Small Preface: Not sure how fun these posts will be since the architecture in these neighborhoods is very similar. on top of that, I am not the best photographer. 😅 I do love to take photos though, hence this series.
So yes, today we're going through a very old neighborhood in Skopje. This place is very close to the epicenter of the city, but at the same time, it has a very homey enviroment. The streets are narrow and the buildings are only a few stories high. Each corner has a cafe or Kafana (the Balkan equivalent of a tavern), so it's a very lively place.
Time to check out this labyrinth-like neighborhood - Onwards! 🚶
🔷 OLD FASHIONED 🔶
The streets here are puckered with mismatched buildings. Each was built at a different time in the past. There is some cohesion through the main streets, but mostly you'll find the example below.
As you can imagine, with the narrow streets and the many structures lumped together, parking is an absolute hell. 😁 And frankly, the parking situation is why a lot of people refrain from living in this part of town. That, and a couple of other factors which we'll get into.
The walkways are nice. I'm kinda sad I wasn't taking these pictures at night, cause the nightlife is exciting in these parts. Very many colors, sounds, expensive cars, and beautiful people. Smells of meat, smells of fried onions, weed smoke, and pollution. You name it. 😂 Might not be the healthiest, but you cannot say its not alive.
🔷 INNER-WORKINGS 🔶
Cafes are everywhere here. And I do mean everywhere.
Well, that and graffiti. Of course.
Apart from the old-time buildings, there are many modern,r recently made structures as well.
Advertisements a plenty wherever you turn.
But with a lively atmosphere and positive energy.
I took these photos as I was going to an appointment. As such, I didn't come across some of the other more prevalent places in Debar Maalo. But, trust me. It's mostly the same. 😂 Another of the reasons why people don't like living here, is the aforementioned loud nightlife. That accompanied by the abysmal parking situation has made Debar Maalo an Airbnb hotspot.
It's a charming place that in my opinion gives the city character. It's a tourist destination, due to the many Kafanas and cafes and Sushi restaurants and vegan restaurants. Yes, it has narrow, winding streets. But you can't always have your cake and eat it too. 😇
As I exit Debar Maalo though, I think I'm gonna shine a small spotlight on a part of Skopje which has been seen several times in my posts, but rarely spotlit.
🔷 PARTIZANSKA 🔶
Partizanska is one of the main boulevards in Skopje. It's massive. Spanning throughout nearly half the city. Bits and pieces of it have been present throughout my posts. High time it gets its place in the sun. 🌞
Partizanska is the type of street, or I guess boulevard if you wanna be technical 🙄, that you pass without even realizing it. It holds so many significant pieces of commerce, healthcare, and entertainment. That you stumble across it on multiple occasions. I say to emphasize that I can make several posts about this boulevard alone. And the little shown here does not represent Partizanska at the least.
This little guy was ready to cross it though. 😊
Not sure where we'll go next week, but I reckon I'll find something interesting.
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Thanks for reading and I hope everyone's week is going well! 🍻