Back to the Past, Kičevo, North Macedonia

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE IN MACEDONIA

As a part of the program of our Erasmus “Back to Nature” project from the 28th of February to the 4th of March we gathered in Kichevo, Macedonia. Unfortunately not all the partners could travel, so the Italian team missed the mobility, although they followed some activities from the distance.

Macedonians welcomed warmly and nicely the Croatian and Catalan partners and they hosted and looked after us excellently. They went the extra mile to make the whole week a special, interesting and unforgettable experience.

On the first day of the programmed activities students presented some traditional remedies and medicines elaborated from herbs. Remedies for sore throats, stomach-aches, head-aches among other. Doubtlessly all can come handy in the future!!! Then we head-up to visit a nuns monastery perched on top of a mountain. It was a bit of an adventure as we found snow on the way and had to walk up on foot, which, have to say, was good fun! The nuns are self-sufficient as they grow their own vegetables and have their own cows and goats. They showed us around the monastery and explained its history. It was a very cold day, so they welcomed us inside their apartment and offered as hot tea and some lokum. They also have a small shop were they sell products like jewellery, religious images and some tasty food like cheese or honey.

On Wednesday we travelled to Skopje, the country’s capital and most populated city. On the way we stopped to visit a factory which produces many natural products from herbs, some of them from marihuana. Products like moisturising creams are their top-sellers. It was interesting as it is clearly connected to the topic of our project. Then we went into the city centre where we had a great traditional food altogether. It was a feast!!! We could try some of the most delicious dishes of the Macedonian cuisine. Red peppers sauce, beans stew, green peppers, cheese pies, meat stew, tomato and cheese cream were just some of the tasty samples we enjoyed! Then we head off to walk around Skopje. We started in the Muslim neighbourhood and walked along many shops to then cross the stone bridge and into the city’s main square dominated by a huge statue of Alexander the great. Skopje has a modern city centre, with many sculptures and some impressive government buildings. It has also a modern flair with trendy shops and cafes. That was a long but fulfilling day for all!

On Thursday we travelled to Ohrid, one of the country’s natural jewels. It is a beautiful lake in the south, sharing its waters with Albania. It is the country’s biggest touristy attraction, and no one wondered by. The lake is surrounded by some majestic mountains, some over 2,000 meters so they were all snow-capped providing an idyllic combination with the clear blue Ohrid’s lake water. The city has many churches, and attractions so we discovered it with a guided tour which was helpful to get to know better in detail the city’s history. It’s actually were the Cyrillic alphabet was invented!!! Students and teachers enjoyed then some free time around the city to do some shopping and enjoy its terraces. At night, we had the gala dinner altogether students and teachers. It was a great and amazing night with some singing, dancing and an official diplomas and photo session.

Friday was the departure day for the Croatian team, but before there was time for a workshop to elaborate some natural products from herbs and for a final walk around Kichevo.

We all left Macedonia with unforgettable memories and stories. Travelling and getting to know other countries and its people is always enriching, but sharing experiences and moments like we did, makes it even better. The hosts left on us a great impression for its warmth, friendliness, dedication and attention to make our stay there easy, special and unique.