Category: Uncategorized

Author: Mario Petkovski, North Macedonian writer

Since there are not many travel guides for the city of Skopje, I decided to write one just because it is a very vibrant, cultural and interesting city for your next destination. Skopje is the capital city of North Macedonia and a city with a rich history. 

Most people would know Macedonia through Alexander the Great who was one of the greatest rulers in history and build his Kingdom starting from currently North Macedonia to India.

However, even though Skopje has a lot to offer from its history, unfortunately, most of the interesting artifacts were destroyed or stolen since it was 500 hundred years occupated by the Ottoman Empire. 

Skopje also experienced a devastating earthquake back in 1963 which destroyed most of the city. However, Skopje is now rebuilt and has beautiful architecture but unfortunately, it struggles a bit with finding the right identity.

There are many monuments in the city as well as Gothic and classical buildings that are tourist attractions and the best thing is that Skopje is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, so a trip to North Macedonia could be a bargain.

Why Visit Skopje?

Another reason to visit Skopje is because of the cultural mixes you will experience through architecture and people. Obviously, that 500 years of Ottoman Empire occupation had an influence on Macedonian culture. It has very modern buildings surrounded by gothic architecture in the center, and right across the Stone Bridge, you will get to Skopje’s old bazaar and experience completely different cultures.

Places to see in Skopje

Vodno Hill is a great place to go for an amazing view of the city and at the top, there is the Millennium Cross which is 77 meters tall and the third-highest cross in the world. Vodno is only 1066 meters tall and very good for a Sunday exercise.

Another natural beauty is the exceptional Canyon Matka, which is located in the western part of Skopje. Just because of the untouched beauty of this place it attracts tourists all across the world. Matka also has the deepest underwater cave in Europe and it is still not fully explored along with several old monasteries. You can easily get there as they offer cheap public transport.

If you are up for sightseeing around Skopje, The Kozjak Dam is the perfect place to go. It is about 35 kilometers from the city and it has a breathtaking view of the crystal blue lake placed in the middle of a couple of mountains. 

Other things to visit are the City Fort – Kale which is placed in the center of the city where you can get a great view of the city center and the city park where you can take amazing photos as well as visit the biggest football stadium in Macedonia which hosted The Super Cup in 2017.

Other things to do in Skopje

One of the best things about Skopje is that you can get local traditional very tasty food very cheaply. If you are a party animal, Skopje offers a couple of clubs where you will find a decent nightlife and very cheap drinks.

I think that Skopje is one of the most packed cities with betting businesses and everywhere you turn you can see one. It is the perfect place if you like wagering and, due to the liberal policies on online betting, you can gamble on horse races, like the Kentucky Derby.

Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Macedonia so you should try to avoid local taxi drivers since you can get ripped off. The best way is to ask your hotel to arrange a taxi.

Skopje is a very interesting city and great for your next vacation. There are many things to experience, and if we talk about food we need another article just to explain how good it is. Since you are in North Macedonia, you can pay a visit to the city of Ohrid which is protected by UNESCO and it is considered to be the jewel of Europe. If you want a cheap vacation but still very interesting and rich with culture, Skopje is the way to go.

More and more people are striving to have bigger and better control over their working lives. The aim is to have better work/life balance and also, many wish to pursue other ambitions or interests, perhaps hoping to turn their passion into business. Some attempt to juggle their full-time job and their other pursuits, but find that the natural lack of flexibility of full-time employment often means they simply do not have the time to give their attention to other matters.

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An interim career provides flexibility, bigger control over your work life, the opportunity to dedicate yourself to other pursuits and higher earning prospects. Could this be the career move for you? Consider the following factors:

Profile:

• When searching for an interim professional, businesses are looking to hire highly qualified senior leaders that easily adapt and fulfil the needs of the role they are looking to fill. You would be expected to have deep knowledge of the specialised skills required and you must be able to self-motivate and self-manage.
• Interim management requires a high level of communication and people skills – you will be required to deal with a wide range of people in potentially challenging environments.
• If structure and routine is your comfort zone, this may not be the career move for you. A major shift in your mind-set will be necessary – you are now the expert and an independent leader. You will be called on to make tough decisions whilst ensuring that management/employee relations remain intact.
• As the work can come and go sporadically, this career is better suited to those who have the financial breathing space to leave the stability of full-time work. Thus, a thorough look through finances, budgeting and forecasting is necessary before embarking into working on an interim basis.

Benefits:

• Every day and possibly every job is different: you will be in a position to choose which projects to take on and how many. Meaning you could be working in a variety of businesses, each with their own challenges; this helps to keep the work interesting and ultimately will provide you with invaluable work experience that you can take into future work.
• Earnings: When well-managed, the projects you’re involved in will usually provide you with increased earnings.
• Finally as previously noted interim management will enable you to become more independent and flexible, giving you the much needed time to really enjoy personal pursuits.

Overall, most that make this career move can attest to how rewarding it is. Nonetheless, before deciding, it is vital that potential pitfalls and skills required to be successful are fully understood.

 

Warranties are an important insurance policy for any driver! In fact, insurance is an important part of modern-day life as accidents, crime and other mishaps can happen; these in turn can become a huge financial burden on people, hence insurance is so important because it can provide important protection in case anything were to happen.

