My cherished visit to Canada has ended, and now I find myself faced with another 40-hour travel adventure. I’m heading back into my regular scheduled program of full-time travel. Let’s get this day started. Here is my travel day Canada to Macedonia via Rome from start to finish.
Victoria to Calgary
It is with a sad heart that I say goodbye to my amazing children on this day. Just as I did over two and a half years ago, I do again. Pack my single suitcase and head out on an adventure of my lifetime. The first of four flights, is this shortest hop from Victoria to Calgary. The terminal in Victoria is bright and clean with one restaurant and a few gift shops.
My first to legs are on WestJet and soon enough it is time to board. Its mid day, the sun is shining and the views are amazing as I fly over the Rocky Mountains.
Calgary YYC
As soon as I land, I head for the Aspire Lounge. I have another free lounge visit to use, being a WestJet member. This is my first time to Aspire and its crowded. I’m lucky to find a spot though, with a view over the terminal below.
With plenty of hot and cold items to try at a buffet type setting, I select the tacos. And they are amazing! For the two weeks I have been visiting family, I never once had tacos, so these are a welcome last meal on my departure from Canada.
Calgary to Rome
Before long, its time to board my second flight, the longest one, from Calgary to Rome. Again, I am flying with WestJet and this time, lady luck has me in her grip! I have a whole row to myself! I think this has only happened once in the 2.5 years I have been travelling the world full time.
This flight is long, almost ten hours, and includes a snack, dinner which is shepherds pie, and a breakfast of eggs and hash-browns.
Rome FCO
Because there were no connecting flights that worked with my arrival into Rome, I am overnighting here. I have booked myself a hotel stay, a real luxury for me. The only option would have been collecting my luggage and sleeping in the airport. But unless I can get in past security, which was not an option, I don’t feel comfortable doing that.
My hotel is called B&B Hotel and they offer a shuttle service for an additional cost of €6 each way. I’m happy to pay that rather than trying to figure out the train from the airport with my luggage in tow. The cost for the room for the one night is $175. It’s nothing special, a bed in a dated and somewhat dirty room. It was the most inexpensive option I could find close to the airport.
Across the walkway from B&B is a large mall however, and I am able to go inside and find a grocery shop to put together something for my dinner.
Rome to Belgrade
Back at the airport the next morning, I have the remaining two legs to travel today. I fly with Air Serbia who I have had the pleasure of travelling with before. The first flight is into Belgrade and it’s a sunny day, so views are lovely.
Belgrade BEG
The terminal here is crowded. I have a walk around to see what is available as far as shops and eateries. I only have a short layover so am quick to locate a bakery that looks good and has a line. That tells me the food is going to be tasty.
Time to seek out my next and final gate. The lot of us are taken on a bus away from the terminal. In my sights I see a prop plane! Oh boy, it’s been a while since I have been on one of these, I’m excited.
Belgrade to Skopje
As soon as the propellers begin on this ATR 72-600, I am deafened by the sound and vibrations. These aircraft hold a certain charm, of which I am a fan. The flight is full, staff are friendly and we are offered a little snack and bottle of water.
The flight today is fairly short, and the skies are clear. I have never been to North Macedonia before and am curious about the scenery and how the city will look from above.
Skopje SKP
Landing into my next home, I am excited and nervous. The city looks sprawling, lots of communist style architecture and housing. Those massive communities of concrete apartment buildings are what fill my eyes from the window.
The terminal is a large open space and only our flight is here. Lines move fairly quickly. As soon as I have my suitcase I exit and seek out a SIM card. I have done a little research of course and am expecting the prices to be inflated more so here than in the city. My plan is always that if the price is close, I will go ahead and purchase the SIM at the airport. If its way to expensive, then I head into town without data.
Prices here are extremely high. The kiosk wants €25 for 30 days! That is so much higher than I know it is going to be in town. The plan now is to take a taxi into the city, to my Airbnb. Those are a flat rate of €25, so I know I will not be ripped off like so many other airports around the world.
I’m here! I have safely arrived after 40 hours door to door travel. I’m exhausted, have jet lag to contend with and am in a city that is completely unfamiliar. Let the fun begin!
