Struggle for Bargala

Today, after finishing a rather heavy lunch in Stip (yes, it was another Pastrmalija afternoon) we decided to go down to the remains of the ancient Roman city of Bargala. Recently it's been under quite some maintenance. And this shows. It's a pretty afternoon or early evening stroll. Today, Mr. Z, the guide of the site, approached us while I was taking photos. A few "Nema fotos!" made me understand that I was not supposed to make any here. When we arrived on the spot, I didn't see a sign explaining us that photography was not allowed. I mentioned this and to my surprise the reasoning for not taking any photos was completely different. Here's the nutshell story.

Last year, a professor from a Bulgarian university came to visit Bargala. He took plenty of photos and returned home. Once back at work, he showed a collection of his photos in a presentation or any other kind of publication. The reference to Bargala was clearly made. Only, there was a slight itch of misunderstanding created when this professor mentioned that Bargala was on Bulgarian grounds. So, what happened next: Obviously Mr. Z's organization got a hold of the Bulgarian claim on Bargala. I don't know if it was Zvonko himself or any other policy maker, but since the presentation, Bulgarians are not welcome to make photos of the site anymore. It gets a little more interesting, as at one stage we were explained that Bulgarians were refused entrance to Bargala.

When we explained that we were not Bulgarian, our allowance to make photos was returned to us. So, here's it. For you to behold. The one and only MACEDONIAN Bargala: