Musings

Honeyland did not win any Oscars, but then they don't give Oscars for integrity, humility and benevolence of human spirit, all of which are found in the delightful, unpretentious Hatidze Murtova. This beguiling Macedonian documentary film made history with its nomination both for best documentary and best international feature. It is not difficult to understand why. Having lived in Macedonia for fourteen years, I watched with emotional and nostalgic interest as scenes of majestic beauty and tranquility appeared. As details of Hatidze's meager existence were revealed, I was moved by the beauty and simplicity of a life lived against the backdrop of harshness and injustice. Yet the gentle Hatidze displays an outward calm and humility which is rarely seen these days. Her motto with the honey "take half, leave half" is one we need to adopt in many aspects of life. In her own words, she sums it up: "I want the audience to learn only one message from the fil...

I was moved this morning when I saw the BBC pictures of a Roma camp being dismantled by the police and the all-too-familiar story of the Roma being evicted onto the street: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25419422  . I have been working among Roma people for three years in Bitola and have been able to observe these people and draw my own conclusion about their plight. A top official of the Macedonian government once made a remark to me about the Roma which stuck in my mind: they have the same opportunity to be educated as any Macedonian . This is entirely true and the government has made an effort to ensure Roma children are enrolled in school and attend regularly by imposing fines if this is not the case. However, going to school is a costly business. I am close to a Roma family with four children, and the cost of providing these children with all they need for school (rucksacks, materials, clothes, shoes/boots) is phenomenal bearing in mind that this family's inc...

When I first came to Macedonia on a visit in 2001, I found this little country so intriguing and breathtakingly beautiful that I happily accepted the invitation to return for a longer period. That ‘longer period’ has now extended itself to several years during which I have had many enriching, memorable experiences. I thought it might be interesting to jot down a few observations about the difference in culture. I appeal to my Macedonian readers not to misunderstand my intentions. What I have observed are customs and habits which are as normal to you as breathing and sleeping, but to someone from an entirely different culture, they are both interesting and noteworthy. It is always thrilling for me to explore how various nations function and it is nothing short of a privilege to experience a foreign culture first-hand. Hospitality Macedonians are a friendly, hospitable people. I do not know how many times they have almost literally killed me with kindness. Indeed, I have often...