Saturday in Skopje for Field Day

It's Sunday and home from a day in Skopje (Capitol of Macedonia). We, the new PCVs were invited to a field day sponsored by the existing volunteers here in Macedonia. It was an opportunity to meet and greet all of the (about 75) PCVs that have been her for one or two years. It was a great event with games and "get-to-know-you" events. Also the existing volunteers brought food for a pot luck luncheon As the only mode of transportation is by taxi, bus or train we all managed to arrive on time. The 9 PCVs from Kratovo (my town) took two taxis for 6,000 D (about $120) round trip, so not too bad. We had a tour of the Peace Corp office and then a cab ride to center of town and the Irish Pub for a bit of noon libation. Seems like there is an Irish Pub in every major city, however all have limited brands of beer. I am back to Tuborg, something I acquired a taste for when I was in Paris. Still no quality vodka, so I guess I am stuck with Rakia.

It's all in the hips. Knock the cups off the ledge with a whistle tied to jeans.

Nova is an all English speaking private school. Kids from all over the world attend. They hosted our field day

Blow all of the cards off except the last one...easier said than done

Discussing strategy

Shade, it was almost 80, and the sun is hot!

Lew celebrating year one

WE WON! The winners got to eat first.

The pot luck food line

And of course no event is complete without the t-shirt

Skopje is a large city of over one-million, half of the population of Macedonia. I was surprised to see all of the construction, especially around the city center. I have been told some is reconstruction from the major earthquake they had in the 1970s. Back then they had no money to rebuild, so now with the help of the EU, USAID and other countries they have been given money to create a beautiful city center. The showpiece of the center is a HUGE statue of Alexander the Great on top of a horse. There is a fountain that dances to a light show. Alexander the Great is a national hero. Of course there is a "dispute" with Greece as to his origin and each claim him as a native son. Stacy will be pleased to know there is a NIKE store in Skopje with prices as high or higher than in the US.

Skopje just opened the first shopping mall in this part of the Balkans. It is three floors and almost every shop is of Italian clothing. I was looking for a pair of light-weight shoes and after three stores gave up as the largest size they carry is a 45, I need a 47.5 (12). I guess big feet aren't a thing in Macedonia. The mall was packed. I was told that the majority of people were from surrounding countries like Serbia, Montenegro and Albania as they have no shopping centers. They come by a 4-6 hour bus ride and spend the day buying and looking.

As far as studies are going, well not much has changed except I probably know a few more words. Finding it a challenge to put them all together in a coherent sentence using the correct endings of nouns and verbs with the correct preposition. Every time I think I have the correct preposition I find the one I am using doesn't belong to the verb or noun or whatever. You get the point, it is a challenge, but a good and fun one - albeit frustrating. We will find out on Thursday (1215 pm for me) where I will be stationed for the next two years. Most of the PCVs are a bit anxious, but I will be happy regardless of where I end up as I am sure where ever it is I will be needed and may be able to make a difference. So, when I know I will put info on FB as well as blog, if I can figure out how to put a map showing the location I will, if not a description.

My host family continues to excellent hosts, feeding me ever so much. I am happy they are semi-vegetarians (if there is such a thing) as we rarely have meat, mostly vegetable and salad (tomato and cucumber my favorite). I get toast and tea for breakfast and they give we two sandwiches and fruit for lunch. Then a big meal around 4-5. They won't let me do a thing, can't clear the table, set the table nothing. Going to be tough when I get on my own and have to start doing everything for myself again.

The famous Alexander the Great statue

With water

Yes Stacy there is a NIKE store.

OK enough, I know it's all about the pictures...