If You Build it, Rain Will Come

This Autumn has been an especially wet one here in Skopje and my taxi-driver this morning informed me as to why that is. The conversation went something like this:

"How do you like all this rain? We are like London now."

"Oh, it's wonderful. I actually enjoy it very much." [Yes, I did say that and actually mean it!]

"Well, it's because of the two new lakes that we have all this rain."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes! We've had Lake Matka for many years, but now they built two new lakes on the Treska River."

Thinking to myself: I've seen at least one of them and it's not much more than a glorified puddle. And the Treska isn't big like the American River... or the Sacramento... For my Folsom Lake friends: Lake Matka is a tad bit bigger than one of the lakes in Hidden Lakes Estates... ie: a stone-throw-and-a-half across and maybe a quarter mile long.


But I responded, "Really? Honestly, I have a hard time buying that. There's more rain all over, not just in Skopje."

To which he replied with authority, "Oh yes, but it's true! My father is a meteorologist and he did a study on this and he told me this is why we are having more rain. Before 5, 6 years we had maybe 175 days of rain and now we have about 200, but with the new lakes we will have more like 260 days of rain this year!"

"Oh, so that's why they built the lakes?"

"Yes!"

So there you go! "If you build it, Rain will come!" =)

Unexpected Visitor

Sunday at church as I was listening to the message on work ethic out of Titus a slight movement distracted me. At first I thought perhaps it was a cockroach (as it's the season and they seem to be invading everywhere), but once my eyes focused to the far corner of the gym I saw that it was a lizard slowly making it's way from behind the speakers and towards the front row of seats. When it reached the bright orange extension cord it paused for quite a while and I imagined it contemplating the words it was hearing.

Well, by now several people were distracted with really odd looks on their faces... so odd that the speaker was wondering if it was their message! Nope... we were just all waiting to see where this guy would go and if it would catch a few people by surprise that they let our a shriek. That didn't happen, thank goodness. After a few minutes the guy set out on his way again, but not before a friend got this picture to document the event. ;)

Perfumed Football Edition - Ready for World Cup

It seems even the toilet paper companies are excited about World Cup starting this weekend! I'm sorry, but this just made me laugh! I especially liked the "Football Edition - Perfumed" in the lower right corner... but I'm not so sure I'm eager to open it as the package beckons... I mean, what exact perfume would a football edition have?? The only thing that comes to mind is dirt, grass and, er, sweat! But then pushing that aside there's the complete irony of a perfumed football edition to begin with. Then again, I suppose it does makes sense, though, appealing to both the gals (perfume) and guys (sports of any kind). But really, we're talking about TP of all things! lol. I just love this place. :)

Censored?

Just one of those random things in Skopje that makes me laugh! I mean, where do people get these ideas? lol.

Taxi Conversation #1: Spring is like a woman

This morning the air was filled with the sweet musky fragrance that only a Spring rain can bring... the rain had past and it was now sunny with a mix a puffy and ominous clouds filling the sky as I hopped into a cab to head to various destinations... After the usual conversational pleasantries I commented on how spring-like the day was.... it began with beautiful warm sun, then clouded over, becoming dark and ominous as a downpour was unleashed, only to clear up a little when a strong wind blew through....

His comment? "Ah, yes! Spring. Just like a woman, always changing her mood and completely unpredictable! Spring is the time of the woman!"

It took me a moment to grasp that he was really saying what I thought he was saying... and then busted out in laughter, to which he joined me, quite pleased that an American woman got his joke and enjoyed it. lol.

A New Decade & "Revealing" Trip to the Embassy

When my brother saw the picture in my passport he teased me mercilessly! "Ha ha, Carol! You're stuck with THAT for 10 years! Ha ha ha!" Well, yesterday that passport was nostalgically placed in a drawer and a new decade begun, though not without first making an adventurous... and... er.... revealing trip to the US Embassy.

