tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47595072966201794282024-03-19T02:02:37.748+00:00After60 -thenext10 Part 2: 70 and onwardsThis blog records my wanderings, achievements and disasters since retiring in 2011. Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.comBlogger1374125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-69657316640444941272024-03-18T08:58:00.004+00:002024-03-18T08:58:34.519+00:00Day 2 Oslo<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgethf1wsXJ1BJ3ca6S3k1s0S4HZY3Pzt1NqMvVDLmijLK2crMrDe0fPpig5GynPs1enPUIwH2b_PrvxL8ynY2Y_d4zif8C4TEMTkBkCprGKlzgDFK4CkyOOxuVy_J0mTNjFFSVvicZtGNI47bCTRRxQXU04qOJawbTeCBt9kK6kF3wEvwED9zxo4gLmPNO/s4000/20240313_075820.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgethf1wsXJ1BJ3ca6S3k1s0S4HZY3Pzt1NqMvVDLmijLK2crMrDe0fPpig5GynPs1enPUIwH2b_PrvxL8ynY2Y_d4zif8C4TEMTkBkCprGKlzgDFK4CkyOOxuVy_J0mTNjFFSVvicZtGNI47bCTRRxQXU04qOJawbTeCBt9kK6kF3wEvwED9zxo4gLmPNO/w400-h300/20240313_075820.jpg" width="400" /></a> After pigging out at one of the best breakfast buffets I've ever seen, I was out of the hotel before 9am to find the tourist information office. Always find these the best places for up to date info. I bought a 48hr City Pass which cost about £50. I'm sure many of you are familiar with these passes which allow free entry to the majority of museums and places of interest. You need to do your research first to make sure you want to visit the museums on the list and that they are open on the days you are there.</p><p>All the museums I wanted to visit were on the list although most were closed on a Monday which was today. The tourist office gave me a list of which ones were open today plus there was a two hour guided tour of part of the city later in the day. The pass also gave me free transport on the buses so I was ready to go.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2mJJwME4muA89Z7MxVXkHTB8oIu6n7aUYaV4bXxSjpeGWlSToKLp8BwE4uwhG4vXiGhVfk1yXWeKGZg_6QnP3EsNSRKP3bT3lB8O5kOvvoEcSTdkiAOiqcJRED-8VSff14Lpf1P1w2iJkV0Z5UOYGNafPu_A57OBq9kSEdYUwg13aS1xCZmKXpZrkFuh/s4000/1110333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2mJJwME4muA89Z7MxVXkHTB8oIu6n7aUYaV4bXxSjpeGWlSToKLp8BwE4uwhG4vXiGhVfk1yXWeKGZg_6QnP3EsNSRKP3bT3lB8O5kOvvoEcSTdkiAOiqcJRED-8VSff14Lpf1P1w2iJkV0Z5UOYGNafPu_A57OBq9kSEdYUwg13aS1xCZmKXpZrkFuh/w400-h300/1110333.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>It took a while for me to find the right bus stop but once I did all was well. I travelled onto the island of Bygdoy where I first went to the Fram museum and the Polar exhibition. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Roald Amundsen was one of the great polar explorers. He was the first to navigate the Northwest Passage, the first to reach the South Pole, a navigator of the Northwest Passage, the first to fly over the North Pole and across the Arctic Ocean. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Two of his boats had been restored and were on display.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGc0BS-NcybL7BDQ9rQBpUeRJMDMKYfoGZPOcFo6ZJu_9R5yqhWUGLA8lxKesIdCjroTolJgoi2M1wYS5UQBZS9A7HBxmoVIpsEK2HensDg_SvZagvpgzczFbIvrVyXxwjXz4Jw4bfJVAw5OZm7wrrRmWBJ2AY1UlpbtHTecHiNAmp7pTVUgtkCQwyhYX/s4000/1110288.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGc0BS-NcybL7BDQ9rQBpUeRJMDMKYfoGZPOcFo6ZJu_9R5yqhWUGLA8lxKesIdCjroTolJgoi2M1wYS5UQBZS9A7HBxmoVIpsEK2HensDg_SvZagvpgzczFbIvrVyXxwjXz4Jw4bfJVAw5OZm7wrrRmWBJ2AY1UlpbtHTecHiNAmp7pTVUgtkCQwyhYX/w300-h400/1110288.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This boat is Gjoa and was used by Amundsen to steer a passage through the islands of northern Canada connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, known as the Northwest Passage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeLU1DmMCjVtXPRkHDWgpVY5t8yvCvxNG50nr5QkQldJXWDmAuPgR9QY066ezrXZCFK4dDz7lNnLEXxrn0L-R-YjkT-cic_sj556GcJfoHkOsClauKDjYW_NbMLwZpl90CbldbydIR1iY4yJ709ccxh4gGsKNMJZ6eqQ7NeHjf5tWGEI3_lnAnDVc3M2S/s4000/1110297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeLU1DmMCjVtXPRkHDWgpVY5t8yvCvxNG50nr5QkQldJXWDmAuPgR9QY066ezrXZCFK4dDz7lNnLEXxrn0L-R-YjkT-cic_sj556GcJfoHkOsClauKDjYW_NbMLwZpl90CbldbydIR1iY4yJ709ccxh4gGsKNMJZ6eqQ7NeHjf5tWGEI3_lnAnDVc3M2S/w300-h400/1110297.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is on board the Ship Fram which he used for his trip to Antarctica. I couldn't get a photo of the whole ship but I could go onboard this one.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_cZzBMnptNeqInO23I8Az7Rl2P9RZFqamaJRbDqRVrZoKMD1yB5cHDMrhOFSsp89vaX76ODDwVsoiZHWNzq0vdmGO-mzcGYNGr5f_eQtdaV02lpRAHLcpqaLwntJudQ4saTM71JberHrV6D3K20DR8chBV_ugHSUAKwzuEDFJ4UsoX8U1y2sCq1a2JHl/s4000/1110302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_cZzBMnptNeqInO23I8Az7Rl2P9RZFqamaJRbDqRVrZoKMD1yB5cHDMrhOFSsp89vaX76ODDwVsoiZHWNzq0vdmGO-mzcGYNGr5f_eQtdaV02lpRAHLcpqaLwntJudQ4saTM71JberHrV6D3K20DR8chBV_ugHSUAKwzuEDFJ4UsoX8U1y2sCq1a2JHl/w400-h300/1110302.jpg" width="400" /></a> I liked the sound effect of the ocean and the projection of the waves onto the walls of the museum.