Spring in Macedonia

Yes you are in the right blog. I decided since it is spring to change-up the look a bit.

The sun is shining, the pasturers are green, flowers are beginning to bloom, butterflies are flitting about and the trees are budding. The rivers have risen to their limit from the rain and snow melt and waterfalls abound. So, it has to be Spring. Although we still have a our cold day the sun shines and takes the bite out of the wind. We have had our share of rain causing some flooding in the lower valleys, but the farmers are happy so I guess it isn't serious.

The restaurant is open once again and generally full on weekends. Tony and Larisa (chef and wife) are happy campers to be busy once again. So it appears all is right with the universe.

Went to Skopje last weekend to kick back and enjoy the St. Pat's day celebration on Sunday. Unfortunately there is never really good beer, just Skopsco and Dab, both local brews. Planning a trip to Sophia mid-April for a weekend. Sophia is supposed to be one of the greatest cities in the Balkans, good food, beer and vodka.

Sunday the 24this election day in Macedonia. So there is all kind of "political" work going on - road repair, new sidewalks, flower planting, and anything else that would get the attention of the general public so the incumbent can say, "see what I have done for you". Guess the adage the last thing said or done is what people remember. We have been given "strict" directive not to engage in any political discussion or activity - we are to remain neutral and avoid any discussions by pleading ignorance. Tough to do. SOme people are totally apathetic about the current unemployment and direction of the country, while others are very open and feel that if the communist party takes over things will be like they were when Titto was running things. They, the old people, live in the past - the better days when everyone had a job, money and food. I think it is the same for all of the Balkans, Albania has their problems as well as Sovenija which just elected a Communist government. It's hard not to feel their pain and frustration some times and more difficult to pass by families begging on the street for money to buy food. OK, enough of the political manifesto. I will keep you posted about results of election.

More to come.

River Radika

Tutto in his lab concocting tea