Day 19 - 9/30/11 Friday

Cassidy stayed the night last night and got to sleep on the new sheets!  I am going to have to make another blanket for that bed since I bought two fitted sheets- ah well.  We woke up this morning and walked to Burektore Midpoint. This is the place where I made my first purchase ALONE in Macedonian. You might recall that it was the place with the yummy pastries.  We went and ordered from the same guy that helped me get my pizza the other night.  He is really nice and does a great job speaking English- one of these days I will speak Macedonian or Albanian to him!  The pastries were amazing, and it was only a ten minute walk one way to get there.  Can’t wait to take people there!

After breakfast we walked back to campus- for some reason my internet service was not working, I tried texting someone to see if internet was down, and my phone wouldn’t work… I couldn’t even look up my smetka (receipt for minutes) so Cassidy and I walked to the campus supermarket to fill my SIM card. The guy at the supermarket who is really nice, doesn’t know much English and he shared that “network not working” or “not working”  I thought he meant that the guy that sold them wasn’t work or something… nope the Turkish Prime Minister was in town, so all service was turned off.  Pretty amazing what they can do for a diplomat!  Service came on about 40 min later so it was not a huge interruption, but it was pretty strange till we know what was going on.

We then attended a defense of a Master’s Thesis on Service Learning in English Language Learning.  It was for one of the master students here at the University.  I had never been to a defense before, even in the United States.  It was a neat experience!

I then got to take Cassidy for her first Burek!!  I took a picture of this one because

1. It was so good

2. this one had yogurt

3. I want you to see all the different kinds

We then continued walking toward the Colored Mosque.  We thought it would be a good Friday afternoon activity, since neither of us had been there yet. (I only have walked by)  We started to get suspicious that something was going on when the streets were closed. But at first we didn’t think too much about it… but we started talking more, there were no people waiting for something to happen… what could it be.  Then in the distance we started to see people waiting for something… all looking to the west. The closer we got, it became obvious that these people were all standing around the Colored Mosque.  Our thought- pictures may be tough… Cassidy got a couple of the action-

Outside the Colored Mosque, the street was filled with these buses and black cars

When we made it to the American Corner later we asked, and it was the Turkish Prime Minster still. We thought that was interesting since cell phones and internet had turned back on.   We will have to save our tour of the Colored Mosque for another day.  HOWEVER- in our journey around the madness we decided to go take pictures in front of the Turkish Amam. To our surprise it was also an art gallery!  We being the cultured people we are, had to go in!  The paintings were more modern than the other galleries we went to last weekend.  I took some pictures of the inside.

Me standing outside the Turkish Amam

From the back, looking to the front door

The main front room

Our journey continued and we decided to walk away from the center and off the main road. Here I was able to see other buildings. I took pictures of some of them. See the comments under each to know what the picture was of.  We also saw a funeral procession outside the Orthodox church.  I have never witnessed an Orthodox ceremony before, but these individuals were walking through the street some carrying flowers, many crying, and the deacons and priests were singing.  It was amazing to witness.

A mosque off the main road

A very old building- I thought it was so beautiful

 building- looks like damage possibly from the conflict in 2001

School and school yard

Outside of the Orthodox Church

After stopping for some of the very unique and yummy ice cream we stopped at the American Corner so that Cassidy could see Tetovo AMC.  We then started our walk back to campus.  It is just over 2.5km from campus to the city center, just to give you perspective on our walk.  We stopped at a grocery store to pick up items to make dinner, and then stopped at a couple of other shops on the way.  I bought a few kitchen items, like a pan, glasses, cheese grader, and a pitcher to put in the fridge so I can have my version of iced tea.  My favorite stop was an Albanian book store!  I knew on this journey that I wanted to pick up many souvenirs to remember all of the amazing experiences I am having, and to be able to bring them home to share with my family, friends and students. Today I purchased several books that are common in America, but they are all in Albanian!  I took a picture so you could see!!

Our evening concluded with cooking the first meal here at SEE-U. I have made salads, and heated up some things in the oven, but Cassidy and I made an entire meal complete with tomato/cucumber salad, sautéed zucchini, pasta with red sauce and toasted bread!  Way to go us!!

