#Macedonian cuisine

[morethansalad]

Balkan Fermented Juniper Berry Juice / Smreka / Kleka (Vegan)

[familythings]

The Balkan Breakfast Trend: Delicious or Dangerous?

A viral TikTok trend is stirring up concerns among health experts. The Balkan breakfast, popularized by user @.dayi_, features raw peppers and tomatoes, cheese, and bread. While many have embraced this colorful meal, experts warn about its potential digestive issues. Jamie Maitland, a certified nutritionist and founder of The Office Health, expressed her worries. “I have some concerns about…

[tsunflowers]

I got some mixed results on my cincinnati chili poll. it's a very regional food so it's even less well-known than i realized but since I live near that region it's an iconic American immigrant food to me. it's called chili bc it's made with tomato and chili powder but it also has nutmeg and cinnamon and other spices that give it an almost sweet undertone. and it's served as a sauce over spaghetti and covered in a huge mound of grated American cheese. it was invented by Macedonian brothers who were trying to adapt a meat sauce to American tastes and create something new. you hear a lot about Chinese-American and Italian-American cuisine but Greek and Macedonian immigrant cuisine is surprisingly influential in certain regions of the country

there's also the coney island and coney dog, other innovations by Macedonian immigrants. it's probably based on the same sort of meat sauce that inspired the cincinnati chili but the guy who invented the coney dog put it on a hot dog instead of a spaghetti. that's pure michigan but spread to other states in the northeast. the coney island establishment where you can buy a coney dog is very familiar to me. but I think the combination of American diner food and Greek-American food as a popular enough concept to have entire chains is interesting. it's not just a handful of people who tried it out. these are ubiquitous in southeast michigan

anyway. putting a meat sauce and a lot of cheese and onions on something is an important invention and a part of the richly textured history of American immigrant cuisine that doesn't get talked about enough

[jalshristovski]

if it isnt personal, would you mind to share us your ethnics backgrounds history ? It is just that you have a really intersting mix and wondered how it worked out 😅

Anon I am so glad you asked because I love talking about my culture/family history and you’ve just opened floodgates

Firstly I’d like to specify that this is ONLY my dad’s side. My mother’s side immigrated to the US a very long long time ago during the colonial period, left their culture behind, and it was abandoned long before my time. I know where they’re all from, I know specific Scottish clans (and I love learning about them!!!) but I do not claim those cultures because I did not grow up with them, and my mother weaponises them a long and I don’t want to do the same thing.

To add on, my mother’s family lives in another state (my father is from Michigan, that’s where I was raised, my mother’s family is all several states away) so I was primarily raised by, watched by, and grew up around my dad’s family. That’s whose traditions I mostly practiced, whose food I ate, whose holidays I celebrated, whose stories I heard, and whose languages I heard

NOW TO THE ACTUAL HISTORY

My dedo (grandfather) and his family came from Aegean Macedonia, which is currently occupied by Greece. His father came from the village of Buf (renamed to Akrítas) in Lerinsko Pole, and his mother came from the city of Lerin (renamed to Flórinas). My pradedo was mixed Turkish as well from the time of Ottoman occupation, and while Macedonian culture and tradition was first and foremost, they still brought down certain Turkish traditions, language (mostly certain words), cuisine, and certain habits. Though from that side they were definitely dominated by the Macedonian culture.

My family fled Macedonia during the genocide, my pradedo first leaving in 1936 for the United States to get established in Detroit before my prababa and teta fled two years later to join him. Previously one of my uncles (pradedo’s brother) had left in 1912.

Unfortunately there’s not much left in the way of documentation, either it was left behind to be destroyed by Greek occupiers or it straight up doesn’t exist (my relatives were severely impoverished and were unable to afford things like photographs, many books, or anything else). I have my prababa’s passport and that’s all.

To my babcia’s side, they all came from Poland. Different parts of Poland and they belonged to different ethnic groups within Poland, but they were mostly all from Poland (with exceptions of some others marrying into the family, my babcia’s grandfather was half Austrian but I’m not sure which of his parents was Austrian).

My babcia’s father (I’ve always just heard him referred to as dziadzia) was mixed Ashkenazi Jewish and Kashubian, mostly. My Ashkenazi family came from Pałuki region in Kujawsko-Pomorskie/Wielkopolskie in places like Żnin (city and region), Szelejewo, Gąsawa, Wenecja, and Kłecko. But also they later left to Łomża in Podlasie, which is where he directly immigrated from. Kashubian family came from Pomorskie, specifically Rogawica.

My babcia’s mother (who I’ve always heard referred to as babki) was just Polish to my knowledge, and they came from Warsaw, Kraków, and possibly some other places but surprisingly they aren’t as well documented. Though they did bring a lot of culture from especially Kraków as a lot of my relatives are or were krakowiak dancers, but also I still have relatives living there (though I’ve not actually met them, one of my cousins frequently visits them).

I wasn’t raided religiously Jewish (secular Jew) but raised with a lot of the Polish-Jewish culture, mindsets/ideologies, and generally I think I’m lucky as much of that culture survived as it did.

Generally if people ask I’ll keep it primarily to Macedonian and Polish since those were the dominant cultures in my life, but I’m so proud of all of them. My family went through much hardship being who they were, where they were, and especially with much cultural damage done by occupiers (like Germans/Prussians, Russians, Greeks), or done by their immigration to the US, I love to keep the culture alive as much as I see it dwindling year by year in my relatives

I think the biggest difficulty has been the language, because I was never actually taught the languages so it’s a struggle, especially with me now living in Poland, but I do my best. Even growing up in the US my relatives were somewhat poor, or lower-middle class, so nobody was ever able to afford leaving the country to visit Poland or Macedonia, so moving here has been such a long time coming and so fulfilling for me.

