It is October 9th, 2021 and the Familynomadic finally depart on their glorious Balkan Road Trip; just 19 months late. This is the trip I had imagined the moment I learned that we would be living in Macedonia, now North Macedonia. This is the trip that was fully booked and paid for when COVID-19 struck Italy and stormed down through the Balkans. This was the … Continue reading Kotor – Dubrovnik – Plitvice: a Familynomadic 4×4
In the reality I lived in previously, just four months ago, today is the day that familynomadic were to board a plane and depart Skopje for the US for an amazing five week vacation. We were going to bounce around from southern California to northern New York, visiting grandparents, swimming in the ocean, boating on the lake, going to at least three amusement parks, enjoying … Continue reading Magic of Brotherhood
Did you hear that? It was just the morning chatter of birds in spring and the rustle of a neighbor’s flag in the breeze…nothing else. No cars. No people. The silence of a nation in quarantine. Beautiful, wonderful, peace and quiet…until K&M burst out of the house having just watched Yu-Gi-Oh! Now they are on our trampoline; bouncing and screaming at each other about what … Continue reading Snapshots: COVID19
For those who just want the facts, these are the facts: Mr. Korab is the highest peak in North Macedonia, fourth highest on the Balkan Peninsula, at 2764 meters (9066 feet). Located near the border of North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo, it is a little over 90 minutes to the turn off from Skopje, then another 30-45 minutes on rough gravel road. I would rate … Continue reading Mt. Korab: Beauty & Pain
Our time abroad is primarily involved in a series of little excursions. More or less, these are last minute attempts to keep the kids distracted and Daddy D happy with a small sense of adventure on any random weekend. The ideal adventure is to an unknown place with something breathtaking to view, unique to experience, or simply odd and unusual. R1204 contains the odd and … Continue reading R1204: A Little Adventure
In my head, Makta Canyon is my favorite place near Skopje. Stunning natural beauty, numerous hiking options, boating, kayaking, caves, idealic canyon perched restaurants and yummy macchiato…Makta Canyon has it all and is only 20 minutes (driving) from my door. In reality, my visits to Makta Canyon are flavored with the uniqueness of the Brothers K and M. So the above description becomes: stunning natural … Continue reading Makta Morning
Last night there was a bus accident and 13 passengers died. The bus was a commuter bus from Skopje to Gostivar. 13 people died and I did not blink an eye. In the wake of this accident, the town of Demir Kapja canceled their prized event of the year, the Sveti Trifun manifestation. Staff in my office seemed very saddened and concerned for this accident … Continue reading Gostivar Bus Tragedy
Our family thrives on adventure, which means we can’t stay home all day. This winter break has been rather long with the kids out of school and holidays that will continue until the 7th of January. So, we spent a couple of days inside the house playing board games, eating delivered pizza, and watching too much television. On Dec. 31st, my hubby decided that we … Continue reading Megalithic Observatory
It has been argued that the biggest challenge in living abroad is getting your hair cut. Having lived in eight countries, nothing brings me as much anxiety as doing just that. A haircut abroad is a continuous negotiation of language, style, and personal tolerance for unexpected outcomes. This is not to say that personal grooming overseas does not have some benefits too. In Bangladesh, I … Continue reading Manscaping Abroad: The Beard
“Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don’t come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they’re having a piss.” – Banksy, Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall. I am fascinated by graffiti and seek it out throughout my travels. Graffiti is a rebellion against the … Continue reading Graffiti: A Lesson in Perception
Walk and Bike in France and Europe www.walk-bike-camino.com
Worlds of Fantasy, Folklore, Myth and Legend
"No...don't glue your brother's hands to the wall..." Yes. It happened. Let me tell you about my day...
Musings on Science Today
misadventures in raising two... wait, no THREE well-adjusted kids in the grandest dork-tradition
family nomadic 