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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #61 Posted: 06-Oct-2012 at 10:05

Travel Rule #1: Talk To Strangers - http://www.gadling.com/2012/09/21/travel-rule-1-talk-to-strangers/

~ but dont get addicted to it, coz viral habits like exploring lose your precious (rat-race) time ~
+ also always check who has legit and who conpassionate smile [1]

In a bar in Ohrid we met Mensul a cab driver from Ohrid. He showed us around and gave us a three hour free trip in his taxi ~ http://vimeo.com/30245766

~




Edited by Max - 14-Apr-2023 at 20:55
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #62 Posted: 07-Oct-2012 at 16:00




The Pesna Cave, near the village Zdunje (50km from Skopie) as described in New York Times, is identical as the imagined caves in the trilogy Lord of the Rings - http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/did-you-know [1] it is Paleolithic cave also known as Golema Pesht which 50k years ago was settled by Neanderthals [1][2]

http://www.inyourpocket.com/macedonia/skopje/sightseeing

The Oath of the Old Pot:   In all the places where they conquered new lands, the Ottoman Turks had difficulties in convincing the people of different languages and faith to live together in peace and harmony. Eventually, a dervish from Anatolia taught them to seek out the spot where an enormous and very old earthenware pot was buried. He also  told  them, “In that old Pot the snake, frog and mouse live together and there is also a beehive. The old pot is at the bottom of a deep dried out well. If you build a city on that place people of all religions and languages will live there together as long as there is at least one piece of the old pot.  Following on those instructions, they eventually came to the well they have searched for, and found the actual pot right there! They made a city bazaar on the same spot, and in time the city grew up around the bazaar. The city was called “Us Kup”, which in Turkish it means “The Old Pot”. And even to today, in turkish, Skopje is called USKUP. http://www.slideshare.net/krugoi-okoliski/a-survivor-guide-skopje







Edited by Max - 19-Oct-2014 at 18:52
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #63 Posted: 09-Oct-2012 at 11:00


one more time for the road, pre-feed the foot on your sail, and travel to eat in Macedonia, to taste what shaped the universal spirit of macedonians like justin'd'law, costa'd'free or alex'd'great  

"although everything you need to know about our Cuisine is already noted in post #31 with few intentional leftovers [1], let say its better if and when others blow their whistle  so, bon voyage et bon appetit in the macedonian realm

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/full-transcript-ren-redzepi-interview/story?id=10944738 [1]

http://www.tastingtravels.com/delicious-macedonia/ [1]

http://www.ifood.tv/network/macedonian [1]

http://gastroroutes.blogspot.com/2008/05/recently-i-have-been-in-macedonia-and.html[1]





Edited by Max - 09-Oct-2012 at 11:11
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #64 Posted: 10-Oct-2012 at 17:48



if you want local food adventure, dont drink and drive, just eat makovacha and let it ride, only regular question as always was is it still safe to eat it? eating poppy seed food its not same as eating opium (which here literally means drunk mind) but its subconscious connection to the famous calming plant, which here is called Afion or Mak and as such is considered most potent along the varieties from india and turkey, but today cultivated in small amounts [1] thats why poppy is one of our national symbols embedded in our last coat and last 500den/10eur bill (like nowhere else), but more like forgotten reminiscence http://documents-mk.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-post_29.html 

although this black medic was cultivated here since antiquity yet in middle ages ottomans introduced its white forms and bust the production, making from macedonian opium brand, definitely due to our people,clime and soil



1960 Attempts to transfer the Macedonian poppy to other districts of Yugoslavia and to other countries have not been successful. Plants grown from the best Macedonian seed have yielded opium of a weaker quality than they did in Macedonia.
...
MAcedonian opium has the highest morphine content in the world.
...
The most characteristic property which distinguishes macedonian opium from other opiums is its typical ultra-violet absorption spectrum.
...
In its history, Macedonia has often been the scene of armed conflicts during which the value of money fell overnight. Opium, on the other hand, has always been a stable "currency", the real value of which remains constant. Macedonian villagers therefore got into the habit of keeping opium as a "gold reserve" which is sold only in case of need. Thus it became a tradition among the villagers to keep opium for ten or more years as a dowry for their daughters.

This old custom of keeping opium instead of money was resumed during the Second World War and the occupation period. Opium became again the only stable currency. No serious control measures were undertaken and the opium was kept in the houses of many of the producers. After the liberation of the country measures were again taken on the basis of the Act of December 1938 for selling all the opium produced through one enterprise. These measures, which were further strengthened by the Act on Narcotic Drugs of 23 January 1950, have been most positive from the point of view of suppression of illicit traffic, but have decreased the interest of producers in cultivating opium. As a result of these measures, opium has ceased to be the household "gold reserve".
...
It is difficult to explain the fact that in a country where the cultivation of the opium poppy is a centuries-old tradition there is no drug addiction among the direct producers. This may be explained by the fact that the poor Macedonian peasant has always been in the habit of sending the best and costliest products of his land to the market and keeping only the worst and the cheapest for himself. On the other hand, although the level of living of the Macedonian peasant has always been low by European standards, it has never been so low as to force him to seek an escape from his complete misery in drug addiction, as is often the case in certain Asian countries.
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1960-01-01_2_page003.html





Edited by Max - 10-Oct-2012 at 19:24
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #65 Posted: 11-Oct-2012 at 15:01








 
Today 11.10 is considered to be the symbolic beginning of the Macedonian Resistance in world war II that happened in the towns of Kumanovo and Prilep (upper Pelagonia) i.e. our partisans started eating the winter pickled peppers, tho the true is that they had already eaten some even earlier on 8 of september 1941 in Bogomila near Skopje [1] and symbolicly they repeat the same action again 50 years later in 1991 when we declare independence from those that we earlier seek to join them in collective socialistic stew that was lacking only bulgarian pistachio and romanian raspberries so it could cook little bit more longer! 

however Prilep is considered to be town of ww-liberators that gave ideologists like MircheAcev, MetodijaShatorov-Sharlo and our first postwar president MetodijaAndonov-Chento but they were more on Ayvar than on Turshija (pickled peppers,carrots,cauli) coz Ayvar is fabulous condiment to any idea  only they didnt succeed to unite Macedonia as they want #45  but at least we are connected to the other parts today by the peppers that are typical emblem for Macedonians, coz pepper is to Macedonia what corn is to Kansas [1] still who knows who invented the famous Ayvar but actually its turkish name that means salty caviar (hay-var) tho its etymology suggest on deeper meaning as divine dwell in (God is present in) and yes Ajvar is our local inland caviar! today is mostly made from socalled aivarka that actually is industrial variety brought in '60s from east, that became popular coz its large fruit and less effort for preparation... 

although today our Ayvarka pepper is grown in Strumichko Pole, peppers were as always pelagonian alicia, among whom Kavardjik is the most strongest, cultivated also in Skopsko Pole, but the best local pepper is Selska macedonian variety of Capsicum microcarpum today mainly used for salads and meals and normally for our pepper spice Bukovec that as balkan brand is sold by the name Aleva (in azeric - fire), actually selska is balkan counterpart to chilli especially when dried, and maybe best variety is known as Vezena piperka - vezulka [1][2][3][4] dried is best served as cooked + breaded, also roasted for makalo etc. its name Vezeni (vez - embroidery) came from its embroidered pattern, always strung on long rope necklaces that are architectural ornament across whole Macedonia (video above), and in Prilep regularly companied by stringed tobacco leafs for which is believed are among those with most poisonous nicotine in the world [1] usually first class of tobacco leafs from Prilep goes directly for the best pipe tobacco blends and brands [1][2][3] but also in old good times a blend of Oriental and Virginia was sold here as MT from Kumanovo and Jugoslavia from Prilep, the first one abbreviation for Makedonski Tutun (macedonian tobacco) and really hardcore one, best macedonian gold for tabakera



as plant tobacco cover large part of our agriculture, it is estimated that 200k people live from it in the country i.e. 1/10 from the families in RM today are involved in and around tobacco cultivation, it is one of the most important industrial crops for Republic of Macedonia, possessing around 60% of the areas planted with industrial crops, and an average share of around 35-40% in total agricultural export [1] on other hand in the last few years we have euro-active anti-smoking campaigns that aim to clean at least the public spaces from smoking [2] restriction that came down to many as nazi act [3] nevertheless half population in the country is smoking, enjoying when damping in all junk leftovers of tobacco i.e. one cannot sell the cow and soup the milk, or can then at least its unearthly looking plant among our mountain peaks [[COLOR="#0066cc">4[/COLOR">













Edited by Max - 23-Jul-2017 at 21:21
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #66 Posted: 14-Oct-2012 at 16:00




http://www.visitpelagonia.mk/ [1]


before our modern-day heroes from Prilep there were many mythical figures that lived in Paionia i.e. Pelagonia [1][2] that was part of Emathia i.e. Macedonia [3][4] but back then they probably use gmo peppers and tobacco, coz it was time of aegean pantheon interference among the locals, time when magna mather was world-renowned chef [1][2][3] it was like someone found the right combination and people shared this neolithic gmo knowledge, but it was not! however magna matter's rule finally stopped when neolithic Delphi back then a shrine of mother goddess was displaced when Apollon killed the guardian dragon - python, and established his oracle on the site [1] after what started to shine the Macedonian Sun...  one of the ancient oracular sites dedicated to Apollon is on mount Babuna in upper pelagonia, now near is the Treskavets Monastery that is 3-5h walk northeast from Prilep and in between are the boulders from post #48, here Apollo also slayed the dragon but now in middle ages as legend of the video says, in fact whole Pelagonia is mystical including its highest peak Pelister near Bitola and as valley almost to Pela the birth place of Alexander, valley where his father Philip trained his new infantry the famous ancient Phalanx [1] altogether place where once lived the neolithic Pelasgians... also there is another mythical place on Selechka mountain (part of Mariovo) in Pelagonia near village Bonche where recently is uncovered rare king tumulus from 4BC that is still touristicly unexploited which gives to the place additional charm for adventurers [1][2][3] yes whole Mariovo plain is hidden gem of the Pelagonia valley that in middle ages was occupied by Itar Peyo 1 and Dete Tatuliche, place where spins unnoticed but potent vortexes, today used usually by the voulchers from post #49, place that is urbanless (but sadly there are plans for power dams and nuke) and i'll be glad if it stays as it is, a rural or primitive museum, as such best portrayed in the movie Dust a ethno-western drama waffle inspired by an american volunteer in IMRO during the Macedonian Struggle for independence from ottoman rule [1][2][3]








Edited by Max - 18-Feb-2018 at 00:30
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #67 Posted: 15-Oct-2012 at 20:41

other thing about Pelagonia is that there people live longer than anywhere else in our country, as in towns so as in the villages from this region, average 75,8 y., example seven years longer than those around skopje [1] so definitely if one looks where to settle his traveling bags or camping gear, in same time having ood conscience that dont abate hosts life-powers, then Pelagonia is the right place, but have in mind that if u dont disrupt their health for shore u annoy their peace, when it comes to the villages, where money cant buy u happiness, at least in rural parts where time stopped long ago, example the village Oblakovo (cloudy, around clouds, Place in the Clouds) etc. 