Anyway thank you for the question, I know that was long but I simply love talking about my culture haha

[avneesh10-blog]

Discover Authentic Cultural Experiences with North Macedonia Tours

# Discover Authentic Cultural Experiences with North Macedonia Tours

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a journey that will not only captivate your senses but also enrich your understanding of a vibrant culture? North Macedonia, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, offers a treasure trove of authentic cultural experiences waiting to be discovered through its captivating cultural tours. From ancient archaeological sites to traditional folklore, from mouthwatering cuisine to warm hospitality, North Macedonia has something for every traveler seeking a deeper connection with the world around them.In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the rich tapestry of North Macedonia Cultural Tours. Join us as we explore the hidden gems, historical landmarks, and local traditions that define this enchanting country, providing you with actionable insights and practical tips to make the most of your cultural adventure.

Section 1: Unveiling the Cultural Wealth of North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a land of cultural diversity and historical significance, where the past seamlessly blends with the present. Let's take a closer look at the myriad facets that make North Macedonia a cultural paradise.The Melting Pot of Civilizations- North Macedonia stands at the crossroads of various civilizations, including Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences. - The mix of architectural styles, culinary delights, and traditional arts reflects this rich heritage. - The country boasts a vibrant calendar of cultural festivals, such as the Ohrid Summer Festival and Struga Poetry Evenings. - These events offer a glimpse into North Macedonia's artistic soul and provide a platform for local talents to shine. - North Macedonia is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ohrid Lake and the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis. - Guided tours offer a fascinating insight into the country's archaeological treasures, shedding light on its storied past. - A culinary journey through North Macedonia is a feast for the senses, with dishes like Tavche Gravche (baked beans) and Ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) stealing the show. - Cooking classes and food tours allow visitors to savor the authenticity of Macedonian gastronomy while supporting local businesses. - The warmth and hospitality of the Macedonian people leave a lasting impression on visitors, creating meaningful interactions that transcend cultural boundaries. - Homestays and community-led initiatives provide an intimate glimpse into daily life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local way of living. - Research reputable tour operators specializing in cultural tours of North Macedonia to ensure a well-rounded and immersive experience. - Look for companies that prioritize sustainability, authenticity, and local engagement in their itineraries. - Familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of North Macedonia to show respect for the local culture. - Learn basic Macedonian phrases to interact with locals and deepen your cultural immersion. - Don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing for warm weather, and a camera to capture unforgettable moments. - Consider bringing a journal to document your experiences and reflections during your North Macedonia cultural tour. - Venture beyond the popular tourist spots to discover hidden gems and authentic cultural encounters in lesser-known regions. - Engage with local communities through eco-tourism initiatives that promote sustainable travel practices and support rural economies. - Allow room for spontaneity in your itinerary to seize unexpected opportunities for cultural discovery. - Embrace the serendipitous moments that often arise during North Macedonia cultural tours, enriching your travel experience. - Macedonian is the primary language spoken in the country, so familiarize yourself with basic phrases or consider hiring a local guide for seamless communication. - English is widely spoken in urban areas and tourist hubs, making it easier to interact with locals and seek assistance when needed. - Be open-minded and respectful of cultural differences, including mealtime customs, greetings, and social norms. - Embrace the opportunity to learn from the local community and expand your cultural awareness during your North Macedonia cultural adventure. - North Macedonia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but exercise caution in crowded areas and be vigilant with your belongings. - Stay informed about local customs and safety tips provided by your tour operator to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. - What are the best times of year to visit North Macedonia for cultural tours? - Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to explore North Macedonia, offering pleasant weather and vibrant cultural festivals. - Are there options for solo travelers on North Macedonia cultural tours? - Many tour operators offer group tours as well as customized itineraries for solo travelers looking to explore the country independently. - How can I support sustainable tourism initiatives during my cultural tour of North Macedonia? - Look for eco-friendly accommodations, participate in community-based activities, and engage with local artisans to support sustainable tourism practices.- What cultural etiquette should I be aware of when visiting North Macedonia? - Respect for elders, greetings with a handshake, and modest clothing are some cultural norms to observe in North Macedonia.- Are there opportunities to participate in traditional Macedonian celebrations during cultural tours? - Yes, visitors can join local festivals, music events, and traditional performances to immerse themselves in Macedonian culture.

Tags

- North Macedonia - Cultural Tours - Balkans - Macedonia Travel - Authentic Experiences - Cultural Immersion Read the full article

[roomchailimited]

Discovering the Balkans: A Journey Through Southeast Europe

Southeast Europe, often referred to as the Balkans, is a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. For Bangladeshi travelers, exploring the Balkans offers a unique opportunity to delve into diverse traditions, picturesque towns, and stunning natural beauty. This journey will take you through some of the most captivating destinations in the Balkans, revealing the charm and complexity of this fascinating region.

The Journey Begins: From Dhaka to Belgrade

Your Balkan adventure starts with a flight from Dhaka to Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia. With convenient layovers in major international hubs like Istanbul or Dubai, reaching Belgrade is straightforward. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by the city's dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Stroll through the historic Belgrade Fortress, offering panoramic views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Explore the lively Knez Mihailova Street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Don't miss the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, where you can enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine and live music.

Sarajevo: The Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Next, head to Sarajevo, a city known for its rich history and multicultural heritage. The drive from Belgrade to Sarajevo takes you through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages. In Sarajevo, visit the historic Baščaršija bazaar, where you can wander through narrow streets filled with shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Latin Bridge, site of the assassination that sparked World War I, are must-see landmarks. Experience the city's unique blend of East and West, reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Try local dishes such as cevapi and burek, and enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee.

Montenegro: The Jewel of the Adriatic

From Sarajevo, travel to Montenegro, a country renowned for its stunning Adriatic coastline and rugged mountains. Start your exploration in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and scenic bay. Climb the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the bay and surrounding mountains. Continue to Budva, famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. The historic old town, with its narrow streets and Venetian-style buildings, is a delight to explore. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Lovćen National Park, where you can hike to the mausoleum of Montenegro's beloved hero, Njegoš, and enjoy spectacular views.