There's a new US Embassy here in Skopje and boy is the security tight! On my last trip there to submit my passport renewal application I learned that bringing less is more. So, this time I thought I was so clever and full of fore-thought as I left my purse in the car and walked up to the security checkpoint carrying only my keys and passport.

Well..... as you will see, it turned out that I was not as clever as I'd fashioned myself to be.... as I completely didn't pay attention to what I was wearing and how it would affect getting through security....

You see, I was wearing boots for the first time this season.... and the metal "fashionable" strip on the bottom inevitably tripped the alarm... "Beep!" To which I then had to unzip them.... and reveal the fact that not only was I wearing unfashionable white ankle socks, but also that... er... my legs were in need of shaving!

But even more embarrassing was that I was wearing a belt! Again, for the FIRST TIME this season.... So I'm having to... er... discretely put my hands under my shirt and remove the belt.... through the scanner it goes... then on the other side I get to put it back on. Can I just say that it's REALLY disconcerting to stand there and re-zip up boots over hairy legs and then re-loop and buckle a belt whilst a couple of (really cute, btw) guards watch my every move??

The whole time I just kept laughing to myself and my "cleverness." Mental note: next time go beltless and wear slip-on shoes... oh, and SHAVE YOUR LEGS! I must say, though, that the guys were really nice and courteous and I know that they were just doing their job. =)

Perhaps the funniest part, though, was that for the first time in my life I was asked to put my glasses through the scanner... so I was pretty much blind through all of the above!

After my "revealing" trip I picked up my new passport and what was left of my "clever" pride and blushed my way past the cute guards and headed home. =)

The upside of all this? My new passport is really sweet... especially love all the pics and quotes. Oh, and I'm pretty sure that even my brother would approve of the picture. Thus I begin a new decade..... and did I mention that I'm turning 40 soon? A new decade in more ways that one! lol.

Gorilla in our Midst!... Say What?!?!

Driving to work the other morning I nearly had a car accident at this intersection as I and several other drivers and some pedestrians were seriously distracted (and quite a bit amused) at this site! I just couldn't believe there was a mangled gorrilla on the side of the road and so took a double take (or two)! Ironically, he's only a block from the City Zoo. Buster (ya, I had to name him) was only there for one day, but it sure was a sight to see (and, YES, I just had to pull over, park and get out my camera). Just another day here in the Balkans! =)

Presenting..... A Random Sight in Skopje!

The other night a colleague/friend and I headed down towards the river for dinner. Upon entering the square we were greeted by a sight of true randomness: A performance curtain set up at the base of the Old Stone Bridge. No signs or anything indicated what on earth it was there for besides just being a testament to the occasional and always entertaining randomness that comes with living in the Balkans. =)

Thoroughly enjoyed the peek-a-boo view of the square from the bridge perspective. As there's many new art statues around town maybe this is related? Who knows. ;)

Shalakin My Head

Went to the store tonight to buy some hairspray... well, I ended up asking for whipped cream for my hair instead! You see, the word for hairspray is "Laq" and the way I remember the word is to think about shaLAQ'n my head... but then if you accidentally shorten that word (like I did tonight) you end up asking for "shlak" (шлаг) which is the word for whipped cream. So that's how I ended up asking for whipped cream for my head!

Gotta love language bloopers! They are pure entertainment (especially for my local friends). =)

No Comment

No sooner were the words "I'm a bookkeeper for..." out of my mouth when she interrupted me with, "Oh! Do you have a blog??"

"Uh, yes. A Bookkeepers Balkan Update," I responded, question and surprise punctuating my voice.

"Ha! My husband and I just found your blog while looking for information on the Balkans!" she explained excitedly.