in other hand when walking in skopje among those ageless people, and looking them from pelagonian perspective, then u can truly understand their strive for some globalized rush, place where driving bike is like driving luxurious time spender, or even worse a health hazard that is obligated only for those that cant afford to have three or more cars, that is already rule coz our mother-lawn skopko pole is garage for 200-250k vehicles tho officially 140k are registered [1] at least this can be used as bribe for some michelin stars or puzzle out why we are still not listed as city at least with one http://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurants/Restaurants-Skopje-_-Makedonija-Macedonia 

Whether a king, whether a peasant, if gained peace at home, he is a man of the world's most blissful joy! - Skopje Sounds 1997









Edited by Max - 18-Feb-2018 at 00:38
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #68 Posted: 16-Oct-2012 at 14:13





as ex e-haemon peasant i'll just add
our bowl will always look beautiful for those that

Come In PeaceStay In PeaceLeave In Peace



14 days in Macedonia with Condé Nast Traveller


“If Macedonia’s mountainous terrain could be flattened, the country would be larger than Russia,” proclaimed my vintner-guide, as we tasted a variety of vintages from his family-run winery. Hyperbole? Perhaps. Baseless? Not at all. Macedonia—or as natives pronounce it, Makedonia—makes up for its small size with topographic generosity. Deep valleys and plains complement soaring peaks. Rushing rivers criss-cross the region, interrupted only by the many placid lakes that dot the mountainous country. And if anything were to trump Macedonia’s physical beauty, it is the warmth of its people. Although unaccustomed to foreign visitors, Macedonians are nevertheless openly curious and welcoming as opposed to reserved and suspicious. In fact, many are actually enamoured by India—Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, the country’s capital, and most housewives prefer watching Bandini, an Indian soap subtitled in Cyrillic, to local TV shows. Condé Nast Traveller maps out a 14-day itinerary, clockwise from east that includes the must-sees of Macedonia.

Day 1 Strumica Strumica is the country’s gateway city from south-western Bulgaria. A small city, Strumica is famous for its larger-than-life carnival, a five-day street party held every year before Lent. If debauchery and drinking isn’t your cup of tea, opt to visit during any of the other 360 days of the year, when you can explore nearby waterfalls and ancient Ottoman mosques.

Day 3 Tikves Wine Region Macedonia makes you thirsty… for wine. Vintners in the Tikveš wine region have had eons to perfect the art—winemaking here dates back to the 4th century—and are quickly implementing better practices to improve their wines’ quality from the communist era. It is easy to vineyard-hop; just hire a car for the day. Notable wineries include Tikveš, Bovin and Grkov.

Day 6 Bitola You’ll notice Bitola’s charm as soon as you enter downtown. Numerous cafés, restaurants and bars flank the main pedestrian street and are populated by young, trendy professionals and students. If you ever feel guilty of whiling away the afternoon over a Skopsko Pivo, Macedonia’s leading beer, you can watch a local football match at the stadium near Bitola Park or roam Stara Čaršija, the old Ottoman quarter.

Day 8 Ohrid Ohrid is indisputably the gem of Macedonia, and perhaps even the entire Balkan region. This small town boasts an eclectic and substantial offering of natural grandeur, a pumping nightlife, deep history and expansive religious significances. According to legend, this city by the lake once had 365 chapels, one for every day of the year. Perched on a cliff close to Lake Ohrid’s shore, the Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo is at its most tranquil and photogenic at sunset. Although Ohrid itself can keep you lingering for days, we suggest you drive south along the lake’s shore to Sveti Naum, a monastery that’s home to intricate frescoes and numerous peacocks.

Day 11 Skopje Skopje is the cultural, administrative and economic capital of Macedonia. The Vardar River crudely divides the city; to the south, one will find a booming café culture, designer shops and most of the city’s nightclubs. To the north, lies the predominantly Albanian enclave of Čaršija and the looming Kale Fortress. This socioeconomic disparity is an excellent microcosm of today’s complex situation in the Balkans.

Hersh Kumbhani - 14.03.2011 - http://www.cntraveller.in/content/14-days-macedonia


...









Edited by Max - 18-Feb-2018 at 00:44
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #69 Posted: 16-Oct-2012 at 23:00


somebody said I'm lost!? dont worry its ok until u dont stumble across some system error like history repeating scene e.g. pagan celebrations, and if you ever get to that point, dont hesitate to contact ur insurance Thumbs%20Up coz ur operating system could reprogram itself but now without ur familiar matrix assistance i.e. ur familiar spirits! so stay away from gatherings at paleolithic caves, neolithic hillocks and antique or medieval ruins! also be cautious if attend at disk'o gatherings, today transformed in trans festivities, that are regularly mess of frequencies and chemistry! anyway always have in mind:

Emergency numbers in Macedonia - for all dial 112 - http://www.visiteurope.com/Plan/Practical-Information/Need-to-know/Emergency-numbers [1]


for countrys phonebook or white pages, dial 1188 or search on cyrillic in [1]

for Roadside assistance and info dial 196 - http://euraxess.mk/dailylife


use AMSM Road Assistance app









Edited by Max - 18-Feb-2018 at 01:28
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #70 Posted: 17-Oct-2012 at 18:21

http://www.hostelbookers.com/guide/macedonia/

http://www.anaussieinlondon.co.uk/backpackers-guide/macedonia/ [1]

http://www.travelgrove.com/blog/travel-planning/the-backpacker’s-guide-to-macedonia/

