So, I did go out! I made new colleague-friends and took some time for quiet walking around the city, and yes, I took some photos!
Christmas isn’t as big a deal here as elsewhere in Europe (because most of the christian population is orthodox, and the muslim population obviously doesn’t celebrate as such), but the one thing that is a big deal here? Lights! Strings of lights! Everywhere, and in large amounts. To the point where walking down some of the pedestrian streets feels like walking through a galaxy though not like us, out on the edge of the Milky Way, but in a far more densely starred area. You’d think it would be garish, but it is quite lovely.
![](https://i2.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-at-night-2-1.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
This is one of the lesser lit streets…
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![](https://i2.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-at-night-2-2.jpg?resize=450%2C600&ssl=1)
Look up! Even the moon is overshadowed (overlit?).
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![](https://i0.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-at-night-2-3.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
This was one of the most brightly lit bridges I have ever seen. Please excuse that brown rectangle. GDPR.
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![](https://i1.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-at-night-2-4.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Looking down towards the main square – it is not a flying cross, but weather conditions made it appear to be.
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![](https://i2.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-at-night-2-5.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Most places in the old market were closed, but lookit all those EU umbrellas.
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![](https://i2.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-at-night-2-6.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Crossing the Vardar back to the main square with its giant red-lit tree.
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This week has been intense and interesting and I have been playing a lot of my angry music to take the edge off the nerves, but here’s a quieter one from my favourites:
And speaking of favourites, I have a favourite doorway again:
![](https://i1.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-doorway-2.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
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And! A favourite window:
![](https://i2.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/12/skopje-window.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
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I hope this posts as it should, my last few posts missed their scheduled appearance, but I will be keeping an eye on this.
How amazing to walk through streets as lit up and beautiful as that. Also, your favorite window is stunning. I like the door too, but the window is my favorite.
That bridge has so much light I didn’t see the statues at first. They look quite interesting too.
I love strings of white lights. They make a place so romantic and welcoming. That must have been a wonderful walk.