Albania: The Land of Eagles

Next, venture into Albania, a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes. Start in Tirana, the capital city, where you can explore Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, and visit the National History Museum to learn about Albania's past. The colorful buildings and vibrant street art add a unique charm to the city. From Tirana, travel to Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" for its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture. The Berat Castle, perched on a hilltop, offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Enjoy Albanian hospitality and traditional dishes such as byrek and tave kosi.

North Macedonia: A Land of Contrasts

Continue your journey to North Macedonia, where ancient history and modern culture coexist harmoniously. In Skopje, the capital city, visit the impressive Alexander the Great statue and the Old Bazaar, one of the largest and most well-preserved in the Balkans. The Stone Bridge, a symbol of the city, connects the old and new parts of Skopje. Travel to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful lake and historic churches. The Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid, is particularly picturesque. Enjoy local Macedonian cuisine, including dishes like tavče gravče and ajvar.

The Return Journey

As your journey through the Balkans comes to an end, reflect on the diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes you’ve experienced. Each destination offers its own unique charm, making the Balkans a region full of surprises and unforgettable moments.

Conclusion

Discovering the Balkans provides Bangladeshi travelers with an enriching adventure through Southeast Europe. From the vibrant streets of Belgrade to the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid, this journey showcases the region's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Plan Your Balkan Adventure with Roomchai Limited

Roomchai Limited specializes in crafting personalized travel packages for Bangladeshi travelers. With expert guidance, seamless logistics, and exceptional service, Roomchai Limited ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey through the Balkans. Let Roomchai Limited handle the details while you explore the wonders of Southeast Europe, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

[chappythegardener]

Exploring Different Pepper Seed Varieties

Peppers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and heat levels, making them a versatile and popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Here are ten different pepper seed varieties that are worth exploring: Purple Tiger Hot Pepper - a spicy pepper with a stunning purple and green striped appearance. Fish Pepper Seeds Heirloom - an heirloom variety with a unique appearance, featuring variegated leaves and white-flecked fruit that ripens from green to orange to red. Chocolate Beauty Pepper Seeds - a sweet pepper with a rich, chocolate-brown color that is great for roasting or stuffing. Marconi Golden Peppers Seeds - a sweet pepper with a golden yellow color and a mild flavor, perfect for salads and sandwiches. Shishito Pepper Seeds - a Japanese pepper with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a thin, wrinkled skin that is great for grilling or frying. White Habanero Pepper Seeds - a hot pepper with a creamy white color and a fruity flavor that is perfect for adding heat to salsas and sauces. Carolina Reaper Seeds World’s Hottest Pepper - the current Guinness World Record holder for the hottest pepper, with a blistering heat level of over 2 million Scoville units. Black Jalapeno Seeds - a jalapeno variety with a unique, dark color and a slightly smoky flavor that is great for making chipotle-style sauces. Rhizah Macedonia Pepper (VEZENI PIPERKI) Seeds - a traditional Macedonian pepper with a long, slender shape and a spicy flavor that is great for pickling or roasting. Ancho / Poblano Pepper Seeds - a mild to medium heat pepper with a rich, smoky flavor that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, especially for making chili rellenos. If you want to add some spice to your garden and your dishes, try exploring these different pepper seed varieties. From the fiery Carolina Reaper to the sweet and mild Shishito pepper, there's a pepper for every taste and preference. Don't be afraid to experiment with new flavors and heat levels. You can find all these varieties and more at Click to Grow, your one-stop-shop for high-quality organic seeds. Click here to see our full selection and start growing your own peppers today. https://gardenguide4all.com/exploring-different-pepper-seed-varieties/ Read the full article

[tiara-dinevska-mcguire]

Zdravo!

I haven’t posted much as I’ve been working on a massive piece of writing to summarize my experience at the Struga Poetry Evenings. Until I can get that where I’d like it, I’ll be sharing what I’ve been up to in Prespa this past week!

This is a short video of me helping to make ajvar. Ajvar is at the heart of Macedonian cuisine - a roasted red pepper spread that takes a lot of labor to make. I felt like a witch stirring a potion in her cauldron 🧙🏼‍♀️

You can buy jarred ajvar in the states, but homemade is best of course!

🌶🌶🌶

[eurosong]

My ESC ‘20 ranking

Good morning folks, on this rather melancholy “Eurovision day.” Whilst this year may be cancelled and its songs pretty callously binned by the EBU, 2020 was a diverse year that deserves taking a close look at too, so here goes my customary full ranking of the year. I express some candid opinions, but they are just my take on things, no shade intended if you disagree.

41. Estonia - What love is It’s always most difficult to pick a last place because, no matter how sleek Eurovision gets, there are still a few abject horrors that sneak into the contest. With a score that would have been dated 30 years back, and lyrics that manage the peculiar double act of being both pompous and anodyne, this is horrid enough before Uku’s dubious xenophobic comments and his prevailing over a field of much more compelling songs get taken into account.

40. Macedonia - You The Macedonians, having achieved their best result ever last year (I’m happy for them, but also, Kaliopi deserved that), decided that they soared too close to the sun with Proud and decided to crash land this year to build their energy to soar again. That’s the only reasonable explanation I have for this effort which deeply repels me, doubling down on Luca Hänni’s “cocky guy in a sleazy bar” æsthetics and adds to it even worse lyrics, castrato singing and the unintended levity of the interpreter being far more interested in the bartender. Also one of a maddening number of duplicate titles that were nowhere near as good as the originals.

39. Cyprus - Running What is this void in the space of a song? I’ve listened to it dozens of times to do ratings over the past months. I’m still left with an icy emptiness because it does nothing to me, says nothing to me. The only thing that I can say in its favour is that it’s not a replay of replay aka Fuego 3. That’s it. It’s like it’s designed to leave little impression and hope to cruise by on diaspora and friendly votes alone.

38. Austria - Alive Austria have been on an interesting Eurovision journey, going from winning with Conchita to serving up this chirpy homophobe doing his best impression of Timberlake. A monumental step back from the singular tenderness of Pænda.

