NORTH MACEDONIA - THE BIRTHPLACE OF MOTHER TERESA
NORTH MACEDONIA - THE BIRTHPLACE OF MOTHER TERESA
I will begin by declaring my Love for Macedonia!!! I love you Makedonya!! The Republic of North Macedonia is in South-eastern Europe. It borders Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Kosovo, and its capital is Skopje. North Macedonia (pronounced MAKEDONYA by the locals) is a small but beautiful Balkan country. It is the perfect destination for anyone on a tight budget. The country is religiously tolerant because all religious bodies (Macedonian Christian Orthodox, Muslim, and Christian) coexist peacefully and harmoniously. North Macedonia was once part of the Ottoman Empire from 1493 to 1913. Moreover, it is the only country to have gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 without shedding blood. Additionally, North Macedonia has many historical sites, beautiful lakes and is home to some of the oldest ruins in the world. Oh… And most importantly, the locals see themselves only as Macedonians and not as North Macedonians. Please continue reading to learn more about North Macedonia – the birthplace of Mother Teresa.
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WHY ISN’T NORTH MACEDONIA A TOURIST HUB?!
North Macedonia is an underrated country. I think it should be one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. It is a hidden gem. Yes, the locals boast they receive many tourists during the summer, but in the over 70 countries visited, I have not previously met anyone who has been to Macedonia nor recommended it.
I was quite ecstatic to discover that Macedonia had a one-year (January to December 2022) short-term visa (Type C) waiver for all non-visa-free entry countries. However, to take advantage of it, you must have a USA, Canadian, or United Kingdom visa. Of course, I happily took advantage of this opportunity to visit and fell in love with Macedonia. Furthermore, I enjoyed and loved Macedonia so much that I modified my travel plans to revisit it a second time the following month.
It’s a pity I did not visit years ago had I known it is this peaceful, safe and beautiful, but the fact that I need a visa, and its inaccessibility is the main reason I did not. It is a bit of a drawback and a deterrent for many. Even worst, is its online unavailability and the lack of Macedonian embassies/consulates in most countries. Therefore, to apply for a visa, one must apply in the country with a Macedonian embassy closest to theirs. All this can be tedious and expensive.
From my research, the application requirements for a Macedonian visa are more rigid than an American or Canadian visa. It has its advantages and disadvantages. Yes, it will keep the undesirables out, but it is also an obstacle to those who want to visit for tourism.
MY ENTRY INTO & EXIT FROM NORTH MACEDONIA RECOUNT
My first visit to North Macedonia was via the bus service from Albania. This is because there are no flights between Albania and North Macedonia. In fact, there were other passengers travelling to Macedonia’s airport to exit the country because of limited flights from Albania. Using a bus is the longer way to enter, but very scenic.
The journey is a little over 8 hours. Moreover, entry is not automatic as you must visit border control (border police) similarly to if you are at the airport. Every transport carrying passengers must stop at the border and stand at the Immigration window for passport/visa checks, processing, and stamping before they allow you into the country. The duration of time at the border depends on the number of passengers to be processed. All passengers had to identify their luggage and open it for a quick search.
The male officer’s only question he asked was the length of my stay. He then stamped my passport, and I re-joined the line with the other passengers until the completion of the process. Then we were on our way to Skopje, the capital. The entire process took no more than 30 minutes.
On exiting the country, I used the Skopje International airport (aka Skopje Alexander the Great Airport), which is 23 kilometres from the city. The airport is the largest of the two in North Macedonia and is open 24 hours. It is medium size, modern, and very user-friendly.
The TSA officer I dealt with that day was rather hyper. As soon as I handed him my passport, he kept repeating, “visa, visa, do you need a visa?” I simply replied, “No”. What was he going to do, prevent me from leaving? Ha-ha. Apparently, he didn’t get the visa waiver memo like the border officers. He then passed the passport to the other officer, who said something to him. After this, he stamped it and returned it to me. I then proceeded to my gate.
