Monumental Skopje

 Macedonia was the birthplace of some famous folk, including Phillip of Macedonia and his son, Alexander The Great.  These figures and others are remembered here in the center of town…… with a post-communist flair.

The canyon matka, etc

 Wandering the ruins in Skopje, from Roman & Byzantine times.  The nearby canyon offers terrific views of exposed rock cliffs.  We need our family geologists to interpret what we are seeing here!!

Because there are lynx in this canyon, these little lake houses were built to offer the geese shelter!

Mt Vodno

 We head to a market for lunch foods and to try out our only phrase of Macedonian:  zdra vo.  That and a bit of sign language and we left with lunch and amazing fresh veggies.  Then we walked on Mt Vodno where we saw European rollers (bird).

Zdra Vo Skopje

 At last - we’re in Skopje & got an overview tour from Jeff as we settle in for a few days.  I have so much to learn about this mysterious part of the world!

Adios Malaga

 Final morning in Spain 🇪🇸 and we say goodbye to our travel comrades - great times even in the epic dust storm.  Now we’re off to N Macedonia via Vienna, with more good coffee along the way.  

Malaga by bus

 We say farewell to Nerja, our port in what seems to be an epic dust storm.  This morning we got to glimpse the horizon & realized that this must be a lovely spot, at the “balcony of Europe”.  

Arriving in Malaga and walked across the canal to old town and market area.

The oldest bar in Malaga, where Picasso used to hang out, perhaps sketching out famous works of art, or just adding to the chill vibe of this place.

This port in a storm

 The weather continues to challenge us with hazardous air quality + high winds.  Thankfully we’re in a hotel that overlooks the sea & promenade.  Who was to know that the Sahara dust would drift over Spain & linger?  

Tomorrow we head to Malaga where we then fly to Skopje the following day.  Which means the pressure is on to find that perfect tapas bar while we still travel with Mike & Cindy!  

Sahara in the air

 We took a bus from Granada to Nerja, on the southern coast.  Such a haze of dust from the Sahara!  Compounded by the stormy weather coming in, it makes for dramatic views from the “balcony of Europe” 

Birthday in Granada

 We were able to stay another night here in Granada as we plotted a backup plan for the next few days.  We started with breakfast at a nearby pension & cafe, then wandered the streets to see a market.  Glenn’s birthday was celebrated over lunch and plans were made to take a bus tomorrow to the southern coast.  Rain & more Saharan dust are predicted, but our merry band is determined to see what we can see!

Granada has been more delightful than anticipated.  The Alhambra sits peacefully above this city of Spanish and Moorish flavors, mixing with the most amazing tapas scene.  

Granada, sigh……