Day 16: Skopje

We drove through the western mountains of Macedonia. This area deserves its nickname "Little Switzerland". It is very pretty. There are lots of hydro lakes. Little villages are perched impossibly on steep hillsides and there is a lovely forested National Park.







We visited the Bigorski Monastery used in the famous Macedonian movie "Before the Rain", from the early 1990's. If you have never seen that film, do take the opportunity to rent it if you can find it. You will see why we always wanted to visit Macedonia. This is a working monastery, so it was a very fascinating visit.







We arrived in Skopje, capital of Macedonia, mid-afternoon, and found cheap hotel in city centre. This is a modern, lively city with a relaxed but fashionable style. There are many pleasant cafes along the river front, on wide pedestrian streets, and along the boulevards.