Spain Newspaper

(1) Spain’s Economy Uplift Offers Hope For Faster EU Recovery

Once the representation of Europe’s stagnant economy, Spain has been inducing a high rise in its financial growth. Rebounding consumer spendings are overpowering the country’s national debt and further symbolizing hope for a broader Euro area recovery. Well above the European average of 1.6%, said country’s economy expanded 3.2% in 2015 and is expected to escalate this year. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Spain’s economy will grow at a rate higher than 2.6% in 2016. The country has been encountering deep financial crisis for the past few decades, its situation reaching its abyss in the 2008 global economy drop. Spain stands fifth in world’s unemployment rate at over 50%, and without a functioning and proactive government, had been miring in its economic procession. In recent months, however, a solid rebound in sales and tourism is allowing Spain to slightly stabilize and offering high talks on the impending recovery of its collective economy.

(2) Spain Deploys Maritime Rescue Services

Reporters in Madrid confirmed the Spanish maritime rescue services’ execution of efforts to rebound lives at sea. The Spanish Navy partook in the search for the vessel carrying refugees from Africa to Europe. The deployment of ships and aircrafts had been searching for a migrant boats in the southern Mediterranean Sea on April 16, 2016. Rescuers recovered 76 migrants, including 22 on a Mediterranean island and 54 more atop a boat at sea. This endeavor is neither the first nor the last on Spain’s agenda in this regard; thousands of migrants attempt journeys to Spain each year, flocking from Africa or the Middle East. The migrant crisis induced by various factors all over the African and Eurasia continent is of the utmost direst concern that commands immediate attention and solutions sustained by the global community.

(3) Water- borne Gastroenteritis outbreak affects 670

Gastroenteritis, or the inflammation of the stomach and intestine that results in viral infection and vomiting symptoms, erupted in the northeastern region of Catalonia on April 16, 2016. Around 678 Spaniards have been affected by this infection linked to unsanitary bottled water. Officials tested that the infected have been treated against the high rise of contamination. Catalonia’s regional health agency further stated that scientific samples are being authorized against the withdraw from retail, or grocery, outlets. The bottled water company Grupo Eden Springs denied association or cause of the outbreak in a statement from Font d’Arinsal near Barcelona.