I sat a little dumbfounded and (to be honest) just a bit creeped out. I knew it was bound to happen one of these days, but was totally unprepared to meet someone in person who first met me through this blog. lol. This little interaction was followed with a fun discussion of life and culture here in the Balkans. They're a lovely couple and I'm looking forward to getting to know them over the weeks and months to come. (And if you're reading this: so nice to have met you!) =)

This was a relevent reminder that people do read this blog and reinforces the chosen focus I have for it: to simply share about life and culture here in the Balkans from an expat's viewpoint and always with respect. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy reading about the Balkans as much as I enjoy living in it! =)

Cultural Clues for Living in the Balkans

As I was hurrying to blow-dry my hair before heading down to the store just to buy some eggs (so as not to shock the locals by being outside with wet hair), I thought it would be fun to share some of the cultural clues for living here in the Balkans.

• Yellow lights can mean either "go faster" or "go" depending upon which color comes next (red or green respectively)
• Parking on sidewalks is normal
• Ladies, don't get in the front seat of a taxi or the driver may try his best pick-up line on you
• Keep your shoes clean at all times (keeping a brush by the door is handy)
• Leave your shoes at the door (hostesses will provide slippers if needed, or you can bring your own)
• Have house shoes (slippers) available for your house guests
• Air-conditioning can give you a head ache and is the cause of neck and back pain
• Drafts (aka cross-breezes) will make you sick
• Ladies, don't sit on concrete without a sweater or cardboard beneath you or your ovaries will dry up
• Going outside with wet hair will make you sick (even if it's 100+ degrees)
• Being outside with wet hair won't make you sick if you're on the beach and swimming
• If shopping for produce at the supermarket be sure to have them price it for you BEFORE going to the checkout
• Paper or plas..er..pennies?? Thanks to a new law, produce baggies and check-out bags are paper (and with no handles!)... if you want plastic in the produce section: SOL; plastic at checkout? 3 Denars please. This applies everywhere: corner stores and even fast food places. So I'd suggest bringing your own bag. Must say, though, this is very green. :)
• Please don't talk loudly while walking in public or yell across the street to your buddies
• Don't make eye contact and smile at everyone you walk past; however, if you know the person, be prepared to stop, shake hands and chat for a couple of minutes... a simple nod of recognition won't do
• When in the outdoor market it's not necessary to answer each vendor with "no thank you" when they offer a "povelete?" [ha ha... I did that one a lot when I first got here and even now after 6 years am tempted...]
• Bring flowers or chocolate or some other small gift when visiting someone for the first time (or after a long time). Just be sure the flowers are in uneven numbers. Even numbers are reserved solely for condolences and funerals.
• When visiting, be sure to shake hands and greet each person in the room starting with the oldest and/or most important person.
• When people come to visit, be sure to immediately offer them something to drink (juice, coffee, tea... water as last resort) and put out something salty (like nuts) and/or sweet (chocolate or cookies) on the table.
• Salty and sweet food items are usually kept separate.. not served on the same plate (no sweet potatoes with that turkey!) and in buffets are usually placed on opposite sides of the table or on a different table altogether.
• Spitting in public is against the law and could cost you €50.

Now that you have some cultural clues for the Balkans... Come visit me and we'll put them into practice! =)

Waiting in...er... line?

This morning I made my annual trip to the "9th Floor" to submit my visa documents, get finger-printed and get a photo taken. It was early but there was already quite a crowd waiting in front of the 2 working elevators that would only take 5 people at a time. Each time the elevator doors opened the people would surge forward to try to be one of the lucky few.

Once on the 9th and while waiting our turn outside the picture-taking-finger-printing office I took in the cultural phenomenon around me with regards to line etiquette... or, rather, the seemingly lack of it...

There was a crowd of people waiting and with no discernible sense of a line, everyone just seemed to know what there place was in the waiting order. New arrivals simply asked, "who's the last person?" received their answer and then went lean against a wall or sit on a bench to wait for their turn. Occasionally exceptions were made for families with young children, who were then allowed to cut to the front. Other's, however, simply muscled their way through in an effort to be the next one in the door regardless of the fact they were actually the last to arrive.

So it was with one particular man. Every time the office door opened the waiting crowd surged forward as if to insure the right person pops out the front and goes in next, and every time this one man tried to cut... sparking an intense verbal exchange. He was so insistent at points that others called the security guy over which sparked yet another heated discussion complete with animated hand gestures.

