Travel, life, loves and laughs.
My Aunt and Uncle are stopping over in Dubai on their return home from a Europe summer vacation. It’s the usual fly by Dubai, a few days layover on the way to or from somewhere else. It’s not a bad way to get a taste for Dubai.… Read the rest
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
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, 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
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