tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150035432011-12-18T23:40:42.137+01:00(C)2009 All Rights Reserved.napominoreply@blogger.comBlogger4691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-54884040245270692008-09-03T10:51:00.005+02:002008-09-03T11:24:50.692+02:00

Upon completion of my assignment in Macedonia, I left Macedonia for good. Since I became a Makedonska snaa, I would continue this blog if there is any interesting topic, but it will not be so often. Maybe few times a year or something. Meanwhile, I opened a new blog to update you my whereabouts. Please stop by sometimes although it will not be updated so often as this one.マケドニアでの仕事が終わったので、マケドニアを

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-62366928576909459082008-08-29T12:19:00.003+02:002008-08-31T13:26:53.392+02:00

Kocani Tower was built during the Ottoman period. Now it is a Library archive. It is interesting to see how it was structured as a fortress and house.コチャニのタワーはオスマントルコ時代に建てられたものです。いまは図書館の公文書保管所として活用されていますが、その当時には「要塞」兼「家」として使われていたようで、随所に要塞としての特徴が見られて面白いです。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-8158548607192918832008-08-20T16:26:00.008+02:002008-08-22T16:52:15.699+02:00

Kocani dam supplies water to the rice fields. It is a small dam, but looks nice. There is a small fall nearby. Mountains and villages with old, stone-made houses around there also have nice taste. It seems very nice place for hiking, picnicking and mountain-biking and stuff.コチャニの水田にはコチャニダムからの水がひかれています。小さいダムですが、なかなかかわいく味があります。近くには滝もあります。コチャニの周りのなだらかな山々や古い石造りの建物がある村々もいい感じです。散歩とかピクニックとかマウンテンバイクとか、楽

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-63733342889253292642008-08-14T23:09:00.004+02:002008-08-14T23:28:19.331+02:00

There are rice fields in Macedonia. Macedonia is used to be a main rice producer of Balkans. The rice fields are in Kocani. The scenery there is very much similar to Japanese country side, where you can see rice fields... Macedonia rice is a similar kind to Japanese one.マケドニアって米の生産地なんですよ。昔はバルカン中のコメ市場を独占していたくらいです。米を生産している地域はコチャニという地域で、そこの田んぼが広がる風景は日本の田舎の風景に似ています。マケドニア米は日本の米の種類に似ているので、マケドニアで生活する日本人

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-73914001207545053072008-08-09T23:53:00.007+02:002008-08-10T00:12:07.453+02:00

Swedmilk is a new foreign investment in Macedonia, using local milk and selling the products in the local market. The package is totally different from other local dairy products. It looks attractive and trustworthy enough to be a reason for me to buy it. Macedonian companies should learn from this how important role packaging plays.スウェドミルクはマケドニアへの外国投資でできた会社です。マケドニアの牛乳を使ってマケドニアの市場に乳製品を売ってます。パッケージ

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-44664580906498044862008-08-02T17:43:00.002+02:002008-08-02T23:17:45.086+02:00

Kratovo is in Eastern Macedonia, in the mountain area. It is a small town, but has certain taste. Nice to visit and walk around.マケドニアの東側地域の「クラトボ」は山々の間にあるちょっといい味出した小さい街です。お散歩にちょうどいいかも。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-29622938147162055722008-07-30T20:19:00.009+02:002008-08-02T23:15:21.686+02:00

Kuklica (small village of stone dolls) is in a small village near Kratovo, Eastern Macedonia. It is famous with the strange shape of stones or landforms, looking like dolls. It is actually an interesting sight, especially the wall-side group shapes, which are relatively newer than the large ones in the center. More details are at wiki.「ククリツァ」はクラトボの近くの小さい村にある、変わった形をした岩岩群が見られるところです。人の形に見

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-6846086522853727482008-07-23T19:09:00.004+02:002008-07-23T19:20:30.927+02:00

Now it is 19C. It is a bit rainy, but refreshing. It is like being in Karuizawa. It is nice to have weather like this sometime. Now is the good time to run some errands.いまなんて19度ですよ。雨もときどき降ったりして、軽井沢にいるみたい。たまにはこんな天気、うれしいです。いまのうちに暑いからやだと思っていた雑用をすませてしまおう。。。

napominoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-39397928555571990872008-07-21T20:46:00.005+02:002008-07-21T20:54:18.972+02:00

Summer heat of over 35C continues. According to the weather forecast, it will be much cooler from tomorrow. Looking forward to it...相変わらず35時以上の夏の日々が続いておりますが、天気予報によると明日から27度とかが最高気温の日が続くとか。。。ぜひともあたってくれってカンジ。。。

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-78686834799484534242008-07-20T20:37:00.000+02:002008-07-21T20:46:54.422+02:00

I have not introduced the Skopsko, the beer of Skopje, which has the largest share in the beer market of Macedonia.そういえばまだ｢スコプスコ｣の写真とか載せたことなかったですね。マケドニア最大のマーケットシェアを誇るスコピエのビールです。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-47814721261680888892008-07-16T20:11:00.006+02:002008-07-16T20:26:06.530+02:00

Makedonska salata (Macedonian salad) is also a typical salad in Macedonia. It uses mainly tomatoes, onion and paprika. Paprika is sometimes baked, sometimes not, sometimes marinated or not. It depends who cooks. I prefer the baked paprika one.マケドニアンサラダもまあマケドニアの代表的サラダでしょう。トマトと玉ねぎとパプリカが使われています。パプリカは焼いて柔らかくなってるものが使われているときもあるし、そうでないときもあるし、マリネになっているものを使うときもあるし、そうでないときもあるし、作る人によっていろいろです。わたしは焼いてあるバージョンが

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-62334997984870549002008-07-12T17:12:00.001+02:002008-07-12T21:04:44.556+02:00

Shopska Salad is the most typical salad in Macedonia (and maybe all other Balkans.) It uses tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and sirenje, etc. Sirenje is feta kind of cheese, which has strong taste and is a bit too salty for me. I like shopska salad, but with less sirenje.ショプスカサラダはマケドニア(だけじゃなくてたぶんバルカン)を代表するサラダです。トマトとキュウリと玉ねぎを使ったシンプルなサラダですが、それにのせる白チーズ(シレニェと呼ばれている)に特徴があります。シレニェはフェタっぽいチーズなのですが、もっと匂いと味

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-8679737093170887592008-07-10T21:58:00.009+02:002008-07-21T20:45:15.741+02:00

In this hot weather, beer should taste good. Here is a new brand from Pivara (Skopje Brewery), the producer of Skopsko. Skopsko is the most famous beer in Macedonia, and now has a sister beer, Silver moon. It is very light like corona beer. But I do not drink beer much anyway.こう暑い日々が続くとやっぱビールがおいしいのではないでしょうか。マケドニアで一番有名なビール「スコプスコ」のメーカーが新しいブランドを出しました。その名も「シルバームーン」。スコプスコより軽くて飲みやすいかな。コロナビールみたいなカンジ。ま、

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-36630197157210370782008-07-08T20:08:00.007+02:002008-07-08T20:41:48.857+02:00

It was like 40C? or 38C? with heat wind in Skopje today. You do not want to walk in that kind of weather... but my commute is peshki (walk). According to my theory, around 4-5pm is the hottest hours in a day when I have to go home... It was especially hard today.今日なんか40度とか38度とか。熱風吹いてましたよ。砂漠じゃないんだから。通勤が歩きの人には非常にこたえます。。。とくに帰宅時間の4時半過ぎとか、一番暑い頃なんじゃないの。日差し強いし。とくに今日の帰りの頃の熱風にはおどろいたー。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-57356047699990274202008-07-07T19:35:00.004+02:002008-07-07T20:08:43.362+02:00

Night view of Skopje city from Mt. Vodno. 3C cooler than the city up there.ボドノ山から見たスコピエの夜景。山の上は3度くらい街中より涼しいので、さわやかです。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-41471815604345127362008-07-05T14:28:00.007+02:002008-07-10T22:35:34.722+02:00

Right now kajsija (apricot) is in season. If it is homemade, usually no pesticide is used, so, you just split it half and take a seed away and then eat everything. It is naturally sweet and refreshing. I had never had fresh apricots until I came to Macedonia.いまはあんずが旬です。農薬とか使わないで出来るホームメイドのあんずは、ただ半分に割って種を取り出すだけで丸ごと食べられます。甘くておいしいんですよねえ。生のあんずなんてマケドニアに来るまで食べたことがありませんでした。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-88151366995021923352008-07-03T23:47:00.008+02:002008-07-04T00:00:19.158+02:00

After over 35C days again, there was a strong thunderstorm this evening. It was refreshing and even a rainbow appeared.またまた35度以上の日々が続いていたのですが、今日の夕方雷雨があってようやく涼しくなりました。雨がすっかり上がったあとはすがすがしく、かつ、虹なんか出てました。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-58262139291685426732008-07-01T17:07:00.009+02:002008-07-01T17:33:15.635+02:00

Went to Berlin for the weekend. After over 35C days in Skopje, 20C rain-ish weather in Berlin was quite refreshing.ちょっと週末ベルリンに行ってきました。35度以上の日々が続いたスコピエと比べると、雨がちらつく20度くらいのベルリンはめちゃめちゃ気持ちよかったです。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-75784339669414693792008-06-25T20:39:00.006+02:002008-06-25T21:00:47.893+02:00

My recent favorite is penne arrabiata at Myau Myau. I would say the best arrabiata in Macedonia. You can feel the juiciness and sweetness from good tomatoes in the simple sauce. Homemade sausage is also good. Their dishes remind me of Max SoHa in NY, a casual Italian restaurant that I used to go often at 123 St.最近のお気に入りの食べ物はミャウミャウのペンネアラビアータ。マケドニア一おいしいアラビアータではないかと思います。シンプルなソースなのにトマトのジューシーさと甘さがよく出

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-53350495444694095662008-06-21T21:06:00.006+02:002008-06-21T22:35:40.588+02:00

Treskavec Monastery is in my must-go place list but not yet visited in Macedonia. It is located near Prilep but high in a mountain. It requires 2-3 hours mountain walk from Markovi Kuli or 4x4 drive on a rocky road. It is famous from the scenes from Mancevski's film "Before the Rain." The monastery photo also can be seen in the cover page of Bradt guide Macedonia edition 2. This picture (left) is

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-61615395796548771532008-06-18T20:22:00.004+02:002008-06-18T22:04:34.156+02:00

More than 30C days again.... Ice cream at home is highly appreciated. This Carte D'or is my home ice cream. This Krem Karamel flavor is very much acceptable for me. Unlike Haagen-Daz, a marketing giant's brand is pretty much everywhere in every country.なんかまた30度以上が続く日々となってきました。そういうときにはお家にアイスクリーム。マケドニアにハーゲンダッツはないのでこのカルテ・ドールのカラメル味を重宝しています。モルジブにいたときにも思ったけど、いわゆるマーケティング・ジャイアント会社のマーケティング力ってすごいねー。たいていどこの

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-38898822518904332842008-06-16T19:24:00.002+02:002008-06-16T22:20:09.256+02:00

Macedonian style burger is not like the one that comes first to people's mind as a burger. What is most funny is it contains fried potatoes between buns in addition to a meat patty, of course, and ketchup, and sometimes vegetables. Since it is with full of fries, people can not bite into it, so instead, eat first fries one piece by one piece by using this plastic toothpick-like stick. It is funny

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-69784886979666965502008-06-13T19:21:00.007+02:002008-06-13T19:40:03.067+02:00

