Lake Matka and Treska Canyon

Posted May 23, 2015 by twj
North Macedonia
Southeastern Europe

Skopje

Macedonia

May 20, 2015

Lake Matka lies only about a forty minute drive outside Skopje. 

Formed by a hydroelectric dam, the lake sits below the steep sides of the Treska Canyon.  It’s an idyllic spot for a moderate hike along a narrow path above the tranquil lake.

After my hike, I returned to the outdoor restaurant that overlooks the lake.  I lingered over a lunch of delicious fish soup with salmon and vegetables, and a green salad with sautéed mushrooms and grated cheese. 

Is there a better way to spend a day?

 

Skopje

Posted May 22, 2015 by twj
North Macedonia
Southeastern Europe

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

Posted May 20, 2015 by twj
North Macedonia
Southeastern Europe

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.

On the Road: Apollonia

Posted May 19, 2015 by twj
Albania
Southeastern Europe

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: Archaeological Site

Posted May 17, 2015 by twj
Albania
Southeastern Europe

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.     

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