The 8th of March is a very special day in Macedonia. Around the world, this day is known as "International Women's Day." Here in Macedonia, this day is similar to Mother's Day. Many women get dressed up with new hair styles, fresh manicured nails and fancy dresses. They gather at restaurants to share a nice meal with their friends and colleagues. Their family gives them fresh flowers and cards.
The teachers at my school organized a dinner at a local restaurant. Although only about 14 teachers came, it was a nice day to spend time with teachers that I normally don't interact with. Most of the teachers that came, work in the satellite school in the neighboring village called Sopot. It took an extremely long time for our food to come out, and I was frustrated but being here in Macedonia has taught me to just go with the flow. Although I was the last one (by 30 mins) to receive my food, I still had a great time talking and laughing with the teachers.
This was only the beginning of the festivities. On Monday, many students brought in gifts such as fresh or fake flowers, homemade cards and even deordants. I have enough to last me for the next 4 years. I wonder if my students were trying to indirectly send me a message about smelling nice! (kidding!) It's interesting because in America, we would most likely find this offensive if a student brought us in deordant. I was very touched that the students even thought to bring in something for me. I received many cards that said "Happy Mother's Day." Although I am not a mom, it was a sweet gesture!
Then on Saturday came the most exciting surprise for Women's Day: our school organized a trip to Thessaloniki in Greece for the day. We left early in the morning and spent a few hours in the center of the city. We then went to the mall, which was massive! Reminded me of the King of Prussia mall back home and then afterwards we went to the biggest IKEA store I have ever seen. This was such a different experience compared with when I went to Bulgaria. Thessaloniki is much more "Americanized" complete with Starbucks, Cinnabon, KFC and even Ben and Jerry's. I finally had my ice cream fix! The grocery stores were overwhelming with so many American pleasures. I wanted to buy everything!
6 months later and I finally got ice cream!
Although it was a great experience to visit a new country and indulge in some luxuries that remind me of home, the greatest part of the day was the relationships that blossomed and grew deeper. None of the English teachers went (some sort of protest against the trip, but we won't get into that) so I had to fully immerse by communicating in only Macedonian and go with the flow. Most of the day, I had no idea what the plan was or what we were doing but that's typical Macedonian style! It was a day packed full of surprises. We drank coffee and tea by the sea, at ice cream in the park and saw local hip hop street performers. I saw beautiful orange trees and ate fresh Greek yogurt. We strolled around the local markets and I was even the translator since no one in the shops spoke Macedonian, only English and Greek. Finally the roles were reversed and that was exciting!
An Orthodox Monk and his nuts
Greek market
I spent the day with 3 of the sweetest teachers named Silvana and 2 teachers named Snezana. We shared many laughs and memories that I am so grateful for. I had recently been brainstorming ways to deepen the relationships with other teachers in the school and this was the perfect opportunity. The other teachers were excited that I was going.
How coffee should be served: with free little desserts
Aristotle
Got to see a new sea!
Orange Trees!
