Cao Family

My mom and uncle came to visit me this past 10 days. I have to say before they came I made myself extremely stressed without actually realizing it. It could be because I chose to live in this place instead of back home nearer to my family. Once they got here everything went away and I had an amazing time. The first night consisted of a lot of grilled meat and alcohol. Actually this can sum up the entire trip that we had. Skara and Skopso... I want to open up a restaurant under this name. Anyways, I miss my family more than I thought I could. Skype is such a beautiful tool that I think I have even given it props in an earlier post. With Skype I get to see my family but that never makes up for being able to cheers with them or give them a hug when I want. There was a strange feeling when my mom and uncle were here. The term being in a cloud has been used by many people but when they were here I felt like I was in a dream world. Macedonia, my life now and where I have lived for the past 8 months and my family who I havent seen for just as long. It was strange watching my mom buy stuff from the local kiosk that I go to. To see my uncle say fala to the waitress after we get a beer. It just never seemed real the whole time. Im looking back at these pics and already missing you guys, I havent heard if you made the plane but I am sure you did. By the way welcome to Macedonia for the flight cancelation. I just figured it had to happen eventually but I hope it all turned out. 

Now on to some stories about what happened while you were here. We got lost in Pelister National Park. Like really lost. Sure we could have been fine after a few more hours but we were on a little used path no where near where we needed to be. If we continued like that we would have ended up bloodier than we already were and then we would have had to hunt for food sooner than later. It was awkward walking into a 5 star hotel where everyone was wearing 3 piece suits and you are bloody, sweaty and very muddy. The nice thing about Macedonia is that they still gave us free drinks and welcomed us like we were honored guests.

We got invited into a random families house for homemade rakija. They did not know us, they did not speak english at all. This is a normal occurrence here.

Ohrid is beautiful. You can walk around the cobblestone roads and find a church anywhere. I enjoyed watching people stair at my mom like she is crazy because she was wearing sandals. 

While walking the streets and passing older people, the look on their faces when the stare past us because we are speaking english and then to say dobar den to them and they actually jump from not expecting it is priceless. I loved watching how peoples faces change from indifference to pure joy so quickly.

The kids that try and steal money from you love my uncle, so much they have swarmed him twice now. He didnt like it and made sure they knew it the 2nd time.

The trail along Matka does not lead you to the cave, but it is a beautiful hike with some tricky places to navigate. 

I miss my family and want to be with you all very much. I will be there soon enough but I know for my mom and dad this will still not be that soon. I love you all.