For the 1st of May, Macedonians go off and have a picnic and spend time in the outdoors. So that is just what we Americans did. But before leaving for my weekend of outdoors events, I had to watch the Royal Wedding! I recently learned that Macedonia and England are in the same time zone, which worked out perfectly for me. After school, I came home and turned on my TV, which I normally don't use because I can watch everything online and watched the Royal Wedding.
There's Queenie!!!! Proof that I actually watched this moment of history while serving in the Peace Corps.
On Saturday, I was in Bitola for a good ole' American game of baseball. The American Sports Club, which is sponsored by the American Corner, received a donation of baseball equipment thanks to the help of one of the Bitola volunteers and they put together this baseball game. Since baseball is America's favorite pasttimes, it is not known to the Macedonians. So it was a fun yet interesting day teaching the kids how to play a game that they have never seen or heard of and in a language that they are still learning. Luckily, we did have some Macedonian teenagers to help us out. First the kids practiced throwing with a bean bag, aka a sock with lentils in it; then they moved on to practice catching with a real ball and glove (doing both regular throws and grounders) and then a hitting practice. The day ended up with a real game of baseball. We had setup a miniature version of a baseball field and used egg cartons as the bases; we use what we have. The kids enjoyed it so much that they asked if we could play next weekend, so baseball in Macedonia (well at least Bitola) was a hit! (Pardon the pun)
Explaining what the day will bring and introducing the volunteers and the American Sports Club.
Throwing practice. This boy and his partner did really well. I would have never believed that it was their first time playing baseball.
Hitting a ball 101.
Our fierce umpire and catcher. They definitely played the part.
Let's play ball!!!!!
At the end of the day. All the kids in their baseball shirts and holding up the equipment as a thank you to those in the states that donated it.
Throughout the day we had people stopping by to see what we were up to. There was one moment that was funny. One of the dads tried to stop a ball as it was rolling away by kicking it with his foot; like you would a soccer ball to catch it in his hand. He realized the hard way that it was not as soft and bouncy as a soccer ball and was surprised when it hurt as it hit his foot and leg. He then looked at the ball confused and then to us with an expression like "what on earth is this thing?".
On the 1st of May, the day that Macedonians go out for picnics, I made my way to Makedonski Brod. A fellow volunteer lives there and every year on this day they all go this big cave for a picnic. I had heard about this event and decided that I wanted to take part.
Happie (on the right) had organized a combi (a bus) to take us all to the cave. Each of us brought something for the picnic and Happie's neighbor had a grill that we used. He made the grill out of an old water boiler and then made a frame for it. Link was very excited since he has been looking for a grill since he got off the plane and this was the closest thing any of us has seen that looks like a Weber.
Unpacking all the food and settling in at our perfect picnic. It was right by the cave and the weather was perfect for picnicking. (Can you find Michelle???)
The Pesna Cave!!!
The chiefs!!! Happie made some amazing Indian chicken that only she could do. As they cooked, the rest of us went off to explore the cave.
For the outside looking in. As you can see it is a popular place to go on May 1st.
"Hello!!"
Looking out at the beautiful mountains and landscape.
Sitting down to eat after exploring the caves. We had soo!!! much food and it was soooo delicious that everyone went back for 2nds and 3rds. We had the typical American picniking foods: potato salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, bread, and lots of deserts: brownies, cookies, and my contribution.......a Carr Classic.......monster cookies!!!
As you can see by the looks on their faces, monster cookies were a hit!!! lol There were only about 4 left by the time the chicken was ready and it was time to eat.
The Makedonski Brod May 1st picnickers. What a great day!!!!!
On Saturday, I was in Bitola for a good ole' American game of baseball. The American Sports Club, which is sponsored by the American Corner, received a donation of baseball equipment thanks to the help of one of the Bitola volunteers and they put together this baseball game. Since baseball is America's favorite pasttimes, it is not known to the Macedonians. So it was a fun yet interesting day teaching the kids how to play a game that they have never seen or heard of and in a language that they are still learning. Luckily, we did have some Macedonian teenagers to help us out. First the kids practiced throwing with a bean bag, aka a sock with lentils in it; then they moved on to practice catching with a real ball and glove (doing both regular throws and grounders) and then a hitting practice. The day ended up with a real game of baseball. We had setup a miniature version of a baseball field and used egg cartons as the bases; we use what we have. The kids enjoyed it so much that they asked if we could play next weekend, so baseball in Macedonia (well at least Bitola) was a hit! (Pardon the pun)
Throughout the day we had people stopping by to see what we were up to. There was one moment that was funny. One of the dads tried to stop a ball as it was rolling away by kicking it with his foot; like you would a soccer ball to catch it in his hand. He realized the hard way that it was not as soft and bouncy as a soccer ball and was surprised when it hurt as it hit his foot and leg. He then looked at the ball confused and then to us with an expression like "what on earth is this thing?".
On the 1st of May, the day that Macedonians go out for picnics, I made my way to Makedonski Brod. A fellow volunteer lives there and every year on this day they all go this big cave for a picnic. I had heard about this event and decided that I wanted to take part.
As you can see by the looks on their faces, monster cookies were a hit!!! lol There were only about 4 left by the time the chicken was ready and it was time to eat.
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