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Before embarking on the expedition Amundsen spent time with the Inuits to learn how they dealt with the cold and the snow and ice. He learnt how to build an igloo, which dogs were best for pulling the sledges, how to fish for food, the best clothes to wear so he was as prepared as he could be for the treacherous conditions that lay ahead. </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFETZsVjLkSBoHEHnCoXIr3bY2OReA27PNl3XhUwYP5rXtQXSztwHgaNwuzU9IrBn1M7g_aumGsoisZHy2cVaR0cMDcce2LVVbQ6pNm1pmk96g8wZ5Dg0agk4P-cgNfCjrjJp9-BAnGeb_Il5c4A0REF2fFgli446kzaz8s6kkrMrE4xvSoPcns8OHy_PB/s4000/1110281.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFETZsVjLkSBoHEHnCoXIr3bY2OReA27PNl3XhUwYP5rXtQXSztwHgaNwuzU9IrBn1M7g_aumGsoisZHy2cVaR0cMDcce2LVVbQ6pNm1pmk96g8wZ5Dg0agk4P-cgNfCjrjJp9-BAnGeb_Il5c4A0REF2fFgli446kzaz8s6kkrMrE4xvSoPcns8OHy_PB/w400-h300/1110281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Wooden beater for snow removal and knife made from reindeer horn for cutting snow.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV0nnQUhfDi0tTtbQQWLpxxDJ_lOWZ_PuBRbZlkQOA25EKhDfoEdCxVQ9QWwJhDVbDmbiDdGoNDhDjkspwaEMCpQ6E0XV2ezh7BKQvKzBsMQ2tHsnSwZbdGgQGqe3LFRIzN9Js2FW2Rew6kWIfauW5-cqNSSpjW4L6hxeSC79yonv9-MS2RaYEvlyuwUJ/s4000/1110286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV0nnQUhfDi0tTtbQQWLpxxDJ_lOWZ_PuBRbZlkQOA25EKhDfoEdCxVQ9QWwJhDVbDmbiDdGoNDhDjkspwaEMCpQ6E0XV2ezh7BKQvKzBsMQ2tHsnSwZbdGgQGqe3LFRIzN9Js2FW2Rew6kWIfauW5-cqNSSpjW4L6hxeSC79yonv9-MS2RaYEvlyuwUJ/w300-h400/1110286.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Caribou hide anorak and polar bear trousers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumxml-XvIyTVwehvqgfLGG2BgKtMvikjHWNcWOcjsny_AHOQtu6UzI9-pqYjD8MH4HYpaWqtlDgWbQXvPvK0kAO21l7j8bDQdkVnqcWezTUlWmpF5iQzg3My2Cy-psGslW_7LAd0jGfeynQZoAUsGIn_aF-1i_hWxJ8rtTpctb-VusKR4TgMCWz8Or79o/s4000/1110334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumxml-XvIyTVwehvqgfLGG2BgKtMvikjHWNcWOcjsny_AHOQtu6UzI9-pqYjD8MH4HYpaWqtlDgWbQXvPvK0kAO21l7j8bDQdkVnqcWezTUlWmpF5iQzg3My2Cy-psGslW_7LAd0jGfeynQZoAUsGIn_aF-1i_hWxJ8rtTpctb-VusKR4TgMCWz8Or79o/w400-h300/1110334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Across the road from the Fram Museum was the Kon-Tiki museum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVltTkbBXowDJ_zflSN99lnKsJCmDsgwl3Sos5bW_IaWPCjLOdng-bvNafPlpHiAi3BlaLzfUSXWZz3tPQ8s6Sw3e_RU2WZJhDWS1RRLUsOM3lqVcFkedpIlfEHh6zHLWJp95LGih6MN1cpIDMIu-gs-riPQUSPwkdrbOJtO1UI4quZoPFf-AuOi6K49C/s4000/1110305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVltTkbBXowDJ_zflSN99lnKsJCmDsgwl3Sos5bW_IaWPCjLOdng-bvNafPlpHiAi3BlaLzfUSXWZz3tPQ8s6Sw3e_RU2WZJhDWS1RRLUsOM3lqVcFkedpIlfEHh6zHLWJp95LGih6MN1cpIDMIu-gs-riPQUSPwkdrbOJtO1UI4quZoPFf-AuOi6K49C/w300-h400/1110305.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>In 1947 Thor Heyerdahl and his crew of 5 men sailed on this balsa wood raft<span style="text-align: center;"> across the Pacific ocean from Peru to Polynesia to show that people from early South American civilisations could have reached Polynesian islands on seafaring vessels. The voyage of 8000 km lasted as planned 101 days and took place in the South-East tradewinds with the aid of wind patterns and ocean currents.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvmeMzW-Uigm_AAdmqys5v-cwLHBD4Zod0bA5ePAQ63MwRiTxFxmo3W0Od-jIodzSTYRHmG3zao_lwDe3hZryaS60lKnUDHsrDEgAlROBqjMCkpUi4ez4x9KF0gC01DAjSoc20c8hWzFhV8RoS3yFVgkg1v3KazAPlW2yASSICrnDnF7yG163u-T9JOIs/s4000/1110309.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvmeMzW-Uigm_AAdmqys5v-cwLHBD4Zod0bA5ePAQ63MwRiTxFxmo3W0Od-jIodzSTYRHmG3zao_lwDe3hZryaS60lKnUDHsrDEgAlROBqjMCkpUi4ez4x9KF0gC01DAjSoc20c8hWzFhV8RoS3yFVgkg1v3KazAPlW2yASSICrnDnF7yG163u-T9JOIs/w400-h300/1110309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n-Wd6ivn2pr5Gs6yscusde3hEFhCmcr6AhQwvouc1PXlfwEZ5lImjaM6IvnmN0sqHv5HAODIFDt9vB8phAcfQ2F3JK9A-0afI94Ce6xbsDPEKW_hpLDb9a-FEDG_mQa888_2D-exFTjc2Ba9Umq1BxNdhoznF-1m1hOiML3MxPITXs6Ux0aqGJsKL4N1/s4000/1110310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n-Wd6ivn2pr5Gs6yscusde3hEFhCmcr6AhQwvouc1PXlfwEZ5lImjaM6IvnmN0sqHv5HAODIFDt9vB8phAcfQ2F3JK9A-0afI94Ce6xbsDPEKW_hpLDb9a-FEDG_mQa888_2D-exFTjc2Ba9Umq1BxNdhoznF-1m1hOiML3MxPITXs6Ux0aqGJsKL4N1/w400-h300/1110310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh4-yVkWvqFtjdq-uXXNnoPN6myoLlarUr8SOTk1gOllRM21MjbpnHRfrn-RkUGVodvmif5J-a7wIGO_V7vCHjxdGlBDHz2R_gQYm2m4eFywn6538uXzo7tZtmCRfKJdBc64zfg7aRPtgYhNTfsj35Xbb0QCSrLCHqti4cIknlkS6gjHCKNI0WeM-6n9U/s4000/1110311.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh4-yVkWvqFtjdq-uXXNnoPN6myoLlarUr8SOTk1gOllRM21MjbpnHRfrn-RkUGVodvmif5J-a7wIGO_V7vCHjxdGlBDHz2R_gQYm2m4eFywn6538uXzo7tZtmCRfKJdBc64zfg7aRPtgYhNTfsj35Xbb0QCSrLCHqti4cIknlkS6gjHCKNI0WeM-6n9U/w400-h300/1110311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Most experts predicted failure and certain death. After a couple of days at sea they realised the raft would stay afloat but they didn't know for how long. Experienced sailors had predicted that the ropes would holding the raft together would last for only 14 days as the friction would chew the ropes apart. But after 14 days the ropes were still holding. After several weeks they found out that the ropes had carved grooves in the soft balsa wood, thus protecting them. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3gx-J_dILzMFt2NKpjD-LG4PINCz9YIk2OxCO9U7a2GOfeLRb17la-SiWRG3PyEQas_wRGmGmw7XkGcNIbTJGgWNXHeD44C91ORiVf9A21mKAb90l7ODEw-ElMryxLCMZ8M5uiY4F3M_uoN_Y4NO5xEIU1j0U26F9Vorjec3rvI06CQxKTqUoIfa2Rh3/s4000/1110319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3gx-J_dILzMFt2NKpjD-LG4PINCz9YIk2OxCO9U7a2GOfeLRb17la-SiWRG3PyEQas_wRGmGmw7XkGcNIbTJGgWNXHeD44C91ORiVf9A21mKAb90l7ODEw-ElMryxLCMZ8M5uiY4F3M_uoN_Y4NO5xEIU1j0U26F9Vorjec3rvI06CQxKTqUoIfa2Rh3/w300-h400/1110319.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The film about the Kon-Tiki expedition was awarded an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 1951. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuQ3W-qHc0PsgTGG7_avOnRphSxMW-D1ShP7phVYxN31bsa8V4jYJISPpz_w6TtwIzHoHbyKAvy5SJYi30RmsfC7NGC0rY0yKwHChelVjmp6KsTBntwXsa3veOdcJQzBqAr0dEqYmlXcfsxArTpSCZlApcPAhQl7lhY5QjCu5TpwocVs1iGe5DGIaay76/s4000/1110306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuQ3W-qHc0PsgTGG7_avOnRphSxMW-D1ShP7phVYxN31bsa8V4jYJISPpz_w6TtwIzHoHbyKAvy5SJYi30RmsfC7NGC0rY0yKwHChelVjmp6KsTBntwXsa3veOdcJQzBqAr0dEqYmlXcfsxArTpSCZlApcPAhQl7lhY5QjCu5TpwocVs1iGe5DGIaay76/w300-h400/1110306.jpg" width="300" /></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePMWf_VzLsjMsCgvj7YWQoZjOZl6-NPm51qW78TCwItm1PVHtLy2cxheuEE1pPxA4_qLO3FEQYTjOzMhvBcYwJ8MYYwmGyPOnN9znPcuXacbu4W0JNe8pXXgdtu2AD5r8BLFnYecfpD0nnnBmfAhJrkpSM_jStYPxiUcoZayD0UnMAY-rJag5UfNo8weY/s4000/1110307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePMWf_VzLsjMsCgvj7YWQoZjOZl6-NPm51qW78TCwItm1PVHtLy2cxheuEE1pPxA4_qLO3FEQYTjOzMhvBcYwJ8MYYwmGyPOnN9znPcuXacbu4W0JNe8pXXgdtu2AD5r8BLFnYecfpD0nnnBmfAhJrkpSM_jStYPxiUcoZayD0UnMAY-rJag5UfNo8weY/s320/1110307.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> In 1970 Heyerdahl travelled across the Atlantic from Morocco to Barbados in a reed boat, a distance of 6100 km. He wanted to show that there was a connection between the cultures that emerged in Peru and Egypt 3000 years ago. They both had a number of similarities. Both cultures built pyramids, were familiar with the art of writing, worshipped the sun and mummified their dead. They also both sailed reed boats. Heyerdahl showed that reed boats could use the favourable wind patterns and ocean currents on the North-East tradewinds, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlr6lR04I6rsQBiwbDA1m7zwZMTm5Oz8pHMV6JfKOKXBj5uiQY4oslJesVIr0HsEKS5-gMm6jhhsvrvhXfmT32pYWlOXcLB1ZD1-X3u7vbcec4kzGUgZunrtK92S_nIozXcL6oRytu7ro7_R1evILCXMxtcTlwNGFDGTyrkObCzeH5xbSi_XcmkDAFT8H/s4000/1110340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlr6lR04I6rsQBiwbDA1m7zwZMTm5Oz8pHMV6JfKOKXBj5uiQY4oslJesVIr0HsEKS5-gMm6jhhsvrvhXfmT32pYWlOXcLB1ZD1-X3u7vbcec4kzGUgZunrtK92S_nIozXcL6oRytu7ro7_R1evILCXMxtcTlwNGFDGTyrkObCzeH5xbSi_XcmkDAFT8H/w400-h300/1110340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There was a lot of snow and ice around this part of Oslo wheareas in the centre it had all been cleared away.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8mb6gW7DPRomqAuuDWUcduc6p15pCJURk6ooZpyTUzxggGHi94subtJwguNZbaEwjWVHyw7zO0fKpgoVgaGjEK1lI_9WSY-Mhvvvp9OZk_K8whNO9Xki0Qc0AdDX9LdaxlIk_hEqn7S0zdwAjbV3QhXRBeFZxIWxVM4HZHoomPdf10lOflSgsWUc0qyX/s4000/1110342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8mb6gW7DPRomqAuuDWUcduc6p15pCJURk6ooZpyTUzxggGHi94subtJwguNZbaEwjWVHyw7zO0fKpgoVgaGjEK1lI_9WSY-Mhvvvp9OZk_K8whNO9Xki0Qc0AdDX9LdaxlIk_hEqn7S0zdwAjbV3QhXRBeFZxIWxVM4HZHoomPdf10lOflSgsWUc0qyX/w400-h300/1110342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The buses ran back into the centre every 10 minutes so it wasn't long before I made my way back to the City Centre and the Munch Museum. I unfortunately changed the settings on my camera without realising so only have black and white photos of the Museum. The building was impressive and apparently controversial. Munch died in 1944 leaving much of his work to the city of Oslo in the hope that the occupying forces at that time would not get their hands on his work and destroy it. This new museum opened in 2021. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEmD7-UYX0AdBS56XQMt36yrrVdXgiIbm9k7SSoeEpbbb4EFeo4XPRt2Ou-80OlcWJ_WHSqHNNP68W6gsoZVPwavRejgyyFPrhytxPMTj2NTmgIk74zsPyD2YM8lp0BaOhSt4jxQUu11KOTr6zm_6Xp1n6PeGHrtTTGoA2LFTeIp_pfF-WmmblukNBpaH/s4000/1110351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEmD7-UYX0AdBS56XQMt36yrrVdXgiIbm9k7SSoeEpbbb4EFeo4XPRt2Ou-80OlcWJ_WHSqHNNP68W6gsoZVPwavRejgyyFPrhytxPMTj2NTmgIk74zsPyD2YM8lp0BaOhSt4jxQUu11KOTr6zm_6Xp1n6PeGHrtTTGoA2LFTeIp_pfF-WmmblukNBpaH/s320/1110351.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>I only know Edward Munch because of his painting 'The Scream' (of which I took a diabolical photo!) so I was interested to see other pieces of his work. </div><div>I did find much of his work disturbing as a great deal of it dealt with themes of sickness and death, loneliness and anxiety, love and jealousy<span face=""Google Sans", arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 20px;">.