Macedonia aka: Makedonija

During the war I was present when Macedonia declared independance – a country was born!

My cousin’s wife is from Macedonia. It is a poor country, and she moved to Chicago with her aunt to go to school here. She met my cousin at Loyola University, and they got married last summer! The language is difficult, but I’ve learned a few words and phrases. I would eventually love to go here, experience the culture, and learn more about my new extended family.

I passed through Macedonia on a train from Milan to Athens. Beautiful scenery.

Skopje will no doubt be a stopover, although I’m much more looking forward to Lake Ohrid. Apparently there is also a monastery on a mountain in central Macedonia that you can hike to and then stay over night. Will do that, if possible.

I was there as a peacekeeper in 1993-1994. It was an interesting experience to say the least, and I’d love to go back to see how much it is changed.