The Greenroom

The Greenroom

The Greenroom does a mean traditional English roast. It’s not what immediately comes to mind on a 48°C day in Dubai. Nevertheless, we find ourselves here for an afternoon of multiple pool(s), table soccer and Sunday roasts.

The first round of pool

Indoors

Arriving from the heat of the afternoon into the cool bistro style of The Greenroom, we are promptly seated although not quite ready for dinner.… Read the rest

Big Bus Dubai

Big Bus Dubai

It’s Jasper’s IFA football end of season party and after an incredible win for both the U12’s and U13’s Youth Premier League teams we’re off on a Big Bus Dubai tour to celebrate.

Jasper was lucky enough to come into the season as goalkeeper halfway along when the team was already doing pretty well.… 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

Kodra Restaurant

Kodra Restaurant

An early morning walk and then a visit, en route, to the delightful Ardenica Monastery, sees us arrive in Gjirokaster for a late lunch at Kodra Restaurant. Perched high on the hill in the old town, it is currently raining and so, a lazy lunch seems the perfect way to await finer weather.… Read the rest

Osumi River Rafting

Osumi River Rafting

The Osumi River is calling me. It flows past us in Berat and despite its milky, cold appearance, I know that the canyons up river await us for an exciting rafting adventure.

Getting There

We depart Berat just after 9am and it doesn’t take long to get out of the little town.… 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