37. France - Mon alliée (The best in me) La déception de l’année sans doute. France, one of Europe’s cultural powerhouses, really said “forget Destination Eurovision, which showcased our music scene’s diversity and was one of the fandom’s favourite newer NFs. Let’s abolish it all and bring in the guys who made Bigger than us, because we really want a piece of that Big 5 bottom place action! Let’s throw away our cultural caché and get something about as French as flatpack furniture!”

This is like going to a pricey restaurant in Paris, expecting haute cuisine and instead getting some microwave-reheated IKEA köttbullar. And can we talk about how Amir of J’ai cherché fame is partly to “thank” for this in one of the biggest heel turns of the year? It’s like he wanted to ensure that France TV beg him to return by safeguarding his excellent score from being equalled. I also have to say, Tom Leeb seems like a nice guy with a good voice. He did his best to salvage this with the acoustic version, which lifts it up a few places. But not so many given that that Westlife reject b-side ending with a key change remains.

36. Germany - Violent thing Speaking of major cultural players dumping their national finals for no good reason, guten Tag, Deutschland! Germany once had one of the best and certainly most diverse NFs going. Instead of dumping Barbara Schönenberger as hostess - every year she’s presented, Germany have had calamity, and the one year they did well, 2018, she wasn’t host - they decided to pin all their hopes on a bewildered looking gossoon from Slovenia with yet another Timberclone song and some rather dubious live vox. As his countrywoman Lea Sirk said, it’s a hvala ne from me.

35. Spain - Universo Yes, it’s another year of the Big 5 not living up to its automatic qualification rights (except you, Italy, thank you for being the exception to the rule.) So here we’ve got a bland effort from Spain to avoid being bottom 5, except that ain’t how ESC works - you need something to get people to waste their money on voting for your song. And for me, this surely is not it. This was a bit higher on my ranking before because there are more objectively objectionable songs out there. But the nonsensical, repetitive lyrics, the painful attempt at a high note on perdónameeee, and getting stuck on a bus where I had to put up said screeching being played 5+ times means #35 is about right for where it deserves.

34. Armenia - Chains on you Armenia, usually a reliable mainstay in the top half of my listings at least, instead served up one of the most bewilderingly impalatable NFs of the season where every song sounded imported from the ESC anni horribili of the 00s. This has grown on me a little bit - I like tin drums and I like her weird accent - but the lyrics are amongst the year’s most pitiful (“ya wanna take me to a party, because you’re naughty”) and it just feels cheep to me. 33. Bulgaria - Tears getting sober I don’t see the appeal in this bewildering merger of dirge and Disney, and this is coming from someone who likes melancholic music more times than not. I find this one straight up unpleasant to listen to. The lyrics are of someone passive-aggressively glorying in the pain they wallow in to return the hurt, in “look how much you’re making me hurt myself” style. The syrupy score replete with key change is a bizarre, ghoulish accompaniment. Only this high because I recognise some artistic merit in its production.

32. Azerbaijan - Cleopatra Are Azerbaijan now at the stage where they’ve decided to pastiche themselves? The country with the worst LGBT rights of all contesting ESC having the monumental neck to send a song about “gay or straight or in between”? The country who have almost religiously avoided sending anything with any actual Azeri national character or heritage sending a song written by a Canadian, an American and a Frisian about a Greek-Egyptian ruler with a Japanese mantra and Latin affectations, so sending us around the world to pretty much everywhere except Azerbaijan? What can I say in favour of it? It’s a little bit catchy. So are venereal diseases.

31. Poland - Empires How can a country who started their ESC journey with aplomb - and experimental gems like Sama and Chcę znać swój grzech - and who continue to serve in the junior contest, how can they be so almost studiedly bland in ESC these days? This is our 564th knockoff Bond tune, sung a little awkwardly and with lyrics written by a Year 8 who’s been given a creätive writing assignment where they have to use metaphors. “We’re gasoline and a match!” Wow. If it passed to the final, it would only because of loyal Poles abroad.

30. Greece - Superg!rl We leave the territory of complete dirges and enter that of songs I can sort of live with. This one’s a huge step back for the Hellenes though after the gorgeous Better love. Its odd chorus is memorable, but not for the best reasons. Its saving grace is its unintentionally humorous promotional video. A better use of those superpowers would have been to come up with a better song.

29. Moldova - Prison Remember the fun Moldova that used to bring songs like Hora din Moldova and Lautar, with some actual national flavour and flair? That’s long gone. Even the Moldova that brought terrible songs but fun stagings, like that of My lucky day, seems far lost into the fogs of time too. Another wholly unremarkable and mediocre production of the Scream Team that would be lucky to scrape into the finals.  28. Belgium - Release me Has Belgium learnt absolutely nothing in the years Blanche where the wheels of their ESC renaissance have fallen decidedly off? My feeling is no. I have to salute them to some degree for creating nice, very musical compositions, but just like in the past two years, they have forgotten to add a few key elements: some sense of progression or dynamism. This plods along repetitively on one track, one note, and that note is nice enough as background music, but my hunch is that track would have led them to another unsurprising “surprise” NQ.

27. Serbia - Hasta la vista It’s an earworm, but some earworms leave you wanting to get an aural exorcism. Somehow, some sort of collective insanity overcame Serbia and they decided to dump on their beautiful oeuvre of songs, go completely against their trend for qualitative, classical, brooding, orchestral music by instead picking a bunch of time travellers who had been a third rate girl band in Transnistria. How enough Serbians thought they’d win over Europe by going for a sound that was dated even when they made their début bemuses me. 26. UK - My last breath The UK are really soaring high in my rankings as... the last amongst the 26 songs that would make up my notional perfect final. Baby steps. I still think it’s pretty lame how the BBC tanked their own national final for this. It’s not so adventurous. It has so little to say that it’s half a minute shorter than the ESC standard and yet still consists of repetition. It has one of the most annoying chorus quirks with that beat in “my last... breath.” How did this get up this high again?

