A Journey Through Struga: Where Poetry Meets the Soul

The morning air was crisp as I embarked on a journey that promised to be as much about the landscapes as it was about the inner landscapes of my own mind. Struga, a town known for its poetic soul, was my first destination. As I wandered through its streets, I felt the whispers of poets past, their words lingering in the air like a gentle breeze. The River Drim flowed with a quiet grace, a reminder of the passage of time and the stories it carries.

Our guide, Tony, was a wellspring of knowledge, weaving tales of Macedonia’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and politics. His words painted vivid pictures of a land that has seen much and yet remains resilient. As we stood by the lock where Lake Ohrid’s waters meet the Black Drim, I couldn’t help but reflect on the confluence of my own experiences, the merging of past and present, and the journey that lay ahead.

The Sacred Silence of Cave Churches

Leaving Struga behind, we ventured into the villages of Kalishta and Radozda, where the cave churches awaited. These sacred spaces, carved into the very bones of the earth, held a silence that spoke volumes. The Holy Mother of God icon, with its unique depiction, was a testament to the diverse spiritual heritage of the region. It was a moment of introspection, standing before the black-robed Madonna, contemplating the mysteries of faith and the myriad ways it manifests.

In Radozda, the church dedicated to St. Archangel Michael was a marvel of ancient artistry. The frescoes, some dating back to the 13th century, were windows into a world long past. As I traced the lines of these ancient paintings, I felt a connection to the countless souls who had stood in this very spot, seeking solace and inspiration. It was a reminder of the timeless nature of art and its power to transcend the boundaries of time and space.

Vevchani Springs: Nature’s Poetry

Our journey culminated at the Vevchani Springs, nestled on the eastern slopes of the Jablanica mountain range. The springs, with their crystal-clear waters, were a symphony of nature’s poetry. As I stood at the mouth of one of the many caves, the sound of water cascading over rocks was a soothing balm to my restless spirit.

The village of Vevchani, with its vibrant community and rich traditions, was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Macedonian people. As I wandered through its streets, I was reminded of the interconnectedness of all things, the way our lives are woven into the fabric of the world around us. It was a fitting end to a journey that had been as much about discovery as it was about reflection.

As I made my way back to Ohrid, I carried with me the echoes of the day—a tapestry of experiences that had enriched my understanding of this beautiful land and, in turn, myself. The journey through Struga, the cave churches, and the Vevchani Springs had been a poetry-filled odyssey, one that I would carry with me long after the journey had ended.