10th May - Greece Thessaloniki -> Skopje

Following the last nights disappointments, we were up early and after much nervous waiting, jumped aboard the bus for Skopje. We were again early to be on the safe side but this does involve an extra amount of worry as we are tapping our feet, every second dragging on wondering where the sodding bus is. We were not looking forward to the length of the bus ride, but were glad to be moving on all the same. Following the last nights disappointments, we were up early and after much nervous waiting, jumped aboard the bus for Skopje. We were again early to be on the safe side but this does involve an extra amount of worry as we are tapping our feet, every second dragging on wondering where the sodding bus is. We were not looking forward to the length of the bus ride, but were glad to be moving on all the same.

Leaving Thessaloniki bus Skojpe.

getFlash

Our fears about the bus ride were reinforced when the bus pulled off of a main road for seemingly no reason and just stopped. The driver and his colleagues got off and looked confused. After a little deliberation they made it back on the bus and headed off for a new improved route. Not much further and he bus slowed up to cross a gravel surfaced bridge. After excruciatingly slow progress over the gravel, it again pulled over in the middle of nowhere. This time however, our passports were summoned and whisked away. We were to follow shortly and it turned out to be a train station around the border to Macedonia. It was most confusing as there were only a few of us and even the local looking people seemed bewildered themselves. After a short wait, all was fine and we were ushered onto the train for the remainder of the journey to Skopje. Chris had to rush back to the bus as we had left a few items on there, assuming that the bus would continue. Luckily we had plenty of time before the train left so all items still intact.

Thessaloniki bus driver gets lost.

getFlash

Macedonia Border.

getFlash

This train was similar to the decrepit one from the day before except that it had an engine. It shared the lack of safety though, as the back of the train was just openable doors as per any carriage, so you could open them and jump out if you wished. We opted to stay on-board and waited out the Macedonia section.

Macedonia train to Skojpe.

getFlash

As we started to see Macedonian station names, it became clear that we were going to struggle here - their alphabet of choice is based upon Cyrillic, like Russia. In Greece, i had been able to work out lettering thanks to that Maths degree and all the Greek symbols that are used. For example, what looks like P is actually R... However, we had to start again here.

We arrived in Skopje early afternoon and we greeted by a very ugly station, mostly deserted and fairly run down. I had to help a man use an ATM but i think the real problem was that he didn't have any money because i got some fine - five grand! About 50 quid but it made me feel special.

Welcome to Macedonia - Skojpe

getFlash

Having got on the bus at 8.20 there was no time for breakfast. We rolled into Macedonia after 1 and were literally starving for food so we elected to use the station cafe. The menu was indecipherable s we stuck to the picture of a pizza and plucked out two random choices from the menu. It turned to be ham and mushroom which was fine although the yellow-ness of the mushroom was suspicious.

From the station we moved out and got a taxi to our hostel. The car was, well, an old model and hd clearly done a few miles in it's time. The doors might as well have been held on with string and the seatbelts in the back were disfunctional. The driver laughed this off and seemed to feel that it was a luxury for us to be free from the seatbelts. Not convinced. We pulled up outside a shack and were dubious that this was indeed the address we quoted the driver. Then again, the fare equated to 70p so might not be to the highest standard. As disaster appeared to be setting in again, a more explorative look found that our hostel was next door. Relief, pure relief. Especially since the driver swiftly departed, almost admitting guilt.

We were further relieved when the hostel owner displayed good English, a selection of beds and a clean bathroom - it even had a lock! Apparently in Eastern Europe, locks are not considered that important; some do not even seem to require being closeable! He also supplied a city map and reassured us that we were close to the centre.

Skojpe and plan update.

getFlash

Wandered in to have a look round and settle travel arrangements for tomorrow; our plan being to go to Lake Ohrid and then onto Tirana in Albania. Discovered the Square of Macedonia, Kamen Most (Stone Bridge), the Old Bazaar and a statue of Mother Teresa. Unbeknownst to us, Teresa was born in Macedonia so is probably their most famous export. The square was impressive as a space much like that in Thessaloniki but minus the YMCA band. Again, bars and cafes lined the square, and the river Varder which flows underneath Kamen Most.

We could not help but notice that there were an awful lot of people who should be at work just loafing about through the afternoon. They all seem reasonably affluent - well dressed, frequenting trendy bars - but none of them seem to work! The area resembled Mediterranean Europe and could do a hot spot in years to come with heat, cheap beer and a friendly outlook. The stereotype is found in the Old Bazaar, across the bridge, where stall after stall of absolute tat is on sale. Many sell exactly the same tat! We really cant understand how they wll stay afloat when nobody seemeed to be buying anything beyond kebabs.

Skojpe cafe scene and kid wanting money.

getFlash

We treated ourselves to a few beers - Skopsko (CkoTcko in Cyrillic)- and a steak with Macedonian salad. Food is fantastic and cheaply priced. For both of us to eat the steak meal and sink 4 beers it came to only 20 quid. What a bargain!

The only downside was the showing of Eurovision on a big screen but we managed to avoid listening to anything beyond Israel's entry. Rubbish.

Macedonia is definitely making a positive impression.

Skojpe Pub London.

getFlash

Skojpe Pub London lets get some steak.

getFlash

Skojpe Pub London Dinner.

getFlash