Not really good weather. Coldish. It is like raining season in Japan. I wonder Macedonia has a capacity to receive that much rain...ここんところあんまりよくない天気が続いています。 雨が多いの。肌寒いし。日本の梅雨みたい。マケドニアは通常はからっとしたドライな気候なのでこんなにいっぱい雨降ってて、インフラとか大丈夫なのかしら。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-55816544686036141312008-06-08T19:23:00.000+02:002008-06-08T22:19:36.059+02:00

Another thing I think that Macedonia should be proud of is tomatoes. They have thick, sweet tastes like organic produce.マケドニアのトマトはまるで有機農法で作ったかのように、味が濃くて甘くておいしいんですよねえ。マケドニアのトマトは世界に誇るべきトマトだと思います。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-42812317306309144102008-06-07T19:19:00.002+02:002008-06-07T22:13:06.590+02:00

Unlike a hitchhikers' guide to Macedonia, this book is a real guide book. One of few things I think that Macedonia should be really proud of is the old monasteries. This guide book must be really interesting for those people who like old monasteries, churches, frescoes and icons, with all those information of who is the designer or author, in what year, and what this painting means, etc. This

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-64519131040638589012008-06-03T21:21:00.008+02:002008-06-07T22:41:51.608+02:00

After few days absence from Skopje, now linden trees are in full bloom. Smells nice everywhere. As if suddenly Skopje's air becomes clean.スコピエを留守にしていた間に、菩提樹の花がすっかり満開になっていました。この時期のスコピエは街中いい匂いがしています。まるで空気がちょっときれいになったみたい、なんて。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-7024272853777242922008-06-02T19:10:00.017+02:002008-06-07T22:42:21.703+02:00

Weekend trip to Poland. Impressions? It is nice to be in a country where people do not smoke inside, drive safely and not kill each other over election. And there is good sorbet.ちょっと週末ポーランドに行ってきました。 印象は、、、まあ、ヨーロッパの街だねえ、ってカンジ?　みなさん安全運転でよろしい。あと、屋内禁煙がうれしい。選挙で銃撃戦になったりしないしね。ソルベもおいしかったです。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-9315734646604056052008-05-29T20:34:00.000+02:002008-05-29T21:21:31.970+02:00

Without any prior notice, suddenly summer days started. More than 36C days on going. Pfff, very sweaty hot. Ice cream is very much needed. Although there is no Haagen-Daz in Macedonia, there are some good ice cream shops. Palma's ice cream is one of them. It is less artificial color, not too sweet, smooth and light. It is good, but it would be even better if they have sorbet, which is really hard

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-10893394039247065782008-05-27T21:26:00.010+02:002008-06-07T22:43:06.006+02:00

If you are around in Gevgelija, this restaurant, Javor Dzhoko (pronounced as "yavor joko"), is a must place to go. It is famous for its lamb grill, which is said the best in Macedonia, but other dishes are also very good. I have heard about this restaurant many times when we are talking about either Gevgelija or lamb grill. So, it had to be checked out.ゲヴゲリアの近くまで来たらこのレストラン「ヤボール・ジョコ」に行

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-87101037347784696692008-05-21T23:13:00.008+02:002008-06-07T22:43:50.876+02:00

Near Gevgelija, there is a small village called Miravci. It has a cute, old small stonebridge from the Ottoman period. You can not tell it is a bridge when you are on the road because it is really small.ゲヴゲリヤの近くにあるミラフチという村に、いい味出してる古い小さい石橋があります。オスマントルコ時代からのものだそうで。車で走っているとつい見逃してしまいそうなくらい、ほんとに小さいです。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-26828716473557163282008-05-19T22:45:00.002+02:002008-07-01T18:08:43.906+02:00

Even though Dojran is not so impressive, driving around Macedonia in this time of the year is very nice. It is beautiful everywhere with green nature.ま、ドイラン湖はおいといたとしても、この時期のマケドニアのドライブはホントにいいんですよ。牧歌的というか、緑が美しいというか、自然が美しいというか。のんびりした風景です。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-92056762624352245512008-05-18T22:31:00.001+02:002008-06-07T22:44:54.639+02:00

Went to the Lake Dojran this weekend since I had not been there yet, although I had not heard anything particular about this lake. Well, it is because maybe there is nothing noteworthy about this lake except the fact that it is only 10m deep and there is a traditional fishing by using cormorants. I am not so impressed.この週末はドイラン湖に行ってきました。ま、行ったことがないから行ってみようかな、くらいで行ったんですけど、ま、確かにとくにお勧めの言葉とかいままで聞

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-81798834748268088262008-05-16T00:25:00.007+02:002008-06-07T22:40:58.190+02:00

Chef is one of few take-out food specialized places in Skopje. Most of the foods there are Macedonian home meal, but there are some unique kind too, like curry cream chicken, my favorite, good with rice. I like baked potato too. When you are busy like Japanese salarymen, this Chef food is very useful for quick lunch at your office desk. I am sure it is better and healthier than burek.「シェフ」はスコピエでは

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-37508377805289187062008-05-14T19:50:00.007+02:002008-05-14T20:15:48.599+02:00

Saw this in Croatia, but I guess it is about the same in Macedonia how to roast a lamb. Roasting slowly. Macedonian eat lamb a lot. Macedonia is famous for exporting lambs (in neighboring countries). I like lambs.クロアチアでこんなもの見かけました。ラムの丸焼き。ゆっくりと時間をかけて焼いてます。マケドニアでもラムはよく食べます。マケドニアは実はラムの輸出で有名です(この近辺では)。私もラムけっこう好きです。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-87267800322240404412008-05-12T22:07:00.009+02:002008-06-07T22:45:20.198+02:00

And stopped by Opatija, a gorgeous resort near Rijeka. Even from a view point of a high-end resort lover, Opatija looks very good. I could rent a house there and stay for a summer. It reminded me of a life with the sea, which I learned a bit when I lived in Maldives.リエカからちょっと西に行ったところにあるオパティアというところにもちょっと行ってきました。オパティアはオーストリア・ハンガリー帝国時代に王侯貴族が訪れていた高級リゾート地ですね。ゴージャスリゾート好きな私でも「きゃー」っていうくらい素敵なところでした。ひと夏別荘