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For vehicles, an extended warranty will cover the cost of labour and parts of any mechanical or electrical issue, which can occur at any time during the vehicle’s lifetime. Though the majority of people may not think about warranties as soon as they purchase a new vehicle, it is important that as a consumer to consider value in them. When commenting on car warranty, experts often say “the devil really is in the detail”, not all warranties are created equal, which is why it is always best to speak to a specialist and always read the small print. Often, you will be able to choose how long the warranty lasts which will also impact the price.

So, here are some things to take into consideration:

Comprehensive Cover

Even though the technology in today’s cars surpass those built before, these advancements are often more complex and result in a higher risk for breakdowns. This means vehicle repair costs will potentially be higher and it is in the driver’s best interests to ensure they’re protected. Hence it is important to carefully read through what is covered by your warranty, including things such as “consequential damage”. 

Car Value

Another benefit that many customers don’t consider – the policy becomes more valuable as the vehicle ages. A car that was under warranty or had an extended warranty is more likely to be well maintained and in good working order. Therefore, it is considered more trustworthy and of more value to the owner and will command a higher trade-in value at the dealership whenever the car owner may decide to sell the vehicle.

More importantly, this provides peace of mind so that people can go about leading their daily life with confidence.

Thanks to a better health care and brand-new technologies, today’s generations are likely to live significantly longer than their parents and grandparents. However, certain challenges are likely to rise from that peak in life expectancy, such as meeting the needs of the elderly through adult care homes for example. Therefore, care homes are in high demand and it becomes an incredible business for entrepreneurs, but there are also options for those who want to stay at home like those provided by Abafields Home Care.

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Market study

If you want to open any kind of business and especially a care home like , the first step is to do a market study. This will allow you to validate that there are opportunities and needs in the market. Research is the first thing to do, get a close look at the city or town where you wish to implement your business and have a look through the ages of the elderly population but also their needs, questions and worries. Some of the needs of the elderly may include financial, medical and emotional support. Make sure to secure a location for your house that is quiet and easy to access for ambulances. It may take a lot a money at first to buy all of the equipment and a house capable of housing at least 20 inhabitants but it will all be worth it in the long run. 

Material

To set up a care home, you’ll definitely need some organisation and a ton of material and human needs, this project will require a big financial investment. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure:

• The building is accessible to wheelchairs and ambulances at the entrance but also on the inside with ramps, stair lift, handrails, etc;
• Equip your care home with care home vehicles, these cars are carefully designed to provide comfortable care home transport solutions which address the needs of both disabled and able-bodied users, you can find a wide range of vehicles from specialised companies such as Allied Fleet;
• Provide good quality food to your residents (local, seasonal vegetables for example). As we know, food can heal and can lift spirits;
• Purchase art supplies, board games and more to entertain people, especially if they don’t receive a lot of visitors; 
• Get well trained staff. You’ll need staff to cover all positions (reception, catering, maintenance and upkeep, marketing, etc.) but also qualified medical staff.

Opening a care home can be extremely challenging at first and if you’re in it just for the money, you won’t get far. Compassion and care to enhance the quality of life of the elderly as well as your staff should be your drive and purpose. 

Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city to explore. It’s a place where you can experience authentic Vietnamese culture, home to ancient imperial citadels, stunning temples, and vibrant local markets. 

Here are the top things to do in Hanoi.

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Explore the Lakes

 

Hanoi’s unique topography, which lies by the Red River Delta, has given rise to numerous beautiful lakes, offering a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Of these lakes, Hoan Kiem Lake is the most popular. It’s the central feature of Hanoi and a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. In the middle of the lake lies the Ngoc Son Temple, also called the Temple of the Jade Mountain.

Hoan Kiem Lake comes alive around sunrise and sunset when tourists and locals relax by the lakeside while enjoying the views. You will also find joggers and some elderly practising tai chi.

Eat Amazing Street Food

 

Hanoi is the best place to visit if you want to spend your days indulging in delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Here, you’ll find bustling streets lined with street food stalls selling every possible Vietnamese food you can think of – from flavourful pho to delectable spring rolls. In fact, it’s impossible to walk a street in Hanoi without smelling the rich aroma of Vietnamese dishes from street food stalls.

The best way to cap off your meal is with a glass of egg coffee, a typical Hanoian drink traditionally prepared with Robusta coffee, egg yolks, and condensed milk.

Walk Around the Old Quarter

 

There are several ways to travel Vietnam with luxury, but seeing the Old Quarter is one of the most popular. It’s a bustling area with narrow streets lined with colonial-style buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Old Quarter is an ideal place to explore if you want to experience the local Hanoian life. Just be very careful when walking around since the narrow streets are often full of tourist crowds, with packs of scooters zooming around.

See the Temples

 

Hanoi is home to numerous fascinating temples that are worth exploring. Most of them are still in use, and you’ll find many locals visiting and praying in them. Visiting these temples offers a unique insight into the local Vietnamese life. 

The One Pillar Pagoda is one of those temples you should not miss. It’s shaped in a lotus flower, built by ruler Ly Thai Tong to celebrate the long-awaited birth of a son. The Temple of Literature is also worth a visit. It was built in 1070 for the city’s education and academics, and you’ll find it printed in the 100,000 bill of Vietnamese dong.

Visit the National Museum of Vietnamese History

 

Hanoi has many fascinating museums, but one museum you should not miss is the Museum of Vietnamese History in the French Quarter area of the city. It’s in a former school building built during the French Colonial time, with an architectural design inspired by a French villa. The museum has more than 200,000 historical pieces detailing Vietnamese history that date back to ancient times.