Spain Journal

One of the most notable countries in the world’s past and present, Spain reigns over the majority of others in the scope of sports. Since young, I had always been a keen sports fan, stressing the importance of keeping track of the ongoing statistics for baseball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. My mom always cut snippets of sports news from the newspaper for me; my dad always called me over whenever the television is broadcasting a sporting event; I even created a small blog of sports updates a few years ago. How excited was I when we arrived at this jewel of sports? To be able to visit this headline authority in one of my most passionate hobbies is truly a dream come true. Frequently mentioned teams tend to originate from Spain, including basketball, tennis, cycling, golf, and soccer. Though Spain excels in its diverse range of sports, the country’s most remarkable one is football. Since the latter part of the 20th century, football has dominated the throne of Spanish sports. Spaniards consider it a way of life- they ‘eat, drink, and breathe soccer’ (http://maggiemaddy.weebly.com/sports.html). Spanish teams flounce the world charts to top the standings and freshen their records. Noteworthy teams include La Liga, Real Madrid, and the Futbol Club (FC) Barcelona. Out of these striking potential, FC Barcelona represents the domination of Spanish sports. The grandeur of this team is phenomenal: occupying five European Cups and three FIFA World Cups among many other honors. The team hones some of the best world talents in history, presently including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luis Suárez. This asset definitely contributes to the striking treasures Spain bears, and is just among the many reasons it is such a diverse and culturally acute nation.
It was a blur of the facades of churches, historical sites, and tall buildings denoting Spanish Catholicism’s role in life today. Towering centers of churches, both ancient and contemporary, are still preoccupied in my mind as the tip of my pen hovers over the paper. Once a world power and inspiration in religion, the dynamics of Spain have been fading in the last few decades. Standing for centuries’ worth of rule, the Catholic church is losing command due to both the mass waves of migrants and Europe’s ever-growing secular attitudes. Times ago, Spain established the splendour of their state religion with multiple churches and cathedrals. Though the nation has a wealth of these historic architecture, its actions and campaigns for preservation have been ineffective to render these buildings in desperate need of restoration. Including the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most holy places in Spain and a place of pilgrimage since the ninth century, these ancient churches have been unattended for a duration of time. This loss of concentrated faith is a sad fact in the linings of Spain. I had been excited to visit this renowned state of orthodox religion exemplary in the world. Today, I only witnessed the fading yet magnificent churches of the past with a decline in the attendants to the Mass. There had traditionally been close relations between the nation and the Catholic church. However, many factors contributed to enable Spain a secular country; the Catholic Church has lost tremendous authority and influence since the past few decades. Further catalysts have been allowing legislation contrary to the church’s teaching to pass. The recent refugee crisis and immigration enabled Islam to rise up to a catch behind Catholicism. 68% of the nation claims Christian Catholic, though a lesser percentage denotes those who are as devout as those of centuries ago. Spanish religion was a pivotal component in making the country such a unique one; restoration and renewed faith, even in differing religion, would be a huge benefactor to enable Spain its glory and sublime culture.
Spain is definitely one of a kind when conversing its holidays and traditions. At home, I would always fantasize over the huge skirts Spanish women wear, the catchy music the radio occasionally blares, and many other festivities hosted and indigenous to the country. Among numerous others, the most appealing one to me was Las Hogueras de San Juan, or the Bonfires of Saint John. Uncommon elsewhere, this nation-wide holiday is celebrated in the city Alicante. Denoted as somewhat extravagant, attending this annual holiday for the past week was phenomenal. The sights and shouts and savory of the fiesta are inextricable in my mind. This holiday originated in 1928, and had thus achieved world-wide recognition for both Spain and this autochthonous festival. Opening on the midnight of the summer solstice, the festival commenced by lighting up dynamic bonfires

image source: https://www.zhinsta.com/profile/26717026/

constructed of elaborate wood and paper maché. These mad bonfires are the physical representation of Spain’s festive strength, and also the most significant part of the Hogueras. It is of tradition for participants to leap over these fires as a symbolic protection against illness. Despite this, I hadn’t the courage to jump over them today; the flames were literally licking the sky! On the opening night, sumptuous fireworks dominated the skyline above the picturesque castle of Santa Barbara just above the bay of Alicante.  As the festivities wore on for nights, parties provided rocket blasts, balloons, parades, and daily fireworks at midnight. In addition, an annual tradition to select the next Belleza del Fuego, or Beauty of the Fire, ensued in search for the reigning queen of the festivals. The Hogueras is only one of the multitude of vibrant holidays Spain hosts. It was certainly an inspirational and frenzied experience attending it for the past week, and definitely provided me a lifetime of singing, dancing, fires, and smoke!

journal by: Sunni Lin

Spain Postcard

Palacio Real de Madrid
www.expedia.com 

Dear Family,

Hola mamá y papá! ¿Cómo estás? Right now, Sunni and I are exploring our last stop, España!!! Everything here is very different from Taiwan. From the beautiful spoken language to the delicious and amazing cuisines. Today, we went to visit the famous Palacio Real de Madrid. It is one of the most remarkable palaces in Europe! I'm so glad that Sunni and I get to see it! The guided tour was great as well! She told us and the crowd lots of interesting facts about the palace. She also said that it used to be a fortress. But during the Christmas Eve of 1734, it got burned down. That was when the king of Spain at that time, King Philip V, decided to build a palace instead of rebuilding the fortress. The great Palace is made of granite and limestone to make it fireproof! Isn't that smart!!! The palace was constructed in 1938 and it took twenty-six years to finish. But that's not all, the beautiful rooms inside the palace took one hundred years to finish decorating. The tour guide also guided us to see the Salón del Trono, which is the Throne Room. That room was probably my favorite room out of all the room because it had Tiepolo ceiling and the walls were the color of crimson velvet. Oh, I just wish you could see these amazing and dazzling rooms. Well, I will see you soon after Sunni and I eat another yummy plate of paella!!! And did I mention that Spanish food is so delicious? ¡Hasta luego!

