Day 123
Location 21: Skopje, Macedonia
Mar. 3, 2023
Let's do some movie math. What is Eat Pray Love + Memento? The filmic sum is Love Pray Eat.
Today, I played that movie's lead role during my trip to Matka Canyon. (For more movie math, skip to the end of this post).
Love
My trip to the canyon felt extra lonely thanks to the cool windiness of early March. That and the lack of people around.
Upon arrival, my attempt to purchase a $2 ticket for the canyon's river valley boat-ride was thwarted by more loneliness: "sorry, we need at least three people. Otherwise, it's not worth it for us." I looked left, no one. I looked right, no one. He asked if my neck was okay. I decided "I'll buy three tickets for myself." The whole transaction was like a 7th-grade production of Into the Woods: hard to watch and slightly sad.
Afterwards, I started on a hiking trail leading to the peak of the canyon. It was refreshing to break out of the smog-ridden cocoon of city life and emerge as a butterfly ensconced in nature. I loved it.
Pray
At the crest of the canyon sat a 678-year-old church. Accepting the tranquility it offered, I sat and read. The way down lay on its backside of the canyon, where two paths diverged in the wood. Robert Frost, the famous poet, advises taking "the road less traveled by" as an invitation for adventure.
Unfortunately, both paths appeared to have been used less than an executive's integrity at a pitch meeting for a new Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson movie. And so, like someone deciding between watching Black Adam or Skyscraper, I was left with two bad options.
As I sauntered along the branch and bush-laden path, the panic of being lost and alone on a hike sauntered its way into my brain. Luckily, I was still in close proximity to the old church (I assume churches work like bluetooth speakers that lose signal if the phone gets too far) and began praying that I returned to sea level easily.
Eat
Like a nepo baby trying to break into the entertainment industry, I made it. The reward for my efforts was a nice warm meal
Exhausted by my accomplishment, I sought respite at a restaurant in the valley of the canyon. Finally, I ate.
More movie math:
