This morning we took the short drive to Matka Canyon. Here we took a boat ride to the Vrelo Cave. Jesse’s normally more into caves than me – but even I thought this one was pretty cool. The lake/canyon were also stunning. We contemplated kayaking but Jesse still has PTSD from taking Noelle on a lantern boat in Vietnam so we decided to pick our battles.


Shocking photo I know but we so rarely have one with everyone in it at the same time.

Back to the accommodation to drop off the car and feed Noelle some Dahl and off we went in search of more Skopje oddities.

Hideous lions in front of the bridge to the Kale Fortress.

Weird hotel built in the shape of a boat on the canal.

At least this Lion knew it was ugly

From here we had a quick squizz at the Kale Fortress walls but the UV index was high and Gio was feeling pretty cooked so we decided to carry on to the Old Bazaar area. Jesse and I would have loved to get lost in there for hours.

It had a Super Turkish influence and that was reflected in all the jewelry, fashion, food etc that was available here. We hadn’t intended to stop for lunch just yet but I was watching a kebab man hard at work through his shop window when a local who was waiting in line to collect his lunch proudly informed me that this was “the only place in Skopje to eat”. By the looks of the traffic coming in and out of the joint I figured I could take his word for it. He hooked us up with a table within seconds and before we knew it an abundance of delicious food was delivered to us.

Shopska salad, cevappi (or whatever the Macedonian word for them is) beef goulash, peppers and the national dish “tavče gravče” which is white beans (similar to canellini) cooked in a clay pot. Everything was extremely yummy and we really didn’t need to eat for the rest or the day! All this only cost about $23!

Next we stumbled across the market hall. I’ve never in my life seen that volume of produce being turned over. Mind blowing given Skopje’ population is only about half a million people! The amount of peppers, tomatoes, beans, spices and fruit really was just mind boggling. I could have watched the transactions all day! However the kids needed to stretch their legs so we got some dried fruit and nuts to keep Gio going on our upcoming 10k hike and took our leave.

There is lovely natural spring water drinking fountains all over the city which the kids are loving!

Phillip II of Macedonia’s fountain. Another Skopje 2014 project special.

Skopje’s very own Arc de Triumph .


Woman Warrior Park.

Not sure why they called it this as they all looked like blokes to me! 🤷‍♀️ Jesse said he spotted one pregnant warrior statue but I must have zoned out by then.

Wandered over to the City Park which was really abandoned and run down.  But we did find a creepy old carousel so that was a win in Gio and Noelle’s books!

Below is a strange rotunda with the lyrics to David Bowie’s “Heroes” all over it. Not sure if that was commissioned? When in Skopje, it’s anyone’s guess!

Millennium Cross up on the mountain. Built in 2002 to commemorate 2000 years of Christianity in Macedonia.

Brutalist water fountain.

Orthodox Church of St Clement of Ohrid. Only built in the last 50 years but the paintings inside were seriously impressive! (Jesse got a sneaky photo)

That’s pretty well the end of our North Macedonian leg. Tomorrow we head on to Bulgaria! 🇧🇬