...Macedonia is another place in Europe that really surprised me once I arrived there. The people in Macedonia are friendlier than any of the people I have met anywhere else in the world. The food is wonderful. The history is fascinating. And the cycling is superb. Macedonia is a difficult country to get to, but if you can make it there, it is certainly worth the trip... http://www.dreameurotrip.com/darren-alff-interview-euro-trip/

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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #71 Posted: 17-Oct-2012 at 20:12

http://rebstevenson.com/2011/02/by-request-a-macedonia-photo-album/
Moody Macedonia

A thick fog has mistaken me for Saint John, New Brunswick, and rolled into my noggin. But through the jet-lagged haze, I suspect I'm not in Eastern Canada, but Eastern Europe.The first clue is I'm sitting with a man named Zoran Nikolovski. The second is the bowl from which he slurps does not contain Cheerios. "For breakfast, we eat strong soup full of meats," he declares.Yep, definitely Eastern Europe.Nikolovski, an employee of the Macedonian Ministry of Economy, describes himself as a "motorcycle rocker man." Given his long black ponytail and macho swagger that seems accurate.

Ensconced by seven mountains and three rivers, the capital city's setting is surprisingly picturesque. I can't say the same for Skopje itself, which consists mainly of ugly, utilitarian flats that were thrown up after a disastrous earthquake in 1963. There is at least one exception: a brand new museum that pays homage to one of Skopje's hometown celebs, Mother Teresa.  "We are proud because she is the only Nobel Prize winner from Macedonia," explains Marina Spirova. Young Macedonians flock to the main pedestrian drag to kick back at outdoor bars with Nescafés (cold coffee drinks) or Skopskos (the national beer). The mood is lively and joyful, barely discernible from any other patio scene around the world. But I quickly gather that Skopje has a split personality. Over the Vardar River sits the Old Bazaar – a predominantly Muslim community and Skopje's most exotic neighbourhood. Nikolovski whisks me through in about 10 minutes, but later I sneak back alone. It is dusty and teeming with kebab shops, jewellers, tailors and roasted nut vendors. In Kapan An, a 15th-century Ottoman trading inn, I am the only customer at Sofra, an Albanian restaurant. This seems odd, as the service is friendly and the food tasty. "Macedonian people are scared to come here, to this side of the city," says shoemaker Aziz Murate, touching upon some of the racial tensions that plague Skopje. By daylight, the area seems safe, even for a lone Canadian girl. But with dusk comes leering and catcalls. And when I notice that a creep in a track suit is following me, it's me that gets the urge to dash. That stalker can't touch me up at St. Pantelemon, a 12th-century monastery that hovers above Skopje on Vodno Mountain. It's lunch at the traditional on-site restaurant where they roast lamb and wild pig on an open fire in the winter. The fumes smack me like Mike Tyson's fist, but I force down some grape Rakia, an aperitif, before tucking into a salad of tomatoes, cucumber and shredded sheep's cheese. Banitsa – a Macedonian interpretation of spanakopita – is next. I am instructed to intermittently eat a spoonful of plain yogurt alongside the flavourful pastry. Other dishes you might encounter include "village meat" (beef, pork and chicken in a tomato and cheese sauce) and "tavche gravche" (a baked bean dish). And carbs, lots of carbs. "We are not eating food without bread," says Nikolovski. Potholes so deep they likely reach China hog the road to Struga, a city south of Skopje. When my eyes are stable enough to focus, I admire the snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes and quaint, red-roofed villages that drift by. Who knew Macedonia's relief was so dramatic, even without the potholes? The average altitude is 830 metres. With only 2 million inhabitants scattered across 25,713 square kilometres, the country consists mainly of unbridled nature. Skopje (population 600,000) is the largest Macedonian community. The second is not even in Europe. It's Toronto – home to some 200,000 Macedonians. If Nikolovski is a "motorcycle rocker man," my next guide, Dzengis Patel, is a "pedestrian '80s mystic."  Clad in head-to-toe denim, he ascribes magical powers to water and rocks. His daily breakfast: "Two cigarettes and a cup of coffee." We meet in Struga, where the claim to fame is an annual poetry festival in which bards spout verses from a bridge over the Black Drim (pronounced "Dream") River. Said river is chock full of eels in September and October. "When I was a kid we tied a fork on a stick and caught them, then ate them. It's an aphrodisiac, especially the blood of the eel," says Patel. Patel points up at a rusty-coloured rock face, where you can just make out some faded frescoes. "Let us have an Indiana Jones experience." We are six kilometres from Struga, on the Albanian border. "This has been a sanctuary for 5,000 years," says Patel. "First by the pagans, then the Christians." We ascend 300 metres. Below us gleams silvery Lake Ohrid. It's so big (358 square kilometres) and so deep (228.7 metres) that it's called a "fresh water sea."At the top, Patel flips on a light switch and we step into St. Archangel Mikhail, a church within a cave that was inhabited by monks until the 17th century. Its rough, curved walls and ceilings are covered in medieval religious paintings. The word "awesome" springs to mind. According to Patel, there are 54 similar caves around Lake Ohrid. There are also full-blown monasteries, like St. Naum. In addition to a hotel and spa complex, it houses the tomb of St. Naum himself. Legend has it that if you put your ear to the grave, you can hear his heart beating. I only hear the shrieks of the resident peacocks who strut outside. A pearl made from fish scales is Ohrid's less holy claim to fame. Somebody (probably a bad cook) figured out that, when overheated, the scales of the endemic Plasica fish congeal into a pretty white stone. Ohrid is not lacking in sparkle, as the Serbian, Bulgarian, Greeks and Albanian tourists who flock there every year can attest. The streets are peppered with craftspeople – a man makes religious prints on a Gutenberg press here, another carves elaborate floral motifs out of walnut there. Accommodation in Ohrid, like everywhere in Macedonia, is extremely affordable: $60 Canadian will score you a lakefront villa. Patel says hello to every second person we pass as we stroll along the waterfront in Ohrid. "We take care of each other. Friendship means a lot here," he says. Except when it comes to lions. They, along with bears, wild dogs and other aggressive animals were given a rather hostile welcome at the 3rd century BC ancient amphitheatre that sits intact in Ohrid. Ancient markings – the season tickets of yore – are still visible on some of the 2,700 stone seats. I could almost believe that I was in Athens, or Rome. Then we visit the place called Plaoshnik, or "high ground, " where the largest excavation in Macedonia's history is happening on the site of a 9th-century university. A lanky man in short green shorts and a woman's sweater picks his way through the rubble and approaches me. He sips a Red Bull. "Hello, my name is Slavo, and I am a philosopher." Nope, I am still in Eastern Europe.Rebecca Stevenson
- 14.10.2009 - http://www.thestar.com/travel/europe/article/709470--moody-macedonia
[centet]