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74F7C2Iz4Tmefgf6tkFAe5afhzczMJ0dXxCTBPxZ3H1EifvVfo_6NYtLW7Y8_zs1MBQvbFNE5pKD-3bdjO4upAax_c6Y5h10T2QhLs7xorJXXBbEJDxUwO8zmixsNp3eXlMlw5DbWom5JsGYQaxF0abYQDvIn9qwiD_14_bEPiWbpgrXdtClbzgJiwVbd/s4000/1110343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74F7C2Iz4Tmefgf6tkFAe5afhzczMJ0dXxCTBPxZ3H1EifvVfo_6NYtLW7Y8_zs1MBQvbFNE5pKD-3bdjO4upAax_c6Y5h10T2QhLs7xorJXXBbEJDxUwO8zmixsNp3eXlMlw5DbWom5JsGYQaxF0abYQDvIn9qwiD_14_bEPiWbpgrXdtClbzgJiwVbd/w400-h300/1110343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Sick Child</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvbKWEjoP2cB2QUy3YjV7scsiGh9FvS_0ox_UGdIQssN8U85BE7zBp3meE_R6GrUOPuj3BPKg-1oPVbnPZFvAsXcaXu8TJ5YF-vDhKI2Lh2LFZ9TiEk4VI2KX_SKWgLAIKswTktgRv8Nz6Mljyv3OYAlcMmxBLGd4cuQZd10_A3dPQE4Lnm1wO7RQPkis/s4000/1110366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvbKWEjoP2cB2QUy3YjV7scsiGh9FvS_0ox_UGdIQssN8U85BE7zBp3meE_R6GrUOPuj3BPKg-1oPVbnPZFvAsXcaXu8TJ5YF-vDhKI2Lh2LFZ9TiEk4VI2KX_SKWgLAIKswTktgRv8Nz6Mljyv3OYAlcMmxBLGd4cuQZd10_A3dPQE4Lnm1wO7RQPkis/w300-h400/1110366.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alpha's Despair<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I did find other paintings that were not so depressing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhQHTNLh0vPkkRhHRd5zL_GyyKLaJ7XcHpRJ5pRi3Sy2HdmmWF1GVlfdijx6tcnFTTNnf4WS5R0dhlfa4TFYT4tbNdmTWewgnezJu1wCLzyqjD0U8a-F55YB1wgMyu3Sz-nvvojFL1yjeFQOmTHnNbZPcsiXOXQiySOjdZsVjzA5RTgNUBwBPP_K-rpdO/s4000/1110345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhQHTNLh0vPkkRhHRd5zL_GyyKLaJ7XcHpRJ5pRi3Sy2HdmmWF1GVlfdijx6tcnFTTNnf4WS5R0dhlfa4TFYT4tbNdmTWewgnezJu1wCLzyqjD0U8a-F55YB1wgMyu3Sz-nvvojFL1yjeFQOmTHnNbZPcsiXOXQiySOjdZsVjzA5RTgNUBwBPP_K-rpdO/w400-h300/1110345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Workers in Snow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglluduYp9ogj4kpXTf-B3QK2St9k_VfEc49F9PVfcynTaSLrFnWb_fQjRkTTE_7ku2naKhk5qI046knIWejv6QNZt2TzUscrwFTY1uii31C0Qc7rTDiFU8lsXC0yMC7rhVevJb5aOwaCJmBjAe6r9UdqIRvSbtGFIL3hmiSnfA3_pWw-2VDg21HyH4Djhd/s4000/1110355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglluduYp9ogj4kpXTf-B3QK2St9k_VfEc49F9PVfcynTaSLrFnWb_fQjRkTTE_7ku2naKhk5qI046knIWejv6QNZt2TzUscrwFTY1uii31C0Qc7rTDiFU8lsXC0yMC7rhVevJb5aOwaCJmBjAe6r9UdqIRvSbtGFIL3hmiSnfA3_pWw-2VDg21HyH4Djhd/w400-h300/1110355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Elm Forest in Spring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzR_G_Z_d7l0_Rt8kdSJl3tkgOeP1rmpYqnlMZSFkOTSjsjykJtIwmqy_hkBh7wbglatjMepV9_-dSkRSvcA6rHurEjRkOwhuohvxRYIZuA5cHACPKySHMneRVGdFmNR1CQ5PLC_w9zaNzaBtsgfOkliWHBLv9RSwith37y54oQy1wz8db-aq70jb8yci/s4000/1110362.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzR_G_Z_d7l0_Rt8kdSJl3tkgOeP1rmpYqnlMZSFkOTSjsjykJtIwmqy_hkBh7wbglatjMepV9_-dSkRSvcA6rHurEjRkOwhuohvxRYIZuA5cHACPKySHMneRVGdFmNR1CQ5PLC_w9zaNzaBtsgfOkliWHBLv9RSwith37y54oQy1wz8db-aq70jb8yci/w300-h400/1110362.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Galloping Horse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZcQNswXgFPkKtGqU3hYGvjmE8G2nNUoUJ_4_Hhn6SOuv6adYifIcpBcYFYqtPdmQ4hwwsl6gtIcXYWXYBJWws5A0e376rT_Qx_BsF_qnOizjTmKV-9EM0jYUx5no4-xV3ZKzx5Wk1ZaMBC2xSiOeCipRL9JEP-ffa05xKuBtTJ7dLW8vPs2VyVjhIIWZ/s4000/1110364.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZcQNswXgFPkKtGqU3hYGvjmE8G2nNUoUJ_4_Hhn6SOuv6adYifIcpBcYFYqtPdmQ4hwwsl6gtIcXYWXYBJWws5A0e376rT_Qx_BsF_qnOizjTmKV-9EM0jYUx5no4-xV3ZKzx5Wk1ZaMBC2xSiOeCipRL9JEP-ffa05xKuBtTJ7dLW8vPs2VyVjhIIWZ/s320/1110364.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Girls on the Bridge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzFlyVnsM5LOvq96bBhzYfSPPt3uxlYVQjpiw2feP9AJJHJ3brA8VsuoS0c2RTUgmV3Tm_HFoZcnkYXOZr4c5guTWJ7vwWb6odT6nac1pElpwAyEUGJPhKkirGt8JPI2ocfBPZk8DqJMxyuK5Jol7T4TXve_ILG8uzsRc15MXofkGF3CICJO_dEk38ywj/s4000/1110373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzFlyVnsM5LOvq96bBhzYfSPPt3uxlYVQjpiw2feP9AJJHJ3brA8VsuoS0c2RTUgmV3Tm_HFoZcnkYXOZr4c5guTWJ7vwWb6odT6nac1pElpwAyEUGJPhKkirGt8JPI2ocfBPZk8DqJMxyuK5Jol7T4TXve_ILG8uzsRc15MXofkGF3CICJO_dEk38ywj/w400-h300/1110373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>He also did a number of wood prints in his later life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u2qLmc5uVPCQIiGQDZvjSeki7bo1Vp1wPIMCCl982C3c64L1xJQXo4WWwRdZBBB0yh1l1g8NutDShf5Zxan2kFtc3iIZB3qtaTx5wVff2JCDUcrzovZ7tQVEYzKkjov24c62n2XNBb3sdkw5u8dkivraDCs9bHRsWuxs-eRqBKw6uJkXQEnwNUYtnZD4/s4000/1110374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u2qLmc5uVPCQIiGQDZvjSeki7bo1Vp1wPIMCCl982C3c64L1xJQXo4WWwRdZBBB0yh1l1g8NutDShf5Zxan2kFtc3iIZB3qtaTx5wVff2JCDUcrzovZ7tQVEYzKkjov24c62n2XNBb3sdkw5u8dkivraDCs9bHRsWuxs-eRqBKw6uJkXQEnwNUYtnZD4/w400-h300/1110374.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrRtE2cwhBe7JnBwWyE7R6nSCf5uoTW5wvudh7Z_TnWygPFJSzlA49lVR10vEI2p9m0y_-QPRW-RPLln5oHaJjzbILushEct4UKPrSwjDqkvuAQIxHJZeyIarISgxGwUv2OeEoXe-Pmc0hdcNsz4EW6ik9nFDiZVG9KRrBU8ZATDf8DipXldpz-ImWZ8Z/s4000/20240312_121734.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrRtE2cwhBe7JnBwWyE7R6nSCf5uoTW5wvudh7Z_TnWygPFJSzlA49lVR10vEI2p9m0y_-QPRW-RPLln5oHaJjzbILushEct4UKPrSwjDqkvuAQIxHJZeyIarISgxGwUv2OeEoXe-Pmc0hdcNsz4EW6ik9nFDiZVG9KRrBU8ZATDf8DipXldpz-ImWZ8Z/w300-h400/20240312_121734.