While all this was going on I couldn't help but long for the "Take A Number" machines that you find in California's DMV offices and other places.

Finally it came to our turn. The door opened the crowd surged forward and before my friend and I could get in that man had muscled his way in front of us and shut the door in our face! The security guard who'd put the man in his place earlier saw this but I think like the rest of us, though irritated by his cultural rudeness, were tired of this man's belligerence and let him go. In the end the security guard apparently gave him another talking to and as my friend and I were ushered in the man was all smiles... seriously, looked like a completely different man... and offered to buy us and the man who'd been next after us a coffee for our trouble.

Two words: Ле ле!

We politely declined as we all had a schedule to keep. It didn't take long to take my prints and to pose for my unsmiling picture (you're not allowed to smile... pictures are supposed to be serious). It was a bad picture, btw. Good thing I'm only stuck with it for a year (unlike the awful passport picture I've had since 2000). Anyways, this morning was another really good lesson in line etiquette here in the Balkans: know your place in the crowd, wait your turn and stand your ground... unless you can slip inside the door. :)

Kilt's in Skopje

"Gledaj gledaj!" the taxi driver said while gesturing to the group of men on the sidewalk this morning as I was on my way to the gym. "Scottie." He was pointing out something you don't see every day here in Skopje: a group of men wearing kilts! And so the World Cup qualifier's begin here in Skopje with a match between Scotland and Macedonia.

OK, quick question for those of you "in-the-know." Why are qualifiers starting now?? Call me a futball ignorant (even though I did play center half for 4 years when I was younger) but isn't the next World Cup, like, 2 years away??

After working out at the gym this morning I went to Ramstore to do some grocery shopping, but first I stopped in the food court to get some lunch (1 hr interval walking on the treadmill and 20 laps in the pool and I'm hungry!). I'm also here with my laptop taking advantage of the internet free zone to update my laplop. Frankly, I'm finding it quite entertaining to be here as the Macedonia-Scotland game is on the big screen at the sports bar next to the Finger Food restaurant where I'm at (simply the best burritos in town).

[Don't you just love the "Coke-Light" served in a "Pepsi" glass??]

"Makedonija..." sung out as the anthem opened the game and just about 6 minutes later the crowd errupted "YAAAAAAHHHHHH!" and "GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!" for Macedonia. You know, a couple days ago I talked about cultural moments? Well, this is another one. Can you see the smile on my face?

Uh oh, the crowd is whistling and growing agitated... sounds like the Scot's are close to a goal of their own. Well, no matter who wins this game I must say that it was entertaining to see dozens of kilts around town. It's just not something you see every day here.

Oops, there goes the crowd again in excited cheers... ::::taking a sip of Coke-Light:::: maybe I'll go take a look. :)

Update later from an Internet Cafe: The City Stadium errupted in cheers as Macedonia just won the game 1:0! "Beep beeeeeep beeeeeppp!" go the car horns now down the main street (Partizanska) as the football fans cruise the streets, hanging out their windows, cheering and waving their ball-clubs flags and scarves to celebrate the victory. Likewise the sidewalks are now full of fans returning from the game and blowing their horns and waving flags as well. I think my neighborhood just may be a little noisy tonight. :)

Turn up the heat!

The office supply store owner walked in and asked his employees, with a touch of odd curiosity and disbelief in his voice, "Why do you have the heat on??" Not an odd question when you consider the outside temp was already into the upper 90's at 9:30am!

As I'd scurried around the store this morning to purchase binders, dividers and A-4 paper for the field office I'd thought it was a little warm, but since the AC-unit was on I simply thought it didn't work that well. Well, it turns out that the gals honestly thought it was on cool, but as the owner pointed out (literally on the remote) that they'd actually had it on heat! Then to add insult to injury, when he switched the AC back to cool it wouldn't kick in!

Le Le!

