Safety in Tetova, Macedonia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
The city is pretty safe area. Girls are not recommended to travel alone at night but in a group. Tetova is a pretty safe place though.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Tetova, Macedonia Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Tetovo is certainly an interesting ministry opportunity. The missionaries out here in this part of Macedonia are pioneering a very complicated ministry field. This part of the world is rich in culture and, with no native Christians in this city, is waiting for the light of the Gospel to break through the darkness. Coming here, prepare to engage in theological conversations with well educated teens and young adults. The coming generation is very much interested in talking to foreigners and they love to listen to stories and tell their own. Sadly our team didn’t see the fruits of our conversations but God is preparing something big in the city of Tetovo. On a scale of 1-4 I would give it a 3. The ministry time is a lot and working the with Mr. Rudd for us was quite the logistical issue but I found the ministry to be enjoyable and rewarding even if we didn’t see anyone surrender their lives to the Lord.
Warning, prepare for smoke inhalation. Eveyone here is a smoker. (well 99%)
Lodging
Lodging in Tetova, Macedonia Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
The housing is tight but nice. its a bit of a squeeze to get around the apartment but its not bad. you’ve got everything you’ll need to live comfortably for the month. There is only one bathroom so that shows itself to be an issue every once in awhile. The walls are very thin and many of the neighbors have children so being quite after 10 really means nothing louder than a whisper
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Tetova, Macedonia What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Home cooked meals by the host family tasted great. you will eat the same 7 meals every week but since its only a month it doesn’t get too repetitive. Food in the city is really cheap, we’re talking a good sized burger, fries, and a drink for about $2 (USD) and you can get pastries for $.40. The market always has cheap fruits and vegetables (as long as you’re in the right season) so be sure to pick up so locally grown produce. All the food here is safe and healthy to eat but still would recommend washing vegetables and stuff just in case.
Transportation
Transportation in Tetova, Macedonia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
Local Transportation:
We did not need local transportation while in the city. We walked everywhere we went. I’m sure this could vary, depending on your location, but in general, Tetovo is known for being a “walkable” city.
Long Distance Transportation:
In order to get here, we had to travel from Bulgaria. We took a bus from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Skopje, Macedonia and then got on a different bus there, that brought us to Tetovo. Our ticket from Sofia to Skopje was 30Lev and our ticket from Skopje to Tetovo, was 2Euro.
Medical
Medical in Tetova, Macedonia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
There is a government hospital by the city center. There are no private hospitals in the city our host’s wife was having a baby during the time here and they went to Skopje for check ups.
Communication
Communication in Tetova, Macedonia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
You can find wifi just about any cafe you go to. Cell reception was available at all times and we used Vip for our carrier because if you pay 80 denar a week you can talk to people that also have Vip. I paid 500 denar to get my cell phone activated so that I can talk to people from our squad that were in Bulgaria. If your squad is all in Macedonia then you can get a 2 for 1 sim card at vip.
Financial
Financial in Tetova, Macedonia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
There are plenty of ATMs and banks in and near the city center, all of which made no mention of charging fees. There is a place to exchange money on the southwest corner of the city center, and again there are no transaction fees. Most everything is priced by the Denar, and that is also what you will receive from ATMs. But some places will tell you the price of things in Euro, and I believe you can pay with either at those places. We paid for everything in Denar though.
Translators
Translators in Tetova, Macedonia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
In Tetova people speak Macedonian and Albanian but anywhere you go you will find someone that speaks english, especially young people.
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Tetova, Macedonia What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Lake Ohrid A Macedonian must see. Very beautiful and perfectly quaint. You can easily see it in a quick one-day trip. Tons of shopping and really cute restaurants in the city area, some with really great views along the water. Transportation: Took a bus from Tetovo to Ohrid. It was 600 Dinar RT. Once in Ohrid, we just walked from the bus station to the main city area on the water; about a 20-30 minute walk. A straight shot from the bus station. Must See: The old castle fortress on the top of the mountain (Samuel’s Fortress); you can easily walk up through the neighborhood to get to it. There are also several ancient churches to see and an old theater. There are boats along the dock with drivers willing to negotiate prices to take you out on tours. We didn’t do it due to lack of funds, but some were offering 5 Euros/person for a 1hr tour. Thessaloniki, Greece This place is awesome! Hands down, the best coffee my team and I have ever had. Pastry shops and ice cream everywhere. You will do lots of walking, so be sure to wear comfy shoes. Must See: The old castle ruins at the top of the mountain. You can take bus #23 to get there. The White Tower. There is a giant statue of Alexander the Great and some other things just past the White Tower. Lots of ruins throughout the city. The Meat Market area is pretty neat. The Ladadika neighborhood area is very awesome and you should try to eat there or get coffee there at least once. Transportation: We took a bus from Tetovo to Thessaloniki for 23 Euros. On our way back, we took the train for 12 Euros. You can easily walk from the bus station, to the main City Center; about a 20-30 minute walk down one main road… So, very easy and cheap. We walked everywhere so we didn’t take much local transportation, except when we went to the top of the mountain. You can easily buy tickets for the local busses at the little convenience stores that are on the sidewalks near bus stops, for 1 Euro. Accommodation: We found a place for $116USD on airbnb.com.
We have climbed the mountain a few times to see the Fortress Ruins. Very scenic and a great workout. Be sure to take lots of water, as it can be pretty strenuous. There is also another hiking path that follows the river and takes you to the springs and a small waterfall.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Tetova, Macedonia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
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Tips
People’s Opinions
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Tetova, Macedonia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
People’s Opinions
Taxi prices can usually be talked down much cheaper so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. The bus is still the easiest and cheapest mode of tranportation. The train was personally my favorite form of transportation (Going from Skjope to Greece) it’s certainly an experience to remember.
The people here in Tetovo are interested in talking to foreigners and most will gladly answer questions or point you in the right direction if you’re lost.