Post by OnlyMark on Apr 17, 2023 11:12:31 GMT 2
For nine days we went on a flying trip around parts of the Balkans we’d not yet been to. It was Easter and knowing the weather could well be somewhat crappy it was better to seek out somewhere with things to see rather than try and find a sunny and warm place to stay for that time. It is now probable that I will leave the area in the summer to return to Germany after Spain whilst Mrs M stays a little longer to finish her contract. She will then go back as well and we’ll be there (unless something comes up we don’t know about yet) for a few years.
I’ve been tasked to help with long term ill father in law and mother in law and kid stuff which requires me to leave early.
First, a map of the route. Not too far, less than 1800km as things/countries are quite close together, but roads are generally single carriageway apart from Belgrade to Thessaloniki, and especially in Albania are nose to tail traffic -
Belgrade and Thessaloniki are interesting and stops in Skopje, Kruja and Shkoder were less so, but at least worth time having a wander round. Skopje is a weird place where the centre is done up like a show piece and empty of life.
What I wanted to point out is relatively small town called Ohrid in North Macedonia.
It did help the sun came out for a change but it was still a step up in interest.
On the shores of Lake Ohrid it is known for once having 365 churches and has been called the "Jerusalem of the Balkans".
Very pretty in a very scenic location and with lots to see.
Since Roman times I’ve counted it has been ruled by twenty six different Empires, some twice, but nevertheless, each left a mark and it goes to show the (continuing) instability in this region. Now a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage site -
I’ve been tasked to help with long term ill father in law and mother in law and kid stuff which requires me to leave early.
First, a map of the route. Not too far, less than 1800km as things/countries are quite close together, but roads are generally single carriageway apart from Belgrade to Thessaloniki, and especially in Albania are nose to tail traffic -
Belgrade and Thessaloniki are interesting and stops in Skopje, Kruja and Shkoder were less so, but at least worth time having a wander round. Skopje is a weird place where the centre is done up like a show piece and empty of life.
What I wanted to point out is relatively small town called Ohrid in North Macedonia.
It did help the sun came out for a change but it was still a step up in interest.
On the shores of Lake Ohrid it is known for once having 365 churches and has been called the "Jerusalem of the Balkans".
Very pretty in a very scenic location and with lots to see.
Since Roman times I’ve counted it has been ruled by twenty six different Empires, some twice, but nevertheless, each left a mark and it goes to show the (continuing) instability in this region. Now a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage site -