Travel, life, loves and laughs.
There is a lot to see and do in Frankfurt Am Main so you would be forgiven for having a ‘to do‘ list on arrival, just like I did. In between all the activity though, it’s important to take in the ambiance of exactly where you are.… 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
Sofia is a city that reveals itself slowly. Even more so if you’re walking Sofia. At first glance, it feels like a blend of Soviet-era austerity and modern European energy. But look closer, beneath your feet, behind church doors and within quiet courtyards and you’ll find a city layered with more than two millennia of history.… Read the rest
In a city defined by layers – Roman foundations, medieval resilience, Ottoman influence and modern reinvention – the Banya Bashi Mosque stands as one of Sofia’s most enduring and quietly powerful historical markers. It does not dominate the skyline in the way grand cathedrals might, nor does it draw crowds with spectacle.… Read the rest
In a city layered with Roman ruins, Ottoman relics, and Orthodox churches, it might seem surprising that one of Sofia’s most symbolic landmarks is relatively new. The Monument of Saint Sofia, installed in 2000, does not date back centuries, yet it tells a story just as profound as any ancient structure.… Read the rest
Atop Melnik’s picturesque cliff tops, the St. Virgin Mary Spileotisa Monastery is perched. Known locally as the Holy Place, this tiny monastery, referred to a a cave (speleon) was built between 1209 – 1211. Its name is also associated with the Virgin Mary of the Holy Place at the Mount Athos monastery Vatopedi.… Read the rest
Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, Bachkovo Monastery stands as a beacon of Bulgarian spiritual heritage and historical significance.
We arrive on a sparkling Spring morning after the night in Plovdiv and a quick stop on the way at Asen’s Fortress.… Read the rest
Plovdiv is the modern site of the ancient city of Philipopolis. It is charming from the get go and given the range of things to see here, it is no wonder it was named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2019.… Read the rest
We are going ape in Gibraltar, that tiny tip of land that sits with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Strait of Gibraltar, opening out to the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other. The divide does not refer just to the waters.… Read the rest
It’s nearly 10am before we leave the apartment headed for Victoria Peak. So much for my daily schedule. Though I shouldn’t be too hard on us, we’re all exhausted after the Thursday night flight and did quite well to get through our arrival and first afternoon in Hong Kong relatively unscathed.… Read the rest