Higher Ground
A Word on Hospitality
I will never take for granted that Macedonians are some of the kindest (and also most stubborn) people I have ever met. The pigeon problem from last week? Already resolved. After our lesson, my tutor spent 15 minutes setting up a kind of ‘pigeon defense system’ on my terrace, and they haven’t returned since.
The kindness extends beyond the people I pay for services rendered, though. The first day of the new semester was this past Monday (the week in, week out grind is back on!), and I’m teaching a new group of 2nd-years (втора година). They’re a lively bunch, mostly very positive about living here (they love their families and friends, the nature, the food, and the freedom to do what they want, but they hate the corruption), and very welcoming towards me. They appreciated that I told them about myself in Macedonian, and had plenty of questions about why I came here to teach and where I’ve been around the country. I think we’ll build a good class bond together.
The kindness also extends beyond the people who rely on me for their grades. 🙃 My friends are always setting up group plans, and usually urge me to stay out with them later than I want to. For example, at the bar this weekend they were adamant I come along to the second location. I know they just enjoy all of us spending time together, and want it to last as long as possible. Even once we disband for the night, we stay checked in with each other… ‘Text when you get home, and don’t forget’ is a common refrain among our group.
The kindness of people here extends even to those I only see occasionally: the woman I volunteer for who always makes me a coffee when I’m in the office; the front desk workers at my gym who help me practice Macedonian by asking questions about my day; the lady at the rental car business who always tracks down the only automatic car in their fleet for me to drive…. If you want to visit somewhere new with lovely locals and can handle a little chaos, come to Macedonia.
One final note: I’m reading more this year, and so far I’ve finished three books: Looking for the Afghan, A Farewell to Arms, and Atlas of the Heart. Up next, The Art of Gathering. I’m trying to fix my all-too-short attention span before graduate school…
(Song Credit: Stevie Wonder)
