Depart for Skopje, discover Tetova, boat ride in Matka Canyon.

Mainly a driving day over narrow, twisting roads. First stop was an ancient mosque in the city of Tetovo, built in the latter part of the 14th century. The Sarena Dzamija is decorated with bright floral paintings. I had never been in one before. Essentially, it was a big, carpeted room (had to take our shoes off) in which men sit on the carpet and worship their god. There were also three balconies for the women up some steep stairs. Photography was allowed.

Matka Canyon was our next stop. Matka Lake, located in the canyon is the oldest artificial lake in Macedonia. The dam, which was built in 1939, still supplies hydroelectricity. We had lunch there before taking a 20-minute, small boat ride up the steep-walled canyon of the Treska River to Vrelo Cave. Stalactites, stalagmites, and a couple of lakes. According to Daniel, our local guide, divers have yet to find the bottom of the larger lake… 900 hundred feet down so far through underwater chambers.

Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, was our main destination for the day. In 1963, Skopje sustained a big earthquake in which 80% of the city was destroyed. With the help of other countries, Skopje was rebuilt into the city it is today… much of which is basic architecture. Our hotel, the StoneBridge, is part of the impressive architecture seen in the downtown area. Of note are the large statues everywhere.

Quick Photo Links: Sarena Dzamija Mosque | Matka Canyon and Vrelo Cave