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-59757522379475237872008-05-12T21:15:00.015+02:002008-06-07T22:45:38.467+02:00

A weekend trip to Rijeka, Croatia. Rijeka is a cute old port town on the Adriatic coast. It is nice to see the sea sometimes as a beginner surfer and diver who has not practiced for a while. It reminds me a bit of Napoli. Most worth to note is a dinner at Restaurant Kukuriku at Kastav, which is a stars-worth restaurant if Michelin comes here. I was quite surprised that Croatia is this rich

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-55760569352724420352008-05-05T23:21:00.006+02:002008-05-06T00:41:10.006+02:00

By using the Orthodox easter and May-day for a part of it, I made my own Golden week in Macedonia. But I did not go anywhere this time, instead, stayed home all the time. One of the activities that I did during the GW was this: Reading the "A hitchhiker's guide to Macedonia ... and my soul". This book was written by a Korean American who lived in Macedonia for 2 years with her Macedonian

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-6481917103571161562008-05-04T00:05:00.002+02:002008-06-07T22:46:24.268+02:00

It was beautiful weather during weekend.週末がまたナイスな天気だったのですよ。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-73711666094572607452008-05-03T21:27:00.007+02:002008-06-07T22:46:59.111+02:00

My favorite jazzy band, Project Zlust, had a live at Magor last night. Jazz in a small space like Magor reminded me of "Smoke" in NY, used-to-be my neighborhood jazz club.私のお気に入りのジャズ系バンド「プロジェクト・ズラスト」がマゴールでライブやってました。マゴールみたいな狭いスペースでぎゅっとなってジャズを聴くと、NYに住んでた頃のご近所ジャズバー「スモーク」を思い出します。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-77949805579595891262008-04-29T22:42:00.010+02:002008-04-29T23:15:25.282+02:00

One of the strange Macedonian sweets is this "alva." It is something lump of sweetish stuff. It is like rakugan in Japanese sweet. I just do not understand the concept and the reason for eating this.... Is it also served with tea like rakugan? It seems one of those Turkish influence. According to Wiki, it is Arabic origin. Maybe like boza, in some day I will become liking this stuff. Hmm, no, ne

napominoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-79857225647851146162008-04-27T23:47:00.009+02:002008-06-07T22:47:19.326+02:00

Lamb and egg dishes are a typical easter lunch in Macedonia. Today's menu was dorb sarma and an egg salad. Drob sarma is egg-dropped, chopped lamb liver wrapped by fatty tissue from internal organs. It sounds scary but actually it tastes good. It is one of my favorite Macedonian food. And, an egg salad, because there are so many eggs colored, you have to eat somehow ;)ラム料理とタマゴ料理はイースターの典型的なランチだそうで

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-6200858354072395712008-04-25T14:29:00.003+02:002008-04-26T00:10:38.719+02:00

Orthodox easter holidays start from today. I like long weekend.マケドニア正教のイースターで、今日から四連休。いえーい。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-31687906589840758112008-04-23T14:47:00.008+02:002008-06-07T22:47:56.301+02:00

Il Caffe di Roma seems one of the coffee chains from western countries like Segafredo. But a good part is it has fruit smoothies on the menu, which is not many cafes offer in Skopje.「イル・カフェ・ディ・ローマ」はたぶんどっかの西欧系のチェーンのカフェではないかと思うのですが、フルーツスムージーがあるのがポイント高しです。スコピエのカフェでスムージーとかあるとこってあんまりないからね。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-24030408459255809992008-04-21T21:44:00.007+02:002008-06-07T22:48:15.267+02:00

Myau Myau is a newly opened Jazz restaurant by Georgi Sarevski near the city park. As expected from a good Jazz bar, it has very good sound system. It is nice to have jazz music as background when eating. It serves good Italian. It reminds me of New York's restaurants. It is a completely new style restaurant & bar in Skopje in terms of playing jazz all the time. Well, jazz bars in Ohrid and

napominoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-13113869789649678252008-04-19T16:24:00.004+02:002008-04-19T16:52:16.337+02:00

By the way, a Macedonian little girl gave me her drawing during the sakura event. It is very cute that her name is written in Japanese katakana and the sun of Japanese flag is written with the love icon. I also like how she uses color. Good design sense.ところで、先日の桜祭りの際に、マケドニア人の小さい女の子からこんな絵をもらいました。「サラ」って彼女の名前をカタカナで書いてあるところや、日本の国旗の太陽がハートマークになっているところが非常にかわいいんですけど。色使いもかわいいし、なかなかいいセンスしてますな。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-63627146650191578762008-04-14T21:53:00.003+02:002008-04-14T22:06:58.453+02:00

Day by day, green becomes greener. It is nice to have trees outside of windows.日に日に濃くなっていく緑。窓の外に木があるっていいもんです。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-17543936797908668462008-04-12T23:13:00.009+02:002008-06-07T22:49:08.608+02:00

There was a Sakura festival on a street leading to the Macedonian Square organized by Japanese martial arts teams. Well, the sakura in the photo is not actually real sakura for Hanami, the one appreciated by Japanese a lot, but still it is nice to have an occasion to introduce Japanese culture in a country like Macedonia, far far away from Japan.マケドニア広場に続く八重桜が咲く道で、「桜祭り」と称して日本の武道パフォーマンスやら折り紙やら書道やら

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-47400074248878218702008-04-11T22:23:00.009+02:002008-06-07T22:51:47.070+02:00

It seems Belgrade is getting better. There are more choices of nice, cool restaurants, I guess.ベオ参りしてきました。なんだかベオったらだんだんいいカンジになりつつあるかも。ナイスなレストランとか増えてる?!　もしかして。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-16558157877134309182008-04-10T20:45:00.012+02:002008-06-07T22:52:29.319+02:00

