A trip to Gevgelija

 And so we set off due north to visit the republic north of Macedonia, aka North Macedonia. We also unknowingly crossed a time zone.  Since we were watching Greek television channels. It wasn’t until the following day there we realized we were GMT+1 and not the Greek GMT+2!                                                                

    The tourist season had not really started yet we were not the only visitors – this poor stork perhaps regretted his early flight north while the cold wind blew round him.                                                         

Our previous trip in this country had been to Prelip, a less-developed region with tobacco production being the main activity. Here it was clear on entering the town that tourism had two facets: dental as evidenced from the prevalence of dental clinics around and almost every hotel had its casino.  Presumably club members can request the stretch limousine services!                                                   

The nearby Lake Doirani also attracts visitors. We had glorious weather there, particularly enjoying the combination of the beautiful gold of the rushes and the blue of the lake water.                                           

One of the reasons for our trip away was to celebrate both our birthdays. The waiter was kind enough to help in that but it seems ‘candle' translated into ‘pyrotechnics’ there!
 We discovered a lovely local wine, Tramnec, described as ‘aromatic and juicy’ - indeed, it was.

                                            

 And we enjoyed some fine meals there from steaks and chicken to pizza and pasta.

                                     

Here you see Z was eating in good company with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix looking on!

                                      

This is the reception area of our hotel and the darkness of the photographs taken inside can be explained by the name of the hotel: Paint it Black – for so was the décor.                                     

Clearly the hotel owner was a fan of the music and musicians of an earlier era.                                         

What was certain was that with the amazing posters on display and the awesome music being played, our hotel in Gevgelija really, really rocked!

Spring Has Sprung !

 Spring has sprung and nature is awaking, generously  providing us with her beauty. This tree, just beyond our front gate, is a perfect shape and laden with wild cherry blossom.

                                                   

My favourite scenes at this time of year are of blossom and buds on a backdrop of an interesting skyscape.                                                     

Let’s have a close-up of this: it’s blossom of the pear tree, aka pyrus.  Known since pre-historic times, this tree is found throughout Europe, N Africa and Asia, preferring coastal and temperate climates. It produces clusters of white 5-petalled flowers and its wood is used to produce instruments and furniture. It is seen as symbolizing divine sustenance, abundance and longevity.

                                                  

Next we have the prunus dulcis, the sweet almond tree. This is native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. It is one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees and, given the right conditions, can live for up to 100 years. In Jordan there is evidence of domesticated almond trees dating back 5000 years. Its blossom is a delicate pink and Van Gogh was in its thrall, creating many studies of it. The almond kernel, or drupe, enjoys a superfood profile, being an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium as well as being capable of strengthening the immune system. It is understandable, then, that it symbolises sweetness, charm and delicacy.

                                                   

My favourite is the peach tree or prunus persia which produces the most beautiful blooms, ranging along the entire pink spectrum. It was when Alexander the Great conquered Persia around 3000 BC that this tree first became known in Europe. Native to China, that culture holds it dear and believes it to represent immortality. Its wood is used to ward off evil and manufacture weapons, while the blossom is used in the production of cosmetics and perfume. It is associated with luck and prosperity.

                                                 

But this is not just the time to gaze at and admire the surrounding blossom. Just like Nature herself, we have to shake off winter torpor. There is an entire vineyard out there to care for. Here is Minas, having sprayed his vines, ploughing the area and clearing out the weeds.

                                              

And, since we’re talking of tasks, I must go and tend the rosebushes. They’ve been pruned down, their beds cleared and they’ve been fed. Now I see there is too much growth so the foliage needs to be thinned out to allow a free passage of air through the branches to avoid moulds, etc.

                                                

I can’t wait till we can enjoy fresh fruit and beautiful, scented blooms. 😊