Veljusa-Monestery

If you happened to set forth from Strumica by car half an hour before sunrise, after having driven some ten kilometres to the northwest of the city, you already climb up the winding narrow road above the Village of Veljusa, and there... you find yourself in front of the monastery gate. Around you there is the rural atmosphere of a Macedonian village that slowly wakes up. Dogs barking and roosters; smell of country yards and hen-houses, of chimneys and firewood that bring to mind images of breakfast being prepared. The area does not abound in vegetation. Nothing that would especially attract a new-comer's attention at his first visit here. You are much too close to the monastery as to see it. Knowing not what is on the other side, you cautiously step in through the gate... and then everything changes.

All you hear is the echo of your footsteps on the stony path and the wind in the crowns of the trees, while in amazement you feel the gentle eastern light and the peace this place breathes with as they tame you. An oasis... of silence. Greenery bordered with flower-beds and roses. Recently planted trees. With great care and love laid out park, in which dominate the ancient church and several newly built monastery facilities in the characteristic Macedonian-Byzantine style of construction – dressed stone and brick. An elevated sight. The monastery complex is situated on a rocky plateau above Veljusa and the Strumica Valley .

Behind the mountain ridges of Ogražden the sun rises. The clock tower shows the time that passes down there in the world, and here – it stops, in a 'momentum towards Eternity'. And while you wonder if you were all alone in this celestial sight, quietly opens the gate of the monastic part and several nuns soundlessly go down the steps toward the entrance into the church. Spontaneously you follow them and you are already inside... It is time for Liturgy.

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Vodica-St.Leontius' Monastery

At the exit of the village of Vodoča, only four kilometres northwest of Strumica, loom up stately the renovated cupolas of the church of Saint Leontius, in silent testimony to the magnificence of the ancient seat of Strumica metropolitans. At night the sight is yet more majestic. The whole complex is lightened from various angles. Amid the surrounding darkness the chance traveller gets the feeling as if the monastery were pending, in descent from the heavens.

There are two ways in. One of them leads to the large church of St. Leontius and the guest quarters. The second, through the main gate, leads to the monastic part, where the small newly built church is situated – dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas and to the venerable Elder Joseph the Spilaioti – with the belfry, opposite the monastic residential quarters (konak). In the vicinity, by the young plane trees, along the path behind the monastery walls, hidden from the eyes of the visitors, on a hillock above the monastery, with an open view to the whole valley, the small church dedicated to St. Triphon is located, within the new skete at the monastery vineyard.

To tear off a piece of Heaven and to bring it down here, for consolation and salvation of people, to turn an arid wild area into a garden of the Spirit, to be a witness to the Heavenly Kingdom in the world... is a cross-and-resurrection struggle, worth man's life. Few of them are there called to bear witness in the place of Christ. Such a witness is the episcope. About this holy, martyric struggle of the hierarchs, about the visible and the invisible war against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, which the ascetics wage, about love towards enemies, Vodoča has much to tell... without words. For the ones who know how to listen in humility, to see... with the eye of the soul.
From History

Grace of martyrdom and illumination. Of this on many occasions and in various epochs historical facts and the lives of the saints have spoken until present-day. With the struggle of the Fifteen Holy Hieromartyrs of Tiberiopolis, the martyric ethos took roots on this sacred site. In this area the mission of the Holy brothers Methodius and Cyril started. Later, their disciple St. Clement of Ohrid carried out his activity in this area as episcope of Velika and Dremvica. Here the fourteen thousand soldiers of Samuel were blinded after the battle at Belasica. Here St. Constantine Cabasilas was episcope.

The Vodoča monastery is mentioned for the first time in the charters of the Byzantine emperor Basil II, in 1018, at the time when Samuel's state was destroyed. It appears again in the documentation of a Hilandar act of 1376, when the Vodoča episcope Daniel and the Bansko episcope Gregory settled their disputes with the local secular authorities over the borders of the Hilandar estates in the Strumica area.

The present outward appearance of the church of St. Leontius depicts the former splendour. Still, the interior setting with the multitude of frescoes, the marble iconostasis, the large-scale throne icons, the opulent sacred vessels, the procession banners with precious adornments, the church furniture and the liturgical utensils... have been lost for ever. There are no exact historical data on the church construction. In fact, it is a complex of Vodoča churches with three construction phases. The oldest church is in the eastern side. Only a small fragment of it remained in the present altar space. The second phase is when the original basilica was ruined and in the first half of the 11th century to the west side a church was built in the form of an inscribed cross, dedicated to the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos. From then date the only frescoes preserved until today – those of St. Euplus and St. Isaurius, which indicate analogies with the fresco painting in the Ohrid Holy Sophia and with the one in the Holy Healers' church in Kostur. In the 12th century an extension was carried out, during which the large eastern cruciform church was built, which has monumental fresco painting. To the west part of the church, in the second half of the 14th century, the narthex was built, painted in that period. When the uncovered porch in the southern part was built, it is not known.

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The Monastery St. Panteleimon in Skopje

The 12th century church of St. Panteleimon contemplates Macedonia’s capital city in untroubled serenity from the tiny village of Gorno Nerezi, high on the forested slopes of Mt. Vodno. Only a 15 minute drive from downtown Skopje, the church, which is one of the oldest and most important in Macedonia, was built and painted in 1164 under patronage of Byzantine prince Alexios Komnenos, whose name is immortalized in marble above the entrance to the church. It was dedicated to St. Panteleimon, the protector of health.

The monastery is most famous for its exceptional fresco paintings, which convey dramatic facial expression and emotions not commonly found in Byzantine art. In 1555 the main dome collapsed, but within a short time the monastery was renewed and repainted. Fragments of old frescoes were incorporated into the new ones. An example of a combination of a new and old painting is the fresco portrayal of The Communion of the Apostles. Among other well-known fresco themes are the Transfiguration, the Raising of Lazarus, the Birth of the Mother of God, and the Presentation of the Mother of God to the Temple, The Entry into Jerusalem, and The Descent from the Cross.
The most impressive fresco in St Panteleimon, created under the influence of apocryphal religious literature, is The Lamentation of Christ. Art historians consider it a masterpiece, as it displays traits associated with renaissance art at a much earlier date than the blossoming of the Italian Renaissance.

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Plaosnik

Located in Ohrid’s old town, Plaosnik is an utterly unique phenomenon: it was recently reconstructed, with loving attention to detail, precisely in the style of a Byzantine church, right down to the red bricks and mortar.

An early Christian sacral building dating from the 5th century was discovered here, built over the remains of an older antique building whose cistern was found in the atrium of the newly built temple.
St. Clement built the monastery in 893 A.D. and dedicated it to St. Pantelejmon, the protector of health. During the Ottoman Empire the church was destroyed and Sultan Mohamed’s Mosque built on the remains of the church, which eventually did not survive on Macedonian soil. In 2000, the construction of today’s church began and was finished and consecrated on August 11, 2002.
During the construction, the tomb of St. Clement was also restored, which is the tomb that St. Clement designated for himself and where he was buried in 916 A.D. In the centre of one of the friezes there is an image of a lion, which is unique to mosaics in Macedonia.
Today, Plaosnik is one of the most exhilarating Byzantine-style churches in Macedonia. Its floor is covered with mosaics of twenty wave-shaped tassel interspersed with the figures of flowers, birds and animals. The very fact of its reconstruction is evidence of the strong affection Macedonians still feel for their Byzantine heritage.

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Artificial Lakes

Lake Tikves

Pollution of artificial lakes has been a problem in recent years in the Republic of Macedonia. Most polluted is Lake Tikves, however similar is the state of the artifical accumulation Kalimanci, and laterly Lake Spilje. Most alarming is the state of the pollution of Lake Tikves. The analysis has shown that near the village Vozarci the water quality is of IV class.
Tikves Lake is located 12km south-west of Kavadarci on the River Crna or 3km from the village Vozarci. The lake was developed in 1968 by directing the waters of the river and building a 104m high dam. The dam is built of stones and it is 338m long.Tikves Lake is the largest artificial lake in the country. It covers an area of 14km² and 29km with a capacity of 475 million m³ water.The water of the lake is used for irrigation and deriving electricity.

Lake Globocica

Near the villages Tasmarunista - Globocica in line of 12 kilometres lays the Lake Globocica, rich with diverse fish species. Unfortunately, this lake is at the verge of an environmental disaster - the accumulation has been turned into a dump - claim the nearby inhabitants. A disgusting smell spreads from the lake although evergreen trees have been planted on its shore. The two illegal dumps near the bridge of River Crn Drim in the villages Lozani and Dabovjani, are full of rubbish and various waste and all that is taking into the Lake Globocica. Because of that, the people are disappointed and thinking of leaving the village. It is high time we save the lake and bring back its old splendor - appeal the villagers from Tasmarunista.