Lesson: Pasta sauce does not have to be heated up if you put it on boiling hot noodles!

Day eighteen – 9/29/11 Thursday

Today was my birthday. Thinking about this trip I didn't really think about my birthday abroad and what it might feel like. I mean it is just a birthday, and I am not a kid anymore.  But I feel a bit different here. I would love to be celebrating with my family by going out to eat like we usually do.  But this trip is about experiencing new and different things, and I will go out to eat a lot when I get home. It is these moments where change is hard, but not bad.  I envision Thanksgiving and Christmas to have a different feeling too.  But this experience is only until June and then I will have had the experience of a lifetime

Our second class was today.  More of the students attended than last time, but not a full class yet. As I understand the culture, in years past not attending class right away at the beginning was very common. This is changing some now.  My course is Teaching Young Learners, and will be taught in all English.  I really am impressed that 23 students have signed up for this English taught course- I think they are so brave! As a teacher I am worried about my speaking speed, or my use of idioms or using phrases that are difficult to understand. It will be interesting to see how I grow during this semester as well!

An hour after writing the first portion…..

Well to my surprise at the end of my day- I was walking back to my dorm room and there in front of me were Vesna (who had been in Skopje for work all afternoon) and Cassidy (another fulbrighter living in Skopje)!!!!  Those stinkers had surprised me!  It was so heart warming and exciting to see them walking up the sidewalk!  When Vesna went to Skopje for work she picked up Cassidy and brought her back.  We went to dinner together, at Bela Mia in Tetovo.  I have had on my list of “things to purchase” for a bit now, sheets for my extra bed.  I wanted to get them so that if I have guests they can sleep on the bed.  So it was off to the store to get sheets for Cassidy (great reason to buy sheets). Then it was ice cream for dessert!!  We followed dessert with an art show presented by LOJA a Non-Governmental Agency here that promotes peace and understanding. 

Orthodox Church by the restaurant

Birthday Dessert Ice Cream

At dessert

The musicians at the art show

One of the artist's hand carvings

One of the other artists displays- it was a silver color

What a special birthday this was.  Is it like all of the others I have celebrated in the past, no. But will it always be one of the most special – yes. 

Lesson: Cassidy and Vesna are amazing!

Day 16 - 9/27/11 - Tuesday

My workday was not too eventful, still getting into the routine of classes for the students, and work for the professors.  I envision this to change in the coming weeks, and that I will have more to share about the differences and similarities of education between the countries, but for today I will comment on what I like just as much as teaching….  FOOD!

On Sunday, Vesna showed me yet another supermarket! I believe I already spoke about the experience and how I was able to get foods I could cook not just fruit and tomatoes.  Well I have to share one of those purchases- CHEESE:  It is a very tasty cheese, and she shared that is what her family usually eats.  I have now also fallen in love with it!  Before leaving Lincoln, I was eating a lot of goat cheese from the Farmers Markets in Lincoln.  This compares!  Now I should explain my thoughts here- it is not that I didn’t think or even wasn’t sure that the cheese here would be delicious, it is just great to know how to find it and purchase it on my own! 

I also have to show you the pizza I got tonight.  On my walk home from my adventure (explained more below) I decided to go back to Burekt Torre where I got the yummy pastries last week.  I was thinking the must have something I could put with my veggies at home… they had several kinds of pizza, which is a very common food item here.  The guy inside spoke English and I was so grateful – but I would have made do no matter what!  Rather than waiting while they made a pizza- I decided to get what they had prepared. He said, “one or two?”  I said, “two, thanks”  Well as you can see- their slices are not the same size!  Although it was not what I thought it would be in size- I was okay with having some extra!  I have to send a big THANK YOU  to my parents here.  Growing up we were always taught to try different foods even if we thought we wouldn’t like them, because “you never know when you will find your next favorite.”  Some people may have been a bit worried about the toppings on this pizza, and although they were not what I would typically order on my own, I knew I had to at least try it.  I think, after eating it it was pepperoni, salami, mushroom and artichokes; and it was very tasty!  Thanks mom and dad for helping me not be afraid to try new things!

