Frustrated about work, life, friends, everything? Well, here's my advice: go to Macedonia. If you keep up good vibes and a true smile, people will invite you for breakfast (coffee & cigarettes) any time of the day, listen to all your worries and tell you all of their's, while emptying a bottle of home-made rakia (or two) from a soda bottle. You don't need to go to their house, they will treat you anywhere: at the market, in the shoe-store, in the church, at the busstation.

Macedonians are shy, melancholic and will always respect your space - but they are foremost extremely welcoming, curious and hospitable. But, beware, you might be just a little too drunk to leave again.

Meet some, here:











































All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

It's my last night in Macedonia and I'm melting away.






All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

See more of Skopje on >>aboutblank.blog.com<<!

Check out our blog about our trip through Macedonia:
http://aboutblank.blog.com




All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

[Photography] [Travel] [Macedonia]

I'm leaving tomorrow for my new photography trip to Macedonia. Beware of many updates, amazing landscapes and beautiful people. Can't wait to get there!

"The common Macedonian breakfast consists of a strong coffee and a cigarette."
(Philine von Oppeln)

Let's see if we can handle that.



Photos: Carolin Weinkopf

Photo: Carolin Weinkopf

Last fall I went to Macedonia as a setphotographer for a documentary movie and deeply fell in love with the people, the social landscapes and the settings. Since then I've been going through all possibilities to go back, even thinking of burning my boats and moving there. This country could be my photography subject for a life-time.

Over the past three months I've been working desperately on going back to Macedonia. My friends Nadine, Bojana and I put all of our heart's blood into applying for travel grants and sponsorings... Right after we were about to give up (it was a week before our scheduled departure date) and right after my camera broke last week, we finally got notice that we were chosen for a travel grant, giving Nadine and I the chance to pack our bags and go to Macedonia in exactly nine days to meet Bojana in Skopje and take off for our road trip.

We will be gone for four weeks, going crazy taking pictures. As our grant basically pays for the flight and some food, we are still in desperate need for sponsors, either money-wise or in material.

If you or someone you know is able and willing to donate or lend us something, you would make this travel possible. Please >>contact<< me or use our paypal donation button via aboutblank.blog.com

For infos on our journey, pictures and stories from the road, visit our blog
aboutblank.blog.com between June 21 and Mid July. Afterwards we are planning to publish and exhibit the pictures across Berlin and elsewhere.

Over the next days until we leave, I will post some never seen photographic impressions from my last trip to my favourite country in the world.

The highest and most picturesque village in Macedonia is Krushevo. We went here for two days and at first, we were sceptically welcomed, butat last these people were very kind, hospitable and open minded. I got a marriage proposal and the most beautiful colors and fog I have ever seen in a real life, non-staged setting.



























All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

Ever wondered how the fish comes to your plate? This is how. (Not for weak stomachs!)










All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

Staying in Macedonia's "Las Vegas" Gevgelija, I got kind of bored of rich men spending their money at the roulette table. So I got Ilija, the wonderful driver the hotel gave me, his great English skills ("STOP!", "GO!"), his great car and his great suit to drive me to nearby Lake Dojran right by the Greek border. Together we had a wonderful trip and great roles in the didactic play of miscommunication.

Ilija organized me a fantastic boat-ride with a beautiful melancholic fisherman and showed me all around. And he actually stopped when I yelled. Whatever I yelled anyway. Blagodaram, Ilija. What a great man, what a great car, what a great suit, what a great day.




























All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

One of the highlights of our trip was the helicopter flight all over Macedonia's heaven. Having some of the world best pilots on board, it was a scary but fun high-ride like a never-ending rollercoaster. Enjoy the views from above.











All photos: Carolin Weinkopf