9-11 September 2016
Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes.
Driving through beautiful countryside, I arrive at the spectacular shores of Lake Ohrid. Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest lakes, preserving an aquatic ecosystem of more than 200 endemic species. Along its eastern shore is Ohrid, a lively resort with wonderful shopping bazaars and cafes. Ohrid is a perfect spot for visiting local sites of interest. (more…)
7-8 September 2016 – Macedonian Liberation Day
Alexander the Great, claimed by Macedonia, born in Greece
If judged by my entry into Skopje, bumper to bumper jams where there appears to exist no driving rules but one, “don’t hit anyone,” then I would describe Skopje as insane. Inching through bazaar and market with half an inch to spare, I would have thought Skopje was not for me. However, that was before I saw the pedestrian areas of the city center. (more…)
6 September 2016 – Unification Day
Plovdiv’s unique architecture of Bulgarian Revival Period.
Bulgarian Unification Day commemorates the unification of Eastern Rumelia (Southern Bulgaria) and Bulgaria in 1885. Bulgaria was never pleased with the terms of the 1878 Treaty of Berlin, when they lost parts of southern Bulgaria to the Ottoman Empire. Bulgarians gave up hopes for Macedonia and the rest of Thrace and concentrated on regaining East Roumelia. In 1885, a group of former revolutionaries organized in Plovdiv (the capital of Eastern Roumelia) and on 6 September the palace in Plovdiv was surrounded. Prince Alexander prepared for war with the Ottoman Empire and agreed to become the leader of a Unified Bulgaria. Bulgaria successfully defended its interests on the battlefield in the Serbo-Bulgarian War. Thus, today we celebrate Unification Day. (more…)
5 September 2016
An “A HA” moment at Rila Monastery.
After countless churches, scores of monuments, a plethora of museums and sites, it becomes harder and harder to feel an “A HA!” moment.
Zipping south on a relatively new highway, I am driven into the Rila Mountains and its largest tourist draw, the 10th century Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important historical and architectural monuments and a UNESCO site. Stepping into its courtyard beneath towering cloud-draped mountains, the Rila Monastery provides one of those “A HAs!” I am surrounded by the lofty green peaks of the highest mountain range of Bulgaria and the Balkans. Clear rushing streams and drifting low clouds provide a perfect backdrop for revitalization and contemplation. (more…)
1-5 September 2016
Memorabilia and shopping treasures around the streets of Sofia.
Sofia is a city of monuments and statues commemorating religious, political and literary figures. Sprinkled among these are the gems of communist pride and propaganda. All are worth a moment to appreciate what is being expressed. (more…)
1-5 September 2016
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
It’s hard to find capital cities in Europe not overrun by hoards of tourists. Which is why I find myself visiting Sofia, the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. Sofia is a beautiful, vibrant combination of very old and new and reflects more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. And I should be able to sample good, cheap beer. (more…)
31 August 2016 – Destination: Frankfurt International Airport Flying used to be so much easier before one person could pass by security without screening and result in an entire airport being emptied. All in-air flights may be rerouted, schedules disrupted, appointments missed, reservations lost. How do they know a person Read more