Risto is Sanja's husband. We met him Thursday night at the restaurant, along with Sanja. Risto, like his wife, is a surgeon, but his specialty is pediatrics.

What struck me the most about Risto is what a fabulous host he is. Jillann and I didn't always know what the foods were or what to expect. Risto took care of us, and appeared to take great delight in the process. At the various restaurants, he either helped us order or -- more likely -- ordered for the table. The foods were always wonderful. Many of the restaurants serve family style, so Risto also would dish everyone's plate for them, making sure we all got to try all the goodies and pointing out when you would use a particular sauce with a particular dish.

Risto's English is not as good as Natasha's or Sanja's, but he manages to make his point -- sometimes asking his wife for help. When the concepts got to be too complex, Sanja would translate back and forth. But for the most part, Risto did okay.

Risto spent several days driving Jillann and I all over the place. He picked us up at the hotel, dropped us off at the hotel, took us to a variety of places, and even drove us out to Lake Ohrid. He put up with our shopping and other oddities.

Whenever we wandered to a church, Risto also bought candles, passing them out to each of us, then explained the custom.

Our trip to Macedonia was made deeply richer through his efforts. Thank you, Risto.