Skopje
Republic of Macedonia
Temporary name: FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)
May 19, 2015
Sometimes I just need to take a break.
Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, is just the place. The bank of the Vardar River is lined with cafes. I choose one and sit!
The view across the river is of a brilliant sunlit extravaganza of government buildings and museums.
Lake Ohrid
Macedonia
May 17, 2015
Lake Ohrid was my first stop after crossing the border from Albania to Macedonia. *
Here are a few facts about this unusual lake:
Lake Ohrid straddles the mountainous border between southwestern Macedonia and eastern Albania. It is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem that is of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species.
Saranda
Albania
May 16, 2015
My Driver and Me
So here’s what happens:
Sometimes I ask my driver to stop at what I consider to be a particularly lovely spot. For example, we find a quiet agricultural scene in the mountains and a lakeside retreat.
Occasionally my driver will insist on taking me to an important site. The ancient city of Apollonia is his choice today. The Greek columns are grand, of course, but I continue to be enthralled by the sculptures. How is it possible to convert a hunk of solid marble into a costume of diaphanous gauze?
Butrint
Albania
May 15, 2015
A Fascinating Day
Butrint is surely the quintessential archeological site of Southeastern Europe.
Butrint became an urban center in the 4th Century BCE and was settled for several centuries before that. And even before that, this whole area was settled in prehistoric times.
The ancient Greek tribe Chaonians, the Romans, Byzantines, Ostrogoths, Bulgarians, Venetians, and Ottomans all occupied Butrint over the centuries. Even the French were here for a couple of years. Finally, Albania gained its independence in 1912 and rightfully took possession of this ancient city.
Gjirokastër
Albania
May 14, 2015
In Tirana I met a young man who bragged that he had taken a swim in the Blue Eye. Since I was heading in that direction, I decided to visit the Blue Eye and see what the fuss is all about. Maybe I’d be able to make the same boast as my young friend.