Love From,

Yiping Tseng

P.S. If you don't understand any Spanish in this postcard, you can translate it with google translate!

San Marino Newspaper

(1) "San Marino. Operation of the Guardia di Finanza: the Congress of State further reaffirms the need for political debate than unjustifiably discriminatory action against us"

During the meeting of the State Congress, they have paid more attention to the story of Guardia di Finanza which is affecting the investigation of "Ivory Tower." It is a large number of people who has an economic relationship with Republic of San Marino during 2009 to 2014.  It has a negative impact in San Marino in environmental serenity as it goes through a journey on real life actions. These actions are unsustainable and unacceptable. It is also bad for the economy and reputational cost which made it even more insulting to the international community in San Marino. Italy has already offered confrontation on the technical plan while recognizing it. Of course, the State Congress is considering it as essential to reaching a political clarification to be quick.

(2) "San Marino. Declaration of the Ministers of the Council of Europe"

On April 12th, 2016, an approval of final declaration ended the 25th Conference of Minister of Education of the Council of Europe. The countries part of the declaration highlighted needs to strengthen the democratic citizenship, which is currently active, through their whole life. Also to preventing violent extremism that might jeopardize modern European democratic values. This is the reason why the Council of Europe has prepared a framework for democratic culture. The democratic culture is what a city must have in order to be part of the democratic citizenship path. Though it is very hard to do this job and school can not do as much, it could still be a leading role for the future citizen. These changes can enhance human rights and to have a better and active democracy.

(3) "San Marino. Lice in elementary school Acquaviva"

A pupil's parent of Acquaviva Elementary School has found lice on the son's scalp. The parent reported it to the school the coordinator. After hearing the report, the headmaster of the school told them that they have the right to prevent and also control the cases of lice that can release a plague of lice. This was part of a detailed brochure from a hospital of the primary State of San Marino. The brochure was written me a chief of a hospital to inform parents about head lice in school. Head lice are common in the school in San Marino, this is why they have brochures and leaflets about it for the parents.

San Marino Postcard

Guaita Fortress

Dear Family,

How are you? I miss you guys so much!! Everything here is going great if you're wondering. Right now, Sunni and I are in San Marino. This is one of the smallest country I've been to. It's only 61.2 km squared!! Despite its small area, we still had a lovely time exploring San Marino. Today, we went to visit Guaita Fortress. It is the oldest of the three towers surrounding San Marino. This tower was built magnificent peak of Monte Titano and because it has been built for more than 10 centuries, it is a very popular tourist attraction. When we were walking up the hill to see the tower, there were so many people surrounding us who also wants to see the tower. Of course, we didn't explore the whole tower alone. There was a tour guide and he guided us while telling us many facts about the castle. The most surprising fact for me was the rooms inside the tower. There were pretty rooms in the tower but it said to be more like a prison! A lot of people died in the rooms during the Dark Period. You guys should definitely visit San Marino next time! It'd be a bummer if you can't see the pretty prisons in the tower!

Love,

Yiping Tseng

Image site: en.wikipedia.org

San Marino Journal

Standing strong within the swirls and evolution of history, San Marino has retained its novelty and prosperity since its establishment as a republic in A.D. 301. Looking around, I marveled at how this tiny state made it this big on the global platform: who commandeered these initiations and how the generations of competent Sammarinese cherished and upheld these attainments. It was truly inspirational and eye-opening! Withstanding the bloodstained battles and phases of Italy, the enclave exemplifies utmost perseverance and endurance. Commanding enthralling views and enigma, this third smallest country in Europe exists as an ancient conventual state unique and special in the global community.

