Exploring Elbasan and Tirana: Heartbeats of Albania and the Legacy of Skanderbeg When you wander through central Albania, two cities capture the soul of the nation: Elbasan and Tirana. Each offers a distinct glimpse into the country’s past and present—Elbasan with its Ottoman echoes and quiet charm, Tirana with its colorful, buzzing energy. And standing […]
Skanderbeg’s Albania: Heroes, History and Hidden Gems Read More »
North Macedonia is a place where history feels alive—layered in cobblestone streets, painted on centuries-old church walls, and whispered through the quiet of mountain monasteries. My journey wound from bustling capitals to tranquil lakeshores, with a stop in Bulgaria to visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Eastern Europe. The capital of North Macedonia
North Macedonia and Why This Amazing Country is a “Must See”! Read More »
Travel is about discovery and amazement. An “older than time” Buddhist temple in Thailand, a vast and detailed Dubrovnik cityscape, the Taj, the David….the big “aha” moments. Sometimes though, it’s that random glimpse of genius that commands my attention. Wandering the cobblestone streets of Rovinj, Croatia on a lovely summer afternoon, a stunning display of
Croatia’s Secret Genius: Sculptor, Artist, Designer…Meet Ivan Midzic Read More »
Opatija, Croatia is a beautiful seaside town with a long tradition as a tourist destination and a 7 mile shoreline promenade called the Lungomare offering sparkling vistas from sunrise well into the indigo evenings. Hotels all offer breathtaking views. And of course, there are the legends. Every town in Croatia has at least one. Here,
Amazing Istria: Opatija to Rovinj and the Mystery of St. Euphemia Read More »
Since most of the world is dealing with scorching summer temps, here’s a cooling visual reprieve. Croatia’s first national park since 1949 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes is the country’s oldest and largest with sixteen lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Located very close to the Croatian border with Bosnia, it’s about a two
Croatia’s Ultimate Summer Refreshment: Hike Plitvice National Park Read More »
My first stop along Croatia’s coastline was a ferry ride to Korcula, only 20 miles long but 6th largest of the collection known as the Dalmatian Isles. It’s old town is charming with streets designed in a fishbone shape and walled since the 13th century. Built for protection from the sea winds in the winter
Hvar and Korcula Islands: Brilliant Jewels of the Adriatic Read More »
It’s impossible not to be impressed by (1) the sheer immensity of this walled city and it’s legendary fortress. But an impressive distant past beginning with 7th century onslaughts of Slavs, followed by Saracens, 11th century Venetian rule and, through canny diplomacy, good relations with neighboring countries…even the Ottoman Turks, allowed the city to flourish.
Nine Really Remarkable Things I Discovered in Dubrovnik Read More »
Iceland’s gastronomy is inventive. A function of it’s extreme climate, Norse/Irish influences, rich natural resources and creative food culture. Until very recently, fishing was the primary industry, now second only to tourism. Sheep outnumber the Icelandic population. Not a single citrus fruit can be grown but root vegetables are abundant. Winters are long, dark and
Taste These Favorites: Delicious and Just Plain Weird Foods of Iceland Read More »
I wasn’t expecting “holy ground” when we stopped in the tiny town of Stöðvarfjörður (pop.184), tucked between Iceland’s eastern-most fjords and mountains. But that’s the way it felt. One woman’s collection of stones, cleaned and on display outside the home where she’d lived and raised four children. Where now ten years after her death, her
Not to Miss! One Woman’s Lifetime Collection of Iceland’s Gems Read More »
Filling the valley between the mountains with blue-white light. Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland is the largest glacier in Europe, covering eight percent of Iceland’s landmass. This glacier looms in the distance. It appears to breathe, a living organism. I can imagine it shape-shifting under its own weight, a moving sea of many century’s old ice.
Blue is the Color! Iceland’s Monumental Glaciers Read More »