Edited by Max - 18-Feb-2018 at 01:10
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #72 Posted: 17-Oct-2012 at 22:23


#34

Cat-skiing Macedonia: Snowboarding the Balkans: Part 2 - http://www.snowsphere.com/macedonia/catski-macedonia-balkans-eskimo-freeride [1][2]

   



Edited by Max - 17-Oct-2012 at 23:01
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #73 Posted: 17-Oct-2012 at 23:00
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #74 Posted: 18-Oct-2012 at 11:21

First snow in Šar Mountains, Macedonia

The first snow fell in Šar Mountains, the Macedonian media reported.
 The snow covered the peaks as high as 2,000 meters on Friday, but it did not last for a long time and melted, despite the cold weather. The snow, which fell just before the official end of the summer, and the cold snap took shepherds by surprise. In the Šar Mountains at this time of the year around 20,000 sheep graze and spend the winter in the warmer regions of Macedonia.
22 September 2012 - FOCUS News Agency - http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n287999

yep Shara is our best mountain for winter sports, only still cant figure out why even today its highest peak is still having titos name [1] tho there was even proposal for his monument on the skopje square that today is crowned with alex on bukefal, nevertheless the peak and the mountain named after him, since ever was known as Shar i.e. Tzar (Шар,Sar,Šar) and this epithet can be easily understood if you find yourself there eating TruffleHoney - tip: with it always drink SnowTea while wondering what means the name Shar, definitely you will feel like Tzar from East [1] having own sherpas but here rather modernized...

and again but in context of Shar-wa (sherpa) maybe this name came there from some ancient macedonian tribes that settled as alexanders soldiers around the 'tzar of the mountains' [1][2][3] when beside their customs they carry with them the name Shar, or maybe eventually they brought it here while coming back from their ancient expeditions... Yes anyway Shar mountain (that connects northern Prokletie [1][2] and southern mount Korab [1][2][3]) is very similar to Hindukush as in terrain elevation, so as in the religious mix, tho through the last 50 years muslim word dominated above the orthodox one, but what matters is that there in the mountain can be heard the word of God, normally for those that can and want to listen, it cant be explain differently why there is so much species of butterflies than anywhere in europe [1] I must point out that whole arm of dinaric alps, that as mountain range stretches here from Shar through Korab till Pelister could be called Macedonian Himalaya... believe me the feeling is so unique if you see the scenery with that eyes, even more true when meeting some local buddhists wondering around i.e. those that seeks to drink tea instead coffee while trekking with smile from their buds!


and here comes the real thing, if your being is for a while on right altitude with right words and teas, then you could easily transcendent to the local shangrila i.e. shambala [1] but be aware if there is no one to hold your backpack then you'll probably end flying from some mountain rock, tho even in that case there is always option if you had time to master some paraglider kiting technique e.g. the videos above  also be aware not to buy tea herbs from towns, always seek for village stocks, or even better a monastery tea that was gathered and dried with prayer, tho it is always blessing if one is thankful to Lord for every drink and meal that he has through his own prayer!




Edited by Max - 20-Jan-2024 at 22:06
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #75 Posted: 18-Oct-2012 at 17:10


Previous

for Korab what to say except mighty plateau that rise beside our western lighthouse the monastery Bigorski

https://npmavrovo.org.mk/en/71-2/ [1][2][3]



http://www.nppelister.org.mk

http://www.balkansgeotourism.travel/content/pelister-national-park-macedonia/seeE61250E973476322C

Mount Pelister is one of the most beautiful mountains on the Balkan Peninsula. There is a legend that The Gods asked Perun (the Slavic god of thunder) why he settled at Mount Korab when there is a much more beautiful mountain to the south. Perun became angry and decided to marry Pelister with Baba Mountain (baba means grandma). So, now Pelister is part of Baba Mountain... http://www.mysticalmacedonia.com/default.aspx?mode=1&id=534&lang=1

http://issuu.com/pelagonija/docs/grupna_eng [1][2][3][4]

