Travel Letters

Athens: The Local Scene

Athens
Greece
April 24, 2015

My friends,

I suppose that when you think of Athens you think of Greek temples and marble columns and sculpture from centuries ago.  And I am sure that very soon I will see those unique features of the city.

But on this first morning I head out from my hotel to Victoria Square.   From the square I can take the subway to the Acropolis stop.  But instead  I decide to walk in that direction.   I eventually arrived at the station but not at the temple.

Athens: The Acropolis

Athens

Greece

April 25, 2015

Here I am at THE Acropolis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. 

So why am I so “down?”

Jetlag?

Homesick?

Headache from the din of noisy tourists?

Just can’t get motivated!

Then along come a Greek Goddess and her Faithful Companion. 

Lake Ohrid

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.

Skopje

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 Matka and Treska Canyon

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?

 

Mostar: Stari Most

Mostar

Bosnia-Herzegovina

June 3, 2015

Dear Adventure Travelers,

Did you know that for a small fee of a mere 25 Euros, you can personally perform a (supervised) high dive off the most famous bridge in the Balkans?   

The Stari Most or Old Bridge of Mostar, built in the Sixteenth Century, stands 25 meters (82 feet) above the Neretva River.  By comparison, the Olympics Platform Dive is a measly 10 meters (33 feet).

In 1993, during the Civil War in the former Yugoslavia, the original bridge built by the Ottomans was destroyed.

The elegant bridge was rebuilt in 2004 and is the most recognizable landmark in the country.  There’s a lot of history here.* 

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