        One of San Marino’s most notable assets is its prosperity in the financial sector. The economic body exemplifies that of the most developed countries in Europe, and further commands authority and stability for the nation. Despite its tremendously small size, San Marino stands tall with its fifteenth highest GDP per capita in the world. The country’s economy relies heavily on the tourism industry, in addition to banking and the manufacturing of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. Directing an economy largely dependent on Italy’s demands, San Marino has more or less been affected by the global financial decline. Even with these difficulties in the banking sector, recent global economic downturn, and downfall in marketing prices, however, the country had adopted measures to counter these trends. Effectively implementing their proposals, San Marino administered enactions such as subsidizing credit to businesses and striving to shift its growth model away from a heavy reliance on bank and tax relations. These once again emphasized the nation’s ability to cope with even the most direst situations, and correlates to the fact how San Marino does not issue any national debt and continues to prevail on the global stage to date. Touring this tiny state where the number of vehicles exceeds the population really accentuated the world’s capability to target and solve swiftly difficulties, while further stressing the importance of the cause and effect of tenacity and accomplishment.

        As Yiping and I meandered through the crowded yet neat streets of San Marino, the buildings enclosed around us certainly exemplified the best of Medieval architecture with a mix of a modern feel to it. Built around a mere 61.5 km², San Marino winds its poise up Mount Titano with its ancient historical center at its peak. Made entirely of stone, the nation’s buildings are a brew of contemporary architecture and ancient modifications known for its narrow cobblestone streets and stone, brick, and tiles. This Medieval, Renaissance, and modern blend exudes a distinctive beauty to it. Dominant of the Christian faith, a multitude of Catholic churches embellish the skyline of San Marino. Known for its rich history and devout religious attachment, the Basilica di San Marino is one of the most commendable Catholic churches represented in the country. Built in the neoclassical style, a fashion purely abiding by the classics of Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the mid- 18th century, it is one of the pioneers to initiate and erect this set of architecture in the nation. Dedicated to the founder of San Marino, the church further symbolizes staunchness of the Sammarinese. Other notable buildings in San Marino include the Church of St. Peter and Chiesa di San Pietro. It was truly insightful gazing and exploring these ancient churches and architecture that corresponds the historic past to the contemporary present!

Besides the usual fantasy of cuisine, amiable locals, and breathtaking scenery, a commentable and interesting denotation of San Marino is its two predominant languages: Italian and Romagnol. 83% of the population speak the latter Sammarinese dialect, though Italian is intermingled and standardized with their words and phrases of everyday enunciation. Both characterized as Romance languages, Italian and Romagnol are the primary languages the Sammarinese speak in daily encounters. Recognized as the official language of San Marino, Italian signifies both the country's close relations with Italy and the proliferation of the language. Despite this, however, San Marino dialects are still spoken and in direst concerns of disappearing. Dormant in its development, they are being publicly used less and less through trivial friendly interchanges between locals and the indigenous. Preserving the deeds and historical roots of every country is crucial to its perseverance, endurance, and dedication. Through these observations of San Marino's old age and rarity of the preservations, it is imperative for the world to lend a helping hand to hone and nurture styles indigenous to countries for the world to experience cosmopolitan journeys unlike any other.

Journal By: Sunni Lin

Scotland Journal

We're have arrived at our next stop, SCOTLAND!!! It is one of the most beautiful places we've been to. Since we were both so hungry after the flight to here, we decided to eat some of Scotland's famous cuisines, and then explore the country. While waiting for our food at a traditional Scottish restaurant, I looked at my brochure about food in Scotland, that I got at the airport. It said that the Vikings were the ones who brought the method of 'smoking' AND 'salting' to Scotland. These methods became very popular here!! That explained why the smoke salmon I ordered was so delicious. Scottish food is also very healthy because of the great soil they have for farming. For the main course, we ordered haggis. Haggis is a super duper famous Scottish cuisine and it is made of the innards of a sheep. Though it did taste quite good, I still wished that I didn't know what it was made of.

Next, we went to the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums. It had many alluring artworks by Louise Hopkins. Louise's amazing artworks are made of fabrics, music scores, pages from comics and magazines since 1990. Her artworks are made to represent the problems and process of representation, which is the portrayal of an object or a person in the art. After our visit from the museum, we had a nice stroll on the street. We saw many people who were playing Scottish folk music on the street. One of the street performers was playing an instrument called a bagpipe. A bagpipe is an instrument with reed pipes. The sounds are made by the pressure from the wind when being pushed or squeezed by the arm. The street performer told us "did you know, bagpipes are one of Scotland's OLDEST instrument?" Of course, we knew that already because we were good kids and did some research before we came here!! :)

The Beautiful Scenery of Scotland!!! 