Monasteries on Baba Mountain




Edited by Max - 14-Apr-2023 at 20:26
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #76 Posted: 20-Oct-2012 at 17:10


as region Macedonia is from end to end guarded by thunder mountains Yes finely four of them > from northwest with Shar+Korab, from northeast Pirin i.e. Perun, from southwest with Pind+Ol'imp i.e. Light'Cord/navel and from southeast Aton i.e. Sun > mountains that evoke and collect lightnings, except Aton where they are smoothened by the prayers that are plentifully chanted on this Holy Mountain, and as I had heard Pirin is mightiest lightning-rod of all this balconies, thus probably having more piles of silver arteries... 

these lightning-guards watch upon the three largest macedonian sunny valleys known as pelagonisko pole, skopsko+ovche pole and solunsko pole... in between this ring is passing by the largest macedonian river Vardar that arise from poloG valley beneath the shar mountain, river once known as Aksios that means worthy/deserving [1] tho there are other forgoing conclusions as black river [2] anyway, in this guardian mission they have help by their sun-holders the inner massifs of Macedonia like Baba, Bistra, Jakupica, Osogovo and Mariovo in that way maybe extinguishing the reminiscent energy of the Eocen volcano in Lesnovo... 
I can freely say that our small macedonian geography is unique piece in the earths puzzle that actually links all the cultures and history that flourished here, and today this jewel is regularly polished with giga-planting tree actions that are example and inspiration globally [1][2][3] which at least is helping the local consciousness for care of our collective lungs [1][2][3][4]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_the_Republic_of_Macedonia#Topography [1][2][3][4][5]

when standing up there, one can easily see that all macedonian mountains were mythically interwoven through all ages from neolith through antiquity, then middle ages and in all world wars and romances, and those that have speleological affinities can witness even deeper through these patterns, searching the mountain layers in its caves [1] for the rest of you with loosen approach this mythical-Geo-interlace can be reach through the local stories and songs, like the one saying that from the peak Solunska Glava on Yakupica, on clear day it could be seen the egean see, as from Shar the adriatic, eventually some greenpeace boat on them 




Edited by Max - 21-Oct-2012 at 17:10
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #77 Posted: 21-Oct-2012 at 17:10

its strange how the three inner massifs Baba, Yakupitsa and Mariovo even in modern times share striking similarities i.e. despite their geographic connections, all of them hugging and hanging around the pelagonian valley, they are also similar by geologic composition > their origin is from Tertiary, noticeably from their mineral layers [1] tho this is rather my conclusion than official one, which states that the pelagonian mountains are from Precambrian age [1][2][3] hm maybe then was added some true essence from the Sun, mentioned in the post #5 earlier, so later when human souls fell on this planet they could absorb some liberating knowledge from it, that had been passed on further, yep its stil circulating as such [1][2][3] and dont mind any insomniac buzz!    

indeed its there, but this feldspar knowledge today is pushed out by ego-life-habits e.g. my mountain, mine peak, my age etc. yet even today if we put some contemplative impulse from the Eternity of Light i.e. the Heavens Realm this could easy wipe any evil adversary as is the ego (nationalism,supremacy,materialism etc.) and i testify that seeing with this eyes we are all macedonians, europeans or earthians [1] instead e.g. serbians-greeks-bulgarians coz as is case with these last three, usually people use rather ethnographic than geographic eponyms, tho today macedonian became also ethnographic one coz no one of the neighbors want to identify as such, altho all of them once were part of it, and it could be said the same for yugoslavia as modern eponym but without such glory that had have the ancient macedonia so it could last forever, e.g. thats why i think it would be better to be used the term Mokra than Yakupitsa for the mountain massif near Skopye, but most of the people behave as lajtif from the feudal proverb "where all turks goes, there, also goes little ljatif", tho even for me its tempting to call these mountains after the founder of israelites [1] even tho Yakup is the islamic version of the name Yakob, nevertheless it is evolving matter that if continue to be ego-driven it could eventually end named after Barack, if his bondsteel team erect there winter-nato-resort  anyhow here u can even now visit some famous barracks in the natural reserve Yasen, where world presidents and celebrities are eating fish while chasing wild goats and other game breded in this ego-hunting place [1] also here was one of the famous ex-yu underground hideouts [2], but is strange why the command object in zeljava base is holding the same name [3], only our Jasen is small command bunker in comparison to the main ex-yu atomic-shelters [4] stil it is mysterious ex-yu facility [5], tho even today i'm not sure that the real one is opened
for the public, even tho officially the authorities say it is, yet is hard to believe in that when have in mind that this mountain massif is our largest cave-stronghole [1]




http://www.jasen.com.mk



the name Mokra (wet, soggy), probably came coz it is full of springs, but definitely coz its soaked in the largest fresh water basin in Macedonia that is right underneath the mountain, and on top of that now there is accumulation formed from once the fastest river in the country, the river Treska that had carved the famous treska gorge, which ends in Matka where is preparing for rendezvous with Vardar, actually with those two new accumulation kozjak and matka our advanced governments dis-advance the nature and microclime in this region that is known as Poreche or Porechie meaning upstream, settling down its powers as they had done also with our largest canyon on river Erigon in Mariovo...

