Plovdiv is charming from the get go and given the range of things to see here, it is no wonder it was Europe’s Capital of Culture 2019. On our list of ‘must see’ items are 5 things that no trip to Plovdiv is complete without.… Read the rest
Etar Ethnographic Outdoor Museum
As we arrive at Etar Ethnographic Outdoor Museum, it seems like just a few old huts along a small, albeit picturesque stream. However, as we enter this busy little slice of history, it is clear that it is much more than it seems.… Read the rest
Baalbek
Nothing has really prepared me for the enormity of what I am to witness first hand at the site of the ancient city of Baalbek – the historical and cultural significance is overwhelming. In some ways larger and more interesting than either the Roman Forum or the Parthenon, Baalbek exists in Western Lebanon in the Beqaa Valley, nestled between the Mount Lebanon Ranges to the west and Syrian Coastal Mountain Range (Bargylus) to the east.… Read the rest
Gibran Museum
On the other side of the Kadisha Valley to the St. Simon Monastery where we have just come from visiting the tiny hermit’s cave, is the Gibran Museum in Bsharri.
Once a monastery, the building was bought by Gibran’s benefactor after the Lebanese – American writer, poet and artist, expressed his wishes to be buried in Lebanon.… Read the rest
Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Island
I wake before the alarm, shivering, barely remembering that I am awake to visit Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Fort. The blankets have been kicked off in the night and the air conditioning is too cold.… Read the rest
Walking Zürich – The Limmat
By far the best way to see a city is to walk it. Particularly the compact old towns of Europe. Not everyone has the ability, stamina or perhaps enthusiasm for this endeavor, walking from dawn till dusk (and often into the night as well).… Read the rest
Walking Zürich – Rathaus & Hochschulen
By far the best way to see a city is to walk it. Particularly the compact old towns of Europe. Today I am walking the Rathaus & Hochschulen. Not everyone has the ability, stamina or perhaps enthusiasm for this endeavor, walking from dawn till dusk (and often into the night as well). … Read the rest
Walking Zürich – Lindenhof & the City
By far the best way to see a city is to walk it. Particularly the compact old towns of Europe. Today I’m walking Lindenhof & the City. Not everyone has the ability, stamina or perhaps enthusiasm for this endeavor, walking from dawn till dusk (and often into the night as well). … Read the rest
Walking Zürich – Zürichsee
By far the best way to see a city is to walk it. Particularly the compact old towns of Europe. Today I’m walking the Zürichsee. Not everyone has the ability, stamina or perhaps enthusiasm for this endeavor, walking from dawn till dusk (and often into the night as well). … Read the rest
Lake Zürich & Rapperswil
I board the boat for Rapperswil with an expectation of a lake Zürich cruise and the vague promise of a Schloss (castle) at the end. It’s not like me. Usually I have my days planned to the ‘n’th degree but, apart from today being an unexpected bonus, I think I’m mellowing a little in my holiday expectations.… Read the rest