In Macedonia, you usually do not separate garbage for recycling except some USAID projects. Usually there is an automatic separation system by people who work unofficially. But lately, Municipality of Center in Skopje placed official recycling boxes around my neighbourhood. I like that kind of environmentally friendly initiative, but also wonder if this initiative would take an income source away

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-55731620823144143542008-04-06T21:50:00.006+02:002008-04-06T22:49:12.443+02:00

Simargl is a "homemade and handmade" gift shop near Greek Embassy. All items are made in Macedonia. There are simple but cute stuff like wooden ornaments or plates, ethnic clothes, and some silverwork, etc. There are not many shops in Macedonia like this one that has original tastes and good sense of selection. All items there look good for souvenir or gifts.「シマルグル」はホームメイド・ハンドメイドギフトショップです。ギリシャ大使館

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-72246742359043591262008-03-31T18:33:00.003+02:002008-03-31T18:44:26.190+02:00

From this weekend, summer time started. It is nice to have longer sunlight hours suddenly ;)今週末から夏時間がスタートしました。急に日が長いのでなんか得したカンジ。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-78852416172662938142008-03-30T15:33:00.007+02:002008-03-31T18:51:35.981+02:00

While I was away, a new shopping center opened at the Macedonian square. I would say it is Macedonian version of Parco (a shopping center in Shibuya), which provides floors to small tenants. It seems mainly Italian brands are collected.日本に行っている間になんだか新しいショッピングセンターがマケドニア広場にオープンしていました。まあまあかな。マケドニアバージョンのパルコ、とでもいいましょうか、小さいテナントがいくつも入っています。イタリア系ブランドが多いかな。。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-39368505684931681922008-03-27T18:28:00.005+01:002008-06-07T22:52:48.622+02:00

After my absence of 2 weeks, Skopje is now full of green.スコピエに戻りました。2週間いないうちにすっかり風景は緑。いいですねえ。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-9099594774169929702008-03-22T12:26:00.007+01:002008-03-22T12:40:08.350+01:00

Hi from Tokyo. Enjoying good food at cool restaurants and bars as I always do when visiting a big city. Now cherry blossoms start to bloom in Tokyo.ま、どこの先進国行ってもそうですが、東京ではおいしいごはんとかクールなバーとか楽しんでます。今日、桜が開花したとか。早いですねー。まあ満開になるまでには日本にいないかな。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-65032003369647597022008-03-17T13:04:00.008+01:002008-06-07T22:53:14.784+02:00

Hokkaido is famous for fresh seafood. Of course you have to eat sashimi, but this ramen (noodle) salad with crab meat and a sea urchin omelet is also good.北海道といえばもちろん海の幸。刺身はもちろんですが、この蟹肉たっぷりのラーメンサラダとウニオムレツにもびっくり。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-89274879538556655092008-03-16T13:00:00.000+01:002008-03-17T13:03:11.051+01:00

I am in Japan. Visiting Tokyo and Hokkaido.日本にいます。北海道に行ったりしてます。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-79083349417852400572008-03-12T10:24:00.003+01:002008-03-12T11:21:09.744+01:00

Today is declared as "Day of Trees." It is a government initiative for afforestation (or reforestration?). People are having a holiday to plant trees. Macedonia had many forest fires last summer, and by this initiative it is expected to mitigate the damages from the fires. It seems about 2 million trees (same number of Macedonian population) will be planted today. For me, I feel just lucky for

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-22777506987827625072008-03-11T19:39:00.003+01:002008-03-11T19:45:28.002+01:00

The famous cafana, Ljuc, got the penalty too. It seems right now is the season that tax officials are working...有名なローカルレストラン｢リュッツ｣も罰則くらってました。最近はもしかしてまた税務署の人が働いているのかなあ。。。

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-45714379900234893752008-03-09T22:12:00.006+01:002008-03-10T23:13:04.769+01:00

One of my favorite cafes, Broz Cafe, got the fiskalna smetka penalty. Boo... Now it will be closed for a while. But, Broz Cafe, having a good sense of humor and style, puts the posters and signs outside saying "we are on involuntary vacation" in a good designed manner to tell its loyal customers that it is closed. I like it. Bastion and Nobu did not do anything when they got the penalty.わたしのお気に入り

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-52153069753432162272008-03-08T21:31:00.010+01:002008-06-07T22:53:39.326+02:00

It is Osmi Mart (March 8) today, the day that guys give flowers to women and treat them well as a special occasion in Macedonia or Balkans. So, at a green market, there are lots of temporary flower shops...今日は「オスミ・マルト」(女の子の日)。マケドニアとかバルカンでは男性は女性にお花をあげたり、ナイスなディナーに連れて行ったり、特別なことをしてあげる日だそうで。グリーンマーケットにはテンポラリーのお花屋さんが出回ってました。

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-30791474521645374752008-03-06T22:01:00.006+01:002008-03-06T22:09:22.298+01:00

I was talking about the same thing at this time of the year last year. Alreday this Sakura kind of tree is blooming. Yes, it has been very nicely warm. No wonder. A nice season begins.去年の今頃もおんなじこと言っていましたが、この桜もどきの花が満開になっていました。最近ずっと暖かかったからなあ。これからがいいシーズンですな。

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-52676612106318854822008-02-28T22:02:00.011+01:002008-06-07T22:54:09.713+02:00

Stara Kukya (Old House) is a restaurant using a renovated old merchant wooden house from 19th century. Since Skopje does not have many old houses, this is a very rare type of restaurant that people can enjoy, especially tourists. It serves Macedonian food with modern presentation. Nice place to take foreign guests.「スタラ・クキャ(旧家)」は19世紀くらいの古い木造商家を改築して使っているレストランです。スコピエには古い家とかがあまり残っていないので、ここは貴重なタイプの

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-86681114807964753682008-02-26T18:28:00.002+01:002008-02-26T18:35:57.735+01:00

