Travel, life, loves and laughs.
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 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
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.
We’re here for wine tasting, a tour of the Vineyard and a hearty lunch sourced from local produce.… Read the rest
The Onufri Museum is a little gem of medieval preserved and restored artwork located within the walls of Berat Castle. The museum is dedicated to the renowned Albanian painter Onufri. It showcases a collection of religious icons and artwork from the 14th to the 20th century.… Read the rest
We arrive in Berat wearied from a travel day although somewhat revived by our recent Byrek late lunch. It’s the perfect time to head out to explore the town, grab a sundowner and enjoy the early spring evening.… Read the rest
It is hard enough to keep up with all the famous artists in history. So finding time to learn about the forgotten artists seems like a stretch. However, after attending a lecture last night by Rose Balston of Artscapes UK (think art history warrior extraordinaire), my mind has been churning.… Read the rest
Most people don’t see Canberra as a tourist destination, but when I was recently asked by a friend for some recommendations for a few days in the the Nation’s Capital, I couldn’t decide where to start. So here are my top picks and advice for discovering Canberra for the first time.… Read the rest
I have a sense of elation and foreboding as I arrive to explore Camps Germany in the last weeks of Expo 2020. I have a good book with me and know that the wait will be over an hour for the ever-so-popular Germany pavilion.… Read the rest
Well after the city skyline has melted into desert sands, we encounter the Dubai Camel Racing Club which showcases the Emirati tradition of camel racing.
Like horse racing, this sport is the passion of sheikhs (kings), locals and the community alike and has been integral to the region’s traditions for centuries.… Read the rest
Al Seef Historic District, located in old Dubai is in fact, rather new. Sitting adjacent to Al Fahidi, another historic area of the city, Al Seef hugs 1.8km of Dubai Creek’s shoreline. The 2.5m square foot Meraas development was launched late in 2017.… Read the rest