Meeting Macedonia

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Meeting Macedonia

 Europe » Macedonia FYR » Skopje By TheKeiths
March 28th 2007
Alana and Bryan Keith After yet another overnight, “sleepless” train to Thessaloniki and a 5-hour train ride through the Macedonian countryside, we finally arrived in Skopje, the capital city. Macedonia is a relatively new country, having just received its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. The old communist grasp could still be felt throughout the city, as there was an overall heaviness in the air - lots of gray buildings, gray skies, gray clothes, gray faces. But the dogs were friendly, and we enjoyed our brief visit to Skopje. On the second day, we took a taxi to Lake Matka, a beautiful artificial lake built by the damming of the River Treska. That afternoon, we were supposed to take a train back to Thessaloniki to catch an overnight train to Athens, BUT our train from Skopje didn't show up! We ended up having to hire a taxi to take us to the Macedonian border, then meet up with another taxi to take us on to the Thessaloniki train station. Apparently this happens often, which would explain the number of taxis in waiting. That was 100E we weren't planning on spending! Oh, well. At least we have the cool border-crossing-by-car stamp in our passports!

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Photos

Kamen Most
This 15th century bridge, Kamen Most, connects the old and new towns divided by the Vardar river.

Duad Pasa Baths
Once the largest Turkish Baths in the Balkans, the Duad Pasa Baths (1466) are now the City Art Museum.

Trvdina Kale
11th century city fort. Notice the cross on the hilltop in the distance.

At Trvdina Kale
Us and Skopje

Skopje streets
Hungry, anyone?

Cairo restaurant
We just couldn't get away from Egypt...

Macedonian menu
Something must be lost in translation...

Dinner confusion
Betty was yearning for some mashed potatoes, and Al ordered a whole baked potato. Instead, the waiter brought spaghetti sauce and a plate of tomatoes. Tomato, potato, it all sounds the same in Macedonia!

Lake Matka
This beautiful, serene lake was a nice contrast to the busy, polluted city just 30 minutes away.

Lake Matka 2
Too bad there was no one around (but this yellow-coated fisherman) to take us out on one of these boats.

Lake Matka cat
This sweet kitty stayed with us the whole time we toured the lake.