Tilly has been complaining of a sore throat for a couple of days and has been a little unwell however after a couple of Panadols she seemed to perk up. We walked through the Old Town of Ohrid up to Samuil's Fortress. This dates back to at least 209BC and overlooks the township with some great views.
We then drove to Bitola to pick up our visas for Turkey. After lunch, Vele suggested we catch two taxis to where the 'gypsies' (Roma) live. He didn't want to drive as the road is very rough and not maintained. We needed two taxis because there was six of us so off we went. It is quite sad the poverty they live in. Some houses are unfit for animals yet in one case a young woman with an infant sat in a dust bowl with chickens in filthy conditions.
The Roma is respected here for their music but they have such little money. We drove up little back streets where many Roma kids were playing and a lot of people walking. Among them the taxi stopped so I could take some pictures. I must admit I had reservations and was somewhat nervous as we were in a tight little street surrounded by Roma where some young men yelled out why was I taking photos? Was it for Facebook? Sneza explained that I was interested in photography but they did not appear to be too happy. Several people declined to be photographed but some children and an older lady agreed. I have to say, it was good to get back into the taxi and out of there.
From here it was a farewell dinner at Vladko and Ana's house. Traditional Macedonian food - yum. Vladko had found some coins from the area dating back to the Alexander the Great era. He asked if I could sell them for him which I gladly agreed. They have little money, and to add to expenses, Vladko takes care of his aging grandmother. Here, the family supports its aging members - not the government. But it is the family unit that also provides a pastime as visiting nearby relatives is a social event that can be affordable.
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