Now to my adventure…  in packing I did pack sheets for my bed, and as it turned out it was very good that they were in my carry on bag.  I am also glad that I packed some. I think the University could have given me some to use, and I know I could have gone to purchase some, but it really was a worry I was glad I didn’t have.  HOWEVER I could not fit a comforter into my bags… instead I put my crochet hooks!  I had mentioned to Vesna that I would like to find yarn here to make my comforter for my bed, as well as other various things as the year progresses.  Today was our journey. After work we walked toward the city square, and met her mother at a yarn shop. It was about 2km from campus. This shop had many selections in yarn, none of them as large as  I tend to buy at home, but many different types and colors!  I purchased red and a yellowish color- Vesna knew exactly what I was doing- Macedonia colors!  I decided if I was going to make a blanket here, it should represent the country.   Although I do not yet speak or understand Macedonian, I could communicate enough to share that I was crocheting and no knitting.  I also agreed with her mother that we would have to sit and work on our projects sometime together!  So tonight I will start – I am very excited!

Lesson: Finding a hobby for the lonely times can make a huge difference.

Day 15 - 9/26/11 Monday

Today was another work day- I was working on preparations for class on Thursday- I have to admit I forgot how tiring reading articles can really be… It is amazing how sitting without moving while reading can put a person to sleep.  It was a good reminder lesson for what NOT to do when teaching!

Tonight I was invited to the Reception for the new ambassador to Macedonia.  Daniel, Cassidy and Vesna and I went together.  It was at the Deputy Chief of Mission’s home in Skopje.  It was a typical social get together, with waiters walking around and a variety of finger foods available for consumption.  We were also able to meet many people from the area from the sectors of journalism, arts, and education.  It was a really enjoyable evening!

Vesna and I outside the DCM's home at the reception

Cassidy, Vesna and I at the reception

Lesson: Be who you are no matter what your title or place in life.

Day 14 - 9/25/11 Sunday

Walked 2.5km today to the city center and the American Corner. There was a chess tournament going on!  On my journey I was able to take the first pictures of the Colored Mosque and the Pena River.  I want to go back to the Colored Mosque to look around, but thought I better take a picture of the outside to share with you all. 

Colored Mosque

Pena River

Upon arrival at the American Corner I was able to meet 3 peace corps volunteers.  This was the first outside and open-air tournament they have ever done. It was a really amazing set up. I took a picture!  I spoke with the two people who work at the American Corner and we will set up a time in the near future to make some plans for how I can assist them!

The tournament

The American Corner - Tetovo

Later in the day Vesna and I went to the store again. This time I got items that I can actually cook with!  Balsamic Vinegar, Olive oil, seasonings, and then bread and vegetables too!  I was so excited about the purchases!  I can try and cook now!!!

Tonight brought my first taste of Avjar!!!  Thank you Vesna’s family for sharing it with me. I ate it on bread, and I LOVED IT!!!  I am already thinking of how to make it when I get home!

Lesson: Be open for learning in all situations.

Day 13 - 9/24/11 Saturday

Adventure day!

Today Vesna was going to Skopje for work and asked if I would like to ride along. I of course accepted the invitation!  I met Cassidy and we went exploring through Skopje.  Our first stop was the old train station, which is now a museum and art gallery.  Upstairs was the art gallery portion. Her is a picture of one of the displays. This artist took pictures from the inside of a mental institution looking out the windows, she then placed the photographs on top of these lit boxes.  Very neat, but also a bit sad; but I guess that is what art does, exposes emotion.

Art Exhibits upstairs

In the other part of the station, was the museum portion. One part was the history of Skopje, with pictures and artifacts.  Then downstairs were the older artifacts from thousands of years ago.  Here is a picture of that area as well.

Museum downstairs old train station

After leaving the old train station, we were about to cross the street when a woman stopped us saying, “Welcome to Macedonia, we are so glad that you are here visiting.” We proceeded to have a conversation.  It was so nice of this woman to say something to us, and she was very kind, but Cassidy and I decided we must really stick out for her to have just been so sure we weren’t from there!