25. Albania - Fall from the sky It absolutely pains my heart to put Albania out of the top 20 after two thunderous years in which they captured my gold and bronze respectively. What makes it worse is that they could have had a perfect hat-trick, because the original, Albanian language version “Shaj” was my #1 song from December up until mid-March when they released this thin gruel of a revamp with all the things that gave Shaj some authenticity and flavour gone, and with beautiful, heart-rending lyrics replaced with cliché. Only this high because there are plenty of worse songs.

24. Czechia - Kemama I have a soft spot for poor Benny, the interpreter of this song. Ok, so it beat a field containing some vastly superior songs, but it’s nice to have a Czech song without weird lyrics about women for the first time in a while, and the way the kid was put through the ringer for his more Afrobeat-influenced revamp made me sad. For me, it gained a bit of flavour with that change. The lyrics are still poor but I like the colourful musical backdrop.

23. Israël - Feker libi 🇮🇱 Sometimes, you don’t think much of a song but the artist elevates it enormously. Such is the case with Feker libi, a bizarre pot pourri of styles with a very discordant tropical verse (which I like), mid-90s dance track chorus (which I don’t), middle eastern post-chorus and African-sounding outro (jury’s out on both.) Yet Eden Alene is so full of natural charm and exudes “I want to be your friend” that I can’t help but rewatch just because of how joyous she makes it.

22. San Marino - Freaky 🇸🇲 Speaking of atypical countries flying high in my ranking, all was set for San Marrano to take non-pride of place at the bottom of my ranks yet again, but somehow, I ended up quite enjoying their track this year. Yes, San Marino is still a weird zone where, when you descend to Rimini in Italy, you enter the new millennium, but returning up the tiny nation’s steep slopes, you head back to a time in the 70s when disko was king. This disco is fun though. In part thanks to Senhit, a sympathetic performer who deserved more in 2011, in part the lyrics - who doesn’t want to rip up the rules, write new ones and then destroy them too?

22. Switzerland - Répondez-moi It’s nice to have the Swiss singing in a national language for the first time in ages. It’s also nice that they didn’t fall back on their success with Hänni by going with a similar so-called bOp. I also really love some of the artist’s other tracks, like Babi. And I liked this a fair bit more upon first listen, but the combination of less than stellar lyrics - just a succession of somewhat emoïsh rhetorical questions; just because they’re in French, doesn’t make them deep - and a wailing falsetto have made my will to relisten to this often take a serious hit for me. A shame, as musically, it has some undoubted quality. 20. Denmark - Yes 🇩🇰 Denmark seems to be doubling down on 2019 to develop its new niche - catchy, sweet but ultimately a little overly gooey love songs. There’s always something a little bit imperfect about them though: last year it was Leonora’s serial killer-esque nervous gaze; this year, it’s the “I’m not going to even try to make pretend we’re an item” lack of energy from Tan. It’s a little bit too reheated “Little talks” but it’s decent enough.

19. Russia - Uno 🇷🇺 When this first was released, days after the deadline for submitting songs, I was pretty peeved at what seemed like a pisstake against the contest, a bizarre rehash of Aqua for the meme age. And yet.. maybe it’s the quarantine slowly driving me insane, maybe it’s the sheer infectiousness of this that just makes you want to dance, maybe it’s the epic energy of the backing singer (Rosa from Brooklyn 99’s twin) who looks like she wants to kill everyone else... but I’ve actually grown to like this enough to put it top 20. I’m not always entirely predictable!

18. Norway - Attention 🇳🇴 There’s a lot of things that tick my yes boxes with this song, like the beautiful orchestral music laid out by the famed Mørland or the simple but sincere performance. There are also things that take a Sharpie and scrawl in my no boxes too, like the somewhat whiny tone of the vocals or the adolescent and lyrics which, with their “oy’d change anyffink abaat moyself fur a boi” tone, don’t flatter the singer, and from Mørland, I expect better. There’s more good than bad here though, and it has been an earworm since the day it was selected.

17. Belarus - Da widna 🇧🇾 I don’t know what was in the water this year, but we got a bunch of great Slavic language songs, including from countries that don’t typically send songs except in English. I like the chilled out vibe and the curious lyrics. Their live version for Eurovision Home Concerts with just an acoustic guitar sounded a whole lot better, I must say.

16. Australia - Don’t break me 🇦🇺 I’m finally overcoming the horror of the bizarre clown mise-en-scène complete with ropey lyrics at Australia decides and judging this on its potential. Hands down Australia’s best entry at the contest for me. Musically, it’s strong, and lyrically, it’s compelling and very saudadic. I’m sad we won’t see what a glow-up their final staging could have provided. I really hope it wouldn’t have involved clowns, which seriously tanked the song in my ranking for months, no joke.

15. Portugal - Medo de sentir 🇵🇹 A Portuguese entry outside of my top ten? Given their form with me since 2015, this might seem like a harbinger of the apocalypse. I still like it quite a bit, but there are stronger songs this time. It’s heartfelt, the lyrics are powerful (about being afraid to feel again after being hurt) and the melody is pretty. The live was a bit cagey especially because of the not particularly well synchronised voices of Elisa and the pianist, who composed the song. Still a very nice song and it is great to see Portugal staying faithful to its language, but I can’t help but feel sad that songs more in line with its riskier, more trailblazing previous few years. Passe-partout or Gerbera amarela do sul would have been in my top 3 like last year.

14. Latvia - Still breathing 🇱🇻 If you told me in January that not only would this song not be disliked, it’d also end up in my top 15 of the year, I’m sure incredulous laughter would have been the most polite response you’d have probably gotten. And yet - the song I couldn’t stand in Supernova has won me over and I do want to see Samanta Tina return for 2021 since she evidently cares so deeply about ESC so is pretty much one of us. I’ve come to love the weirdness of the track - real meat and gravy given the number of anodyne tracks - the iconic pre-corona hygienic leitmotif of its staging. ST’s joie de vivre and command of the stage. It’d be a guilty pleasure except I don’t feel guilty for it.

