Skopje

Not good not good. We spent the night scratching. We brushed our teeth, made the bed, collected the rubbish and did a final scan of everything. We were instructed to leave our key in the room so we did.. we walked downstairs and found the front door locked, we needed the key.
We were stuck.
Will once again was far more stressed than me. It really surprises me, I thought I'd be the one having anxiety.
We waited and luckily one of the residence came down for his morning smoke so he let us out.
We went to the taxi rank and asked to be taken to Thessaloniki station. He was not happy but agreed. I think he was cranky because it's not a big/long job and they have designated pickup stations so once he dropped us off he would have join the back of the queue again So it's a big waste of time for him. He was a miserable sod and overcharged us but I tipped and extra euro anyway which cheered him up. To his credit he could have said no to us so I'm thankful he drove us.
We were an hour early for the bus so we waited in the only open coffee shop.
We couldn't help but notice the difference between counties. It was 7:30 on a weekday and the station hadn't opened yet. There was like 5 people around and this is the main station of the city...
we waited where we thought we were suppose to - there was a sign with our bus company on it but the rest was in Greek. Eventually after time had past and still no one else had turned up I went searching for another potential bus stop and found one. We rushed over - lucky we checked it was nearly time to go.
It was only a little shuttle bus type vehicle but we fit.
When we got to the Greek border our driver took our passports and went inside, they got stamped and we went through. They didn't check to see if the passports matched those on the vehicle lol.
There was a duty free shop one of the girls on the bus wanted to go to so we stoped there and I made friends with a dog.
It broke my heart. He was so so so wet. And he was so happy when I game him a pat. I think he was hungry, he tried to get on the bus :( :( I wish I could take him home.
He must have been so cold.
I had to pay 50c to use the toilet, Will refused but I couldn't because they had hoarded all the toilet paper -.- it's ridiculous. I really don't think you should have to pay for a toilet. Especially if you are going to get in trouble for going on the street? What if I had no money? So stupid I wish I hadn't paid but the man started getting cross so I caved.
We've crossed into Macedonia now and within the first 2 kilometers we saw 4 casinos hahah.
We have both had a small nap - Will is still asleep.
I think we should arrive soon. I already like Macedonia better, the buildings are like little rundown farm houses. I've seen some chickens and so much grass and lush greenery. Didn't realize how much I like plants until this trip.
The leaves are a funny lime green color.

So we arrived and there was this really friendly guy helping our driver get everyone's bags out and he asked if we needed a taxi so we said yes.
We followed him to his car and he drove us to the hostel. He was hilarious! His English was very clear. He made a few good comments but I think the main one that will stick with me is when he asked us how old we were and we said 24/25 and he responded "oh guys this is the best time of your life, live it. Smoke a joint, eat some ribs, enjoy it! His accent and enthusiasm made it all the more funnier. It was unexpected. He was really lovely so we tipped him 5€.
He has given us his his number if we have any questions or I suppose if we need a driver we could call him too.
His name was Toni :)
We got an upgrade at our hostel so we have an apartment to ourselves. It's really nice. It has a fridge and washing machine which is great!
The hostel has a fish tank :D
I was so frighten exhausted so I had a 3 hour snooze while Will researched Macedonia and he updated me when I woke up.
We hadn't eaten at all today so we went for a walk to the main square looking for a place for dinner.
I LOVE the main square. They have a ridiculous amount of statues. Like it's beyond stupid.
Easily 30 in the one place but a big one of Alexander the Great in the middle surrounded by lions and such.
There was a cool water feature nearby too with colored lights. We walked across the stone bridge and back.
We found a spot to eat which had traditional Baulkan food.
Will is regretting his decision to not buy waterproof shoes. He said I jumped the gun buying hiking boots but tonight it was raining and FREEZING and my feet were toasty while his toes were numb.
We ate an entree of mixed meats that's intended for 4 hehe. We made a solid attempt.
We tipped our waited the equivalent of 6€ and he was so so ecstatic and appreciated it. He shook both our hands.
The walk back was COLD.
I love Macedonia already. We have collected all the brochures from the hostel to have a look at and make plans for the week. We also bought cereal and milk on our way home.
Honestly though, it's already kicking Greece' ass and I've been here all of 5 minutes.

I have noticed that there are no stray dogs here. Will has said that he read that out in the villages they hang stray dogs from trees.
Oh god.
I pray I don't see it.
It's forecast to snow in 2 mornings time. Exciting!Read more