Sep 8, 2011

Worldwide travel Alert from Department of State

Worldwide Travel Alert
As we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Department of State informs U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad of the continued threat posed by al-Qa’ida and its affiliates. While we have not identified any specific threats from al-Qa’ida affiliates and allies to attack the United States or our interests on the 9/11 anniversary, U.S. citizens should be aware that al-Qa’ida affiliates and allies have demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks against the United States and our interests around the world. In the past, terrorist organizations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar. 

This Worldwide Travel Alert supplements the July 26, 2011, Worldwide Caution, and expires on January 2, 2012.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Worldwide Caution and other consular information, including Country Specific Information, for specific countries. These products and the latest international travel information for U.S. citizens are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The U.S. Embassy is located at ul. Samoilova 21, 1000 Skopje. The telephone number is (389) 2-310-2000, e-mail.

Happy Independence Day Macedonia!!!


I'm so loving this song right now!! 

I have two reasons to celebrate today.
1.  Today is Macedonia's Independence Day, and
2.  My sister is coming to visit me!!! 

Two more days until my other sister returns, then there will be three Bergey's in Macedonia!!! Yay!!!

Sep 7, 2011

Dailing International Land lines or Mobile Phones in Macedonia

The procedures for calling from inside and outside the country of Macedonia can be rather confusing.  After having issues trying to contact the US Embassy today, I asked my husband to explain this topic in detail.
 
If you wish to call a number within Macedonia from outside of Macedonia: 
For an example, we will use the US Embassy's phone number.
+389 2 310-2000
 Dial: (00 389 2 310-2000)  

+ = Equivalent to dialing 00
389 = Country code for Macedonia


If you wish to call a number in Macedonia from within Macedonia:
Delete 00389 or +389 and add a "0" before the number you wish to dial.
00-389- (0) 2-310-2000
Dial: 02-310-2000


For Land Lines Dial:
02- Land lines in Skopje
031- Land line in Kumanovo

For Mobile Numbers:
071, 071, 072 - T-Mobile cell numbers
075, 076 - One Operator Mobile numbers
077,078 - VIP Mobile Operator

Calling Cards:
OneSimCard International SIM Card for 200 Countries with $10 Credit 
National Geographic Talk Abroad SIM,1070 International SIM Card
LG KP500 Cookie Unlocked Phone with 3.2 MP Camera and Digital Media Player--International 

International Phone & SIM Cards:
T-Mobile USA (Tmobile T Mobile) SIM Card and Prepaid Activation Kit
Nokia X2 Prepaid Phone (T-Mobile)

OneSimCard International SIM Card for 200 Countries with $10 Credit

Sep 6, 2011

Wedding Veil purchased from "Silver"

I finally purchased my veil.  I've had my gown for over a year, but I waited or procrastinated to purchase this.  Good thing I did, the veils are super inexpensive in Macedonia.  I wish I could say the same for wedding gowns, but they are about the same as the States.  I purchased a hand made two tier veil, finger length, for only $12.  It looks very similar to the picture.

However, this veil retails at David's Bridal for $189.  Some things are so inexpensive here!!!  I don't normally shout out customer service from stores in the Bulkan's, but this place was very special.  The Bridal store is named "Silver", and it is located in Kumanovo across from Rafael's Bakery.  The woman that made my veil was so sweet and helpful.  She made my veil in less than a couple hours.

I had visited two other Bridal stores and was very dissatisfied with the service & cleanliness of the floor.  The first location had very dirty floors covered with dust and dirt.  And the second location refused to make a veil for me if I didn't purchase my wedding gown from the same location.  In addition, the workers in the second location were so rude, they didn't even speak to me for the first five minutes upon my entering the store, and refused to turn to face me when they did decide to speak.  Both of these two stores were located across from My Market on Boulevard, in Kumanovo.  A word of advice, do NOT go to these locations.

I would recommend to anyone that is interested in purchasing Bridal gowns or accessories to head to Silver for exceptional service and quality.

Sep 5, 2011

I went with "ski"

After much thought, I decided that my last name would end in "ski" rather than "ska".  Yeah, I know the consequences of Macedonians thinking I am a man.  But I've been American for 29 years, I don't want to change my tradition of taking my husbands last name.  It's what I've always wanted.  It was kind of funny that during the civil ceremony when the officiant asked me what I wanted my married name to be, my father-in-law started to say.."ska", but my husband promptly interrupted with Karastojanovski.  And so it is, Jennifer Lynn Karastojanovki...