Ahh
..just remembered this one.

Working in Macedonia, beautiful country, great people; we decide as we've been in-country for so long to explore the surrounding countries - Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Albania, even Kosovo. Why not? When will the chance ever come round again?

Good times, but being the designated driver took it's toll. Got caught speeding after coming back from Albania by one of the many surprise road-side cop cars. Pulled in and acted suitably deferential with passport in fist (they're armed and don't fuck about).

Apparently the normal charge for speeding is 30 EUR - can't recall the equivalent cost in Denar - with the added kick in the ass of "Yes, we hold your passport until you pay". Shit.

As luck had it, Scotland were invading Macedonia at the time for some football match or another, had got humped (as seems to be the tradition) and so when this was brought up in conversation, was told "Ahhhhh, this is Macedonia, what do you expect". I don't like football, tbh, but any common ground when you might lose your way out of the country seems fair play to me. Handed back my passport - "Commiserations, friend, good luck getting home".

Never sped since, mug's game. Would go definitely go back there though - stunning place.
(mymilkshakebringsallthemongstotheyard poison hearts, poison minds - joining hate, Sun 6 Jun 2010, 23:25, Reply)