Honestly, the whole situation was very funny--especially since the government has been issuing heat-warnings for today through this weekend as the temps are expected to top 40C (100+F)... the poor girls were smiling, a bit embarrassed by the whole thing, yet you could tell they all thought it was pretty funny/ironic too.

I did successfully (though barely) hold my laughter until I reached the taxi and shut the door. Then it was all I could do to blurt out the news through my laughter to my driver. "Oh! It's so much cooler now," I chuckled while wiping the sweat from brow.

He too immediately burst out into hearty guffaws and commented that today of all days was not a day to make that mistake. "Ha ha! And they even had the front door closed so that the heat would not escape," he joked and then continued. "You will find the heat escapes quite nicely from my cab... it much cooler for you, I'm sure." I continued to fan my face as we chuckled about it all the way to the office. He's one of my regular drivers, so I'm sure we'll laugh about this for months to come. :)

Don't you just love those funny moments in life that happen so unexpectedly? It's great to have a really good laugh once in a while, and this one just made my morning. :)

On a side note, just to give you a GCF perspective on the items that I purchased this morning: Week 2 of my GCF Walk more than covered the items pictured. :) Thank you for your giving to the GCF that makes purchases like this possible.

If you build it in a corn field... it won't float

Last week my friend and I drove from Berat to the seaside city of Vlore in Albania. It was a beautiful drive and at times the sites quite entertaining. One thing in particular that had us laughing for kilometers was a boat-house.

Now at this point you may be thinking, "OK, what's so unusual about that?" Well, you're not alone. Each person I told this story to had the same question... that is until I showed the picture.

You see, what makes this... er... boat special was that is was made of concrete, in the shape of a small cruise-ship (or gunner?) and about 100 miles from the sea in the middle of a cornfield!?! [Pictured below is the other side of the road that shows we're in a large valley (also notice the bunker in the middle... bunkers were everywhere, but that's another blog. :)]

Have you ever seen such a sight? It totally reminded me of the movie "Field of Dreams" and the famous quote, "If you build it he will come." There was what looked like a small restaurant next door to the, uh, boat-house so perhaps it will be a hotel someday? If you build it... overnighters will come? Tee hee.

This was such the funny sighting that I had to share. :) Thank you for continuing to walk with me here in the Balkans. Thank you too for your faithful prayer and giving to the GCF that enables me and others to serve here.

Day 14: $40.21 and counting

Bananas & Cultural Differences

1 week and 922 kilometers later I'm back from Albania having had a terrific time with my friend who showed me all around where she grew up. I have many fun things to share over the next few days, but first up is an object lesson in cultural differences via the peeling of a banana.

How do you peel a banana? Until this week I only knew and practiced one way: grab the "handle" at the top and flick downward. Snap! goes the peel and viola! it's opened. Simply peel the remaining flaps and enjoy.

Well, on the trip to Albania I learned that's not the only way to peel a banana. As I was driving and didn't have hands free, my friend peeled a banana for me... by turning it upside down (or right-side up from her perspective.) Really? I'd never seen a banana peeled that way. And when I mentioned that to her she was just as surprised to find that I peel from what she considers the bottom, the handle to hold on to while eating.

It was a bit strange for me to eat this banana from the "wrong" side but I found it tasted just the same. :) Funny that. Cultural differences can sometimes turn your perspective upside down. The plus side, though, is that you learn there's more than one way to peel a banana. :)

Here's a fun video I found on YouTube showing that my friends way of peeling a banana is actually the easiest (and correct) way:

*******

I finished driving the mission vehicle today, so the tennies will be strapped on again tomorrow and will be walking all the way through August. Will you join me?