Mount Jakupitsa is dominated by volcanic and meta-morphic bedrock with Mesozoic evaporites of limestone folded over basal rocks [1] Yakupitsa is one of the biggest limestone massifs in Europe, it is presumed that in this area the state greatest cave system and the widest water basin is located, where huge amount of pure drinking water is accumulated within http://www.bmumagazine.com/Post.aspx?PostID=89





Edited by Max - 02-Nov-2014 at 22:40
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #78 Posted: 22-Oct-2012 at 17:10


sorry for this moralizing break, but I and all of U must condemn hunters-for-fun and hunting reserves as occurrence, that again and again promotes sustainability of paleolithic hunter habits - to kill for pleasure, tho i wonder if most of them will enjoy if should hunt with bare hands for fun, so much for their bravery!

this way of life is promoted even horribly within Yasen hunting area on mount Karajitsa, which is reserved only for elite hunting agencies! yasen hunting area is 250km2, from 1000km2 hunting grounds in possession of the state [1] but in whole country there are all together 246 locations with 2mil-ha hunting area [2] i.e. on 4/5 of the countrys territory is allowed seasonal hunting!

Macedonia is a small mountain country between Greece and Serbia, with the best population on Balkan Chamois in Europe in national parks and a large Muflon sheep, Fallow Deer and Wild Boar populations in very large fenced areas. Macedonia is also the only country where Cretensis Ibex, known as Kri – Kri Ibex can be hunted legally. Lodging is provided in hunting houses with excellent food within the hunting grounds. The hunt is easy and with 100% success. http://www.huntineurope.com/us/p_Macedonia-big-game.htm

what a hypocrisy, in one hand they forbid dog fights, in other bread all kind of fair game for pleasure of killing, its not even matter of profit opportunity or extra tourist option, it is legal bloody passion that has bloody consequences! STOP THE HUNTING TOURISM AND ANIMAL SACRIFICE FOR FUN! hunters go hunt down ur ego, and after find some empathy and become again free and true humans! remember people don't make their living out of being cruel, and cant expect harmonic society if this is tolerated!

if u ever join this group, u are becoming worse of the worst humans on this planet! stil as all of us, even I have many friends that are hunters, yet most of mine with fisherman smile on their face, coz are what they are for survival > many lacking ability or funds to become sustainable farmers, so i accept them as real hunters with real reason, not some monger trend-setters on guided hunt! even tho I dont know what lead to less suffering hunting or farm slaughtering, only know that both are lesser evil than hunting for fun! 

as first step to hunting-free country, it is wise to ban all firearm-hunting, and allow only traditional hunting like falconry and archery, even tho there is more suffering involved, but the logic is that there are not to much skillful hunters with this weapons, and in case this became also popular, which I doubt, then this could be banned also as bloody-recreation! some will say it is impossible, but hey definitely all countries would not ban this blood-enjoying-sport, so let those that are blood-thirsty go somewhere else to lust for slaughtering! 

normally in case of pest control it could be given limited right to local hunters for resolving the matter, but to stimulate hunting as is today done is merely as stimulate dope for kids, yes its fun, makes u happy and gives u strength, but they dont tell ya that imprisons ur souls, mind and body! and yet I know that this sounds ridiculous, but I believe if there is ngo campaigns followed by referendum, that this elite bloody tourism as legal way of life wouldnt continue to flourish here! there is to little people that have to much privileges, as here so as in europe [1] and there are examples that this kind of idealism could prevail [1][2]




























Edited by Max - 18-Feb-2018 at 00:24
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #79 Posted: 23-Oct-2012 at 17:10

you cant educate people to become empathic IF they are encouraged since young to become hunters! [1]
you CAN however be cosmopolit and spread the word of empathy to all that surrounds us, except the evil itself and its devotees! [2]
tho the're times it should be allowed to roll out some things that we perceive 'em as evil, so it could be stopped greater evil to unleash! [3]

this was example case with Menka, a bear from the revolutionary village on mount Pelister called Tsapari, which was found near as little bear beside its mother, once a local big-game trophy, and from grief she was kept and raised on fishpond at the end of the village... it was unbelievable scene, true rural attraction for those that heard about, and many adventurers visited the place just coz Menka, but the most special thing was that she was free, living and eating at the fishpond but also flirting and rumbling in the mountain, and from time to time, even her boyfriend have been coming near the fishpond! one couldnt believe how much Menka was clever, fast and strong yet gentle, and most of all friend! 

first time when i saw how little girl is feeding her from hand, it was something out from this world for me! yep the granddaughter of Pande have feed this massive animal with its own hands, then despite all fear among many, also saw others approaching and checking own bravery while giving daily snack to Menka, tho this was also easy way to be photographed with her, after all it was wild animal that dont hang around like your domestic dog or cat! anyhow, Menka was very eager for sugar, apples and rakiya, normally the "owner" give her bread and fish, but coz all of that was on the regular menu, Menka didnt bother too much about it, as she was about the sweet goody! many gave her sugar from plate, but there very also those that gave her sugar from their hands, it is pointless to assure u if u cant imagine that, and even more if I told u that this was done also by small children! not that this is something unbelievable, there are many examples of bears as pet [1][2][3][4][5], but Menka was unique coz 4 years lived double life, as domestic or wild animal when and what ever she liked, plus near so much people, with never fenced free spirit! 

nevertheless Menka was wild as any wild bear, and altho living at the end of the village, many didnt had pleasant dreams, so finally someone shot her down, some say that she became danger when was starting to descent in the apple fields below the village, others that the real reason was political coz Menka was right-winged as its guardian, who even once painted VMRO on her belly, also he had saying "Menka VMRO-vka prava Makedonka" i.e. Menka the revolutionary is the real macedonian... 
I think that in this case no matter how tamed Menka was, or why its Pande didnt cage her, at least fence the fishpond, altho sad stil I found this action of safety,  to be genuine! maybe police had done it, without telling the owner about, so it could prevent any anger or vendetta, coz believe me she was for him more precious than his life, coz he became mother and father to her, and in same time not some pet or live trophy but another member of the family, its hard to explain this, but hey after few years even grizzly can become best friend, normally if u have enough food to share! now only memory from her are just private photos and videos, and one documentary dedicated to Menka, which author composed even this requiem after her death, so all that ever meet Menka could bring to mind memory of her...