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Bistra - Medenica

The mountain Bistra is one of the most interesting mountains in Macedonia, and it borders with 6 other mountains: Sar Planinia, Bukovik, Stogovo, Krcin, Deshat and Korab. It is well known for the pastures, there is a big skiing centre there, and because it borders with the Mavrovo Lake most of the mountain belongs to the national park of "Mavrovo".

The climbing to the highest top “Medenica” is done by the standard route from the probably most known village of Galicnik. The renowned event of „Galicka Svadba“ (Galicnik Wedding) takes place there. Galicnik is on 1.350 m.a.s.l. From the village the climbing starts straight up through the narrow crevice in the rocks that are above the village. From there you can see old markings. After going thorough the crevice you should go on through the depression and at the place where it joins other two depressions you should take the left one that takes you to a right turn, and the path is sometimes marked there. By turning for 180 degrees it takes you to 2.000 m.a.s.l. and there it follows the crest for 300-400 m. By making a semi circle there you come to a long flattened crest and the top Medenica is found there. For climbing of the top you need 2-2:30 hours, while for returning back to Galicnik 1-1:30 hours. It is possible to combine the climbing to the village of Galicnik from the valley of the river Radika, along the very steep path of the migrant workers for about 2:30-3 hours.

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Lake Lokuv and Mountain Desat

Lake Lokuv is one of the glacier lakes on Mountain Desat. Its altitude is 1000 meters and it is the lowest glacier lake in the Republic of Macedonia. The beauty and the natural values of Mountain Desat in the region Dolna Reka are one of the potentials for development of rural, mountain and alternative tourism, together with the numerous cultural and traditional values and particularities. The region has ample vegetation and beautiful natural landscapes. In the immediate vicinity of the lake there are three sheepfolds where good quality cheese and other diary products.

How to reach Rostuse:
The municipality of Rostuse is located in the Western part of the Republic of Macedonia, about 120 kilometers from Skopje. You can get there by car from the motorway Skopje-Tetovo-Gostivar and the regional road Mavrovo-Rostuse, or by taking the regular bus service or private transportation from the region. The whole territory of the municipality of Rostuse is part of the national park “Mavrovo”.

Local particularities
The municipality of Rostuse offers beautiful, multinational and multicultural traditional heritage. The population from different ethnic and religious backgrounds cherishes its traditions and customs, which makes this region especially attractive and interesting for the guests. For this region, the celebrations of the Muslim holidays Ramazan and Kurban, and the Orthodox Epiphany and Easter, are particularities. The Reka region is known for its special weddings and circumcisions, especially the wedding dishes, which at the same time are part of the Reka traditional cuisine (Bajram meat, corn pie, Reka palenta, baklava, alanditi-valangii, Reka milk, cheese and yellow cheese).

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Plackovica

Highest point: peak Lisec 1754mLocation: The Mountain is located in the eastern part of Macedonia. On the northern and eastern sides it is bordered by the river Bregalnica and on the southern by the rivers Radovishka and Strumica (Stara reka/Old River). The mountain in the south-eastern part continues with the Maleshevo Mountains (Maleshevski planini) (1754m) and the Ograzden mountain (1746m) to the Bulgarian border.
Approach: There are many alternative approaches. The most frequently used is the one via Shtip. From the city there is a marked trekking trail to the "Vrteska" mountain lodge and the St. Gjorgji monastery (approach by vehicle is also possible). Several routes for this massif start from the monastery.

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Madani Hotel

In the mid of hard hotel business competition, Madani Hotel existed to compete the market. The three star hotel which located on Jalan Sisingamangaraja in the centre of Medan, diagonally opposite to the Mesjid Raya and across the road from Yuki Simpang Raya shopping centre, has a specific characteristic in comparison with other hotels. The Hotel run on the basis of Sharia system. I think this is the only hotel which has religious nuance.The architecture of the hotel is fully the style of Melayu, adopting the architecture of Maimoon palace and Mesjid Raya.

The hotel has 172 rooms with various types. The room rate starts from Rp. 410.000 for Superior upto Rp. 3.750.000 for Royal Suite Room.
The facilities of the hotel as follow:
- Vast lobby
- Gelora Ballroom with the capacity of 1.500 persons
- 5 meeting rooms with capacity of 200 persons each hall(Istanbul Hall, Jordan Hall, Doha Hall, Dubai Hall and Bahrain Hall)
- Wi-fi internet access
- Travel agencies
- Barber Shop
- Restaurant
- lounge
- Spa
- Shuttle bus from hotel to Airport
- ect

Room rates:

Superior room Rp. 410,000

Deluxe room Rp. 475,000

Executive Deluxe Rp. 635,000

Executive Suite Rp. 1,200,000

Family Suite Rp. 1,700,000

Madani Suite Rp. 2,400,000

Royal Suite Rp. 3,750,000

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sea tour Learn History and Recreation

sea tour
Learn History and Recreation


Thousand Islands, Sinar Harapan
Learning the history should not be done with how to read books setebal hundreds of pages, or by listening to a boring description. Conversely, history can be learned in a way that's interesting, even rekreasional. One of them, through tourism history.

