Traveling to Macedonia? Few interesting Facts...

[DJ_SHEMA]

• The Cyrillic alphabet, official in Macedonia, is based on the alphabet
developed by two Macedonian brothers, St Cyril (thus - Cyrillic) and
St Methodius. The alphabet is used in almost all Eastern Europe including Russia.

• Accommodations at charming smaller hotels are exceedingly
reasonable, the staff will speak some degree of English and often
German… and you will be treated well.

• You can dine reasonably and exceedingly well on a small
budget here! Macedonian "pizza" is terrific and comes in more
varieties than one could imagine – all of which are superb!

• There are between two and three thousand documented
archeological sites in Macedonia – nearly all are in need of
professional attention, exploration and verification. What an
adventure this would be, to be part of this effort!

• Lake Matka is only 45 minutes or so outside of Skopje – it's
the favorite escape of the City's residents during the heat of summer,
and is delightful with high cliffs surrounding it…

• A hike up Mount Vodno is exhilarating and rich in culture
and history… There are small churches on the way up, and many other
sights, besides the natural beauty…and there is St. Panteljmon
Monastery: a jewel among jewels!

• Kale Fortress is undergoing reconstruction and is an excellent visit…

• The Old Bazaar area is the nearest you'll get to Istanbul
this side of the Bosporus… spend more than one day there, please!

• Lake Ohrid is said to be more beautiful than Lake Tahoe in
the U.S. – find out for yourself!

• The Macedonian language is primarily phonetic: if you can
read the Cyrillic alphabet, you can say the word (as long as you know
which syllable to stress!)

• Macedonian handmade ice cream is – beyond description for DELICIOUS!

• This is a "caf#233; society": innumerable coffees are consumed,
every topic on earth is discussed, and they are "the place" to meet
and socialize at all hours of the day and evening!

• History and culture are so rich here, you could "overdose" on it!

• Every area of the Republic offers new delights – don't
hesitate to visit them all!

• Heraklea, founded by Philip II, Alexander the Great's
father, near Bitola, is designated as a historical site under United
Nations protection.

• In July, Galicnik has its wedding festival – no way to
describe it – COME AND SEE!

• If you adore the outdoors, you will adore this country!

• In May, Macedonia is nearly covered in brilliant red poppies
– and you can get the freshest strawberries on earth!

• The only guidebook currently available in the U.S. Is
"Macedonia: the Bradt Travel Guide" by Thammy Evans (2004.)

• For a different experience, it is possible to stay IN
monasteries in Macedonia… reasonably, too.

• Yes, there is a McDonald's in Skopje (if utter American
desperation strikes). Feelings are mixed about this…

• Macedonia is MANAGEABLE: you can get to so many areas of the
country in very short periods of time. Driving here is… maniacal, but
the bus services are good, and in the capital, Skopje, taxis cost
between $1 and $4 to take you anywhere (the average is around $2), and
tips are appreciated as the price of fuel rises. Private drivers are
available for hire, too – the cost is not too steep.

• Day trips from Skopje are available to Bitola, Ohrid,
Mavrova/Galicnik, Debar and its monastery, Krushevo (site of the
historic Krushevo Republic), Stobi and elsewhere. The small buses are
air-conditioned usually, and guides speak English – other languages
can be arranged in many cases, especially French, Italian and German.

• Bakeries offer phenomenal pastries and take-away slices of
Macedonian items that can be a whole lunch (spinach-feta "pie" with
flaky layers of thin dough, for example – which is all of about 70
cents for a full lunch or dinner portion!)

• Skopje has the largest population of Roma in Macedonia –
over 20,000 live in an area north of the city center.

• There are thermal springs throughout various regions of Macedonia… ah!

• Alexander the Great was taught by Aristotle…

• The father of the modern Turkish nation Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was born in Salonika and went to the Military Academy in Bitola.

• Skopje has suffered quite a few devastating earthquakes throughout
history, the biggest ones in 518 and in 1963, leveling most of the
city.

• Tsar Samoil fought the Byzantines for control of Macedonia in the 10th Century

• More than one legend links the origin of the name Macedonia to Noah's
grandchildren.

• Hundreds of thousands Macedonians have left the country over the last
150 years.

• Some peaks in Macedonia are visited only by chamois, wolves, and eagles.

• Southeastern Europe's East-West and North-South highways cross in Macedonia.

At MCIC:

Find out about the Culture and Art of Macedonia
Visit amazing tourist spots like Ohrid, Matka, Prespa, etc..
Attend Opera Evenings
Go to a Fiesta of the Macedonian Creative Spirit
Book a hotel
View the beautiful countrysides
Soak your feet in thermal spas
Ride a helicopter over Macedonia
Buy concert and summer festival tickets

Celebrate creativity with MCIC! http://www.macedonia.co.uk/