For the first time in my life, I had to listen to what my body was saying, concentrate on calming my mind and learn a whole raft of new skills to cope with a suddenly less able physique. Continue reading A Homeland Odyssey Beckons.
Not only will this help the people who serve you, but the freshest and tastiest food or most unique and memorable souvenirs will be your own, even bigger, reward. Continue reading Respectful tourism – too much to ask?
I had come here completely ignorant of the country, expecting rugged roads with sparse comforts and danger lurking round every corner. In total contrast, I found warm, welcoming people with a sound sense of humour, great pride in their developing country and so much worth preserving. Continue reading Albania, Days 9 &10 – Kruje, City of Skanderbeg and the Dyvjaka- Karavasta wetland paradise.
a young man beckoned from the door to choose from various pots of preserves for sale. As I enquired if he had local honey, which I had acquired a taste for, he was joined by the matriarch of the house. This woman could sell snow to the eskimos! Continue reading Albania, Days 7 & 8 – Driving The Riviera coast, and up the Llogaro Pass to Berat
My route also included a somewhat decrepit chain ferry. This was recently made infamous by the television programme Top Gear, who hammed up their crossing with rather large cars. Continue reading Albania, Days 5 & 6 – The Blue Eye, ancient Butrint and Ksamil by the sea.
The Drino Valley stretches out below, with mountain ranges beyond as far as the eye can see. I have visited many castles over the years, but this one still had that “wow” factor for me, as I entered beneath its majestic arches. Continue reading Albania – Day 4, Gjirokastra – more than just a UNESCO site.
Albania had given me slow food, and slow lifestyles. Now I also had slow driving! Continue reading Albania, Day 3 – The Road of Death and Lord Byron’s footsteps.
Listening to this modest man’s tale, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of his countrymen I have passed before in the UK, ignorant of their stories. Continue reading Albania, Day 2 – Refugees and Raki via Korce and Erseke.
As we joined the melee of tooting and revving vehicles in the charge up the hill, the scene was reminiscent of a film set for a Whacky Races production. Continue reading Albanian Adventure – Day 1, Tiranna to Pogradec.
Think of a group of 20 people you know. Friends or family, work colleagues or social gathering. One of that 20 will have suicidal thoughts at some time in the year. Continue reading It doesn’t take a superhero to save a life.