GCF Walk: Week 3 Update & Reflections

You'll notice by the tally at the end of this blog that my walking has dropped off significantly from last week. That was largely due to taking taxi's home because I'd stayed as late as 10pm (shhh... no comments) at the office working on year-end closing and set up for next year. This is normally a busy time of year for me with the bookkeeping, but this year it was made more complicated by the new field/team structure. The nice thing is that I'm now in a holding pattern for a week while I wait for various approvals and so will be taking next week off! ::::happy dance::::

Actually, a friend of mine needs to go to Albania to get some things from her apartment and has asked me to go with her. I'm looking forward to some decent hangout time and seeing a bit around where she grew up. Please pray for our trip as it's 600 kilometers (about 400 miles) to where we're going. I will be driving and Albania will be new territory for me. :)

What this means is that the GCF Walk will be taking a 1-week hiatus. When I come back there will be just three walking-days left in the month. That coupled with the fact that our organization will be evaluating things through August before deciding if they need to make the 10% pro-rata cut, I've decided to continue my GCF Walk through August. Please seriously consider praying and matching my walking-savings with giving to the GCF. If even two people match me, between the three of us it means $100. Just imagine what would happen if several more matched? Thank you for walking and praying with me.


Here's a break-down of what I've learned so far:

1. Carry a backpack instead of a purse... your shoulders won't hurt as much
2. You never know what gems you'll find when you slow down a little
3. A picture can start a contact
4. Taking a taxi is not a bad thing (especially when it's stormy)
5. The city is full of smells, both fragrant and repulsive
6. You never know what doors a whim will open for you
7. Seasonal shopping is a must (watermelons rule)
8. Street signs can give you an idea of what's important to the community
9. Macedonia has some cool culture
10. Drink lots and lots of water
11. The cats are taking over the neighborhood
12. Language learning can be fun when "hotaps" and "pektopah's" abound
13. Blisters hurt and so do my feet and it's no fun scraping gum off a shoe

See you when I get back from Albania. I'm bringing my camera so you can be sure I'll be sharing any gems I find along the way. :) Thank you for praying.

Week 1: $10.78
Week 2: $18.33
Week 3: $8.60
Total: 35 miles and $37.71

Stray Cat Strut

Strays are a fact of life in the city and I've gotten to know many of the dogs quite well as I've traveled through their territories over the years. On the most part they are kind, shy little things that are wary of being kicked, but quick to share bright eyes and happy wagging tails when given a kind word or attention.

One of my favorites is a black lab with a white neck who I like to call "Pepe." He was the sweetest ever and loved to play, but he's moved to another neighborhood so I don't see him as much anymore. BTW, no comments about me nick-naming a dog after a skunk. ;) There is another dog that I refer to as "Butch" that leaves everyone alone except this one homeless man who collects plastic bags in our neighborhood. Yap yap yap! Butch will not leave the gentleman alone! The guy finally got fed up with it and "adopted" another stray and walked with him on a leash. Butch leaves him alone now.

One of the funniest things I've seen has been a stray waiting at a crosswalk, looking left and right, before negotiating the busy street. Now the first time I saw this I thought it was just that particular dog and a fluke. But over the years I've seen this many times. On the way home on Monday I saw it again. This little guy ("Whitey") got separated from his buddy, who'd nonchalantly crossed at the crosswalk just moments before, and now was stuck. He looked right, left, walked down the street a little farther, looked longingly at the other side, looked right and left again, and finally gave up.

There used to be several stray dogs in my neighborhood and in the time I've been there I've seen several come, puppies born and, sadly, also seen many go from a harsh winter, disease or from catching the car they were chasing. One of those who has gone (disappeared, really) was the alpha male. He was a big fluffy brown mix of a dog that exuded power over his minions and had too much to do to pay any mind to passersby who were willing to give a kind word. He's gone now, though, and it seems no dog has stepped up to replace him. And those left seem perfectly happy to tolerate the growing numbers of cats.

Ah, yes. Cats. I did title this sad silly little blog "Stray Cat Strut" after all. You see, for the last couple of years an organization has come from Switzerland (?) to help with the problem of strays. They gather them up, vaccinate, "fix" and tag them before returning to their neighborhoods. I think it was easier for them to catch the dogs than it was the cats because I've noticed a decreased population of dogs and liters (literally) of cats. This has been expecially noticable on my walks as I've encountered dozens of kittens learning the art and street-life skills of dumpster diving and scraping from the now numerous older population. It's going to be interesting to see what happens when they take over the neighborhoods.