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34ftsftFob228JuFlDRkHCF_kLr3P9aQcXXLIStJFEBc5kWspqF02OrY14vab1wE4Ha98G_WveFnEJmv6FZX2iw1mvUB2PR9Lh8VUTVC6X6VVFqA-pH4jKhZ_VkCduY90y159d4K4DiPiPn43JpgfchtX0NXBnBHayzTB06G29hN2tooBFzE-QZm5oKXJ/s4000/20240312_121244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34ftsftFob228JuFlDRkHCF_kLr3P9aQcXXLIStJFEBc5kWspqF02OrY14vab1wE4Ha98G_WveFnEJmv6FZX2iw1mvUB2PR9Lh8VUTVC6X6VVFqA-pH4jKhZ_VkCduY90y159d4K4DiPiPn43JpgfchtX0NXBnBHayzTB06G29hN2tooBFzE-QZm5oKXJ/s320/20240312_121244.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took these clearer photos of his work in the National Gallery which I visited the following day. Munch painted many versions of 'The Scream' and 'The Girls on the Bridge'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9vnVBqMw0Ex9lk4Xak6XFkRfSCwDPY2bzt37mGEmrgjAo2moQRq-yPkvEoHzgf_LNeQhq7RDia9TwLHmBfhzKOGhRIvo_fFz1dU4Nct51XWNAFgDYj3Vsww_3DxKyuVEfEygi2HvUvaXl5Qtow_4i9VQ2QAgaGg-105WIiVkmfysyQmlw-YS7TGFA-0/s4000/20240311_131349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ9vnVBqMw0Ex9lk4Xak6XFkRfSCwDPY2bzt37mGEmrgjAo2moQRq-yPkvEoHzgf_LNeQhq7RDia9TwLHmBfhzKOGhRIvo_fFz1dU4Nct51XWNAFgDYj3Vsww_3DxKyuVEfEygi2HvUvaXl5Qtow_4i9VQ2QAgaGg-105WIiVkmfysyQmlw-YS7TGFA-0/s320/20240311_131349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had lunch in the museum which was and looked delicious. A smoked salmon smorgasbord.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oQpkN-3iXerZRZzzVZVe5Px91v2vdz8Vks_AWJt1udkAdawGuTm2kC98UlUH8u4V5ZYMIeEOeaRR1CsPPiVvtM_RIliNXWkqsL4UBB-k6Qtx4bXFbJMtbEGPHERrviBQg90qTUpKKpbMqCEsJSkGqd7ToI-TpsE72Go5KncXNLc2Yd86mk2tRT8YpsJc/s4000/1110382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oQpkN-3iXerZRZzzVZVe5Px91v2vdz8Vks_AWJt1udkAdawGuTm2kC98UlUH8u4V5ZYMIeEOeaRR1CsPPiVvtM_RIliNXWkqsL4UBB-k6Qtx4bXFbJMtbEGPHERrviBQg90qTUpKKpbMqCEsJSkGqd7ToI-TpsE72Go5KncXNLc2Yd86mk2tRT8YpsJc/s320/1110382.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Outside the Museum is this huge sculpture is called 'The Mother' and is part of Oslo's City art collection. Throughout the city there are numerous sculptures. This one is by the water's edge.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9NT95VW29Gv_6AbmgKrlLVXFaHc05Rqer6jiHRha_k-sJrbCF6E8MGHI7a7i0XFK4cXSyPN0X-svcKe88Xvv6thC1xWm8eSTu51-DWZnyAkrL9lrvVRgK-1My3eVKaLNkjm4MG27oVjsBKTTCwajvzkxSt4HugdwUL9yGYFb6gzGpH2hKfE6YAhyphenhyphenr0YE/s4000/1110387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9NT95VW29Gv_6AbmgKrlLVXFaHc05Rqer6jiHRha_k-sJrbCF6E8MGHI7a7i0XFK4cXSyPN0X-svcKe88Xvv6thC1xWm8eSTu51-DWZnyAkrL9lrvVRgK-1My3eVKaLNkjm4MG27oVjsBKTTCwajvzkxSt4HugdwUL9yGYFb6gzGpH2hKfE6YAhyphenhyphenr0YE/s320/1110387.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the water, Oslofjord, is another impressive sculpture. This is 'She Lies' by Monica Bonvicini. The artwork floats on a concrete platform tethered to the harbour floor which allows it to turn and move based on the tides and currents. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1Xi2yCct2q6Jmgp3LA_Keo3riMgeRsLCaZu5tbBusFox_2l_riUQ3_u2f2Jo0NYWn5s4jYmu8IaUTmlAQCt85CoKbF_-VRSamJ-5Dlw_rFmpAB3R-MZ58T9_5-FNG6PzfBAD13XWn55wuzehWL8dZQhzhQxQffMegIFG_16OPjfCQxyBT70Y8ryA7dwG/s4000/1110389.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1Xi2yCct2q6Jmgp3LA_Keo3riMgeRsLCaZu5tbBusFox_2l_riUQ3_u2f2Jo0NYWn5s4jYmu8IaUTmlAQCt85CoKbF_-VRSamJ-5Dlw_rFmpAB3R-MZ58T9_5-FNG6PzfBAD13XWn55wuzehWL8dZQhzhQxQffMegIFG_16OPjfCQxyBT70Y8ryA7dwG/s320/1110389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a short rest I joined a 2 hour city tour as part of my City Pass. I was pleased that the guide showed us parts of the city that I wouldn't have found. Although I was the only English tourist on the tour - others from France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, it was conducted in English. The building here was a large events arena built with 300,000 bricks as at the time of its construction, the population of Oslo was 300,000.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTPGOzhLbQwaz3kqeKb35S4JibLB4uG1n2VESv9ExE7hvMTUyRq1AN6EFOh0N55_-IKBoDuxBoxmXLCRMUz6baOyLht0Vc0Ftu3zXKxhnlDYXCMg1lzkMXqc70TL7JHx8qQkZKH-T5IIVD85A-nFpBM0QWouEjLuCHbSI4DOP6ZPhQUSq_odhXLXtbctz/s4000/1110391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTPGOzhLbQwaz3kqeKb35S4JibLB4uG1n2VESv9ExE7hvMTUyRq1AN6EFOh0N55_-IKBoDuxBoxmXLCRMUz6baOyLht0Vc0Ftu3zXKxhnlDYXCMg1lzkMXqc70TL7JHx8qQkZKH-T5IIVD85A-nFpBM0QWouEjLuCHbSI4DOP6ZPhQUSq_odhXLXtbctz/s320/1110391.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MQvT7kgKndkxFyn8LTuVdTHNm59E50kHcrkpVynqUyxg3CuZur4_feU2BecYdV3JanPqanxhArDCpmMllzSwwjZ4T1l6iGCFgiAyIuVq36y4MR8xpYyS8__nC_bscRxuywOhenShMz0pQZmOFK960SSFLKEkoi3-lIZ3uTYqWJzjQjfm1FccbC5vJ4Lb/s4000/1110394.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MQvT7kgKndkxFyn8LTuVdTHNm59E50kHcrkpVynqUyxg3CuZur4_feU2BecYdV3JanPqanxhArDCpmMllzSwwjZ4T1l6iGCFgiAyIuVq36y4MR8xpYyS8__nC_bscRxuywOhenShMz0pQZmOFK960SSFLKEkoi3-lIZ3uTYqWJzjQjfm1FccbC5vJ4Lb/w400-h300/1110394.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHS5RBeOaYpAnJqPn2ed28CjAT7hjiRCewJTFz4qIPLqTMr8TRufM6FB11JUMTs4d8JxAb08Hiqs-Lg48r0NoG3T4TKoTM-eZ4WSJctuLL9tG9-Rc3xKsAx9PJn6nwmxzuhW_oJjqr91RpXQVpYSzNd6kwAV_onUeOMskyLe0uOzBzN4RVqcK7kaqT7xs/s4000/1110398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHS5RBeOaYpAnJqPn2ed28CjAT7hjiRCewJTFz4qIPLqTMr8TRufM6FB11JUMTs4d8JxAb08Hiqs-Lg48r0NoG3T4TKoTM-eZ4WSJctuLL9tG9-Rc3xKsAx9PJn6nwmxzuhW_oJjqr91RpXQVpYSzNd6kwAV_onUeOMskyLe0uOzBzN4RVqcK7kaqT7xs/w400-h300/1110398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Another city sculpture of divers going into the Akerselve River which runs through the city.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeokWH70zyq8cKICzE8ncOwe-t53CaYpKAonaS1uGHcpHl5QnXumdjmQpuJhHh5WpCC1SJ1O7FC1nI3RMH09_TeCrrKA8FxXgdXCAaEo1pp3oL5UIbdE443soGJhMjC0v3RvYp6jNebL_r7P_aEWt2iTKp_KEGD_MygNHK4OZviwblX5f-FYvxiARavchj/s4000/1110400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeokWH70zyq8cKICzE8ncOwe-t53CaYpKAonaS1uGHcpHl5QnXumdjmQpuJhHh5WpCC1SJ1O7FC1nI3RMH09_TeCrrKA8FxXgdXCAaEo1pp3oL5UIbdE443soGJhMjC0v3RvYp6jNebL_r7P_aEWt2iTKp_KEGD_MygNHK4OZviwblX5f-FYvxiARavchj/w300-h400/1110400.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46qRcq6gvf0X9_n5SuLektkii1KZ-YG5MtkXNKTHJ06q7bSy12xKI_M6T02_GwriEI4ueN0gH-K5EVfirHZs_5ZUMlS6oZ-IO_pyzpZM9civ7jxR4kVHzyKjqCIQLvfZNo35Yt3KtSnjAwXQV4te8dq7_hOUkcyxz_eb8or1squQXg4kvIoXbiQGqfk-O/s4000/1110404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46qRcq6gvf0X9_n5SuLektkii1KZ-YG5MtkXNKTHJ06q7bSy12xKI_M6T02_GwriEI4ueN0gH-K5EVfirHZs_5ZUMlS6oZ-IO_pyzpZM9civ7jxR4kVHzyKjqCIQLvfZNo35Yt3KtSnjAwXQV4te8dq7_hOUkcyxz_eb8or1squQXg4kvIoXbiQGqfk-O/w300-h400/1110404.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HwxwRHYukKu-VH0Kdrm5KS-3mBSb_4kNsNmZXeagCxwUjhei9F00VlGCjosurFOA3XjCz2UZ6RnO6EPPGFDY9T2ecTYHCwB-xYss_F864PMuB4k2jPOY-OrgofTDQGcOHH02AcvrrKnue4ZMyelhVnVO-gzUj9_p9PxOggBq7v_4xBzxSxRmtLHUxlnn/s4000/1110405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HwxwRHYukKu-VH0Kdrm5KS-3mBSb_4kNsNmZXeagCxwUjhei9F00VlGCjosurFOA3XjCz2UZ6RnO6EPPGFDY9T2ecTYHCwB-xYss_F864PMuB4k2jPOY-OrgofTDQGcOHH02AcvrrKnue4ZMyelhVnVO-gzUj9_p9PxOggBq7v_4xBzxSxRmtLHUxlnn/w400-h300/1110405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>An early evening view of the Munch Museum. It was 7pm by the time the guided tour finished. I was so cold and hungry. Determined not to end up in McDonald's I went down by the Fjord where I had noticed that there were a number of eating establishments there. I went into a gastropub and ordered the salmon dish which was good, Not really sure what it was served with - it looked like a lime foam but it was ok. It cost about £25 plus £10 for a glass of wine. Eating out here is not cheap. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsHLeHz5qH4VbJQA9UT6eThPzlP451lsBFSDX59wiSCHMG6-8NqTPYF8L6zTPmQSGv2tLmHr6qkFRGGAPM0AZColhSvh7-cC12BC3QExNApwMER0MaBnGyc8Rm-Fxe5r511_y9Kt3wMdoizPu0WnOBQSwNiiCsLBuUNKVzpB1SA0hP8_OrDk8ykLL3K9N/s4000/20240311_193606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsHLeHz5qH4VbJQA9UT6eThPzlP451lsBFSDX59wiSCHMG6-8NqTPYF8L6zTPmQSGv2tLmHr6qkFRGGAPM0AZColhSvh7-cC12BC3QExNApwMER0MaBnGyc8Rm-Fxe5r511_y9Kt3wMdoizPu0WnOBQSwNiiCsLBuUNKVzpB1SA0hP8_OrDk8ykLL3K9N/w400-h300/20240311_193606.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-39767267832016726222024-03-12T05:54:00.000+00:002024-03-12T05:54:41.141+00:00Oslo<p> I am currently enjoying a city break in Oslo, Norway. I booked it a few weeks ago when I decided I needed a break from normal life. After booking I got cold feet as I haven't travelled abroad on my own since 2019. But as life became more stressful I knew I was right. So here I am in Oslo, the capital of Norway with a population of 700 000. If I had given more thought to this mini adventure I wouldn't have chosen to come here in Winter with temps below freezing nor would I have arrived on a Sunday when most places are closed followed by a Monday when most museums etc are closed. But then. I wouldn't have got a bargain price to stay in this fabulous hotel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI5Om-wLerpME2sFiGDV8568_qjNVPdltPKlrew2OTTnzQmKUTVcnXJo1rbDRV23oHNQpotzoo58ly4MkOU_LXCyRqeaSWGPAwhKcenUuDskkB5OLeqogKH1_pjSOlq0zG7i36zACgvKilcQRcS_JHkMDH1fS64EiTkpEZ-OBFlei7f-XCbXOhqMZex6h/s4000/20240311_090751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI5Om-wLerpME2sFiGDV8568_qjNVPdltPKlrew2OTTnzQmKUTVcnXJo1rbDRV23oHNQpotzoo58ly4MkOU_LXCyRqeaSWGPAwhKcenUuDskkB5OLeqogKH1_pjSOlq0zG7i36zACgvKilcQRcS_JHkMDH1fS64EiTkpEZ-OBFlei7f-XCbXOhqMZex6h/w400-h300/20240311_090751.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklLUgT3LwD1ANJkZmDsrt9rE2xPk8B8k31XzOgdNHhIPtW5HOoJiXsJAyTfpLyFFqkySbW4ErSrsmltV0-RVieZ6dvrJ1oF4nbRu0yCvY-sIxijE2GBlk_YhH9GHY-NT10NF4KP75m6mEe7UVvagZGfwkSd_zt02EGcdfctqHXrGeBp1pioKvbAF4KOI2/s4000/20240310_211904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklLUgT3LwD1ANJkZmDsrt9rE2xPk8B8k31XzOgdNHhIPtW5HOoJiXsJAyTfpLyFFqkySbW4ErSrsmltV0-RVieZ6dvrJ1oF4nbRu0yCvY-sIxijE2GBlk_YhH9GHY-NT10NF4KP75m6mEe7UVvagZGfwkSd_zt02EGcdfctqHXrGeBp1pioKvbAF4KOI2/w300-h400/20240310_211904.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>In the basement is the fitness area with the usual gyms, weights room, sauna, steam room and this pool. When I got in the pool the water moves in a circular direction taking you along with it which I found really relaxing and then I realised I was supposed to swim against the current and provide me with a challenging swim. As you can see I had the facilities to myself.</p><p>So this was definitely the right decision for a little bit of 'me time'. I'm happy to say I hadn't lost my nerve of travelling alone and have found my way around the city without any problems. Helped of course by the wonderful Norwegians who speak perfect English and are only too happy to help this old English woman find the right bus stop.