The Night in Gero's Cave
I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Karen and Gary came here as Peace Corps Volunteers two years ago from America. Karen is sixty and Gary is sixty-three years old. They live in Zrnovci. In November they will return to America. Thanks to my organization I met Karen. Karen comes here voluntarily and gives English lessons to all EVS volunteers. After meeting with Karen, I met her husband, Gary. When I first met with Karen, same as when I first met Tihomir and Deni, I thought I'm really lucky. Karen and Gary are the perfect couple and I really admire their outlook on life.
Gary is a Mechanical Engineer which impressed me because I am a Mechanical Engineer too. I wondered, what their outlook on life might be. I thought the answer would not be too different from other older people. My personal opinion is Karen and Gary's life style is a life-style rare in humans.
On 6/26/2015, some EVS volunteers and I, went to Zrnovci. This was my second time to visit there. We walked in the mountain along the river to Gary`s Cave. Gary and his son, Ivan , had installed a Zipline nearby. Gary told me that he had slept in the Cave and had a great time. I decided immediately that I wanted to stay there also.
Do not postpone(delay) your dreams...
When time gets between you and your dreams, some things may have changed....
When I returned home I made a list of items that I would need.
Materials:
1) Candles (3 Pcs)
2) Lighters
3) Water Boiling Pot
4) Knife, Pocket Knife, Fork and Spoon
5) Pans and Casserole Dish
6) Extra food containers, Aluminum foil and Cup
7) Sausage, a loaf of bread, four onions, four potatoes, three peppers, two cucumbers, a
small amount of olives, a slice of white cheese, a little wheat, a little oil, a pack of dried
grapes, a pack of biscuits and a half kg plums
8) A Pullover, pajamas, long-sleeved shirt, T-shirt, a pair of shorts and slippers
I'm ready for camp :)
The taxi ride from Kocani to Zrnovci village is 10 minutes. I came to the village by taxi. When I arrived in the afternoon, the weather was very hot and I had to walk about 35-40 minutes to the cave. It was tiresome for me because I was fasting. But I did not give up :)
The goat told me ‘’ let`s take a selfie before the start’’:)
Zrnovci view ...
Then I started walking. I came to the cave after about 40 minutes
The outside view of the cave...
The inside view of the cave...
I gathered stones for the camp fire. I decided where the fire should be. I stacked rocks in a circle until I had a good, safe place to build a fire. Then on top of that structure I placed two thin, wide stones. I used one of the stones for my frying pan , I used another one for my stew pot. The important thing was to be able to put wood under the stones easily. Then I gathered some wood and broke it into small pieces .
Fireplace and my table :)
After finishing these preparations, I played a balancing game I saw on Facebook. The game involved putting rocks one on top of an other to build a tower. It was fun. Just at the moment when it was ok the next rock made the tower collapse. I was faced with the problem of balancing the stones. This event made me so angry, however, I was determined, so I did not give up. I made two towers, I was very happy when they were finished. .
I made only two :)
After they were finished I was very happy indeed :)
Then I was in this little paradise, which I associated with the Koran. I read the Koran, was grateful and contemplated nature, the river, life and everything that Allah ta'ala created....every good thing that
Since it was Ramadan I was fasting until sunset. I was so hungry my stomach growled and I could not think of anything but food, but I had more than two hours before Ramadan dinner. I found a rock which I used as a table, but I thought Gary had set it aside for a special purpose so I was very careful with it. It made a very nice table. I made a handle for a can in which to boil water.I got three candles, I put one on the table, used one as a torch and lastly, put one next to my bed.
Then I decided to make my bed before dark. Gary had made two storage boxes in the cave which doubled as beds or benches. He put his own equipment and clothes inside them. I took the mat and sleeping bag from underneath the boards and laid them out. Then I moved all my belongings next to the bed.
Doesn`t it look beautiful ? :)
Now let's get to the food chapter; I lit the fire at 19:00. I placed two potatoes and two onions wrapped in aluminum foil among the embers. At first I put a lot of wood into the fire. Because I needed embers. While the fire was lit, I began to prepare a stew. I did not know how to make stew. So I put everything in at one time. Respectively, oil, some onions, some peppers, some sausage, a little bulgur and tomatoes, and finally I added some water. Because I did not have a lid for the casserole dish, I covered it with alumium foil.
I lit the fire and attached the handle to the can :)
Stew preparations ...
I put potatoes and onions into the fire 40 minutes before Iftar (Ramadan Dinner). At the same time I put the casserole dish on the rocks near the fire. I made sausage and eggs and also put the can into the fire to boil the water.
It looks cool ...:)
Yes, it was time for iftar(Ramadan Dinner)! I attacked the eggs and sausage—they were really tasty! I cleaned the pan and immediately cooked the Sahur (night meal) with the left ower sausages.
No comment...:)
...
I was most curious about the stew. ... meanwhile, I felt fine sipping chamomile tea and relaxing. Then I placed the pan of sausages on the fire. I took the casserole from the fire. I could not believe that the stew had an excellent taste. But there was still something I forgot. "Garlic" I will not forget it at the next campover. Even without garlic, I was wonderfully happy. The food was really delicious...:)
Casseroleeeeeee...
Then I remove the cooked onions and potatoes from the fire. While waiting for them to cool the stew continued to cook. Sausages were cooked in the fire now and I packed them for Sahur (night meal).
The fire began to fade. The number of fireflies on the opposite side of the river began to rise. I think they welcomed me to this place. The candle on the table was like a big firefly. The fireflies constantly came to the table and climbed the candle and then flew away. A lot of fireflies came and went and I just had to watch.
When I opened the first aluminum foil onion I was so happy. Meanwhile, I realized at that moment I forgot salt. But in a strange happiness again I ate the onions, and potatoes. I brought myself sweet biscuits with raisins (EtiCiciBebe) and plums. When candles burned down the tea and biscuits were a super duo. When I ate the raisins and plums, I listened to the sound of the water and watched the fireflies on the opposite side ...
The air began to cool slightly. Then a few drops of rain and I went to the bed where I collected everything. After finishing the tea biscuits ... I felt drowsy after eating so much ...
Everywhere was pitch darkness, just dancing fireflies and the perfect sound of water... I decided to sleep and rest until 02:00 for Sahur.
I was really scared for a moment when I woke up. Everywhere was dark there were no fireflies, or I was not seeing them. Then I lit a candle nearby. I took what I prepared for Sahur After having listened to the sound of the water I ate the sausage, the bread and a little cucumber. I finished the remaining raisins. Then, after drinking the water, I went back to sleep. The weather was a little cold , but I had sweat in sleeping bag.
Near my bedside...
04:30 I woke up to the first rays of sunshine and the sound of birds. I watched until I fell asleep again. :)
The morning was... :)
At 7:30 I woke up again, I got up and walked a little. I walked along the edge of the stream.
LIFE IS A LONG WAY TO RUN ...
LIFE IS A GAME...
Then I went back and sat on the bed. This time, the sound of birds had ended , the sound of crickets began and I watched 3-4 leopard patterned butterflies enter the cave. I did not get very good pictures because they were in continuous motion
My best try ...:(
I found it on the edge of the creek :)
Your life style reflects your thoughts. Enjoy your life ... This was one more good experience in my life...