Interest of the community through history tour packages have been done actually since several years ago. Dipelopori Tour Kampoeng Tua, series appear and then a similar package, among other Tour Night Jakarta History Museum, and tour the Museum Night Prasasti. Now, the row package tours increased long history with the emergence of a new package tour history titled Wisata Bahari. Appropriate name, the package tour organized by the Community Care History and Culture of Indonesia (KPSBI-Historia) was introduced to the community where a number of historical spread on the sea, namely in the Thousand Islands.
Saturday (8 / 5), at 07.00 WIB, the participants who was already about 60 people gathered around the Pearl Beach pier, Pluit. KLM Putra Bugis boat Festival which will be used for Wisata Bahari, already waiting at the dock. According to the plan, that day we will visit five historic island in the Thousand Islands, the Onrust, Edam, Cipir, Kelor and Bidadari Island.
At around 08.30 WIB, ships began to go slow (the speed of five knots) to the Island of Edam, which is the first goal. Unfortunately, the wind did not blow so that the participants had no experience with the travel, cruise laiknya Festival with the truth. However, the weather is sunny morning and still feel cool way to make feel comfortable. The participants also prefer to sit on the deck passengers, although the actual hold on the available space to sit and two bedroom cool by AC.
History heritage
Approximately three hours travel, we arrived on the island of Edam, the island's population by about also known as Pulau Damar Besar ditumbuhi as many tree resin. On the island of Edam, there are a number of historical, among other strongholds Underground and a lighthouse are all made of iron plate.
So together, we walk the paths to the underground fortress, located on the east coast of the island. For participants, it is quite a short trip fun because there is a forest on the left side and right side forest is still quite a meeting, so the atmosphere that participants felt really different atmosphere with the day-to-day in Jakarta. When the debris through a number of buildings in the 1960s used by the TNI AL to practice, almost all participants for taking fun. As a result, the committee is busy enough to keep participants tercerai berai not, as many participants who wander out of the path, while there is no path that so long as it clearly is not used.
Fort on the island of Edam is similar to the underground bunker. The fort on the top surface circular berdiameter 10 meters, and is surrounded by two walls. Condition is still relatively intact. However, space underground fortress that can not be entered again, because the soil and roots is closed.
However, the more interesting of the island is perhaps mercusuarnya Edam. Lighthouse was built in the year 1879 - 1881 is built to facilitate the travel of ships would go to Port of Tanjung Priok. 60 meters high, and all part of the iron plate (cast iron). Sjouke Ridje, one of the tour participants who came from the Netherlands, said that the ancient lighthouse as it is very rarely found.
"Perhaps only a few anywhere in the world. In Indonesia, I see two, and in Anyer here. While living in the Netherlands is only one, namely in Egmond, "said Sjouke, while the screw of the screw-plate weld-iron plate into the wall lighthouse.
Puas historical view on the Island of Edam, and then starting to ship Bidadari Island for lunch, and see the fortress martello (semicircular fortress) built VOC in 1850 to defend the sea from Jakarta. Fort that is now heavily damaged condition, and ruins lives. In addition to infected Krakatau explosion in the year 1883, the fortress also had dijarah on mass 1960s.
The condition of damaged historical heritage-it was also found on the islands that we visit them later. Fortress, the former prison building and the care of infectious diseases and the grave-Dutch cemetery located on the island Kelor, Cipir and Onrust, everything is in damaged condition. This is very be pitied, because the actual value of the history of old buildings that is very high. Thousand Islands in the 17th century and the 18-to-door is the gateway to Batavia.
Nevertheless, almost all tour participants satisfied. However, some participants suggested that next time, no destination is set too many, so that participants have a greater opportunity to see a legacy that is an island. "The island is visited not need too much, probably only two or three islands, but it we could see more time. So a more satisfied. In addition, if elected pulaunya can still be a forest such as the Island of Edam. Kan more fun, "said Lola, ITB student who became one of the tour participants.
Learning history is not necessary with the wrinkled brow. While any trip, a lot of lessons that can be taken. Fun eh?
source:
http://www.sinarharapan.co.id/feature/wisata/2004/0513/wis01.html

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