A Massive and Typical Macedonian Lunch

Kratovo was famous for its interesting architecture, bridges, gold and silver and 12 towers until 1836 when the town began to deteriorate and decay. Quite a few organizations are now trying to rebuild and revitalize this small town but it was now time for a humungous. lunch time spread.

Led by local guides, a 76 year old, traditionally dressed bagpiper piped us into an area where lunch had been cooked and laid by the guide's wife. Lunch for those who wanted to chow down was 480 Dinar (less than $10 a person) and included Shopska salad, a baked bean casserole called - Tauche Gravche, a vegetable casserole called - Turli Tuva (loved the names), spinach and cheese pies similar to Borek, bread, wine, dessert. There was a lot of food on this table and the only chance during "Ancient Macedonia" tour to actually eat a typically Macedonia spread. Yum-O...

The bagpiper was so charismatic as he "squeezed out" several long tunes, sang, and gave blessings while Goran did his best to translate. A perfect ending to the group visit in Kratovo.

[SheilaSimkin]

We did a trek in Eastern Turkey at least 20 years ago and one of the crew took out a bagpipe every morning, and then the entire crew began a circle dance like a "Hora" - On another occasion in Spanish Pyrenees, our guide there carried his bagpipes with! How and why all over the world, I don't know.

[КајмакамЕфенди]

The bagpipe's man wishing/blessing at 2:20 is awesome in Macedonian. I'll try to translate it in a way:
- for the agriculture field --- good yield, good seasons
- for the livestock ---- good breeding
- for the people ---- good health
- among the countries ---- peace (no war)
- for the youth ---- everyone to have spouse and children
- for everyone --- good will and prosperity
and finish with: everything you'll gonna eat to bring you good health to you

[SheilaSimkin]

He was so great! Too bad only our Macedonian hosts could understand him and I think poor Goran was exhausted from translating.

[sfflyer]

interesting how they had bagpipes; thought that was a scottish thing. the food looked very bland, sheila. was it? I can see why macedonian cuisine certainly isn't on the world map of culinary heights. those bagpipes must have been so loud when you were next to him, sheila.