Gosh! Has it already been three whole years since we met in Macedonia?! My mouth is watering as I remember the smoky smell of those roasting peppers, and the resulting ajvar and cheese that was plentiful enough to be it's own feast! Fabulous food in far-flung fields forging fantastic friendships. Life doesn't get much sweeter than this!!! 💜💜💜
Oh my goodness - what a fabulous story! I can totally relate to what you are saying, Michael. Jim and I have had similar experiences when traveling in other countries, and they help you relate to local folks like nobody's business. What a joyful experience you had!
A magical meal indeed! You have a real gift for description Michael. And your example of spontaneity and adventure while traveling is inspiring. Thanks much!
My God, the pictures are incredible, and I feel like I can taste and smell everything you described. What a blessing to have had this experience and still have this memory.
Primarily Bosnia (to visit family) but this post and others are making me think we might take some time in North Macedonia. We'll be in the Balkans every year so don't have to visit everywhere this first time there. Did you enjoy Ohrid? And did you go to Skopje as well? Is it worth going to?
Wow!! Too bad the American Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have what you’ve described here as the traditional dishes. It all sounds so mouth-watering and flavorful!! And that house, with those gorgeous stones, looks pretty great too. I’m impressed with the progress those newly made friends of yours in making such a beautiful home. What a wonderful experience you guys had. Of the ones I’ve heard you describe, this rates very high on the list!
This reads and looks spectacular. One of the ongoing pluses my husband and I get from traveling are interludes like this. The people and experiences that most people won't have, or even want, are so soul-stirring.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience! Beautifully written and the photos made me believe that I could almost smell the dishes! Happy Thanksgiving!
What a wonderful story!! My mouth is literally watering, and I’m awestruck at the serendipity of it all - how a chance encounter led to such an amazing, memorable adventure!! Bravo Zulu!!
A beautiful reflection of an inspiring memory! We so often want meals to me fast and easy, but there's real meaning and connection in spending time to cook and share food.
Gosh! Has it already been three whole years since we met in Macedonia?! My mouth is watering as I remember the smoky smell of those roasting peppers, and the resulting ajvar and cheese that was plentiful enough to be it's own feast! Fabulous food in far-flung fields forging fantastic friendships. Life doesn't get much sweeter than this!!! 💜💜💜
I need me some ajvar!
So true!
What a great story. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading!
Oh my goodness - what a fabulous story! I can totally relate to what you are saying, Michael. Jim and I have had similar experiences when traveling in other countries, and they help you relate to local folks like nobody's business. What a joyful experience you had!
Thanks, David!
A magical meal indeed! You have a real gift for description Michael. And your example of spontaneity and adventure while traveling is inspiring. Thanks much!
You're welcome! That will be $49.99. 😉
Just Venmoed you!
So cool. Can’t get much more of an authentic experience. Surprised you made it out in one piece though considering there was rakia involved 🥴
I sip my rakia because I'm a lightweight!
My God, the pictures are incredible, and I feel like I can taste and smell everything you described. What a blessing to have had this experience and still have this memory.
Blessing is absolutely the right word.
Wow what a meal, and prepared with so much love.
It was amazing…
Wonderful story. It made me even more excited about our trip to the Balkans coming this Spring.
Thanks and I'm glad to hear that. Where are you going to go?
Primarily Bosnia (to visit family) but this post and others are making me think we might take some time in North Macedonia. We'll be in the Balkans every year so don't have to visit everywhere this first time there. Did you enjoy Ohrid? And did you go to Skopje as well? Is it worth going to?
We very much enjoyed Ohrid. We skipped Skopje because we didn't hear much good about it. Sarajevo is amazing though!
Wow!! Too bad the American Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have what you’ve described here as the traditional dishes. It all sounds so mouth-watering and flavorful!! And that house, with those gorgeous stones, looks pretty great too. I’m impressed with the progress those newly made friends of yours in making such a beautiful home. What a wonderful experience you guys had. Of the ones I’ve heard you describe, this rates very high on the list!
I wish I had the patience to cook these dishes because they were amazing!
What a wonderful experience! My mouth is watering.
🥰🥰🥰
Pure magic! Love, love, love.
Thanks!
This reads and looks spectacular. One of the ongoing pluses my husband and I get from traveling are interludes like this. The people and experiences that most people won't have, or even want, are so soul-stirring.
100% agree!
This was an amazing experience. My mouth is watering just reading about those peppers! This is the gold standard for travel experiences.
It's certainly one I'll never forget!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience! Beautifully written and the photos made me believe that I could almost smell the dishes! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Suzie. And Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Eat some turkey for me!
What a wonderful story!! My mouth is literally watering, and I’m awestruck at the serendipity of it all - how a chance encounter led to such an amazing, memorable adventure!! Bravo Zulu!!
Yeah, who knew striking up a conversation with Mitko would lead to something so special!
A beautiful reflection of an inspiring memory! We so often want meals to me fast and easy, but there's real meaning and connection in spending time to cook and share food.
Us, too, which is probably another reason this was so special.