13. Georgia - Take me as I am 🇬🇪 Georgia once again are dancing to the beats of their very anarchic drummer and I love them for that. This thinly veiled swipe at both the Big 5 coasting in mediocrity and at narrow-minded fans’ reäctions to Georgia’s extremely varied oeuvre just hits the spot for me. I love the musicality of it, the dark electro-rock vibes, Tornike’s voice and how it blends perfectly with his captivating backing singers. I always vote with my feet for something different in an era where people are aiming to qualify with safe and bland rather than taking risks.

12. Romania - Alcohol you 🇷🇴 Roxen provided one of the most iconic moments of the season by deliberately tanking the ordained bop amongst her national final songs. Her eventual song is one of the most emotional of the year, and also one of the most surprisingly literary: there are tonnes of nuances, allusions, wordplays and so forth in this text, most of which are a lot more graceful than the titular terrible pun. I humbly put it to folk who thinks that this romanticises alcohol that they are missing the point - it’s instead being used as a metaphor for toxic relations which, by the end of the song, Roxen has broken away from. I love her voice, I love the music. It fell briefly out of my affections because of the weird mini-revamp, but it’s risen again.

11. Ukraine - Solowej 🇺🇦 It’s fabulous to see Ukraine singing a song entirely in their language and I hope this trend continues across the Slavic nations like was notable this year. The timeless folksy elements mixing with modern beats makes a curious and entrancing blend, delivered with aplomb. It takes where Poland 2019 went wrong and puts it right. I could have done without the unnecessary revamp, but it’s still one of the year’s freshest cuts. Well done, Widbir!

10. Slovenia - Voda 🇸🇮 In an age where the likes of Albania is stripping away all the beautiful orchestral flourishes of its entry to make a pared and muted revamp, Slovenia went full throttle in the opposite - and in my mind, right - direction and made one of the very few good revamps of the season. Performing with the Budapest philharmonic orchestra, Ana Soklič, who, for my money, has one of the best female voices of the year, unleashed the cinematic, sweeping beauty of Voda. I think this would have surprised many people by doing quite well. On musical and vocal merit alone, and adding to that the subdued saudade of its lyrics, it deserved a lot more love.

09 Malta - All of my love 🇲🇹 In 2018, I would have sooner said that it was more probable for me to have become Grand-Duke of Luxembourg than it was for me to have loved a Maltese song, let alone two i n a r o w. I didn’t expect much of this at all, because I expected we’d get a wailing vocal exhibition, as Ian used to say, focused on exhibiting Destiny’s range rather than giving her a genuinely good song. But this is a genuinely good song. Once again, I love for the gospel edge it has, and Destiny’s vocals soar to impressive heights, without feeling unnatural or ostentatious. I should have known to expect good things with the regal Cesár Sampson on board.

08 Lithuania - On fire 🇱🇹 Prior to this year, few people had any hopes for Lithuania’s long-winded national final selection process. The idea of it being must-watch viewing when there were many other more compelling choices on offer was hilarious. In 2020, that changed. They changed the name to the hilarious but hopeful “Let’s try again”, had a number of fantastic songs, and became one of the most diverse and qualitative highlights of the NF season. The eventual winners, The Roop, deserved the accolade with this cool, super contemporary track with a brilliant dance routine and a genuinely important message about not giving up on yourself.

07. Sweden - Move 🇸🇪 At MF this year, the Swedes put a match to its protracted ‘cocky fuckboi with polished, soulless overproduced pop song’ era, hopefully for good, with an all-female top 4. I will always lament Dotter missing out narrowly, but I’ve still been brought plenty of joy by the radiant Mamas with their fabulous hand-choreography and genuine warmth, and this song of resilience through the tough times. I love gospel-tinged music and this really makes me smile.

06 Ireland - The story of my life 🇮🇪 Before this was announced, I heard Ireland’s track being compared to the oeuvre of pretty much every major 00s female pop star. I was quizzical, but upon hearing it, could see why. In a year with a lot of beige, this is just one big orange and yellow blast of colourful late 90s/early 00s nostalgia, hope, resilience. The kind of anthem I never knew I needed but came right on time. I can’t listen to its wry, conversational lyrics without wanting to dance along. And Lesley Roy herself is an icon. My favourite effort from Ireland since Playing by numbers, and I really hope she returns in 2021.

05 Finland - Looking back 🇫🇮 I’ll never forget a mural in the part of València where I used to live that said “we’re not different for the sake of being different”, and that could sum up my attitudes to Eurovision. Whilst it seemed almost everyone was behind Cicciolina in Finland, I had scant hope for my favourite, and was blown away when it actually did win. This melancholy meditation on the passing of time and people - “we never know what we have until it’s over and we’re looking back” - became emblematic of this year for me and added to what was already a really poignant and moving track. I love the musical style too and the smoothness of Aksel’s voice and how it contrasts with his evident awkward shyness. It has moved me so much that it had to end up top 5.

04 Croatia - Divlji vjetre 🇭🇷 I always will represent and bring love for the Balkans and their adhesion to their musical traditions. This was one of the most pleasant surprises of the NF season for me - I was expecting very little from Croatia, and instead, it greeted me with this beauty. You have the understated classic grace of the music, the exquisite melancholy and poeticism of the lyrics, and one of the finest male vocals of the season. My favourite Croatian track in almost 15 years.

03 Italy - Fai rumore 🇮🇹 Sanremo isn’t just a national final, it’s a cultural experience that digs into your heart over the course of a whole week. This was one of the most memorable I have followed yet - and what a truly deserving winner. It’s just another example of the seemingly endless supply of heartfelt tunes by classy, sincere performers that Italy has on tap, with one of the best lyrics of the contest and the extra level of poignancy from how the lyrical theme of isolation would come to represent us all.

