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.
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.
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?
Torshavn
Faroe Islands
July 25, 2015
Dear Friends,
Please forgive me. I just can’t help myself.
It seems like I am stopping my car every five minutes to take photos and more photos.
How can I resist?
The scenery here is … well, let’s just say … unique.
Mykines
Faroe Islands
July 23, 2015
I'm so angry!
Nowhere in any brochure or on the website or anywhere is there any indication of a strenuous four-hour hike to see some birds!
We hop off the boat at the Meknes pier. Only then does the captain-guide give us the news!
When I booked this cruise-day-trip, I expected to encounter the bird colonies here in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The guide failed to mention the location!
Saksun
Streymoy Island
Faroe Islands
July 26, 2015
My Dear Friends and Family,
Today is my last full day here on the Faroe Islands.
I decide to drive north from my hotel at Torshavn and continue north and northwest to the town of Saksun at the very end of the road on Streymoy Island.
What shall I find along the way?
What shall I discover at the end of the road?