Life for the stay is hard, but several animal-loving locals do feed them and give them water, taking care of them. Occasionally, though, a stray gets a break and someone takes them into their home. On my block a little stray puppy, the only survivor of his litter, was gathered up by a young women in her 20's. "I will take him home and care for him," I heard her say to her friend as I walked by. Then there is Dandylion, a little fluff of a kitten that my colleagues found on a street corner curled up next to a piece of bread. Well, he (yes, he) batted those baby-blues and captured the kids' hearts who in turn gave eager/hopeful looks to their parents who gave in and brought the kitty home. This little fluff-ball now has a loving family and is thriving. :)

Thanks for joining me on this walk through the city, discovering the furry little critters and their quirks. (And no comments about it being just a little bit pathetic that I pay so much attention to the strays... I'm an animal-lover... I can't help it.) ;)

Day 11: $35.56 and counting.

The Tongue King: a little tongue-in-cheek

In honor of Euro 2008 and with tongue firmly planted in cheek, I'd like to share with you about Lällekönig (aka The Tongue King of Basel, Switzerland)... Basel being one of the venues for the football (aka soccer) finals.

"And there is the tongue king," Val stated proudly while gesturing towards the figure prominently perched upon the "Greater Basel" building with its' gaze and... er... tongue projected across the Rhine towards "Lesser Basel."

Seriously?? I thought she was kidding at first, but, no, there he was looking like a cat with a hairball or rather a dog with peanut butter! Apparently there's quite a rivalrous history between two sides of Basel... obviously... I mean, one side went so far as to mount a mechanical head in 1640(!) that uses a clock mechanism to constantly roll its' eyes and stick it's tongue out at the other side. I wonder if the designers snickered mischeviously? I wonder if they had any clue that it would still be there almost 400 years later?!?! (See video at end of blog... ok, it's a replica, but the original is in a museum.)

Oh please... :::gasping for breath::: give me a moment while I have a laughter break and can't type.

OK, in honor of Euro 2008, let's take it out of the historical city rivalry realm and put it onto the soccer... er... football field... Each night I hear the passionate "YEEAAAAHHH!!!" cheers or disappointed "ohhhh!!"s from the dozen or so coffee/sports-bars around my apartment building... and I can always tell who the locals are rooting for and who they are... uh... sticking their tongue out at.

Last night they were disappointed that Russia lost to Spain... and before that when Turkey lost to Germany (yet they cheered for Croatia against Turkey... hmm..). Makes me wonder who they'll cheer or jeer for this Sunday at the finals.

Anyways, thanks for joining me in the stretch of an attempt to tie the "Tongue King" to the Euro Finals. Now enjoy the video of the Lällekönig and laugh with me. :)

The Spin Cycle and a Deutsch Mark

Guess what the meister (aka handyman) found in my washing machine last night? A 1978 Deutsch Mark! Apparently this explains why my washer never really worked well and was the cause of it failing this week (and the laundry subsequently piling up... eeek).

When I first moved into this apartment 4 years ago the machine wasn't working right and so a call to the landlord brought a meister to look at it and "fix" it. It did work a little better after that, but in 4 years there have been several meisters to come and none found this coin... until last night.

And boy was it battered an bruised... the picture detail is thanks to my camera and Picasa, but in reality the etching is almost completely worn away. My guess is that this coin must have been stuck in the machine causing all sorts of havoc for at least 6 years because Deutch Mark's haven't been in use in Kosovo since 2002.

The washing machine's not fixed yet... he will be back sometime tonight... I hope he comes soon enough so I can go to my colleagues birthday party. It's CQ's first here on the field. Though to finally have a working washing machine I think she'll understand if I'm a little late. ;)