Unveiling Skopje

To begin with, I must admit that I found the nights in Skopje to be somewhat unsettling in terms of safety. Perhaps I was unlucky, but it felt like the city was teeming with individuals looking to exploit unsuspecting tourists. However, apart from this aspect, everything else about Skopje was absolutely fantastic.

Located in the northern region of North Macedonia, near the border with Kosovo, Skopje is a delightful destination, particularly during the warm summer months. The people are generally friendly, and due to the relatively poor economy, you can enjoy an extraordinary holiday at an affordable cost. We managed to have three meals a day without spending more than £30 in total. Everyday items like a bottle of Coca-Cola from a shop cost around 40p, and hiring a taxi driver for an entire day of travel would only set you back about £50.

Skopje is a vast and sprawling city, at least from ground level, with no clear delineation between the affluent and the less privileged. Honestly speaking, it seemed that the majority of people we encountered were on a similar social and financial scale. However, certain parts of the city appeared to be undergoing a process of gentrification.

At some point, it seems someone in a position of power in North Macedonia came up with the notion that a country's wealth could be measured by the number of statues it possesses. This idea was taken to heart, as statues can be found throughout Skopje in overwhelming quantities, seemingly outnumbering the population. They are omnipresent, with a single bridge adorned with 40 statues and more being prepared. There are even statues positioned in the water.

The food in Skopje is of exceptionally high quality. As someone with gluten intolerance (coeliac), I was initially concerned, but it turned out to be a non-issue. When consuming simpler dishes, they tend to refrain from adding unnecessary ingredients to alter the taste, allowing you to adjust it according to your preference. I opted for plainer options, but the pure flavors of uncontaminated food and sauces resulted in a remarkable culinary experience. Another surprising aspect, without meaning any disrespect, is how they handle food allergies. In comparison to more advanced countries like France or Germany, Skopje demonstrates a far greater understanding and accommodation for allergies. Finding gluten-free bread and pizza there was a breeze.

The locals are eager to interact with English-speaking tourists, whom they view as friends. However, their warmth may vary when it comes to other nationalities. The taxi driver who took us to the stunning Matka Canyon seemed genuinely honored to have us as guests, especially when I gave him a tip equivalent to £15 at the end of the day. He, along with others, showed a keen interest in discussing London and their perceptions of what the city must be like. To many, we were like a step away from being a Disney Castle.

With the exception of my initial observations about nighttime grifters, Skopje feels remarkably safe despite the limited presence of police. When one individual attempted to extort money from us, a knowing glance from a restaurant employee swiftly put an end to his actions. By and large, the streets are clean, and there is a noticeable absence of antisocial activities. It appears that the younger generation tends to stick close to home.

The only downside worth mentioning is the prevalence of graffiti. It seems that if a surface can be spray-painted, it will be. This is disheartening, especially considering the earlier mention of the abundance of statues that initially appeared pristine and white, only to be adorned with words, some of which may be Macedonian swear words. From children's rides in a brand new park to governmental buildings, graffiti can be found in various places.

Among the highlights of our visit was Matka Canyon, a scenic destination located approximately 40 minutes' drive from Skopje. We had a delightful afternoon cruising along the expansive canyon lake before enjoying a pleasant lunch. Additionally, hiking around the Millennium Cross following an exhilarating cable car ride up the mountain provided a thrilling experience. Exploring the famous old town bazaar was also a treat, as you could find anything there, ranging from legal to illegal items, including some of the finest counterfeit products in the world. On the flip side, due to the struggling economy, genuine designer items could be purchased for around 50% of their regular price in the designers' own stores, typically found in shopping centres.

I could sing praises about Skopje all day long. To this day, I have only encountered one other person who has visited, which is yet another compelling reason to explore this relatively unspoiled gem. Skopje offers an ideal environment for work, relaxation, and recreation, with high-end hotels being surprisingly affordable.