The place that I’m showing you in this post is not a destination that can be planned for on the spot. It’s not exactly a 5 minute ride. When you cross the Serbian-Macedonian border, of course, at the allowed speed, it is not to far out for you to get off the highway and take a ‘slightly’ winding road to this destination …
However, the road is better than I expected and Ohrid is worth every effort …
Lake Ohrid
After you throw your suitcases into the room, all the roads lead you to the lake.
First of all, it is very deep, in some places the depth of 288 m was measured, which makes it the deepest in Europe.
The famous Ohrid trout lives here, as well as many other species, Ohrid pearls are made here and it is very beautiful and clean.
Around the lake, the town is located like a horseshoe, which is very old and has its own story.
Looking at the water is Ohrid’s strongest brand. For some, like this gentleman, this view serves for maximum ‘relaxation’.
When you have this view, all sorts of ideas come to mind. For example to open a restaurant, become a pop singer or be the first astronaut in a wheelchair …
Most of the photos that Ohrid is proud of were probably created from this pier.
The best view of the whole lake is right here, there was a whole line of people in front of me, but it was worth the wait.
I was accompanied by swans completely accustomed to tourists throwing them ‘snacks’ (figs, chips, snacks … etc). It depends on who arrived with what.
Interesting facts about Ohrid
Ohrid got its name from the word ‘vo hrid’ which means on the hill. No wonder, it’s known that 80% of Macedonia is under the mountains.
Only Montenegro has a higher percentage. That’s what Google says, and the only thing that matters to me is that it’s pretty flat and nice to walk on.
I especially liked the architecture that is characteristic of Ohrid.
It is a pity that the whole city is not like that, because various forces passed through here and everyone competed to leave their influence.
This Balkan-oriental style can be found on many Ohrid postcards.
They say that there used to be 365 churches here, one for each day.
And there are also mosques. No wonder many consider it “Jerusalem of the Balkans”.
There are those that are a must see but most are chained by heavy cobblestones which is a big enemy to us wheelers.
In the center of the city, there is something for everyone.
Famous Ohrid pearls are bought there in proven shops. We were satisfied with two pairs of earrings for female team members.
The proud landlady asked me to take a picture of her store, which we did.
Ohrid is full of small details that make every walk different. One of them is Ohrid lanterns, which are very similar to the architecture of classic Ohrid houses.
A walk through Ohrid can be as long as you want.
My walks are commanded by architectural barriers or my stomach. So, when it’s time for a snack, I don’t skip it, especially since I knew what I want to try. At the first patisserie in the center, I was looking for a salep.
I’m not saying that it is exactly a Macedonian specific, but various forces were roaring here, so this drink is a blend of those cultures as well. Imagine a very thin semolina that you can drink while the smell of cinnamon and all possible shades of vanilla enters your nose. I later learned that it is made from one type of orchid and is good for coughs.
Every walk must end at some point. Since everyone has their own opinion, I have a habit of asking the locals where to eat. Although the prices in the taverns are constantly rising, they are actually very affordable, so you are free to gain a few kilos. Abs are no longer in vogue.
When we entered the restaurant, we got a place by the window, but also a light that turned us green.
It is a kind of atmosphere on purpose because the lake got an unreal blue color.
Before we ordered, we got this as an appetizer. Hot buns and a spread that took our breath away.
I later learned that it was makalo, a Macedonian traditional appetizer of garlic, lemon and oil. Every region has its own version, with peppers, walnuts, potatoes .. Every housewife in Macedonia, if she wants to get married, must know how to prepare makalo. I don’t need to mention that we ‘cleaned up’ everything, smearing it on hot buns, and that it goes unbelievably well with Skopje beer. Of course, it’s good when everyone eats it. In fact, those who do not eat it are to blame for later communication difficulties.
After this appetizer, I ordered and received Ohrid trout. The waitress explained to us that she is different in appearance and taste from the standard ones. With an incredibly long fingernail, she showed us three red dots on the fish and pointed out that the Ohrid one can be recognized by that. We took her at her word.
I’m not an expert but it was very tasty and I took another item off my ‘to eat’ list.
And something about the hotel …..
The elevator was too good, I knew a landmine was waiting for us somewhere. This is not an acceptable bathroom for the disabled.
We asked two hundred times, but this single step is nothing for walkers so they don’t understand. However, we are old masters and this didn’t hinder us from experiencing Ohrid in the right way.
They saw us off with a royal breakfast, which is included in the price of the night, so they were forgiven for everything.
Conclusion
Ohrid is trying very hard.
Experts say that nothing has changed in the last 50 years. I do not know. I would have to come again in 50 years. Anyway, it was a nice experience, would recommend to visit.
Traveled and enjoyed,
Marko Veličković