Highest temperature is like 23C lately. It is exactly for outside coffee ;)))ここ数日間最高気温23度とか。お外コーヒーがうれしい天気です。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-47801223685550037772008-02-23T00:13:00.004+01:002008-02-24T13:23:45.233+01:00

The other day, I wanted to cut scallions (negi) and freeze them for next time use for cooking soba or whatever Japanese food, but when I was about to cut them, I realized from the smell that they are not scallions but nira (Chinese garlic chives). It was quite surprising to find nira in Macedonia. Good, now I can make gyoza (dumpling) here.この間、ネギを刻んで冷凍しようと思って、洗って準備してた時、なーんか匂いがきついなあと思ってたんですよね。

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-82510210740182782782008-02-19T17:00:00.004+01:002008-02-19T22:34:47.553+01:00

There was a blackout last night. It was about the time to start to prepare for bed. Suddenly it was too dark to do anything. But, for a Japanese who always prepare for a earthquake and usually keep a flash light and candles in a drawer, it was not a problem at all, rather it turned out to be a romantic light for brushing teeth. But what is most scary thing in my apartment is that all the heating

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-18896934876912347092008-02-17T18:38:00.006+01:002008-09-03T05:29:16.822+02:00

Mr. Atanas Talevski is a famous Macedonian photographer who lives and has a gallery in Ohrid. He takes pictures of village scene in Macedonia, which are exact images that people would have about Macedonia. His photos are used in the Bradt Guide Macedonia. You can buy his work in his gallery. It can be very good souvenir from Macedonia.アタナス・タレフスキ氏はマケドニアの有名なフォトグラファーです。マケドニアの村々の写真を撮る人なのですが、その写真はまさに

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-73641898262634874142008-02-13T19:30:00.008+01:002008-06-07T22:54:31.262+02:00

Ljuc is a casual dining restaurant for meat lovers. It offers all kinds of grills in the Balkan style (people often say it is Serbian style). I admit skara (grills) there is very tasty, especially pork ribs, but for Japonka who is not so meat lover, once in 6 months would be enough.「リュッツ」はバルカンスタイル(セルビアンスタイルだと言う人もいますが)の焼肉屋、とでもいいましょうか、お肉がおいしいカジュアルレストランです。肉好きな人にはほんとにたまらんレストランではないでしょうか。ポークのスペアリブとか、絶品

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-85909228322825557122008-02-10T22:29:00.002+01:002008-06-07T22:55:06.712+02:00

Soul Pub is a new cafe & restaurant that plays soul music. In Macedonia, usually cafebars do not serve food, but lately, like Sopotsko and this Soul Pub, there are some emerging market of the cafes that serve both snacks and coffee&drinks with cosy interior decoration. Things are getting better. If I may ask more, it will be even better if all cafe adapt the non-smoking rule.「ソウルパブ」は最近オープンした

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-48421321514401224242008-02-06T20:45:00.001+01:002008-06-07T22:55:29.701+02:00

Trip to Cvetovo again... This time, trip deep into mountains covered with snow, walking along animal trails. It was beautiful and fun walk. But the trip was not meant for fun, it was for serious business ;pBy walking in the snow-covered animal trails deep into the mountain, I finally realized why village people need donkeys or horses.またツベトボに行ってきました。。。今回はツベトボの村からさらに山奥の雪道をひたすら歩いてきました。雪の積もった山の獣道を歩

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-91986033979406954332008-02-05T21:17:00.001+01:002008-06-07T22:55:50.265+02:00

Speaking of Bitola, you can not miss "Porta Jazz" for night out in Bitola if you are staying in Bitola. This is one of few jazz bars in Macedonia.ビトラといえば「ポルタジャズ」。もしビトラにお泊りの際に夜出かけるなら、やっぱここは行かないと。マケドニア国内の数少ないジャズバーのうちのひとつですから。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-23972413171349839152008-02-05T20:21:00.000+01:002008-02-06T21:41:29.894+01:00

Seriously traveling around in Macedonia last few weeks... This is a scenery in a bit south from Bitola, close to the Greek border. You can see the snow on the mountains is being blown off. There was a very windy day last week...ホント最近出張が多くて忙しいのですよ。マケドニアの中をうろうろしてます。この風景はビトラのちょっと南、ギリシア国境に近いあたりです。風が強い日だったので、山の上の雪が吹き飛ばされているのが見えます。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-19951236811822263222008-01-26T23:45:00.001+01:002008-06-07T22:59:56.826+02:00

Markov Monastery is located near Cvetovo. As other churches and monasteries in Macedonia, Markov Monastery also has some significance in terms of its origin and history and Byzantine art. Details can be found in a page of the exploring macedonia.com. In terms of my opinion, I like the stream bank behind the monastery, which looks like a very nice picnic site.「マルコフ修道院」はツベトボの近くにあります。マケドニアにある他の教会・

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-63870465487754738222008-01-24T18:45:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:00:14.869+02:00

Another village that I think has potential as a tourism site is Cvetovo. It is on a mountain surrounded by mountains. For those who like village tourism kind of place, Cvetovo must be attractive. Cvetovo is famous for its organic strawberries. In next May, I will try Cvetovo strawberries from my direct sales channel. In the left-bottom photo, you can see the cross of Mt. Vodno. It looks very far,

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-40569386103066483632008-01-22T22:50:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:00:45.015+02:00

Visiting villages in the outskirts of Skopje lately. Kuceviste has a potential to become a good tourism site, if the garbage-everywhere problem is solved. The stone-built old houses and a stream with watermills are attractive sites. It is in the area of Skopska Crna Gora.最近、スコピエ近郊の村回りをしているんですが、スコプスカ・ツルナゴーラにあるクチェビステはいい観光地になるポテンシャルを秘めてるんですよねえ(ゴミがあちこちに散乱している状態をもうちっとなんとかすれば、だけどね)。石で作った古い家々とか、水車小屋

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-44719503664936485922008-01-20T20:23:00.000+01:002008-01-21T22:08:26.795+01:00

