Day 11 Made it to Serbia

North Macedonia → Serbia

A long day today — 61 miles and 4,232 feet of climbing, with the hardest climb saved for last. It was a tough one, but I made it over without getting off the bike. Very glad when that one was behind me.

The best part of the day was the little border crossing leaving North Macedonia. When I arrived, I was the only person there. A couple of guards were sitting outside at a picnic table, and one of them went into the booth and became very official. He looked at my passport, made me take my glasses off, looked at me again and finally asked, “How old are you?”

“65.”

He looked surprised. “I thought you were 50.”

Then the questions started. Where are you from? America. Where are you riding from? Athens. Where are you riding to? Vienna.

That changed everything. 😄

Suddenly everybody was friendly and curious. I asked if there was anywhere ahead to get food. Apparently not for another 30 or 50 kilometers. Dam, I thought there would be good at the border, they showed me the outdoor faucet for water.

The other guards came over from the picnic table, so I showed them my FindPenguins trip and where I had ridden. They couldn’t believe it. At some point they decided I looked like George Clooney 😂 and wanted a selfie with me.

By the time I left, we were good friends. I put my hand out for a normal handshake, but they gave me one of those big clasped-hand, elbows-bent greetings instead. One after another: “Bravo! Bravo!” and “Good for you.” “Cao”

Then I crossed into Serbia and rode for miles through beautiful, very remote countryside before finally finding locating my portent $45, king bed, 2 person whirlpool, dry sauna, slippers, good smelling body spray lotion. Pay the guy at the jewel store under the apartment, cash only.

Tonight I’m settled in Vranje — showered, laundry done, air conditioning on, and dinner included cabbage salad, Serbian food and a glass of plum rakija.

A hard day, but a really good one.Read more