Last weekend my daughter and I arrived in Kocani, the house was finally completed. Bathrooms and the kitchen were ready, the furniture had arrived and all was left was to equip the house to make it livable.

Roseanne and I had the wonderful task of going shopping! 

Johan quickly showed us a shop (yes one!) where we could choose our wares from. We had a long list from garden furniture to bins and from paddling pool (granddaughter was visiting next week!) to brooms. We piled up trolley’s full of goods, the shop assistant, who spoke not one word of English (and we two words of Macedonian – Dubro en Vino) was very obliging and ensured there was always another empty trolley awaiting us when ours was full.

We had nearly exhausted our list when we were presented with a young girl who spoke English. She assured us she didn’t know where anything was as she worked in the finance department but was able to translate for us. We took welcome advantage of her expertise!

We finally make it to the checkout where everything was piled high and bagged up (its plastic bag heaven here – will come to that later!) I took out my credit card and looked at the array of pin machines and think… uh huh?

The young girl suggests they give us the bill and we transfer the money to them. Hmmm maybe the best idea I think.

Roseanne and I are thinking, all well and good but how on earth do we get this all to the house. No worries, we are assured everything will be delivered within an hour. We look at each other in amazement and think okay lets go!

Within an hour the garden furniture was in place. Wow! And we could start unpacking the rest.

P.s The house is completed. The garden is a wilderness. Its always good to have another challenge in life is Johan’s answer.