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Introduction Travel Blog Socials YouTube Subscribe Emporium Poetry & Life Affiliate Offers Discover your next travel destination, plan the perfect trip, find inspirational gifts or immerse yourself in our poetry and prose! At Closer Lives, we are passionate about living life to the fullest. Through our online store and travel blog we aim to bring you closer to the world around you. We believe that life should be lived with a sense of adventure; we are passionate about inspiring people to explore the world, discover new cultures and get out of their comfort zone. ​ We also share on YouTube and Instagram for inspiring visuals alongside thought-provoking poetry, another big passion of ours. Be it planning a trip, hunting for a cool gift, or simply just looking for inspiration, we believe Closer Lives will have something for you! Jenn & Leon Travel Blog Destinations Welcome to our travel experience & guide blog, where we share our experiences from our full-time travels around the world. We have already explored 40 countries and our vision is to reach 100! We want to help you plan your vacation, or long term travel plans, and see the best destinations. Or simply just enjoy the journey with us! We include facts, things to do, food & cuisine and even accommodation recommendations. Our goal is to make Jenn & Leon Travel Blog a one-stop place for all you need to know about where you want to go! Aucun post publié dans cette langue actuellement Dès que de nouveaux posts seront publiés, vous les verrez ici. Get Your Guides Find us on social media Join Jenn & Leon Travel on YouTube We love getting to know communities and locals around the world through travel and tourism. Join us as we explore culture, cuisine, accommodation, landmarks and attractions with both budget and bougie options on YouTube! We are 2 writers, bloggers and photographers who first connected on Instagram through our poetry. We met for the first time in Australia for a Royal Caribbean cruise, going on to visit 14 countries in 2019. After spending 2020 in Canada we left it all behind in April 2021, selling up and heading for Mexico. Our YouTube channel launched in August 2021! As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travellers our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can! We love getting to know communities and locals around the world and through our channel we want to help and support them by sharing their culture with our viewers. By subscribing to our channel you will get notified of our latest videos as and when they land, so you will never miss out. With new videos every week, we are super excited to share our adventures from traveling in Asia throughout the entirety of 2023. Join over 10k on YouTube Get our latest posts straight to your inbox. No spam, opt out anytime We plan to see, learn, love and share as much of the world with others as possible. That is why we created Closer Lives, to create a community for like-minded individuals and to help bring the world a little closer together through poetry, history, storytelling, healing, art, purpose and community. If you'd like to join us please subscribe; our social part is still being developed but currently you are able to post, share and interact. You will also be notified of our latest blog posts, videos and receive our monthly Newsletter! We'd love to have you here with us! PLUS when you sign up you will receive a welcome bonus of 20% off ANYTHING on our site! Drop your email here Closer Lives Emporium We launched our store in 2021 and have since grown our range to over 300 products across 16 categories. Our travel gear includes designer suitcases, back packs and matching swimwear and stylish weekender bags! We also have a fantastic range of inspirational tees, stylish hoodies, stationary, homeware, phone cases and more - all exclusively designed by us. Plus we can deliver worldwide! SEE OUR FULL RANGE Poetry & Lifestyle We are both published authors and poets and as you may have already seen, met on Instagram via a live poetry reading! We are passionate about our words and our community and have worked on numerous projects including building a large Instagram community poetry page, which has manifested into the Closer Lives website you see here today! ​ We write about a range of topics but predominantly focus on love, heartbreak, spirituality, positivity and general life. Our aim is to inspire all of our readers and continue to share the power of the written word. Poetry & Prose A little gift for you from us Want to save some cash? Or make some? Check out these deals and discounts from places we have used, worked with and trust! 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Introduction Photo Gallery Discover Interesting Facts Latest Posts Things to Know YouTube Our Story Other Countries About Closer Lives Plan your trip to North Macedonia: the Marvel of the Balkans Land-locked North Macedonia is a beautiful gem in the Balkans, with a rich history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and friendly people. Plan your trip with our travel photos, facts, things to know before traveling, and curated YouTube videos. We visit Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cross the land border from Albania. Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, is split between Macedonia and Albania, and is home to a variety of plant and animal life. It is also a popular tourist destination, with many resorts and activities available. The land border between North Macedonia and Albania is located in the western part of the country. It is a short and easy crossing, and it is a great way to explore both countries. Jump to where you want to go: Discover Interesting Facts Latest Posts Things to know YouTube Tap any photo for more information Discover Our top recommended places Ohrid Interactive Map Our interactive map & guide to North Macedonia Check out all of the places we visited in North Macedonia courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more. Wanderlog is a free travel planning app that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use! Interesting Facts Here are 12 interesting facts about North Macedonia. Some may just surprise you! ​ 1. Birthplace of Mother Teresa: Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia, is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, the Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian and founder of the Missionaries of Charity. ​ 2. Land of Lakes: North Macedonia is home to more than 50 lakes, making it a haven for nature lovers. Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The border with Albania actually runs through Lake Ohrid itself. ​ 3. Ancient History: The region of North Macedonia has a rich ancient history. The city of Ohrid, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is considered one of the oldest human settlements in Europe, with a history spanning over 2,400 years. ​ 4. Multicultural Heritage: North Macedonia is known for its multicultural heritage. It is home to various ethnic groups, including Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, and Bosniaks, among others, contributing to the country's cultural diversity. ​ 5. Balkan Crossroads: Geographically, North Macedonia is located in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, making it a crossroads between Europe and the Middle East. This location has influenced the country's history, culture, and cuisine. ​ 6. Stone Bridges: North Macedonia is often referred to as "The Land of the Stone Bridges" due to its numerous historical stone bridges. The most famous one is the Stone Bridge in Skopje, which has become an iconic symbol of the city. ​ 7. Wine Production: The country has a long tradition of winemaking, dating back over 2,000 years. North Macedonia is known for its high-quality wines, particularly the Vranec red wine and the Žilavka white wine. ​ 8. Matka Canyon: Matka Canyon, located near Skopje, is a stunning natural gorge that offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and boat tours on the Treska River. ​ 9. Cyrillic Alphabet: North Macedonia is one of the few countries in the world to use the Cyrillic alphabet as its official writing system. The alphabet was created by the Byzantine scholars Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century. ​ 10. Filigree Jewelry: The city of Bitola is renowned for its traditional filigree jewelry. Filigree is a delicate and intricate metalwork technique using silver or gold threads to create elaborate designs. ​ 11. Tavče Gravče: Tavče Gravče is the national dish of North Macedonia. It is a traditional bean stew made with white beans, onions, peppers, and spices, often served with bread or pita. It is a beloved and flavorful staple of Macedonian cuisine. ​ 12. Name Change: The country was known as the Republic of Macedonia until February 2019 when it officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. This move resolved a long-standing naming dispute with its neighbor, Greece. The name dispute between North Macedonia and Greece centered around the use of the name "Macedonia." Greece opposed the use of the name by its neighbor, arguing that it implied territorial claims over the northern Greek region of the same name. Greece feared that the use of the name "Macedonia" could lead to confusion and irredentist aspirations. The dispute lasted for several decades, with Greece blocking North Macedonia's efforts to join international organizations and hindering its European Union and NATO aspirations. In June 2018, an agreement known as the Prespa Agreement was reached between the two countries. Under this agreement, North Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, while Greece pledged to lift its objections to the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. The name change became official in February 2019, opening the path for North Macedonia's accession to NATO and improving its prospects for EU membership. The resolution of the name dispute marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough, easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries. Latest Posts Aucun post publié dans cette langue actuellement Dès que de nouveaux posts seront publiés, vous les verrez ici. Things to know when visiting North Macedonia Here are a few stats and tips that we picked up in our time here. Let us know if there is anything we should add! ​ * We will be updating this section with a new format soon ​ Total Population: 2.08 million Capital City: Skopje (526k) Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD) Driving: Right Side Measurement Standard: Metric (km) ​ ⪢ Entry requirements: Check the entry requirements for your country of citizenship. Some visitors may need a visa to enter North Macedonia, while others may be eligible for visa-free travel. Here are a few things to consider: ​​ Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in North Macedonia. Proof of onward travel: You must have a valid ticket for your onward journey out of North Macedonia. Health insurance: It is recommended that you have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in North Macedonia. Visa: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you are planning to stay in North Macedonia for longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate of North Macedonia, and must complete to the following: Visa application form: You can download the visa application form from the website of the Embassy of North Macedonia in your country. Photo: You must provide a recent passport-sized photo. Proof of identity: You must provide a copy of your driver's license or other government-issued ID. Proof of accommodation: You must provide a letter of invitation from a host in North Macedonia or a hotel reservation. Proof of financial support: You must provide a bank statement or other proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in North Macedonia. ​ The processing time for a visa application is usually 1-2 weeks. Entry requirements for North Macedonia may change at any time. It is always best to check with the Embassy of North Macedonia in your country for the most up-to-date information. ⪢ Language ​The official language is Macedonian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. ⪢ Currency The currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). It's recommended to carry local currency for small purchases, but major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Convert your currency here . ⪢ Weather North Macedonia has a varied climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the south to continental in the north. The best time to visit North Macedonia is during the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October). During these times, the weather is mild and sunny, and there are fewer tourists. The summer (July-August) can be hot and crowded, while the winter (December-February) can be cold and snowy. ​ ⪢ Cultural Etiquette Respect the local customs and traditions. Greet people with a handshake, remove your shoes when entering someone's home, and avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. ⪢ Transportation North Macedonia has a well-developed transportation system. Public buses and taxis are common in cities, while renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the country. ​ ⪢ Health & Safety North Macedonia is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, exercise normal precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. It's advisable to check if you need any vaccinations before traveling and carry necessary medications with you. ​ ⪢ Local Cuisine North Macedonian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences. Grilled meats like kebabs and čevapi are popular, accompanied by the flavorful ajvar red pepper relish. Tavče Gravče, a hearty bean stew, is the national dish, while the refreshing Shopska Salad combines tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta cheese. Burek, a savory pastry, and pastrmajlija, a boat-shaped bread with meat toppings, are beloved snacks. North Macedonia is also known for its strong fruit brandy called rakija and delicious desserts like Tavče Gravče and Baklava. The country's creamy yogurt and local specialties offer a delightful culinary experience. ⪢ Dress Code North Macedonia has a relatively conservative dress code, particularly in rural areas and religious sites. Dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques, covering your shoulders and knees. ⪢ Must-See Places Explore the capital city of Skopje, visit the historic town of Ohrid, enjoy the stunning nature of Mavrovo National Park, and discover the vibrant cultural scene in Bitola. ​ ⪢ Festivals and Events Check the local calendar for festivals and events happening during your visit. The Ohrid Summer Festival, Skopje Jazz Festival, and Treskavec Monastery Pilgrimage are just a few examples of the vibrant cultural scene in North Macedonia. ⪢ Driving Driving in North Macedonia offers the opportunity to explore the country's scenic landscapes and charming towns. The road network is generally well-maintained, allowing for convenient travel between cities and regions. It's important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and parking rules. Defensive driving is recommended, as local driving habits may differ from what you're accustomed to. Keep in mind that road signage is predominantly in the Cyrillic alphabet, so having a GPS or a map can be helpful. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of driving in North Macedonia while staying alert and adhering to road safety guidelines. ⪢ Tipping Tipping customs in North Macedonia are generally more modest compared to some other countries, but leaving a gratuity is still appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it is customary to round up the bill or leave a 10% tip if you're satisfied with the service. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it's worth checking before adding an additional tip. For other services like taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is customary. While not mandatory, it is a gesture of appreciation that locals and service industry workers will welcome. Ultimately, tipping in North Macedonia is discretionary, and the amount should reflect your satisfaction with the service provided. ⪢ Connectivity Connectivity in North Macedonia is generally reliable and accessible. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure with widespread coverage for mobile networks and internet access. Most urban areas have access to 4G and increasingly 5G networks, providing fast and stable internet connections. Major cities and tourist destinations offer free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Here are a few suggestions: Makedonski Telekom (also known as T-Mobile) is the largest mobile operator in North Macedonia. It has a good network coverage and offers a variety of plans to choose from. ​ A1 is the second largest mobile operator in North Macedonia. It also has a good network coverage and offers a variety of plans to choose from. ​ Lycamobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses the network of Makedonski Telekom. It offers affordable plans to travelers and has a good network coverage in major cities. Discover more on YouTube Aucun post publié dans cette langue actuellement Dès que de nouveaux posts seront publiés, vous les verrez ici. Check out other countries in Europe Sign up Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives We plan to see, learn, love and share as much of the world with others as possible. That is why we created CLOSERLIVES.com , to create a community for like-minded individuals and to help bring the world a little closer together through poetry, history, storytelling, healing, art, purpose and community. If you'd like to join us please sign up to our website ; the social part is still in the process of being developed but currently you are able to post, share and interact. We'd love to have you here with us! PLUS when you sign up you will receive a welcome bonus of 20% off ANYTHING on our site! Why not use it to treat yourself to one of our exclusive products in our store. Tap here to check out our range of nearly 300 inspirational products at Closer Lives Emporium.