The Last Days Of Summer. Ohrid

At a time when we and our surroundings were in turmoil, we discovered stillness and calm in an unexpected place that felt like a cherished childhood memory.

In the chaotic summer of 2015, Athens was unraveling under the weight of the financial crisis and capital controls. Amid the uncertainty of the crisis, I faced a sudden health scare. With our visas expiring and medical results pending, we had no choice but to leave the Schengen Zone and await the call to return.

We traveled north—first by train and then by taxi for the final 100 kilometers—crossing into what was then the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Arriving at Lake Ohrid, we realized how desperately we needed to escape. The cool, fresh air replaced the stifling heat of the city. The streets were clean and quiet, framed by towering mountains dotted with ancient churches and villages. Ohrid felt like a beautiful relic of past summers—lazy swims in crystal-clear waters, sun-drenched afternoons in bustling tavernas, and an unhurried rhythm that invited nostalgia.

A necessary escape during a stressful time, we were surprised at the beauty of a place that evoked memories of childhood holidays and simpler times, providing the stillness and quiet we so needed at that moment.