“Happiness is . . .”

“Happiness is my constant traveling companion, if I only remember to open my suitcase.”

One of my favorite quotes, and it is mine! Pretty tacky quoting myself, I know, but when you are enjoying yourself as much as I am, why not?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, can you tell what this one is saying?

DSCF1550E — Me, happy in the Village of Dihovo with my Macedonian and American friends around the table enjoying dinner together - great food and friends - one of those magical cross-cultural moments.

A few more quick pics from Dihovo before we head to new sites.

DSCF1513 — Church in Village of Dihovo just outside of Bitola

DSCN0586 — Church in rural village of Dihovo

DSCN0642 — This storybook house is across from Villa Patrice in Dihovo. Each time I see it I think of Hansel and Gretel, bez (without) the witch. The Babas (Grandmas) here and the magic of the nearby mountains, are all good.

DSCN0644 — The Babas abound and are always willing to share a smile.

Seeing old friends and making new ones – has been a special part of the fun. Sharing it all with Americans, who have never been here before and seeing their excitement and enjoyment – priceless.

A walk down the Shirok Sokak in Bitola led us south to the park and a nearby village-like community where we then followed the road (less than 1 km) to Heraclea, a town founded by Philip II of Macedonia in the middle of the 4th century BC.

As a Peace Corps volunteer, I spent many a sunny afternoon reading at the top of the Roman theater where gladiators and lions and Christians engaged in violent combat centuries later. The expansive view and historic experience is mesmerizing. Let me know what you think.

DSCN0624 — Heraclea Lyncestis, ancient town first built by Phillip II of Macedonia

2008 APR Debbie and Geri 023 — The dark grey seats are original.

DSCN0617 — Visit for virtual tour http://bitolatourist.info/things/virtual/Heraclea_04_cesma.swf

DSCN0621 — Heraclea Lyncestis was first developed in 4th century B.C

DSCN0604 — Heraclea Lyncestis was a stop on the ancient Roman Road, Via Egnatia

DSCN0614 — "Box seats" at Heraclea - the Roman Period

DSCN0634 — Beautiful mosaics, did I mention they are ancient?

DSCN0633 — Religious messages and amazing colors.

DSCN0632 — The themes vary, the artistic quality remains intact.

DSCN0625 — Love this one, wonder what it means????

DSCN0623 — Ancient artifacts at Heraclea are everywhere, and out in the open.

And, because no day – sightseeing or not – in Macedonia is complete without a salad . . .

DSCN0637 — 140 MKD about $3.00 of roasted perfection. Stuffed grape leaves included.

: Eggplant, even alone, is still perfect and available just about everywhere for even less!

That’s all for now folks. Thanks again to my fellow travelers in Macedonia for sharing their photos. See you soon.

Patrice Koerper is a certified life coach and motivational speaker. She has created the life she really wants by combining coaching and speaking with travel and projects in Macedonia. From 2006-2009, Patrice lived in Macedonia as one of only 425 volunteers over the age of 50 serving worldwide in the United States Peace Corps.

In 2010 she returned to Macedonia with American guests for a special cultural tourism program she developed, “Experience Macedonian: Enjoy Europe as it used to be”. The “Experience Macedonian” posts reflect their travels.

Patrice is returning to Macedonia in 2011 for six weeks – September through October. She is offering her unique 2 to 4 weeks cultural tours to a small group of friendly, flexible, adventurous travelers. In 2012 Patrice is planning life coaching retreats in Macedonia and Greece. For more information on these exciting travel and life-changing opportunities, please email her at wishfulthinkingworks@gmail.com

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[…] She is happy to have returned to Macedonia in the fall of 2010 for two months, where she hosted 5 Americans for 3-4 weeks while visiting friends and working on projects. This year, she is thrilled to be back in […]

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