Friendship in Skopje

Sometimes you meet people and the connection is instant. This was our experience with our most wonderful new friends in Skopje, North Macedonia: Lidija, Petar, Andrijana and Simon.

One night at our campsite on Hvar in Croatia, Aaron heard music being played, and like a moth to flame, went over to investigate. This chance encounter led to music making, shared meals and drinks in the dark of the Croatian summer, and promises to see one another again in Skopje.

One month later, we were kindly escorted into the city as Petar drove slowly ahead of our camper van. This crew showed us what true hospitality looks like.

We arrived then feasted in Petar and Lidija's backyard, sure that one of our family would explode from the unending stream of salads, rakija (brandy), barbecue, soup, breads, cheeses, dips, and more!

The next day we tried to attend a football game that Judah found online, but were thwarted by poor information. We still aren't sure if the game even happened, where it happened, or if perhaps it was held but it was actually a U13 game :-) Instead, Simon took us for a tour of the downtowns.

Then, we all met up for an incredible traditional Macedonian meal. Andrijana chose a delicious mix of traditional meze which delighted us all. The experience got even richer when local musicians began to circulate around the room playing accordian, wind instruments and guitar. When the room mostly emptied out, the musicians stood around our table, playing folks songs and our friends sang along loudly. It was a night to remember.

On our last day of the visit, Lidija and Petar allowed us to set up shop in their living room while we used the internet. Then, Andrijana and Simon and their daughter invited us for a delightful meal of salads and Simon's dad's home brewed mastik. I want to eat like this always! We then watched Petar perform at a show in the park and cried as we said our goodbyes.

This time together was a true gift.Lue lisää