</p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-60712464247202529762024-03-03T10:39:00.000+00:002024-03-03T10:39:09.035+00:00Mudlarks<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">At the weekend I went to an exhibition of finds by Mudlarks. </span><div style="text-align: left;">Mudlarks are people who search the foreshore of rivers to see what they can find. You need a permit from the Port of London Authority to do this along the banks of the Thames and so legally there are not that many people who do it. Today was a chance to meet them and for them to showcase their best finds</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Every piece had been well researched and had a story to tell. I was so fascinated by the stories that I didn't take enough photos especially of the most interesting pieces.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglEG0V_mrAfqcCO1OJfQ4Sj2sjoFQbsjWwdOiR3FhMPTKiEALdeA4GMFh0y4xzP1CQmV7h1sQq4ybWW9ak-nUMsSiCxbCL0d84DuI65mK81R5EuRU9TzZJ44fuPCgftLE_VZeNsRmcxJPzdyZ-yYzctEgNuHiBA_OmgZjSzJ3LxYEWBW1xyNsq1oLjPqH/s4000/20240224_100745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglEG0V_mrAfqcCO1OJfQ4Sj2sjoFQbsjWwdOiR3FhMPTKiEALdeA4GMFh0y4xzP1CQmV7h1sQq4ybWW9ak-nUMsSiCxbCL0d84DuI65mK81R5EuRU9TzZJ44fuPCgftLE_VZeNsRmcxJPzdyZ-yYzctEgNuHiBA_OmgZjSzJ3LxYEWBW1xyNsq1oLjPqH/w400-h300/20240224_100745.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Clay pipes are probably the most common item found by mudlarkers. They were often prefilled with tobacco and sold by shops for single usage before being thrown away. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Jc7OIKsJklklYcmBURhFU7r0-Um6fOaPpYaMIuoulMszAeRhU9ZBTMGYv_HUHFu8uz2htP8hYKY6JQ28RZQufWGsxuRHtWMkdN9iy3iqmfnvcFhVC4w_vlfJpmqf-hqacaPOdlTg1oc-O4dlMsxzT1oWHVsZLLr0r1H6d1GGEr2GteJ1CnXhPLjRsQWi/s4000/20240224_100754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Jc7OIKsJklklYcmBURhFU7r0-Um6fOaPpYaMIuoulMszAeRhU9ZBTMGYv_HUHFu8uz2htP8hYKY6JQ28RZQufWGsxuRHtWMkdN9iy3iqmfnvcFhVC4w_vlfJpmqf-hqacaPOdlTg1oc-O4dlMsxzT1oWHVsZLLr0r1H6d1GGEr2GteJ1CnXhPLjRsQWi/w400-h300/20240224_100754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There was pottery from many periods in history including Roman, Tudor, Victorian and more recent times.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJU_tXoX4Tf1afxxhPNSA57uRz2jQYz0NDTWkJTNjgs0G1A3SYRFDtCb444j1pc0tA71N2jGjxKFADkNswQ4-jCRzx4gnYKnndxyG4lkV_CQU0p5_sN1MXIs-AZBWW_oflBVDzE9AmU0c3gwN2ntfn5i6R9d-PT5ETQHts8ooAvAbcNidRp5AejR8R3ZF/s4000/20240224_100811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJU_tXoX4Tf1afxxhPNSA57uRz2jQYz0NDTWkJTNjgs0G1A3SYRFDtCb444j1pc0tA71N2jGjxKFADkNswQ4-jCRzx4gnYKnndxyG4lkV_CQU0p5_sN1MXIs-AZBWW_oflBVDzE9AmU0c3gwN2ntfn5i6R9d-PT5ETQHts8ooAvAbcNidRp5AejR8R3ZF/w400-h300/20240224_100811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In this display box are lots of trade tokens dated during the 17th century. All found in the Thames mud. They were used predominantly between 1648 and 1674 by all kinds of different traders. They were often stamped with the issuer's name, location of the business, year of issue and denomination. During the mid 17th century there was a lack of small denomination coins issued by the government so traders issued their own. Most of the mudlarks had some trade tokens on display. I even held on dated 1664. I found them fascinating and with a magnifying glass you could see the trademarks clearly imprinted on the token. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSrlVCJTE4lozNLNj2DCSyMtYXM_Z8_k01zBggIusYXZZmIRm1UVs83NynwnoNCHqcWz10YytmCOfYBiadJUr90UxnwfEbCnH1ATfFmxAh41HBrnCNGW2XRD09F4Tv5Pd1t3gOAROqbg122Fn2MJuS4VqOZXFjL479Cua9rVSr0mRzgkV9WQngVSeZe93/s4000/20240224_101422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSrlVCJTE4lozNLNj2DCSyMtYXM_Z8_k01zBggIusYXZZmIRm1UVs83NynwnoNCHqcWz10YytmCOfYBiadJUr90UxnwfEbCnH1ATfFmxAh41HBrnCNGW2XRD09F4Tv5Pd1t3gOAROqbg122Fn2MJuS4VqOZXFjL479Cua9rVSr0mRzgkV9WQngVSeZe93/w400-h300/20240224_101422.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEQTfUDOKgdfiZmBZIMbrx38CO55Kh3ueClcVCOYpf46b_Htj-zTOo6QuERrDqDshfDpFqCeRTHyUbaMkPSo_JjnN6ehz6LxY0cxsCkXr9N_vTLCA1DQED_npl2dO9Tcz7k5G8SUNULH25Y-mOpMv7ndYMClWPY2UkwUjTkP4VXe2hy6fuUAhwmonsxnf/s4000/20240224_102518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEQTfUDOKgdfiZmBZIMbrx38CO55Kh3ueClcVCOYpf46b_Htj-zTOo6QuERrDqDshfDpFqCeRTHyUbaMkPSo_JjnN6ehz6LxY0cxsCkXr9N_vTLCA1DQED_npl2dO9Tcz7k5G8SUNULH25Y-mOpMv7ndYMClWPY2UkwUjTkP4VXe2hy6fuUAhwmonsxnf/w400-h300/20240224_102518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The two shoes in front of the picture were both found on the Thames foreshore and have been restored by a leather restorer. The small child's shoe is Victorian and had been shod with metal to increase its wear.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup8HI9ipuGCIsf8nAq_TyHNrj5vV_wWj9ouVnmCC4b4CLk6EE5ji_FdU4d2Dx6K3RPH6iWrob-HueUSQvFzoHCOMPJ7rUVX-PozL1nusi2B6L8TWxpyu6RExsCWsQLPxst9FFHt6Auir-1McWxeL02DZsNRg3zmPYQPkOXEQorZ8UGkZMYuHpM70NCsT8/s4000/20240224_102610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup8HI9ipuGCIsf8nAq_TyHNrj5vV_wWj9ouVnmCC4b4CLk6EE5ji_FdU4d2Dx6K3RPH6iWrob-HueUSQvFzoHCOMPJ7rUVX-PozL1nusi2B6L8TWxpyu6RExsCWsQLPxst9FFHt6Auir-1McWxeL02DZsNRg3zmPYQPkOXEQorZ8UGkZMYuHpM70NCsT8/w300-h400/20240224_102610.