Empty Border Crossing

After the long wait at the border crossing last year, we decided to try a different one last May. This is the Florina crossing. It's close to Lake Ohrid, and as you can see in the photo, it was empty at midday on a holiday weekend. This worked out well for us, as we were going to Edessa.

 

Skopje Sunset

The cross and radio tower are visible from everywhere in Skopje. This is from the Hunter's Lodge parking lot.

 

Hunter's Lodge, Skopje

We went to Hunter's Lodge with the pod on a warm late winter day. The food was good as always, but as usual, the stew was best. So were the morel mushrooms. We had a very good time.

 

Marriott Breakfast

When we went last year, the Skopje Marriott had ... issues ... coping with COVID. This was breakfast. No buffet. We were in the junior suite, which gives access to the business lounge. No lounge. They neglected to say anything about the workarounds of dinner vouchers and so on. So disappointed.

 

Lunch In Skopje

Nearly a year ago we had lunch and wine tasting at Hunter's Lodge in Skopje. The wines were grown in the vineyards next door, and the brand was Kamnik. I ordered the stew. Mine tasted best.

 

Bits of the Square

What we saw of Macedonia outside of our hotel. Pretty autumn day.

 

Communist Burgers

The only place we really ate out at was Kolektiv, a burger bar on the square. It was okay, but very communist leaning. I have no idea how entrepreneurs end up with such an ideology. We had to sit outside, which made it a bit wet and windy.

 

Impromptu Charcuterie

Most restaurants were outdoor seating or take out. Those that were open at all. And it was rainy. What else to do but go to the grocery store and make our own charcuterie plate and play games in the hotel room?

 

Sad Marriott Breakfast

The Skopje Marriott during COVID is a sad place. The business lounge isn't open and they didn't give us any compensation for it being closed. Considering it was a large reason why we picked there, we weren't happy. On top of  that, breakfast was sad. No buffet to choose from. And just ... sad.

 

Gin And Tonic

Sometimes, after a long day touristing, you need a G&T. And you have a husband who buys everything for it.

 

Macedonian Band

We ended up in Skopje on Macedonian Independence Day. This band set up and played just outside the Marriott, which is on Alexander Square. It was weird.