Goethe House

Goethe House

Goethe House is a historic house museum and I’m here today Frankfurt am Main to explore. Also the birthplace of the renowned German writer and statesman, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the restored house allows a glimpse into the life and times of one of Germany’s most influential literary figures.… Read the rest

The Frankfurt Cathedral

The Frankfurt Cathedral

The Frankfurt Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus), is a significant landmark in Frankfurt, Germany. As one of the major historical buildings in the city it holds great cultural and architectural significance and is simply magnificent to behold.… Read the rest

West Side Story

Ready for the show

West Side Story

This April, we’re back at Dubai Opera for West Side Story. This rare touring production featuring Jerome Robbins’ original choreography has thrilled audiences since 2003. It has played on three continents and been enjoyed by more than three million people in 28 countries.… Read the rest

Walking Tirana

Sheshi Karl Topia (Rilindja), Public Square

Arrival

We arrive in Tirana as the sun is setting behind the Sheshi Karl Topia not far from our hotel Albanopolis on the Rruga Mine Piza. It’s located just inside the ring road that distinguishes the old town centre and I’m keen to go walking.… Read the rest

Krujë

Krujë

Krujë, this most charming of towns, is a bonus afternoon getaway. Having spent the morning at Bunk’Art and with our planned afternoon going off the rails due to inclement weather, I find myself in Krujë. I’m here a day earlier than planned and not a moment too soon!… Read the rest

The Monastery of Ardenica

The Monastery of Ardenica

Atop a hill overlooking the small town of Fier in Albania, lies the Monastery of Ardenica, also known as the Monastery of the Nativity of Theotokos in Ardenica.

It has topped this hill in one form or another since 1282 when it was first founded by the Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos after his victory against Angevins in the siege of Berat.… Read the rest

Berat Castle

Berat Castle

Berat Castle sits atop the hill and is the original centre of Berat. More of a small fortified town than a castle, the complex takes in walls, towers, churches, mosque ruins and an historic cistern as well as numerous small buildings that are maintained today as houses, restaurants and shops.… Read the rest

Alpeta Winery

Alpeta Winery

A short drive through the countryside from Berat, after a morning at Berat Castle and the Onunfri Museum, and we come to the tiny village of Roshnik where the Alpeta Winery makes a big impression.

Arriving at Alpeta’s restaurant and cellar door

Wine Tasting

We’re here for wine tasting, a tour of the Vineyard and a hearty lunch sourced from local produce.… Read the rest