Skopje in 3 Days: Confused, Impressed, and Kinda Into It

Skopje was part of the plan, but I didn’t expect it to be quite so strange—and surprisingly likable. In just a few days, I wandered through oversized plazas packed with statues, explored Ottoman alleys and Brutalist blocks, ate a salad I still think about, and watched a stranger chug my wine. It’s a city full of contradictions and strong opinions, and somehow… I kinda loved it.

Hiking in the Balkans: 10 Days, 4 Countries

Ten days, four countries, and countless trails—this hiking trip through the Balkans took me from the mountains of Croatia to the highlands of Albania, with stops in Bosnia and Montenegro along the way. From wild peaks to quiet villages, every step came with a view and a story.