I met Thale and he had bought my bus ticket to Skopje for 12.45 p.m. Bus fare was 500 Dinar. I gave him the money and thanked him. Then I spoke to Robert from Thale’s phone. He will come to the Bus Stand to receive me. He still wanted me to stay for one more day at Ohrid but it would be boring for me to stay longer. We now come to the restaurant for a cup of coffee. Thale is playing some game on a board where he is having final round with his opponent. He is playing since yesterday with different people. Many families have come out towards the lake. Some are taking bath and some just basking in the sun. This is their way of holidaying. Most of the people have their own kitchen also. It is good to see many small children playing. Ohrid is an old and a historical town.
It is 11.30 a.m. and still one hour to go to the bus stand. Yesterday, I saw an Indian film a few minutes with sub-titles in Russian. Today some Hindi serial was coming again dubbed in some language. In kitchen T.V, some 2-3 Hindi Serials came in Serbian language. That is why I think some concerted effects should be done by Cultural Ministry.
12.45 p.m: I am sitting in the bus for Skojpe. Thale dropped me to the Bus Station which is outside the city in his van. He was happy as he’d won the match. I bought a bottle of water but there is nothing to eat except drink coffee at this small Bus stand shop.
Bus journey was very good through the mountain road which was smooth. First one hour, there was nothing but forests on both the sides but then I could spot some villages. Houses with red tiles on the hills was a good view. There was one town “Ksrenyin’ where even traffic lights were also there. Traffic on the road was apparently very less. Then after 2 hrs drive bus stopped at a place for eating. I had not eaten since morning and used my emergency food stick which Sudhanshu has brought from Vasant Kunj Mall. I had used two of them earlier and the last one today. At this stop everyone rushed to one restaurant. I bought one vegetable burger for 40 Dinar. It was filling and had some water.
Bus then did not stop for long. Now I see villages all along the road or away from the road. Each village was having one Minaret and mosque which means that those were Muslim villages. Later Robert told me that 40% population is Muslim in Macedonia.
I reached Skopje at 3.15 p.m. The bus passed through some city area and on first instance it was attractive.
In the last 45 minutes of driving, we passed through 3 toll tax barriers and we have been running on a highway.
Robert was waiting for me at the bus stop. He greeted me warmly. I took out the Rucksack which he insisted to lift and walked where his car was parked. We now drove to Skojpe Hostel which is run by Robert. The place is not far from the Bus Stand.
The Hostel is impressive. This is the first Hostel in Balkan countries where proper HI signs and stickers are there. Inside, there is a good reception. There is a computer with internet. There is a nice sitting area and good reception. I got Room No.104 on 1st floor.
Robert discussed evening plan and we decided to meet at 6.15 p.m. It was 4.45 p.m. now. My room has two beds ensuite W.C. There is a small A.C which is enough for a small room like this. A towel and soap is kept in the bathroom. I unpacked the Rucksack, rested for some time and then took a shower.
Robert came at 6.15 p.m. exact and I was already at the reception. We went to an adjoining restaurant which is run independently but is a part of the hostel. We started with drinking Reika and then Red wine with salad, cucumber in sour cream followed by a bowl of baked meat and vegetables. We kept on talking on hostelling matters particularly in Balkan Countries. I will write to Edith and Mikael. Balkan Countries require lot of support from HI Office. A delegation should come and meet their Government to communicate about the importance of Hostelling for young people. I can’t write all of it here but separately. Most of the hostels in this region are of poor standard.
We then walked to the downtown area which is nearby the Hostel. Robert explained me of many buildings which are being changed into baroque style front. There are many statues on the roads. One Statue of Alexander the great which is claimed to be from Macedonia but Greek claimed he was from Greece. Anyhow there is political tussle between these two countries on name of Macedonia and that is why it is called former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia.
We walked up to the bridge. Across are the old towns and all Muslim area. We decided to come here tomorrow. We sat for a cup of coffee in a restaurant and then walked back to the hostel. Robert will meet me at 11 a.m. tomorrow here.
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