The Re-gathering of the Master of European Studies Gang

In the present day (February, 17 2007), in Skopje, in the very heart of the charming Balkans, I have had that exquisite (phrase copyrighted by Angie) opportunity to share a dose of caffeine and a scandalously (this one by Zoc) intellectual chat with Comrade Zoran Ilievski and Mademoiselle Marija Dzabirova.

By the way, its me Eddie in case you have forgotten (I am aware that now when we are de facto academics, “being senile” is a truly normal thing)

Nonetheless, let me resume with the story about the reunification of the Macedonian Master of European Studies “gang” (As Prof. Marko nicely stated).

Awkwardly, last night I received a late night call by Zoc (which is quite surprising, having in mind that he himself has become quite “cocky” after the smashing speech he has delivered in Graz).

Zoc said Hi, I Hi-ed back.

Zoc: I have supplementary documents for you, sealed with a kiss by Emma. Lets meet up, so I can give ‘em to you and we have a chat?

Eddie: I’ll come to pick up the kisses.

Wimbledon silence.

Zoc. After MEIR you surely know how to prioritize.

Eddie. And you have become even more eloquent and brainy.

Pause and than the unique long-lasting acoustic grin by Zoc.

Zoc: You give me a call tomorrow.

Eddie. Done deal.

As agreed we met in front of the Mother Theresa monument at 1 p.m. sharp. Zoc was punctual as always. No academic 15 minutes. When I saw him, I joyfully concluded, “The bastard got rid of few kilos”, which is not my case. His smile was there and his elegance into full potential. I was terribly glad to see him again, after his departure for the Graz graduation ceremony. Let’s go to T-Club, we unanimously decided, as we were doing during the studies. I remember that we were having a tea there, when he was creatively presenting to me the modalities how to reach Graz in the cheapest manner. (Being an MA candidate is surely a luxury right?). Unfortunately, although scientifically and practically justified I was not in position to apply any of his wise advices. I have had, again unfortunately, profoundly justified reasons to stay home by my family, when they needed me the most. Instead of seeing you all in Austria I unwillingly stayed at home, deprived of your smiles, your hugs and your shining appearances. In addition, three Monkeys pub, Frankfuter Plaz, “Schnicl”, “Grosse bier” “Wurst mit kartoffen”, yeah right, some other time.

Nevertheless, we shook hands, hugged & kissed…as prescribed in the Balkan customary legal system and we decided to call the local (and to be, at least regional) superstar, MA and BAR degree holder, Ministry of Justice high official – her holiness Marija Dzabirova herself.

In a blink of an eye, she appeared on her brand new classy wheels, and it could be easily noticed that she was thrilled by seeing us, her two massive bodyguards.

The feeling was truly mutual. Instantly, we have established a” joint position”. While walking, Zoc hilariously stated that…when he sees Marija, he feels like he is abroad. And he is always happy when he is abroad. Grin and joint position numero due. He sadly stated that they have seen each-other in Skopje only twice. I nodded. That’s indisputably tragic. I am seeing her quite often. Inter-institutional collaboration must be the reason. Or the Skopje night life maybe. She disputed the second theory of mine by telling that she is not the party beast she used to be. She has become even greater bureaucrat that the biggest bureaucrat in Estonia and in the whole Baltic region. The “system” took its toll.

We “positioned” ourselves in one fancy place…Marija ordered coffee, I naturally had Jegermeister (best thing after “the hair of the dog”), Zoc too (associated by a cupcake naturally). I had a sip of the Jegermeister and I thought of one famous quote presented to me by my truly Balkanized Luxembourgian colleague from Hungary, originally coming from Southern California, Mr. Andrew Haupert. When studying hard, he occasionally had problems with his tummy and therefore he was occasionally having Underberg - der natürliche Kräuter-Digestif. When I asked him, does he, as huge Underberg fan, prefer Jagermeister, he wisely responded “Jagermeister is what you give to your seven years old daughter”. I have always smiled at that one. Afterwards, while refreshing our memory, we smiled we cheered. I felt good. Damn I miss all those personalities. I asked Zoc, does anyone know where is Mr. Chinar Mammad, the Master of the Modeling Industry from Azerbaijan who used to live in Milano. Zoc simply replied. No.

I am really eager to find out which is his current destination. Lago di Como maybe? Who knows?

I also found out (incidentally), that the “hands of MEIR” Sergiu have had a spectacular performance in Graz, and that the wedding bells are about to be heard, here in the hood, right next door in PristinaJ I am really happy about that magnificent couple Gresa and Trim. I said to myself, Gresa surely knows how to prioritize after MEIR. I am also delighted that Gresa has kept her pace of unselfishness, and that she plans to reunify the MEIR generation, by inviting us at the official signing of the imprisonment decree (Without doing anything against the law. Gresa is a die hard Gandhi follower)J.

So, let Pristina be out next destination, our next Bolzano, Graz, Luxembourg, our next Barcelona…

After this day, after a day like this..I am really eager to meet you all guys.

Salutations,

Eddie