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Everything was working suspiciously too well…

Against all expectations, my clothes were dry and not smelling. I got up and went to explore the beautiful historically charged Θεσσαλονίκη [Thessaloniki], with a surprising spring in my boot considering the previous day, that today will be stressful with a tight connection, and that the weather was pretty bad.

I ambled in the streets, from ancient monuments to historical ruins, and ended up hiking all the way to the Heptapyrigion. It’s quite a climb!

After 10 km in the city, I came back to the bus station. The booth lady was actually very nice and helpful. And that’s one thing that really struck me in my sole day in Greece: people are so, so friendly and smiling and nice! Really makes a difference. I also learned that the arrival time in North Macedonia on the ticket was actually Greek time (I’m coming back to CEST), so I actually have an hour and a half to make the connection with the train! And what’s more, the bus is actually comfortable and i have plenty of leg room. This is getting very suspicious. It’s all too good.

Oh, Hellas! I’ll be back, I swear, for a proper long dedicated holiday!

At the border, the driver’s mate collects our passports (I’m leaving the EuroZone already, but also Schengen and the EU) and we don’t even have to leave the bus.

Здаво Македонија!

Same thing on this side of the border, no need to get off the bus. When we approached Гевгелна [Gevgelija] train station well in advance, I was well and truly thinking that I’ll have one day in the Balkans without issues.

AHAHAHAHA!

Turns out that the train to Скопје [Skopje] shown as 16:57 in Interrail, and 16:55 on the Macedonian rail website AND on a paper on the station… doesn’t exist. At least not today. A st. anger rose in me. I was in a bus to Скопје. The last one for today. And got off to finish the journey by train…

SHIIIIT!

Panic. Emergency Airbnb. The next train is at 4:45. AM, of course. I’m in a region of North Macedonia that I wanted to avoid, but didn’t because it would be easier than going through Битола [Bitola]. Oh the irony! And now I will have to get out at night here.

I went to a coffee and waited for an answer from the Airbnb host. And waited… Until I couldn’t anymore and went to a cheap hotel. With all the changes of plans, this night costed me a room in Θεσσαλονίκη, one in Скопје, and two in Гевгелнја… By FAR the most expensive night of the trip…

Now, let’s hope the 4:45 train exists.