October 24, 2023 by Chris - 1 Comment

Around Ohrid

The Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid is one of the most important monuments of North Macedonia, housing architecture and art from the Middle Ages.

The Cathedral of St. Sophia in Ohrid, perhaps originally built in the 10th century by Boris II, seems to have been rebuilt as a domed basilica and redecorated in the 11th century by the archbishop Leo of Ohrid it was taken over during the Ottoman rule, many of the frescoes were damaged or white-washed.

Only five churches in Europe named for St Sophia – Holy wisdom.

A drive alongside the lake towards the Albanian border brought us to the beautiful setting of the church and monastery of St. Naum (9th century). He was among the founders of the Pliska Literary School. Afterwards Naum worked at the Ohrid Literary School. He was among the first saints declared by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after its foundation in the 9th century. He dedicated the church to the Archangel.

Just to make you smile! One of the stray dogs we saw along the way! We fed him.

with Mira, our guide, view of Lake Ohrid

Also at this beautiful spot is a river with springs bubbling that provide the crystal clear water for Lake Ohrid.

East of Lake Ohrid is a limestone mountain range and on the other side a lake that is 150 meters higher in elevation to Ohrid. The water filters through the limestone and springs up in the river flowing into Lake Ohrid.

We took a row boat ride on these beautiful, clear waters. No swimming or engines are permitted on the river.

October 16, 2023 by Chris - 2 Comments

Bucharest, Romania – first impressions

Known as “Paris of Eastern Europe”, it is easy to see why with its tree-lined boulevards, majestic buildings, and very own Arc de Triomphe! The resemblance is far greater now with the cafe bars, chic restaurants and boutiques than it was when I last visited almost 50 years ago!

Many lovely orthodox churches dot the city landscape with a constant flow of the devout entering and leaving.

We didn’t eat at Hanu lui Manuc, but loved the architectural style of the block-sized building. I earned on Wiki that it is the oldest operating hotel building in Bucharest.

The inn was built in 1808 as a khan, a roadside inn where caravansaries could stop and rest, and originally owned by a wealthy and flamboyant Armenian entrepreneur known under his Turkish name Manuc Bej. In the middle of the 19th century, it was Bucharest’s most important commercial complex, with 15 wholesalers, 23 retail stores, 107 rooms for offices or living, two receiving rooms, and a pub.

August 18, 2023 by Chris - 4 Comments

Different Season – same place! Iceland

We’re back for a few days and it’s been fun taking some of the same routes, but seeing a completely different landscape. Last time everything was snow and ice covered; this time the lichen, moss, grass and lava rock are exposed.

The ponies are moving around more freely and grazing instead of standing huddled together for warmth.

Streams, rivers and lakes are running.

Last time the roads were impassable to Gullfoss falls; we are so glad we had the opportunity to visit this time and see these powerful waters rushing off the edge and dispersing through the narrow gorge.

The sweet little churches are often situated with commanding views of the valleys.

As we drove along rte 435 we followed the Nesjavellir pipeline that carries hot water from the Nesjavellir geothermal power plant to storage tanks east of Reykjavík for a distance of 27km – most of it above ground. The insulated pipeline can carry up to 40% of the hot water demand for space heating and domestic hot water in Reykjavik.