    Walking north from the train station is a very wide sidewalk, like a road that has been turned into a walk-way.  Today was the 100-year anniversary celebration.  There were people all around the area, horse drawn carriages, people in dress from different periods over the past 100 years, bands, and did I mention people?  Here is a picture of the walk filled with people.

Street view of 100th anniversary celebration

We then got to se the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.  Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, but her original house was torn down but the spot where it was is marked in the ground and there is a plaque. Here are the photos of the memorial house and the original location of the house.

Mother Teresa Memorial House

Memorial House

Plaque at Mother Teresa's original home

Markers where her house stood

Our next journey took us to the city center where I got to see the Warrior on a Horse Statue in daylight not rain!  There are fountains all around it, and lights that come shining down from under the upper level in different colors. The statue was just unveiled on Macedonia’s independence day on September 8^th, so there are still many people coming to take their picture in front of it.  

Warrior on a Horse

Me in front of Warrior on a Horse

Next came lunch- I had Mediterranean Spaghetti (olive oil and pesto) and Cassidy and I shared the famous cheese fries (it is a feta cheese) the dip that came with it was so tasty- I am going to have to figure out how to create it back in the states!  It is like a little bit spicy ketchup like with red pepper spice.  I am GOING to figure it out exactly though.  I also wanted to post a picture of my drink- Diet Coke Light. I post it not only because of the difference in the name, but to also show something common here in Macedonia (and probably many other places too) all beverages, except tap water, are served from glass bottles! 

         

From lunch we walked across the stone bridge, and the Vardar River  to an old Turkish Bath that has been turned into an art museum. I took some pictures of the outside, and then inside, including the amazing ceilings!  The artwork inside was very old, and amazing to see. But I really enjoyed seeing the architecture!

Stone Bridge

Vardar River

In the Turkish Bath - now art museum

The ceiling of the museum

We proceeded to the Old Bit Bazaar area. I took some pictures of the side streets. The streets wound all around and there were little shops and restaurants all along.  I found a neat hand painted cup that I am going to use here to hold “stuff” in my room and then I will bring it home as a great memory. It was a lot of fun walking around and seeing all of the people on the streets, in the shops, and at the cafés.  Cassidy, Erin and I also got a tea with one of the shop owners. It was a lot of fun to be with a local at a local café!!  The teas are very small, and many people put sugar in it. I chose to only squeeze a bit of lemon.   After tea we stopped for my first Boza.  It is fermented flower drink, but we had blueberries juice added to ours. It was a really refreshing and tasty treat!  

Side Streets

Side Streets

Side Streets

Boza

Walking back over Stone Bridge- view of Warrior on a Horse

It was an awesome day! And after our adventures, I met back up with Vesna for what became the most “practical” part of my journey to Skopje!  We stopped at the mall and went to Jambo- where I got kitchen towels, silverware, plates, bowls, a bowl for doing my laundry in the sink, and a container to take fruit with me to work!  I actually have REAL stuff for my cupboards at the dorm.  WOW!!!!

Lesson: Listen to the people and don’t just take what you see for granted.

Day 12 - 9/23/11 Friday

TGIF :)  This  morning brought finishing the course packet for the students.  It has been quite a feat to get it completed since my resources only arrived at the embassy today.  That brings me to my exciting news- my diplomatic pouches arrived at the Embassy!  I am really excited to have all of the resources and “goods” that I sent in them.  It will be a bit like Christmas… what’s in the box??? 

I had another “first experience” today.  The Rector of the University spoke to the staff today.  Upon walking in, you could take headphones to use during the speech…there were actually translators in the lecture hall!  The headphones transmitted both Macedonian and English translations. It was like you see in the movies where they show the United Nations and people are listening to the speakers in their native languages.  Here is a picture of Vesna and I with our headphones on!

We also attended training today for some new technology that the Language Center is going to be using.  It is called an Ebeam; and it makes a projection on a whiteboard that becomes interactive.  It is really cool technology and I think it will really enhance the education provided! That’s about it for today… its off to Skopje again tomorrow, hopefully it will be sunny so I can get some pictures!