bears arent thirsty carnivorous except the polar ones, but could easily wipe out anything if smell danger, altho rarely [1][2] then its clever always to have plan for any case scenario [1][2][3]  usually as all animals bears also reacts on adrenalin rush (fear) from the opposite side [1][2] and in case u cant calm ur self and try slowly to move from her way, or somehow scare her, that is usually case when cubs are around, then as Pande says > its best to run < but not up or down or to climb three, but only in sideway which eventually will trow the angry bear from balance and force it to give up the chase! but this would not help with wolfs [1][2] for them only solution is Sharplaninets > the Mountain Tzar [3] so always have one if U decide to live in macedonian mountain, and instead of hunt any pests, learn how to defend or avoid them! people should shift their hunting or imprisoning paradigms, yes its difficult but lets try, at least dont imprison these wild animals in zoos, and then dont kill them without good reason, tho even then could be found more human way to settle the problem, if the animal at all is the problem! even in this case with Menka she could be driven away to some wild sanctuary if she became danger for the villagers, tho I also believe that she was not, stil everyone cant live happy and free knowing that their neighbor has bear instead dog at his fishpond, this village has population of 500+ so at least few of them could lived with constant fear, altho on whole mountain there are bears that regularly come at villages on this altitude +1000m amsl, and in this way at least one can always be prepared for bear greeting card...   




Edited by Max - 24-Oct-2012 at 17:10
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  Quote Max Quote  Post ReplyReply #80 Posted: 24-Oct-2012 at 17:10

the name Menka literally means bear as lovingly alias, it is common womans name in Pelagonia, this also counts for the mail name counterpart Mendo (dem. Mende, that need to use bear tallow to become Mendo), and it is name that bear strength and wise attributes, which is even scientifically true i.e. except among the strongest maybe u didnt know but bears are also among the smartest animals on the earth [1]

apart from the nickname Menka, bear literary is called Mechka, in both cases here the usual designation for bear is feminine noun, and she almost have same id as cat i.e bear is mechka and cat is machka, and if machka somehow find wings she can become kvachka or strachka (broodhen or crow), depending of the wings polar charge  but there are other even stranger circumstances around the macedonian bear like Bear convicted for theft of honey - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7295559.stm [1] this is due to the status of full protection of the bears here, so if state as usual estimate small compensation, many goes to court appeal in which case get extra refund for the damage, annually 250k euros goes from the state budged for bear damage, which if is compared as  percent per capita to rest of europe [1][2] makes us recharge champions, in many occasions kind of scam, coz elsewhere every farmer or food producer living in similar areas is obligated on electric fencing! [1][2][2][2][3] tho even then would exists rural hustlers that through courts will try to open new holes in the law! 

if u decide to wonder around the macedonian forests, its always smart to have any local knowledge regarding the bears, no matter how rural sounds [1] but also have a look, even if u dont have time, some scientific article http://www.mes.org.mk/PDFs/MAK%20NEN/Brown%20Bear%20Study%20eng.pdfas is underlined in the first link, not just that only today > Ursus arctos < the Macedonia's brown bear population appears to be a key link in the distribution of one of Europe's largest brown bear populations, the Dinaric-Pindos population. < even earlier she had prime role e.g. in middle ages she was what lion was in the antiquity, a forest king that got the main mythological pedestal in the local lore
The use of animals as symbols was a theme frequently used by artists. The deer symbolized light and victory, and was considered a defender and leader of the dead. For example, a deer standing at a watering place was a Christian symbol related to christening. It is found throughout Christian art – in floor mosaics, church decorations etc. Bears were addressed with many different names: grandmother, aunt, she, and in some regions, Menda. As characters and on masks, bears can be seen at the carnivals in Prilep, where the so-called “mechkari” (bear-tamers) have a performance during the celebration of “Prochka” (Forgiveness-Asking Day)....Within the yearly cycle of folk customs, there was a link between cultic activities and certain animal sacrifices. Examples of this include: (a) feasts devoted to the wolf were observed twice per year (11-17 November and 1-3 March), (b) the feast day of St. Andrea (30 November) honoured the bear and (c) the feast day of St. Jeremiah, a day of protection against snakes,...The eagle was hunted for the medicinal power of its fat against rheumatism. Bears were used for therapeutic purposes. A sick person would lie down and allow a bear to step on him to drive out pain. Fumigation with the burnt hair of a bear would also ease pain, or could release the demons from pregnant women....http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/mk/mk-nr-01-en.pdf

again bears do make troubles and they are not all raised with love as Menka was, so always be prepare for the worst when trekking or hiking [1] in and around bear ares, u are their guest there and have that in mind! even minor scratch or bite could provoke infection etc. so always have first aid kit, and as already suggest above means of self defense like bear-pepperspray specially if u go there alone, if cant find similar cans at local shops or survivorist, then maybe useful tip is to carry some stuff for burning, coz bears dont like burning smell or its best to use signal-flare gun that will scare them away easy [1] however they like the odor of the turpentine or kerosene if not burned, so stick to the flare guns and sticks or similar noisy fireworks, normally always be aware what and where u eat or left after [1][2][3] and if u want any contact with them first try some mascot
[1





Edited by Max - 07-Jan-2024 at 18:50
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