Also we found a concert poster of the world famous Macedonian pianist, Simon Trpceski, in Singapore. Well, since Singapore and Macedonia are not so close in terms of distance, it was a surprise to find him there.あと、世界的に有名なマケドニア人ピアニスト、シモン・トルプチェスキのコンサートポスターをシンガポールで見つけました。シンガポールとマケドニアって距離的にはけっして近くないですから、そんなところで彼を見かけるとはちょっとオドロキでした。さすが世界でご活躍の人。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-38692129666254826592008-01-20T20:09:00.000+01:002008-01-20T20:38:49.372+01:00

On the way to Singapore, there was an extra day to transit in Istanbul because of the delay from Skopje one day before. While walking around in the old side of Istanbul, we found this in a chicken restaurant. A picture of the stone bridge in Skopje. It is still close between Macedonia and Turkey.シンガポールに行く際に、フライト遅延とかいろいろあって、予定外にイスタンブールで一日うろうろする時間がありました。その時にランチを食べたチキンレストランでこんな絵を見つけました。スコピエの石橋。やっぱ

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-60979773153413318522008-01-19T15:22:00.002+01:002008-06-07T23:01:19.104+02:00

Had lot of Asian food, walked around the cities, slept a lot, beach sometimes. Sounds good vacation, neli?やっぱアジアごはんはいいですねえ。いっぱい歩いて、いっぱい寝て。ビーチもちょっと。いいバケーションでした。

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-7020854371885417602008-01-19T14:10:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:01:49.671+02:00

By the way, my new year vacation this year was in Singapore and Malaysia. It is nice to be in warm place in winter.ところで、年末年始の旅行はシンガポール・マレーシアでした。冬はやはり暖かいところに限ります。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-86858789596005691462008-01-18T17:40:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:26:18.556+02:00

Project Zlust, the band I like most in Macedonia, had a concert with Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra yesterday. It was very exciting to listen the Project Zlust's cool jazzy music with full orchestra. Very dynamic. I like the Project Zlust's project.私の好きなマケドニアのジャジーバンド「プロジェクトズラスト」とマケドニアフィルハーモニーとのコラボレーションコンサートがありました。プロジェクトズラストのクールなジャズ系音楽にフルオーケストラがついたライブは、めっちゃダイナミックでかっこよかったです。｢プロジェクトズラスト｣のプロジェクト、

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-20858437976741579292008-01-15T23:04:00.000+01:002008-01-15T23:16:47.676+01:00

After 1.5 months of dark-ish, foggy and cloudy days, finally there was blue sky today. It makes me happy.ここ1ヵ月半ばかりずっと薄暗くて曇った天気が続いていたのですが、今日は久々に青い空が見えました。なんか明るい気分になります。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-1816149804627753502008-01-14T18:57:00.000+01:002008-01-14T19:09:30.936+01:00

At the new year lunch, we had a roast baby pig.... It was very juicy and tasty. hahahaha-お呼ばれした新年ランチメニューは子豚の丸焼きでした。おいしかったんですよ、これが。ジューシーで。。

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-15060991688590266112008-01-12T20:56:00.000+01:002008-01-13T00:08:04.545+01:00

Happy new year! Back from my vacation. This weekend is Orthodox new year. So, it is not too late to say "Srekjna nova godina (happy new year)" yet. There will be a special new year lunch tomorrow.(いまさらですが)あけましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願い申し上げます。バケーションから戻ってまいりました。今週末はマケドニア正教の新年。明日は新年スペシャルランチに招待されています。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-7670434088925735702007-12-25T19:04:00.000+01:002007-12-25T21:09:00.934+01:00

Will be on vacation for few weeks in the tropics. Have a happy new year and see you next year.ちょっと南の国に出かけてきます。よいお年をお迎えください。また来年もよろしくお願いします!

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-58658709452264604772007-12-22T18:52:00.000+01:002007-12-22T13:37:15.681+01:00

Amazingly, the Xmas tree at the Macedonian Square is already ready before Catholic Christmas this year (last year, it was ready after Dec. 25. It was still ok because Macedonian Christmas is in Orthodox calendar). Besides, this year's tree looks better than past 2 years. It is even different color during the day. City spent some money on this this year, I guess.驚いたことに、今年はマケドニア広場のクリスマスツリーのデコレーション

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-13141237841359756532007-12-20T18:36:00.000+01:002007-12-20T19:02:34.672+01:00

Since it has been freezing cold, the snow from last weekend still remains fully here and there. This scenery is from a southern part of Macedonia, near Prilep.今週ずっと寒いので、先週末降った雪がまったく融けずに残っています。これはマケドニアの南の地方、プリレップ近くの風景。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-17605487556527583312007-12-19T17:24:00.000+01:002007-12-19T18:00:57.280+01:00

I have been proposing to use rakija to remove shibu (bitterness) from Macedonian japonsko jabolko (persimmon/ kaki in Japanese), but there is other Japanese who proposed and actually implemented the drying method to remove the shibu. It is called "making hoshigaki (dried persimmon)". Now it becomes a selling product in Macedonia. Valandovo is a famous region for producing kaki (japonski jabolki),

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-55189280497277766482007-12-17T17:05:00.000+01:002007-12-20T19:08:01.766+01:00

Seems there was snow in Skopje during the weekend. It is freezing cold this week.... Unlike last year, this winter will be tough and long. I have to get away from this weather to the tropics soon.この週末、スコピエでは雪降ったみたいです。さむーいんですよ、そして。ずーっとどんより曇っているし。去年とは違って今年の冬は長くてつらそうですな。。。早く南の国に逃げなくては。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-3048928728096814142007-12-16T16:59:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:04:31.351+02:00

A weekend trip to a ski resort in Switzerland. It was beautiful weather.ちっと週末、スイスのスキーリゾートに。素晴らしい天気でした。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-39789676363103877132007-12-13T17:35:00.000+01:002007-12-13T22:05:34.094+01:00