When I re-entered the following month, I used the Skopje International airport. It appeared it was the first time the female immigration officer saw a Caribbean passport because she stared at the passport cover for a long time and flipped through it. She then passed it to her colleague, who said something to her, then in English, with her Macedonian accent, she asked me most militantly, “what are you doing here?” I know she meant, what is the purpose of my visit, as most officers usually ask. My response was, “vacation”, she asked the length of stay, and I replied, then stamped the passport and returned it.
To this day, I still laugh at it and try to sound like her. It’s all part of the travel thrills, but as I previously wrote, I am never worried or anxious at any country’s border. After doing the research, I am always well prepared and have all the needed documents.
North Macedonia - the birthplace of Mother Teresa Cont...
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My last exit from North Macedonia was once again via a bus. The male border officer I encountered was quite pleasant and hilarious. He seemed to appreciate the view of me in a hat with the country’s name written on it because he looked at it and smiled but asked no questions. I then asked him what happen if I wish to return next year when the visa-free entry ends. He said, “go to your embassy and apply for a visa”, I said there is no Macedonian embassy in my country, and he laughed and said, “then find a Macedonia man” that was so funny we both laughed. He then stamped my passport and was on my way.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO/FROM THE CITY & AIRPORT
Whether you are leaving the airport for the city or returning to the airport, it takes an average of 30/35 (minutes) (by bus) and taxi (17 minutes). The transportation options are a shuttle bus (departs every two hours) or a taxi. Note there is no ride-sharing platform such as Uber, Lyft, etc. The taxis are more than affordable and much cheaper than other taxis in the region for the same distance.
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ABOUT THE CITY OF SKOPJE (pronounced SKOP-E-yeh)
Skopje is the largest city in North Macedonia. It is a unique and beautiful city. Picture a soup bowl. Skopje is the bottom of the bowl, and the sides are gorgeous hills, the rim snow-covered. That is my best description of the city’s appearance. Many persons may not be aware that Nobel prize winner and missionary Mother Teresa, founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, was born in this city (to parents of Albanian heritage) and not Calcutta, India.
Skopje is the city of statues. Her memorial site is also in the city, and is a definite must-see. I have never seen so many quirky statues in any one city before. Almost everywhere you turn, there is a statue. It seems there are more statues than people, ha-ha… joking, but one cannot help but notice this. Most prominent is the 28 meters’ tall statue of Filip 11, father of Alexander the Great Macedonian – the noble warrior (king of ancient Macedonia) at the main square. They say it costs about 10 million euros.
An earthquake destroyed the city over 40 years ago. However, the government has since been on a mission to redevelop the city and give it a face-lift (Skopje 2014) by repopulating it with statues. Skopje is an inexpensive city. It is another city that any budget traveller will be excited to visit. There is much to see and do in Skopje and the surrounding areas. The cable car rides to the cross at Mount Vodno, and a visit to Matka Canyon and the lake are definite must-dos.
From the prominent Stone (Dusan) Bridge, you can enjoy the view of the Vardar River (the longest river in Macedonia) as it crosses. Further along this river is the Art Bridge, a pedestrian bridge lined with many gorgeous statues. Across this, you can see many historical and government buildings like the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia and the Museum of Macedonian Struggle. You can enjoy the ambience of the main square from any of these bridges. This area looks like an outdoor museum, perfect for a wedding photo shoot. Truly breath-taking.
Skopje has a special something about it. It’s a feeling I cannot describe, but from day one, when I entered the city and saw that cross on the highest hill, I felt it. The cross is visible from almost every point of the city. At night it looks like a marker or a star pointing the way home to Skopje. It is an exceptional sight and feeling. This specifically, gives the capital an extra oomph!
Other Useful Information You Should Know about North Macedonia
- The languages spoken – are Macedonian (the official language) Albanian, English, German, and French.
- Official currency – North Macedonian Denar;
1 USD = 61.75 NMD
1 Euro = 61.52 NMD
1 Pound = 70.57 NMD
- Macedonia’s history dates back to biblical times and is home to the early churches. Mention of it was made over 20 times in seven books in the Holy Bible. They report that parts of the wooden cross from Jesus’ crucifixion were there.
- You drive with your (dipped) headlights day and night in North Macedonia. It is mandatory. Also, be prepared to pay motorway tolls, depending on where you are going. North Macedonia has a lot of these motorway toll booths.
- North Macedonia celebrates Christmas day on January 7th and the old/new year on January 13th/14th.
- Anyone visiting Macedonia North Macedonia must register at the nearest police station within the first 24 hours of arrival. If your stay is at a paid dwelling, registration is automatic because they will copy your passport and register you. However, if you stay with friends or family in private accommodation, they should present you at the police station. Failure to do so can result in a heavy fine of 600 – 1000 Euros and detainment or an appearance before a court.
- North Macedonia has the second largest millennium cross worldwide (because they are strong in Christianity). It is found in Mount Vodno, measures 66 meters, and is visible from almost every area in the city.
- A massive earthquake destroyed 80% of the city of Skopje 40 years ago.
- North Macedonia was the first country worldwide to connect wireless broadband across the entire country in 2006. The project was called Macedonia Connect.
- Over 85% of the landmass of North Macedonia is mountainous.
- North Macedonia is not presently a member of the European Union nor part of the Schengen zone, so you will likely need a visa to visit if your country is not on the visa-free entry list.
- When a Macedonian man marries a woman (if his surname ends with an “I”, and the woman adopts his surname, the “I” changes to an “A”). For example, if his surname is Stojanovski, hers will be Stojanovska.
- In 2019, because of political reasons, Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. However, most of the population rejects this and still refers to the country as Macedonia.
- North Macedonia has the most religious institutions in the entire world. It has 1953 churches and 580 mosques in such a small country. Amazing!
- Ohrid Lake (the pearl of Macedonia) is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world (estimated to be over 4 million years old). Ohrid is also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Macedonia.
- North Macedonia is the only European country with a Ruby and mineral mine. It is also the only country worldwide where you can find Thallium minerals.
- Christmas tradition is alive and well in Macedonia. The local Orthodox Christians have a Christmas Eve tradition of baking bread with a coin (maznik with coin) inside (wrapped in foil). At the table, they distribute the bread to all household members. Whoever gets the piece with it will receive good luck, health, and wealth throughout the year. The coin should be kept safe for the next year and not spent with other money.
- Mother Teresa of Calcutta was born in the capital city of Skopje in 1910.
- North Macedonia cultivates the most potent opium in the world.
- Macedonia invented the Cyrillic alphabet.
- North Macedonia has over 25 mountain glacial lakes. The most famous is Pelister Eyes. Soon North Macedonia will be creating a new National park in this area.
- It is the 7th most mountainous country in the world. Because mountains cover 85% of the area.
- North Macedonia has no seas (because it’s a landlocked country), only lakes; Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa, and Lake Dojran are the three major natural lakes. Had I known better, I would have thought they were seas because of their sizes.
- There was a name change from Macedonia to North Macedonia because of political reasons in Greece.
North Macedonia - the birthplace of Mother Teresa Cont...
THE PEOPLE OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND SECURITY
North Macedonians are very pleasant, kind, and very helpful people. They might not be the ones to smile first nor approach you and strike up a conversation but are really pleasant once you break the ice. It is rather strange though, that a large percentage of the people who live there are Albanians, but they are not as outwardly friendly as those in Albania, the most hospitable country in Europe.
From my observation, Macedonians focus their energy on what they have to do, and get about doing it. Lazy is not a word you will use there, as I have seen in a couple of other countries I previously visited. I can testify to meeting some really genuinely pleasant, down-to-earth, and sweet people in Macedonia. Shouting out, especially Marijan and all the others like the local Kenny Rogers. Many other have touched my heart and caused me to fall in love with Skopje and the Macedonian people.
Yes, I saw many beggars in the city, and many were children. It is sad but not unexpected in poor countries. Macedonia is among the ten poorest European countries, so it is not an uncommon sight, not even in wealthy countries. Not because poverty exists means that crime is an issue there. There were no purse snatchers, bandits, or gun violence in the city. No such things exist in Skopje. I honestly cannot remember seeing many police officers in the city except for a male and female officer near the Alexander the Great statue. They looked like they were on observation duties than expecting or preventing crimes.
I have no incidents to report regarding my safety, and neither did I hear anything untoward or crimes taking place during my visits. During my stay, I went about the city both day and night, I also used buses to other cities, and all was safe and crime-free. As I always remind everyone, nowhere in the world is 100% crime free, so I took precautions as a single woman travelling alone (see 28 safety tips for solo travellers).
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HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION?
Prices for everything in Macedonia are affordable. That includes meals, accommodation, and all transportation.
In North Macedonia, the public transport system comprises buses, taxis, and trains (inter-city). However, taxis and buses are the best way to circumnavigate the city quickly and affordably.
In Skopje, you can secure a beautiful, fully-furnished city center apartment in a great location (I highly recommend City Lux Apartments check it on Booking.com) for a price as low as 25 – 30 USD. Additionally, 10 USD -15 USD can buy your meals for the entire day (not junk food).
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NORTH MACEDONIAN FOODS YOU MUST TRY:
Traditional Macedonian cuisines are renowned for their meats, dairy, bread, tomatoes, and beans. They create most of their dishes from local produce they grow during summer. Macedonians love bread and will eat it with almost anything. Therefore, they serve flatbread with most meals.
- Sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls comprising rice, ground beef, and fermented cabbage).
- Tavce Gravce (baked beans – seasoned beans with red pepper and sausage or ribs baked and served with bread).
- Pastrmajlija (oval-shaped Macedonian pizza, sometimes topped with eggs and served with fermented peppers).
- Ajvar (a pepper spread made from eggplant, roasted peppers, and fried for hours).
- Zelnik (a phyllo pie stuffed with leaks or sometimes spinach, cabbage, or cheese).
- Kebapi (grilled minced meat sausages served with thin bread).
- Burek (a popular breakfast dish is a thin-layered pastry that contains cheese or meat and they serve with yogurt.
- Polneti Piperki (bell peppers stuffed with rice and meat and then baked).
- Shopska Salad (Macedonian chopped salad comprising chunks of cucumber, tomatoes, olive oil, and salt served with the finest cheese).
- Krofni (savoury Macedonian-style doughnuts with hazelnut filling and sprinkled with powdered sugar).
- Rakija (Macedonian favourite and proudest drink fruit-based alcohol, also known as Macedonian brandy. Many locals make it to their liking at home with their choice of fruits…They swear by its effectiveness in getting rid of colds, Covid-19, and bacteria. I can vouch for its effectiveness because it got rid of my chest cold and cough overnight).
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MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products, information and suggested uses.
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MUST-VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN SKOPJE/NORTH MACEDONIAN
- Canyon Matka, lake, and caves (a beautiful, and stunning gorge surrounded by high mountains, it is about 21 km from Skopje).
- Ohrid: Lake Ohrid, Church St. Clement of Ohrid and King (Tsar) Samuel Fortress (this area is unbelievably beautiful and has much to see and do; I can imagine it in the summer). It is about a 6-hour drive from Skopje.
- Skopje (Kale) Fortress (in Old Town on the Eponymous hill. It is a strategic and highest point in the city overlooking the Vardar River; it offers magnificent views of the city).
- Country hop tours (many whole-day bus tours to neighboring countries like Bulgaria or Serbia).
- Mount Vodno & the Millennium Cross (15 minutes outside the city, hike up or use the cable car to get to the top).
- Visit Mother Teresa Memorial House (they built it on the spot she was baptized).
- Macedonia Square (superb square with so many beautiful statues and buildings).
- Old Bazaar (beautiful and historic area with many restaurants, and bargain shopping. It is a definite highlight of the city.
SUMMARY
North Macedonia is like Albania. Why? It is super cheap! Maybe 10% cheaper than Albania. The accommodations, transportation, meals, and shopping were all very affordable and the sites were gorgeous. To all my budget travellers, Skopje, North Macedonia is the place to visit on a tight budget and still enjoy. Because not only is it affordable, but as previously mentioned, it has so much to offer. North Macedonia – the birthplace of Mother Teresa, is a country with beautiful, helpful people, gorgeous sites, and very safe. What else can you ask for on a perfect trip? Nothing! Those who are not budget travellers can stay longer and truly enjoy the beauty of this country without feeling it too much in their pockets. Enjoy!
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