The last amazing place we went to today was the Scotland's government building. Though we weren't allowed to go into the building, the outside of it was pretty cool. We also learned much information about the government in Scotland. Since 1999, Scotland has been governing successfully for ten years. Also, despite the small population in Scotland, which is only around five million people, they are very proud of their nation identity! This is quite amazing to hear because the population is so tiny. Although the Scottish National Party, also known as the SNP, in the Scottish Parliament has agreed to vote on a full independence from the British Government in 2014, the vote was 55% to remain with the British and the other 45%, which voted for independence.  So I guess they will stay with the Union. Our travel to Scotland was great! The government part was very fun to learn about because I wouldn't have know that Scotland's population is quite small. We can't wait to go to the next country! Well, I guess I will see you, journal, in our next entry.

image source - coolerlifestyle.com

Scotland Newspaper

(1) "Fishermen in Western Isles boat tragedy tried to swim"

After a fishing boat with four fishermen on board sank in the Mingulay on Saturday morning, it left them in danger in the sea. Two fishermen decided to swim to a shore where they could see, but unfortunately, one of the two drifted away while swimming and got lost. Though one of the four fishermen were found safe, there other two were found dead. One of them is yet, still missing. The one who was found alive was rescued by Louisa boat. The search of the missing man was still continuing on Sunday. Police Scotland is still investigating in order to know what caused this terrible event.

(2) "Councils across Scotland urged to check school safety"

The Oxgang Primary destruction wall after the storm.
(home.bt.com)

In Edinburgh, there was a closure of a total of seventeen schools. Currently, there are about nine thousand children who cannot attend school to learn because of this issue. The issue was because of how stable the structure of the building is built. One school, the Oxgangs Primary, was badly damaged by the Storm Gertrude. One of the walls collapsed after the huge wind. After the destruction made by storm, many other schools that were constructed by the same finance are also afraid of the risk the children will have while in school. The ones who constructed the buildings, Edinburgh Schools Partnership, was also unconfident about the school buildings that were built by the Public Private Partnership 1 would be safe. Luke McCullough, the chairman of the school, Royal High School's Parent Council is making sure to prioritise how the council will resolve this situation.


(3) "'Cancer saved my life': Dunblane schoolboy diagnosed with leukaemia says disease stopped him dying at hand of gunman"

Matthew Dow, a Dunblane massacre victim, told his story about how he diagnosed with leukaemia save his life from the gunman, who killed his teacher along with sixteen of his friends. Matthew Dow is currently twenty-six years old and told his story of how he survived the terrible incident. He said that because he was in the hospital having chemotherapy at the time when unfortunate event of murder happened, it saved his life. He also included that the children that were killed were all ages between five or six. Though his parents were scared that the tragedy would lessen his hopes of recovering from leukaemia, he is now a healthy twenty-six-year-old and have overcome the awful childhood tragedy adversity.

Matthew Dow

(www.dailyrecord.co.uk)

Scotland Postcard

Dear Family,

Greetings from Scotland! Having left Macedonia a few days ago, Yiping and I have already cruised around in this lush and jagged countryside of Scotland for a duration of time. Oh, the wonderful food! The incomparable horizons of the Scottish Highlands! The dip and dunks of the valleys and lakes that rise up to concord a jewel unique to the country! And the concoction of the rich culture, pragmatic people, and luxurious buildings! I have never yet enjoyed a place as such on a wholly basis. Today, we went to one of the most prominent standing figures in history: the Edinburgh Castle. Standing imperiously atop a hill, the structure upholds the title of being Scotland’s national heritage and one of the most crucial strongholds in history. It was involved in many historical conflicts, from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It further served as a royal residence of the Scottish monarchs. As we roved around the historical architecture, we couldn’t help noticing the rich furniture that adorned the castles and generations’ worth of valuables such as the king’s throne and the royalty’s crown jewels. Notable factors of the Edinburgh Castle further include the Royal Palace, One O’Clock Gun, Half Moon Battery, and the Prisons of War. Touring around these fascinating assets of the Medieval Age was definitely worth the blooming blisters around my feet. As history denotes it by “the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world”, the Edinburgh Castle was truly one of the most memorable experiences of the trip most of us couldn’t experience in ten lifetimes.

