Macedonia (pictured).  Both men had a plethora of information about the educational and economical status of Macedonia, and shared freely materials, along with their thoughts and intelligence on the subject.  Niecy and I were privileged to a tour of the school after our meeting ended.

     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!

Off to School I Go

Zdravo! (hello!)  I bet you were wondering when I was going to start teaching you some Macedonian words! I am learning many and will share as they fit.  Anyway, after a late night celebrating at the wedding, Monday morning and school was a little bit of a rude awakening.  But, I got up as soon as my alarm went off and was ready to go in no time.  I was off to Tanja's school today, Vasil Antevski, or, as it is called, Dren.  We left a little after 7 a.m. and drove the short distance to school.  Yes, Tanja is a race car driver, too!  lol.  Her school was busy preparing for Exams, and the principal greeted me with a quick hello.  Off to Tanja's class...  she teaches Economics to high school students.  Most of her class ended up having to be taking the exams, which left only 10 students today. She chose one nice student to be the interpreter for me, and he kept me abreast of what was being taught that session.  The class lasted 45 minutes, and then when it was over, the students don't change classes, WE DO!  I remember Germany being the same way.  We had a short break where I was introduced to many teachers, and the then on to the next couple of classes, all of which were English classes - thank heaven!  The students were very interested, but a bit shy to ask many questions of me.  We were done by 11:30 or so, and walk around the center of Skopje then off to have some lunch.  Tanja took me to a small outside restaurant where I had a spinach pita of sorts.  It was light flaky pastry with spinach and cheese inside.  Very delicious.

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).

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 a great night's sleep, I was up and got ready for my day.  After updating my blog, Tanja had prepared  delicious breakfast and I ate well.  I was told to "put my walking shoes on" because I was going to join Toni and a longtime friend of his and go for a walk down by the River Vardar.  This river winds through the city of Skopje and has a great walking/riding trail beside it. There were also periodically set up "mini gyms"" where guys could do pull ups, sit ups, etc. using the metal bars set up there.  It was a beautiful day for a walk, the sky was slightly overcast and a good breeze was blowing.  I walked for a total of 3 hours, and saw an amazing display of old monuments, and new construction.  Some of the sites I saw included the oldest stone bridge in Skopje, a huge monument to Alexander the Great (did you  know that ATG's dad was born in Skopje?), beautiful fountains, the Castle Kale (pronounced K AW LAY), the American Embassy, tons of businesses and restaurants, and even the Memorial House of Mother Teresa... did you know that Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, too? Well, she was!

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.

We zipped (literally) back by the house and picked up Tanja and headed off to Canyon Matka, a beautiful canyon
just about 15-20 minutes from their home.  An absolutely breath taking view of the mountains, canyon, and the river Treska.  As we hiked back, under a canopy of cool, green trees, we breathed in the wonderful fresh, clean air. As we hiked on further, I was privileged to see the rustically beautiful St. Andrew church that was built in 1389!  It was so rich in beauty and steeped in history.  Tanja had me light a candle to bring health and happiness to my family.  Then she lit a candle as well and put ours side by side to show the joining of our two families.  What a powerful statement that makes!  Headed back home soon after that and took a power nap then got up and ate a wonderful dinner.  (Do you see a LOT of references to me eating already??? - could be trouble for my waistline down the road!  lol.) Anyway, my day is not over yet, we still have a wedding we get to go to tonight!  I am told that I will learn a Macedonian folk dance, and dance the night away!  So more on that later!

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...

On the road again...

Woke up bright and early and had absolutely no snafu's getting to the airport on time.  Niecy was a few minutes behind me, but we both got checked in and were good to go.  First leg of our trip was from Phoenix to Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.  At Dulles we had a couple of hours to kill and decided that we would need to have one last " burger fix" before we left the good old U S of A, so we ordered huge cheeseburgers from 5 Guys...mmmmmmmmmm good!  Next leg of journey was the longest - just over 8 hours to Vienna, Austria.  We had some good food, watched The Great and Powerful Oz, played a few games, TRIED to sleep a bit, tossed and turned a lot, and ultimately made it through the night.  There was an amazing FULL moon outside the window, following us and lighting the way. We landed in Vienna and had another short layover.  We stretched out on come comfy couches and awaited the final leg of our journey.  Our flight was finally called and we boarded for a short 95 minute flight from Vienna to Skopje.  We are almost to our destination!  Tired, (it is about 3 a.m. at home), Niecy and I, and ALL of our luggage arrive safe and sound in Skopje.  We're HERE!  We can't wait to go meet our host families!

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!?!?

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! 

Here I go again...!!

I was lucky enough to be chosen again to represent Tempe Sister Cities in the educator exchange program.  This time I am off to the beautiful country of Macedonia (pronounced with a K sound for the C NOT an S sound as most people pronounce it...) I will be traveling with a fellow Kyrene educator, Niecy Westmoreland, and I KNOW we are going to have an awesome time.  I leave in just over 2 weeks, literally leaving THE DAY after I get out of school!  I have already had the unique priviledge to meet the President of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, and here is a picture taken at the welcome party that was held for him at the Hackett House a week ago.  So, I am pleased to have you along with me as I take on my new adventure to Macedonia!