When the Republic of Macedonia declared its independence in 1991, a naming dispute with Greece was inevitable. Greece claims that as the Ancient Macedonian Kingdom made famous by Alexander the Great was Greek, the name belongs to them. The citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, though linguistically and culturally Slavic, claim to have an important link with the Ancient Macedonians.
Perhaps to make their point, the main square of the capital, Skopje, is dominated by a statue of Alexander the Great.
Of course, they may just like statues. The whole city is crawling with bronze statues of both heroes and everyday folk.
And a few more
The capital is currently undergoing a major face lift with new museums and monuments being erected. We're undecided on whether it looks impressive or kitsch, but it is understandable that the cost of the project is quite controversial.
Skopje's old town is a pleasant break from the grand squares.
The flamboyant dress shops that are mandatory in this corner of Europe.
Vodno Mountain
Skopje Fortress
From the capital we headed south to Europe's oldest lake, Ohrid.
Like Baikal and Tanganyika, the lake is formed by a depression in the tectonic plate and is therefore over a million years old.
The fortifications of the town of Ohrid.
The lake has been a place of religion and ritual since forever, and today houses 365 churches.
And from there we left Eastern Europe. Of course, we don't mean Eastern like on a compass, but Eastern Europe as in, somewhere you can find lots and lots of cabbage.
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