Leaving the Military Museum Bitola is easy to navigate with a north-south main st Shirok Sokak St. The rain was still coming down as I looked for landmarks on my map

At the top of the street was the Clock Tower, an easy landmark to navigate to. At opposite sides of this main plaza are two Mosques.

The first Yeni Mosque is in a poor state of repair and not open to the public. Across the river is the more prominent Isak Mosque.

Before crossing the river I went to the nearby Bezistan (covered market). This was typical of Turkish towns though it didnt seem as popular these days being mostly vacant or bargain stores.

Across the river I tried to see if there was any way into the Isak Mosque but the whole compound was closed off for renovations. Then I saw a Turkish group inside so tried to see how they had gained access.

I was lucky as the Mosque is actually closed but I timed it good with the group and was able to get access inside. The Mosque is stunningly restored though still not complete.

Behind the Bezistan is the old bazaar area. It wasnt bustling this late in the day, with the rain, and the Muslim holiday. Towards the end is the outdoor market selling fresh produce.

I could see Minarets in the distance between the clouds so tried to find my way out from the winding streets. I stumbled across the city Hammam (bath house) with its Turkish domes.

My map indicated more Mosques so I tried to follow to one which had its dome covered for restoration work. After getting a pic I tried to turn around but was suddenly lost. I had only walked a few minutes in one direction but now I lost my bearings and the rain was coming down hard.

I tried to ask passers by how to get back to the Bezistan pointing it to them in Cyrillic on the map. They either shrugged their shoulders, ignored me, or said 'NO' and walked away. How rude!. Four people did this. It wasnt a big town and you have to wait for someone to walk by.

If I was a refugee I would not stand with a map asking to get to the Bezistan so not sure who they thought I was? Eventually an older lady who didnt have her glasses pointed me the right way and I thanked her for her kindness.

One last stop by the Clock Tower was an Orthodox Church. Not being a 'tourist' location I was able to admire in closer detail a lot of the interior work.

I then stopped for some food before heading back to the hotel and got a kebab for 110 MK ($2.50). The hotel has its own theatre, hence the name, so they turned the lights on for me in the basement and led me down.

It is used for private functions like weddings and had a very historic feel. Bitola is often overlooked for the more popular Lake Ohrid where I was heading tomorrow. It's worth a stopover en route.

If the weather was better and I had more time there is also a Roman archaeological site Heraklea a short walk south from the bus station the opposite direction from the town centre. Perhaps I will go back to visit that sometime.