Day 1: Moving to North Macedonia

Weather Update: Sunny Periods, High of 19°C

Elevation Above sea Level: 240 Metres (787 ft)

An Early Start and a Misadventure with Breakfast

Before sunrise, I gave myself plenty of time to walk the 3.5 km to the Pristina bus station. For an active 72-year-old, that’s just a casual stroll—and a chance to enjoy the fresh air. With two small French sticks filled with beef and salad in hand, I set off with breakfast and anticipation.

Things took an unexpected turn mid-walk when a piece of cucumber lodged in my throat. What followed was a solid 15 minutes of non-stop coughing that had me worried, but thankfully, I finally dislodged the culprit. A huge relief and a reminder that even breakfast can be an adventure!

On the Road to Skopje

The bus ride to Skopje was peaceful and scenic, weaving through mountainous terrain still dusted with snow. The newly constructed highway between the two capitals has significantly shortened the journey, and the elevated roads gave breathtaking views of the valley below.

We crossed into North Macedonia (officially recognized by the UN, though most locals prefer simply "Macedonia" due to lingering tensions with Greece over the name). At the border, a sign welcomed us to the Republic of Macedonia—immediately followed by the sight of trash scattered across the roadside. The contrast was striking, and a photo says more than words ever could.

Border processing took over 30 minutes, which meant a late arrival at Skopje's bus station. Thankfully, my hostel was less than five minutes away and easy to find.

Exploring Skopje: First Impressions

After checking in, I spent a couple of hours exploring my surroundings. The walk along the river toward Old Town gave me a glimpse of Skopje’s unique mix of cultures, architecture, and public art—a deeper dive awaits tomorrow.

In search of dinner, I decided to try a local pizza. Well… that was a choice. The pizza arrived with a small dish of tomato ketchup placed right in the middle. I asked the manager if he’d tasted the food recently. “Yes, two weeks ago,” he replied—a response I found hard to believe. I shared some honest feedback—not to complain, but to help—and while there was no apology, I did get a discount on the bill.

Hostel Life and New Faces

Back at the hostel, I settled in for a quiet evening watching football and getting to know some fellow travellers—one from the UK, another from Turkey, and a third from Ukraine. The hostel vibe was relaxed and social, and after a long travel day, it felt good to connect and share stories.

Final Thoughts

It was a day of contrasts—beautiful mountain views, a dodgy pizza, a warm welcome, and a cucumber scare. That’s the joy of travel: not every moment is perfect, but every day brings stories worth telling. Tomorrow, I’ll dive into Skopje’s Old Town and see what this city has to offer.