Love,

Sunni

Image site: www.dromffe.top 

Macedonia Postcard

Dear Family,

How are you doing? Macedonia has been dominant for me and my friend; the spectacular treasures that it hone are truly commanding as they inch closer and closer to empowering our brains. Today, we visited the Mavrovo Lake in the Mavrovo National Park. As it was only a hundred kilometers from Skopje, it was an easy ride there. High talks about the lake had been circulating the bus as we cruised to the destination: its jagged mountain peaks, snowy caps, dense forests abounded with wildlife, deep canyons, vivid topography, and the highest waterfall in the entire Balkan region. It was only when we arrived there that the lake truly halted our steps: not only did all the prior speculations make sense, but the experience was overwhelming. In addition to the striking features, a half-submerged church stood imperiously at the foot of the lake. It had been flooded when a dam was built, and is now assimilated into the landmark of Macedonia. The Mavrovo lake bears no resemblance to any other lake in the world; it does well upholding its title of the largest artificial lake in the country. I couldn’t have been more blessed to have the chance to visit this beauty today. Writing to you, the picturesque lake is as vivid now in my head than ever before. I miss you all!

Love, 
Sunni Lin

www.tripadvisor.co.uk 

Macedonia Newspaper

(1) Macedonia Closes Borders Against Influx of Refugees

Photograph: Alexandros Avramidis/Reuters
(theguardian.com)

The Macedonia roadway system has served as a transit route for more than 500,000 refugees since August, 2015. Refugees have utilized these courses to access the Balkan trails and rest in these stopovers to seek a helping hand from Western Europe. However, Macedonia’s recent implementations to forcibly close their borders incited protests from the Greek officials and the mass inundation of refugees. These objections involve the refugees crossing the joint border with Greece in defiant provocation of Macedonia’s hostility and desperation to leave the pervading disease in northern Greece’s makeshift camps. Macedonia’s security officers reacted accordingly with forced repudiations and confrontations. To date, thousands of refugees remain stranded in the disease-ridden towns as the European Union continues to strive for efficient relocation and the provision of safe-routes for war-torn refugees.

(2) Internal Turmoil and Outrage: Prospective EU Membership?

Macedonia's recent political and economic crisis have incited feverish speculations of European Union (EU) membership and further interior conflict. The numerous provocations from paramilitary forces have killed dozens of security officers and citizens to date. Western forces are questioning the capabilities of Macedonia in consideration for EU Membership; government leaders have been unproductive in stemming protests and oppositions from various ethnicities and parties. Analysts say that these social phenomenons do not pose a positive outlook for Europe; talks to install peace and halt the escalation in tensions have failed in a multitude of trials. “The EU has got to take a stand on what’s happening in Skopje. This scandal has been going on for far too long and the government has not been transparent enough about anything,” said Judy Dempsey, senior associate at Carnegie Europe. It is imperative for the governing body and the collective citizens to act in accordance and collaboration to ensure stability and prosperity to the country.

