We also visited the memorial house dedicated to Toshe Proveski - Macedonian's most famous singer who performed worldwide. He was killed at 26 in a car accident. We visited his grave last year but the memorial was closed.
In the evening, K and I visited Canka and Zlate (neighbours we met last year). Canka speaks English quite well so it was great to talk to a local unaided. Zlate recently acquired a job as a driver for the local mental hospital (that is what it is called). They are so happy as now they have a secure income from a government job.
It is impossible to describe what we have seen so far and would never have had these experiences if not for Vele and Sneza. Much of what we have seen is almost third world in terms of buildings and living conditions. The roads are deplorable, rubbish is piled and scattered everywhere as no garbage service exists. There is next to no maintenance to infrastructure, government services have little funding, most people drive very old Russian cars that are truly unroadworthy that are rusty, missing windows and other parts and poorer families ride a donkey and cart. With a population of only 2 million, mass unemployment and little tax revenue, many people have little hope for a bright future. There is a current campaign to inform people of their rights and to stamp out corruption. There is equally some beautiful areas as well but these are usually centered around large towns.
Macedonia is rich in gold, marble and iron ore but mines have closed in fear that neighboring countries may want to occupy the country.
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