Turshija is like "tsukemono" in Japanese dish. It is pickled vegetables. It is also called a "winter salad" because it used to be made for winter during when there were no fresh vegetables sold in markets. My suggestion to Macedonian is to use daikon for turshija. Seeing from that they eat carrot turshija, they would like daikon turshija also.「トゥルシア」は日本料理でいうところの漬物です。いわゆるピクルスに近いかな。｢冬サラダ」とも呼ばれています。

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-86901520916535889742007-12-06T18:23:00.000+01:002007-12-18T00:22:39.816+01:00

"Republic of Vevcani" is actually a municipality of Republic of Macedonia. But they had strong tendency to be independent, even once held a referendum. They even have a passport and money. Well, it is actually a passport and money for tourists for the famous Vevcani carnival, which are held in January every year. In 2008, it will be from January 12 to 13. About the carnival, you can see this

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-53065040002283511692007-12-04T22:17:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:04:43.101+02:00

Sheep walking and crossing a road like this is very common scene in Balkan. It happens even near the capital city... I, an urban Japonka, had never seen sheep this close except in a zoo until I came in this region.こんな風に羊の群れが道路を歩いてたり渡ってたりとかっていう風景は実はバルカンではめずらしくありません。首都の近くでもよくありますから。都会育ちちゃんには、動物園以外の場所で生の羊をこんなに近くで見るなんて機会、ここに来るまでありませんでした。

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-89281163061973798252007-12-02T22:21:00.000+01:002007-12-04T19:36:35.353+01:00

On the way to St. Prohor Pcinski from Vranje, you will find these triangle-shape concrete blocks. Apparently they are tank blockers used during the war (eh, the recent war?)... sounds like very much a sight of Serbia.セルビアのヴラニエからプロホール・プチンスキに行く途中にこんな三角のコンクリートブロックをいっぱい見かけました。なにかと思ったら、戦争中に使われた「戦車よけ」だって。セルビアって戦車とか最近までうろうろしてたんだよなあ、そういえば。んー、セルビアならではの風景ってカンジ。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-4733329068084859452007-11-30T22:23:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:06:20.393+02:00

After banja, it is nice to stop by this monastery in Serbian territory, but very significant for Macedonian history. St. Prohor Pcinski monastery is the place at which the establishment of Macedonia as a state was declared in 1944. It was just 10 min drive away from Macedonian border...but now it is in Serbia after the breakdown of the former Yugoslavia. It looks similar to the monastery in Kriva

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-14417400663207424502007-11-27T20:55:00.000+01:002007-12-03T15:11:52.625+01:00

There is such a thing called banja (hot spring or onsen) in Balkan. For Japanese, going to onsen is a part of culture not only for old people, but also for young people for a weekend trip or whatever, so, I had to go and check what a Balkan onsen is like. My image was something like warm water that people need to wear swim suits to be in, but this hot spring near Vranje was different. It is a

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-22181767147596709842007-11-25T15:07:00.000+01:002007-11-25T18:45:54.720+01:00

Speaking of Japanese stuff in Macedonia, this plant is called "japonska (Japanese) rose". It is actually a kind of hibiscus. No wonder I have never seen this plant in Tokyo; hibiscus is usually originally from tropics.... Oh, it is from Okinawa? Anyway, it is funny that a hibiscus, which I (Japanese) have not see in Japan, is called japonska rose in Macedonia.｢日本｣のタグがついているものといえば、この｢ヤポンスカローズ(日本の薔薇

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-49764195451675225682007-11-23T22:00:00.000+01:002007-11-23T22:24:58.366+01:00

In winter in Skopje, daikon can be found in a green market. Unlike japonsko jabolko, daikon in Macedonian is also "daikon" (not japonsko radish or something). It is very fresh and comes with leaves, from which I sometimes make furikake. For Japanese cooking, daikon is very useful, like miso soup, simmered daikon, daikon salad, etc. I wonder how Macedonian use daikon, though...スコピエの冬には大根がグリーンマーケット

napominoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-81089063505627602012007-11-21T21:38:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:06:07.434+02:00

Mountains around Ohrid already have snow. Ohrid in this season is very nice. Calm and peaceful. Definitely better than summer.オフリドの周りの山はすでに雪が積もってました。まだ紅葉も適度にあるし。冬のオフリドは静かでホントにいい感じです。夏とは大違い。行くなら春もいいけど今の時期もしっとりしてていいかも。

napominoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-70262455418518273572007-11-19T23:40:00.000+01:002007-11-19T23:55:53.541+01:00

A bit busy and lazy lately. But I have got nice photos from Ohrid and stuff as well as this one, Skopje from Mt. Vodno. More comes later.ちょっと最近忙しかったので更新遅れてますが、冬のオフリドとか、ナイスな写真を撮ったので近いうちにアップします。これは、ボドノ山中腹から見下ろしたスコピエ。

napominoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-68473680143780215502007-11-11T18:56:00.000+01:002007-11-21T22:15:26.956+01:00

Fotka is famous for its pastrmajlija in Skopje. It is in Skopje, but some Stipian says Fotka's pastrmajlija chef must have been kidnapped from Stip. Pastrmajlija at Fotka is that good. In fact, the chef is from Skopje (according to a waiter there), but pastrmajlija there is real good. Good, I do not need to go to Stip for pastrmajlia anymore.｢フォトカ」はパストルマイリヤで有名なスコピエのレストランです。シュティップの人に、シュティップから誘拐された

napominoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15003543.post-71294703859910888232007-11-06T20:07:00.001+01:002008-06-07T23:07:02.834+02:00

Ednooki (one eyed) is my favorite Macedonian political satire cartoon TV program. Sometime they use English, especially for topics of international politics, but most of the topics are local politics and it is in Macedonian. Still I enjoyed it a lot. I can tell it is well done and funny from how characters of current political players are depicted. It always takes up current hot topics, like the

napominoreply@blogger.com0