​​Eastern Europe Journey — North Macedonia

​​North Macedonia​​ Many people might not be familiar with North Macedonia 🤔. Indeed, this small country gained independence after the dissolution of former Yugoslavia 🏛️. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the socialist federation of Yugoslavia split into six smaller nations: Serbia 🇷🇸, Croatia 🇭🇷, Slovenia 🇸🇮, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦, Montenegro 🇲🇪, and North Macedonia 🇲🇰. Additionally, Kosovo has sought independence from Serbia but remains unrecognized by the United Nations 🤷‍♂️. Don't underestimate North Macedonia 👀 - it has a glorious past ✨. During ancient Greek times 🏛️, Macedonia was a kingdom under Greek influence. The rugged and warlike Macedonians gradually grew stronger 💪 and produced a legendary conqueror - Alexander the Great ⚔️. He annexed Greece and expanded aggressively, establishing an empire spanning three continents 🌍 (336-323 BC), pushing all the way to the plains of India 🐘, earning the title "the Great" 👑. After Alexander's death 😔, his generals engaged in continuous Wars of the Diadochi ⚔️⚔️, plunging the empire into chaos and causing its rapid collapse 💥. ​​Skopje​​ This is the capital of North Macedonia 🏙️. Most people probably haven't heard this name 🤫, myself included - until I researched travel plans for the Balkans 📖. The city is small, and half a day is enough for sightseeing ⏳. From the bus/train station 🚌, a 15-minute walk brings you to the river 🌊, where five bridges 🌉 span its waters. Three of them are lined with rows of statues on both sides 🗿. Then comes Macedonia Square, dominated by a towering statue of their glorious ancestor - Alexander the Great 🗡️. Nearby is the Memorial House of Mother Teresa ⛪. Continuing onward, you can climb up to the ancient fortress 🏰 before ending your tour at St. Clement of Ohrid Church ⛪. #TravelWithLaoMiao #Travel #Europe #NorthMacedonia #Skopje