02 Iceland - Think about things 🇮🇸 One of my nerviest and happiest moments of the entire NF season was seeing Daði Freyr and friends win Söngvakeppnin in Iceland. As much as I loved Svala’s Paper, I had also adored his song three years prior - the delightfully awkward and similarly irrepressably earwormy Is this love. And now he was back with a groovy, fun, heartwarming tune about fatherhood that has only continued to grow in my estimations. The bridge still full on gives me goosebumps. It’s the kind of song that just makes me marvel at being human and being on this earth.

01 Netherlands - Grow 🇳🇱 My top few songs are all very closely entwined so much so that they could be considered joint winners, but I’ve been pretty unequivocal ever since Shaj got torpedoed by its revampire: silver turned to gold and my previous 2nd place, Grow, became my new favourite. I love the heartfelt, sparsely poëtic, bravely confessional lyrics. I love the way that it goes from something minimalist and intimate with just organ and voice and slowly builds upon the hints of gospel to something truly anthemic. Such a meticulous arrangement where there’s not a single sound out of place. This song is pure art and, like Soldi, Mall, APD and all those preceding songs which had the magic of being my personal favourite, it moves me upon every listen.

[geoazie]

ETHNIES OF THE WORLD : Balkans ethnies part 1 !

The Greeks are a european people inhabitants of the country of Greece and Cyprus. They speak greek. Greek colonies and communities have been historically established on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea, but the Greek people have always been centered on the Aegean and Ionian seas, where the Greek language has been spoken since the Bronze Age, and there between 14 and 17 millions of them. Throughout history, Greeks have greatly influenced and contributed to culture, visual arts, exploration, theatre, literature, philosophy, politics, architecture, music, mathematics, medicine, science, technology, commerce, cuisine and sports. The Albanians are a european people inhabitants of the country of Albania. They speak albanian. The ethnogenesis of the Albanians and their language is a matter of controversy among historians and ethnologists. They were mentioned for the first time in historical records from the 11th century as a tribe of people living across the mountainous region of the Mat and Drin. The Shkumbin more southerly splits the Albanians into the Ghegs and Tosks nevertheless both groups identify with a shared ethnic culture, history and traditions, and there are 7 to 10 millions of them. They have their own culture and traditions. The Macedonians are a south Slavic european people inhabitants of the country of North Macedonia. They speak macedonian. The formation of the ethnic Macedonians as a separate community has been shaped by population displacement as well as by language shift, both the result of the political developments in the region of Macedonia during the 20th century. Following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the decisive point in the ethnogenesis of the South Slavic ethnic group was the creation of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia after World War II, a state of the Republic of Yugoslavia. This was followed by the development of a separate Macedonian language and national literature, and the foundation of a distinct Macedonian Orthodox Church and national historiography, and there are around 2,5 millions of them. They have their own culture. The Montenegrins are a south Slavic european people inhabitants of the country Montenegro. They speak montenegrin. Slavs have lived in the area of Montenegro since the 6th and 7th centuries in the medieval state of Duklja. By the 14th century, the mountains behind the Gulf of Kotor were coming to be referred to as "Montenegro" (Montenegrin: Crna Gora; literally translates as “Black Mountain”). Since the end of the 17th century, Montenegro existed as a de facto independent country, and there are around 460 000 montenegrins. They have their own culture, althought only around 45% identify themselves as montenegrins, the rest identifying as Serbs or Bosniaks.  The Serbs or Serbians are a south Slavic european people inhabitants of the country of Serbia. They speak serbian. Early Slavs, invaded and settled the Southeastern Europe in the 6th and 7th centuries. What is today central Serbia was an important geo-strategical province. The history of the early medieval Serbian Principality is recorded in the 10th-century work De Administrando Imperio, which describes the Serbs as a people living in Roman Dalmatia, subordinate to the Byzantine Empire. In the early 1830s Serbia gained autonomy and its borders were recognized. They lost a part of their territory ensuing the independance of the region of Kosovo, and there are around 10 millions of them. They have their own culture and traditions.  Those aesthetics are part of a serie. I’m covering the biggest ethnies of the world, starting by Europe. 

[morethansalad]

Vegan Zelnik (Macedonian Spinach Pie)

[jeannereames]

Ancient Greek Food & the Symposion (Supper Party)

A few readers have remarked on my descriptions of meals, and asked how can we know so much about what they ate? Well, in part, because we have recipes! We also have a lot of stray food mentions in ancient texts, plus imagery in various mediums from pottery to mosaics. Andrew Dalby and Sally Granger have done superb work on Greek (and Roman) food, including The Classical Cookbook and Siren Feasts. I recommend both.

Some of the food you’d order today in a Greek restaurant might have graced an ancient table. Souvlaki has been around forever; we’ve even found grills with indentions for spits to set over hot coals. (Below) Olives existed in great variety then as now, wheat and barley bread, feta & various sheep and goat cheeses, little pancakes for breakfast (tiganites), grilled fish, eel, and shellfish of all types, cucumber-and-soured-milk (e.g., tzatziki)…the list goes on.

Yet some key modern ingredients in Greek cooking were missing. The lemon, for instance. Citrus had yet to find its way to the Mediterranean. In fact, thank Alexander for the lemon in modern Greek cuisine, as his interactions with Persia would bring the citron west, and from the citron and mandarin orange would come all modern types of citrus (citron = citrus).

No tomatoes, either! Or peppers. Or those yummy Greek potatoes. All this produce is native to the Americas, and appeared in Europe only after 1500 (the Colombian Exchange).

No sugar from sugar cane! Sweetening came from honey (and a bit from sugar beets). Herbs and spices were both known, but imported spices (pepper, cassia, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom) could be expensive. Herbs were more common, including anise, thyme, oregano, dill, fennel, hyssop, rosemary, rue, saffron, coriander, mint, and silphium. That latter is now extinct, but was enormously popular in ancient cuisine.