- image source: https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0IgrxMoqNTRcl0W40qUZLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9ODAwO2lsPXBsYW5l/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/afp.com/Part-PAR-Par8169701-1-1-0.jpg

(3) EU-Brokered Parliamentary Elections To Face Imminent Boycott

The global community's constant emphasis on the well-being of Macedonia continues to showcase through their speculation of the country's government. Its political status has been unstable for decades, escalating last February when opposition parties confirmed the prime minister’s corrupted lead. Despite how the European Union (EU) and the United States initiated a set of parliamentary elections to be held on April 24, 2016, arising objections forced the prospective transition to be executed in June. The EU and the US formerly subjected an assessment of how this election is to wipe the slate clean of the biased electoral roll and institute media reforms in which the government has influenced so greatly. However, the primary opposition group issued declarations on boycotting the elections: "In the name of democracy, the SDSM (Social Democratic Union) will not take part in these fake elections," [the leader of the SDSM] told reporters. "We call on all citizens, students, farmers and people of all ethnicities and religions to stand (together) in defence of democracy." They are unhappy with the Macedonian government’s alleged illegal surveillance of citizens, meddling with the media and justice court, and corruption in elections and employment directions. This spurn compromises the delicate parliamentary democracy in Macedonia and further contributes to the political deadlock and stagnation in the country.

article by: Sunni Lin

Macedonia Journal

Mavorovo National Park

               (commons.wikimedia.org)

Today’s adventure in Macedonia was wonderful! We first visited Tikves Winery. A place where heavenly wines are made during the Roman Times and had been a tradition since then. We wanted to try one of their aging premium wines that were made and crafted since 1885, but it was way too expensive. So we decided to drink one of their famous red wine. We took a sip and was absolutely delicious. The unique scent of the red wine was very different from the red wines we had in Taiwan. After that, we went a fashion shop which had traditional Macedonian clothing. The store was filled with many different types of accessory. The shop owner was very nice and asked us if we would like to try the traditional clothes. Of course, our answer was yes. :) They then gave us two traditional women’s clothing which had a headscarf, ankle-length dresses, a linen shirt in white, head scarf and a pojas, a wide belt made of cloth. They also gave us an apron that was wider than normal ones. We tried it on and we look fabulous! The men’s clothing was a vest and pants. They also had a linen shirt and a pojas as well. For the shoes, we wore opinci, a leather slipper with a tip that is curved. It was an AMAZING experience to get to try on traditional Macedonian clothing!

Next, we went to visit one of Macedonia’s school to learn about their education system. Their primary school is divided into two parts. Primary and Upper primary. Their primary school lasts for eight years in total, from age 7 to 15. One of the uniqueness of Macedonia's school system was the grading system. The grading system is on a five-point scale, with five as ‘excellent.’ It is very different from Taiwan because Taiwanese schools use the five letter grade! Their secondary school is for four years, for age 15 to 19. We also learned that the students need to pass a final examination, during their fourth year of secondary school, in order to receive their diplomas. The schools in Macedonia was quite a surprise for us! Especially the grading system.

To wrap up our amazing day in Macedonia, we went to our last destination. Mavrovo National Park. The tour guide told us that the park was 730 square km, and consist of pine forest, waterfalls and also Mt. Korab, Macedonia’s highest peak which is 2764 meters. He also said that the Mavrovo National Park is one of Europe’s oldest national park. During the tour guide, we did not only learn about the national park but also about Macedonia’s value and ideals. The tour guide told us that Macedonians value education and that their ideals include many religious rights. One of the rights was their freedom was equal. It doesn’t matter whether the color of their skins or their social status is different. The tour guide also told us that Macedonia only gained independence in 1991 from Yugoslavia. Today was a fantastic day! We had so much fun trying on traditional clothing and seeing the beautiful Mavrovo National Park. I hope the next country we are traveling to will be just as fun.

Journal By: Yiping

About Us

Hi guys!! We are Sunni Lin and Yiping Tseng from Hsinchu, Taiwan. It is an absolute honor to partake in this journey around Europe. We are keen to discover the multitude of culture circling the European community. We will be traveling to Macedonia, San Marino, Scotland, and Spain while blogging each and every one of our fruitful experiences for our peers to embrace the wonders of the three S’s and M.

The countless movies we watched have truly inspired and piqued our interest in the art of exploring. From special cuisines to breathtaking architectures, the many insights we have acquired really brought us to the point of traveling the uniqueness of each country. In this blog, we will encompass everything from the different types of culture to the beautiful sceneries each country hone. We hope that your first visit to the blog will be the pioneer of numerous clicks and scrolls. We look forward to reading your comments and spreading the love of Europe!