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"Јаде! Јаде!”


Hello again friends and family,

In Macedonia, a familiar refrain from matrons is "Јаде! Јаде!”  which means “Eat! Eat!”  To fully appreciate the context and impact of this command, you need to emphatically pronounce it aloud “Yah-Day! Yah-Day!”  Pay no attention to your surroundings or what those within earshot will think, let her rip!  "Јаде! Јаде!”  Feel better?  If not, you may enjoy knowing that that ultimatum is the title of a cookbook compiled by Peace Corps Volunteers here a few years ago.  Take a look goo.gl/QPN7GB 

As I scribble this, it's my one hundredth day out of the U.S and two days before Christmas. Well, two days before much of the world celebrates it anyway.  Similar to other adjustments required to fit in here, my calendar now indicates Christmas is on January 7th.  WhyChristmas.com says it well:

"Most Christians in Macedonia belong to the Orthodox Church and so Christmas is celebrated on January 7th (The Orthodox Church use the 'Julian' Calendar for their festivals).

Christmas celebrations really start on 5th January which is called 'Kolede'. On this day people, especially children, like to go carols singing around their neighbors. They are given fruits, nuts and coins.

When the singing has finished people gather around big bonfires. They are sometimes held in parks where hundreds of people can go to see them. Others like smaller events where the local community comes together. Lots of traditional food is eaten."

Like I said "Јаде! Јаде!"

Whether you're celebrating it on the 25th or January 7th or not at all, I wish you happy and festive times.  

Cal



P.S. Do you want to see more about Peace Corps Macedonia activities?  View the Facebook page here...and "like" it to stay up-to-date.  

FAQ: I'm addressing questions on a "Frequently Asked Questions" page which you may view here: tinyurl.com/PeacedoniaFAQ  If you have questions, I will answer them or I will avoid answering them in a way that will make you wish you hadn't asked.

To learn more about the Peace Corps volunteer service opportunity  see www.peacecorps.gov

P.P.S. If this email was forwarded to you, you may join my email list here: tinyurl.com/PeacetopiaR1
The universal appeal of Whiffle ball and Frisbee are tested on a recent chilly afternoon.  Just in case their sports careers don't work out, both children speak a decent amount of English and German in addition to Macedonian.
[Packages of flavor-light crackers from Serbia sell for a little over a dollar each. ]

The value of a buck

Money is пари (pronounced "paw-ree") and the currency is the Macedonian denar 52 of which is equal to one U.$. dollar.  For perspective:
  • Haircut $2
  • Good wine costs $2 for a liter!
  • Macchiato $1
  • Pizza for two with two beers $7 including tip
  • Average wages $65/week
  • 1 kilo (2.2#) fresh roasted coffee = $6.60
 













JFK looks slightly bemused at my graduation certificate.  When he envisioned Peace Corps nearly sixty years back, he probably didn't imagine that "older" volunteers would step up for the opportunity.  
Demonstrating why I am not popular during group photo sessions.  This otherwise charming cast of characters is posing for a celebratory portrait on December 1st, the day we graduated from Trainees to Peace Corps Volunteers.

[Husa Medin Pasha mosque: This ancient structure is located near downtown Stip.]

 

According to the legend about Husa Medin-Pasha Mosque, Husamedin Mehmed Pasha built the mosque in the 17th century on the foundations of an ancient Christian church from the 13th or 14th century that was dedicated to St. Elijah. Next to the mosque is the grave of Husa Medin Pasha himself.

The building was damaged by bombs during WWII and has never been rebuilt due, in part, to disagreements about whether it should be a mosque or a church.
A shopkeeper in the capital city of Skopje makes use of the sidewalk to display their wide array of red clay tureens, pots and bowls. Can I possibly get home with one of these in an unbroken state?

More Photos? 
I have several online albums which are open to public viewing. I add photos frequently so you can check back between letters if you'd like to see what's up:
Album Links:

 
Macedonia's got heart...and graffiti! Most of the "public art" is tagging by devotees of a political party but this artist decided to beautify an otherwise crumbling structure.
Seasoned and grilled bread goes with everything.  
Just in case you are concerned that Coca-Cola isn't alive and well here in Macedonia.  Not to worry. This large floor stand was just one of the three similar sized displays Coke placed in a local grocery store.
And, finally,  a kitten photo just because.  Pet ownership here is lightly practiced.  There are lots of stray dogs and cats roaming around the cities living off the kindness of strangers and refuse.
PEACE CORPS DISCLAIMER: The content of this communication is mine alone and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the government of the Republic of Macedonia.
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