Drinks were simple. You had water, or you had wine. In fact, the Greeks often watered their wine. Think “wine spritzer” (without the carbonation). This practice served the dual purpose of making the wine go further, but also diluted its alcoholic effects. The usual mix for dinner was 3 parts wine to 2 parts water. The most common ancient Greek wine cup (kylix, see below) looks to us more like a soup bowl. It’s wide, flat, and decorated around the outside as well as in the bowl center. Other cup types existed, but the kylix was especially associated with the symposion, or supper party. Yet the literal meaning of symposion ISN’T “supper party,” but “to drink together.” Wine—not food—was the focus, and Greek wine service was ritualized and elaborate, not unlike tea service in some countries.

There were also a number of games played at supper parties, including the popular “kottobos,” which was a weird mix of spin-the-bottle and darts. In Kottobos, guests threw the wine lees (junk at the bottom of the cup) at a target on a tall bronze pole. (See the image below.) If they hit the target and knocked it down, they got to claim a kiss from a fellow reveler.

Not all ancient wine-drinking cultures engaged in the practice of watering their wine, including the Macedonians, as described in the novels. Southern Greeks (rather haughtily) considered drinking wine “neat” or a-kratos (without the mixing krater [a type of pottery]) to be a sign of a barbarism. (Horrors!)

The Greeks ate two primary meals each day. The first was a light lunch (or “day-meal” as I call it in the novels): mostly finger foods, plus bread. Meat was rarely included. The main, evening meal was typically served after sunset, when men came in from the fields or finished other work and cleaned up. Even today, Greeks eat late, relatively. (“Breakfast” was just a hunk of bread dipped in wine-water to make it less stale, so not considered a real “meal.”)

Dinner could range from simple to elaborate, and while it usually involved at least some bread or grains, vegetables and meat (if any) varied: from porridge with a few veggies and some stew meat, to a many-coursed banquet.

Another thing, while families did occasionally eat together, having an evening “family meal” wasn’t an ancient Greek cultural assumption. It’s what happened in the absence of alternatives. Even among the poor or village farmers, a bunch of male buddies might get together at the house of one, to share conversation and food, while the family women (and male children) would be excluded to eat in the kitchen, or upstairs.

Ergo, Greek families might gather in the courtyard at sunup to pray together at the family altar, but they didn’t necessarily end the day eating together at a supper table.

[cvokhauz]

6, 10, 49?

what the hell is happening, im getting asks all of a sudden. you guys must be bored to death in quarantine, huh? :D

6: Top three cuisines 

UUUUU i actually love this question. 

to cook: indian bc of the endless variety and bc i just fucking love it, okay?, italian bc i like to feel fancy but it’s actually pretty simple, balkan (more specifically like, north macedonian with a touch of greek) bc it’s just great.

to eat: indian, vietnamese, japanese (italian is in the top 5 but not top 3)

10: Do you own any signed books/memorabilia in general? 

Yes, I have a signed copy of a poetry book Počasí v Evropě by Adam Borzič because I really really liked it and I met him at pride randomly and asked him to sign it. It says “Lucce, v duze”

I also have a signed copy of The whispering Muse by Sjón, which I picked up at random in a tiny bookshop in Reykjavík and actually really liked.

I would have liked to meet Pterry, but alas, he has passed before I managed.

49: What’s something that you don’t have a picture of that you wish you did?

Good times I’ve had with people in Brno. I generally don’t take pictures that aren’t of cats, plants or mountain landscapes on my phone and when I’m having fun in a pub or something, I forget about my phone (if it isn’t dead already) so as a result, I have few pictures with my friends. I’d like some to put on the fridge/wall at home for when I’m feeling blue and isolated, like, now, during this damn quarantine.

[argumate]

not to cast aspersions on Macedonian cuisine but the reason they all moved to Melbourne is because they didn’t have any fuckin’ food

[indulgcnce]

@vancuxers

After her father lost the 2018 election in Cyprus, Athena found it the perfect opportunity to fully separate herself from her father and what he stood for. She supported him through the campaigns, smiling next to him in pictures to facilitate the family image he attempted to run his campaign on. His defeat didn’t come as a surprise. If anything, it was what she had wished for. Her goodbye was kept short, and she ultimately moved out of Nicosia, the place she had considered home her entire life, and settled on the eastern coast of Cyprus at Protaras. She spent her time occupied from sunbathing next to icy blue waters or gathering the attention of tourists who wanted a taste of local cuisines.

News within the Mediterranean Sea traveled fast, the water spreading news to each coastline. The recent news of near death for the Macedonian King was what made the girl book the next flight out to country. Also, it was another valid reason for her to see someone. Stepping into the royal abode, she caught sight of the familiarities of the place of when she was last there to visit Dragan and Lijana. It also made it easier for her to be let through the palace, whatever thoughts were attached to her face. It might have been a better choice to give Dragan a foreshadow of her visit, but the element of surprise was something that brought Athena thrill and excitement, not sure what she anticipated his reaction to be. After gathering more information on his whereabouts, she stepped into the kitchen. The sight of him drew an upwards curve on the edges of her lips. “Looking for a snack?”

[kirilyuklyubov]

The Tulip Festival in Cyprus.

Spring makes Cyprus the most beautiful and romantic place in the Mediterranean. There is a lot of the green grass, the gardens are blooming and many beautiful flowers grow here in the spring. The small village Polemia is surrounded by fields of blooming tulips. Every spring flower lovers from all over the island come there to see this beauty. The tulips of a special kind grow here, they have name: "eye of the sun". The tulips is a symbol of calm and renewal. There is a legend and it says that the first tulips were brought to the island by Alexander Macedonian. Homer had tulips in the "Iliad" and "Odyssea". Zeus used to give them to those womens whom he wanted to seduce. The mountain meadows of Polemia delight the locals and tourists with beauty. The Tulip Festival exists 30 years. The modest rural holiday has become a nationwide event. A music sounds in the village, vine testing and all people try the best dishes of national cuisine and products of local bakeries. There are concerts, songs, dance. The 20 thousand the beautiful tulips delight everyone. This is tulips paradise and I hope to visit this place on the days of the festival.