Active Tourism Helped Me Fall in Love with Macedonia

Those who regularly read our travel stories will surely conclude that Kajak.mk is in constant search of people-heroes who do small things of great importance in the development of tourism. Anyone can be a good promoter of tourism in Macedonia. Nowadays, all you need is a mobile phone and the desire to take a walk around the country.

Today, we introduce you to Menche Jovanovska, the heroine who has been an active promoter of the beauty of our country for many years.

Menche is vocal in her intention to convince as many women as possible to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. For Kajak.mk, she took a day to run through her life's journey from the beginning and share with us her beginnings and the changes that have occurred in her.

For her, sports have been an important part of life since her early years, but she says that she has been active in the last 10 years.

She is a hiker, rides a bicycle, loves to run, exercise, and swim during the summer. She recalls her first hiking trips and shares with us that her love for the mountains began at a young age, but she started actively hiking after a guided tour to Crn Kamen on Jablanica, where she also reached the first summit of her life.

Menče says that the mountain frees her from stress, lifts her into the clouds, and fills her with endless awe.

After Jablanica, her active hiking adventures began. From Shara, Korab, Stogovo, Jablanica, Deshat, to her home "Galichica," which she believes everyone should visit.

"The way I look today motivated me to continue living this lifestyle. Now I'm happy that I managed to make sports an important part of my life, but I want it to stay this way forever," she says. She also adds that she has met many friends across Macedonia with whom she has traveled to many destinations, walked countless mountain trails, and climbed numerous peaks.

Menche is among the front runners in many marathons and races. She considers participating in races in Macedonia a mandatory "obligation." What keeps her in constant condition is running along the shores of Lake Ohrid, which gives her a sense of calmness.

She believes that there are enough girls and women who engage in sports, and that this number has significantly increased recently. According to her, the most important thing is for others to follow this trend, as it is the only way to bring about change in themselves.

In addition to running, Menče says that cycling by the lake is perfect during summer days. Depending on one’s fitness level, she recommends the route from Ohrid to Struga, as well as Kalista, Radožda, Trpejca, and St. Naum. For those who are well-prepared, she suggests completing a full circle around the lake.

She sees her successes in the new friendships gained from her travels. She believes that success is the result of the trust she has in herself. The most important thing is to have a love for nature, regardless of whether someone enjoys hiking, cycling, running, or swimming.

Menče motivates all women to engage in more physical activity, as she believes it plays a huge role in a healthy life. It is an indication of a healthy, cultural, and social life.