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A Roman oil burner in almost perfect condition.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxJgFPwFpOstDDmQIcyPCEZIL-hHqHF_JUn6e3RrEqBew-gp0HUH2MrMtF3RxUhvM4bsgf_Ro0PhalFnSB-5t8a3MVbVqYW1FO0NJaako0XUkfScDyTChkbNuGU8_2XRujyk6W75RvyM3F0ksos-P0DCNS4ELy2f9KDoWhOCNQz_XRsyIN0bnE0zgpHKD/s4000/20240224_104151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxJgFPwFpOstDDmQIcyPCEZIL-hHqHF_JUn6e3RrEqBew-gp0HUH2MrMtF3RxUhvM4bsgf_Ro0PhalFnSB-5t8a3MVbVqYW1FO0NJaako0XUkfScDyTChkbNuGU8_2XRujyk6W75RvyM3F0ksos-P0DCNS4ELy2f9KDoWhOCNQz_XRsyIN0bnE0zgpHKD/w300-h400/20240224_104151.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Delft and Chinese pottery<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXInHC1kUtt2uiKD0er6eiGtwzttL7Bta0XwlbUm2FV83BniH-PCO7G0SoNre0HXqEQULyLJ87wvDz-mfAa3nGigPZ_XfTg_IX9buWy8DtriDUdp1gNKMmMsiVDvlV5TRp8nMAS1Cn8dRjeHLaoZd8MZUFT1sO2FcpwQhIJVntM7VpcaKnvxbsqHikvdn1/s4000/20240224_102713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXInHC1kUtt2uiKD0er6eiGtwzttL7Bta0XwlbUm2FV83BniH-PCO7G0SoNre0HXqEQULyLJ87wvDz-mfAa3nGigPZ_XfTg_IX9buWy8DtriDUdp1gNKMmMsiVDvlV5TRp8nMAS1Cn8dRjeHLaoZd8MZUFT1sO2FcpwQhIJVntM7VpcaKnvxbsqHikvdn1/w300-h400/20240224_102713.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzleFdeUmfu6loJibShQlCliz1S5ZuDRsaRmScHhOYhzRpnZVCcvMJun3nc3kFkt0n7Y2xUQST_EgETsm-LHIhe4UM1Ccmb9HRKgVon1YxuKsVPA2lGY96ZxwFhJzPTI7wQ9HQLxGZUid4jyVSUE6C5hDM-NnYonOPB7N__dS9-7y_KoJObTdgnwDiIN1y/s4000/20240224_102642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzleFdeUmfu6loJibShQlCliz1S5ZuDRsaRmScHhOYhzRpnZVCcvMJun3nc3kFkt0n7Y2xUQST_EgETsm-LHIhe4UM1Ccmb9HRKgVon1YxuKsVPA2lGY96ZxwFhJzPTI7wQ9HQLxGZUid4jyVSUE6C5hDM-NnYonOPB7N__dS9-7y_KoJObTdgnwDiIN1y/s320/20240224_102642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />It was a very interesting and free exhibition and one to look out for in the future.<br /> <p></p></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-32903478368826520692024-02-16T14:54:00.001+00:002024-02-16T14:54:25.057+00:00Signs of Spring<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsj3Ga84d79umH6nv0kyn2IRWNsyQ0uPwTFmYpBKikHiaPMJ-W9sFdIdCRd0UgfiEj6F5DUZGjZ6WJVfT0afgYM3MEDSx619RyOvsRWnhQfZYrdg2rinZYHwQ7R77E5-qZB6p5h8kU5gQVoF7ZU0jVh8ITimKs50v1WvE1SrxgPXta-YJqpnSFXeFCjs6/s4000/20240216_120110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsj3Ga84d79umH6nv0kyn2IRWNsyQ0uPwTFmYpBKikHiaPMJ-W9sFdIdCRd0UgfiEj6F5DUZGjZ6WJVfT0afgYM3MEDSx619RyOvsRWnhQfZYrdg2rinZYHwQ7R77E5-qZB6p5h8kU5gQVoF7ZU0jVh8ITimKs50v1WvE1SrxgPXta-YJqpnSFXeFCjs6/w300-h400/20240216_120110.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Saw this Egyptian goose with her 8 goslings this morning in Hyde Park. I was told they are just 5 days old. I thought it was a bit early in the year but with temps in the teens obviously not.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1-mdVyjq94ooWs9Y7zDnGozE7Cz2jg-rMAgU8qh1d6lwI1WPYIYTfcjCOPov2GVA4g51p8NNiOlplrUNo7U_3tT6_E8u6tqhckzn_vmBTyU-jZ1V8l8ZVg1faGFe9egDH_UgGS3VTFCNzE34qPylcbgawCuRZwhm9IRuSCCMucmf_6mQxWp0XLT3uQvZ/s4000/20240216_120104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1-mdVyjq94ooWs9Y7zDnGozE7Cz2jg-rMAgU8qh1d6lwI1WPYIYTfcjCOPov2GVA4g51p8NNiOlplrUNo7U_3tT6_E8u6tqhckzn_vmBTyU-jZ1V8l8ZVg1faGFe9egDH_UgGS3VTFCNzE34qPylcbgawCuRZwhm9IRuSCCMucmf_6mQxWp0XLT3uQvZ/w300-h400/20240216_120104.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-50174465216326779802024-02-11T17:32:00.002+00:002024-02-11T17:32:20.216+00:00Circular map of the underground<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-t2PpRljNmG001eIoKb7ZPAwYkAHgga-EJpqHUuPeSpNzdv6TP9yEdP2zcsXjLURgBesoNBPwuhdK09hv_8yExbANyYJvKNZY6k43m8khqFh_830xC3kRGt6Tu8mTT_i5XwdPuOw_EmqyyfIX3N0GDGaCdeHcHO2fU-7exHecozSDrpgWOT3NiFQd8ir/s4000/20240211_125853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-t2PpRljNmG001eIoKb7ZPAwYkAHgga-EJpqHUuPeSpNzdv6TP9yEdP2zcsXjLURgBesoNBPwuhdK09hv_8yExbANyYJvKNZY6k43m8khqFh_830xC3kRGt6Tu8mTT_i5XwdPuOw_EmqyyfIX3N0GDGaCdeHcHO2fU-7exHecozSDrpgWOT3NiFQd8ir/w300-h400/20240211_125853.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>An interesting advert made its appearance at some of the Circle Line underground stations. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUAOBm6AgYS_oRJfflO4OqkOHNiWcuMPkf15kggTryU5gyw5SM1y1WMCnjkcg90l2gWt6dALuJ4Yy3VsLbdCDP6JIXWKoYudTsjogN71jMKRMi8Y0LPv9mrGSgXqydGZzhZNv0Xwg43UQVS_wlpRZMHJ_QmUhqEbvcBMrEsmAfzgMLyfw09U-8dHaH-to/s4000/20240211_125909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUAOBm6AgYS_oRJfflO4OqkOHNiWcuMPkf15kggTryU5gyw5SM1y1WMCnjkcg90l2gWt6dALuJ4Yy3VsLbdCDP6JIXWKoYudTsjogN71jMKRMi8Y0LPv9mrGSgXqydGZzhZNv0Xwg43UQVS_wlpRZMHJ_QmUhqEbvcBMrEsmAfzgMLyfw09U-8dHaH-to/w400-h300/20240211_125909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Advertising the new Samsung Galaxy phone the designers have reinvented the tube map.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp35orw5diOZy5AwjPEbu3nmvFsVztKfDaLdqlORiePxsFr-mICudL49Bv5wWjM3UHfvMg4mWOXWY4WfZasGueUi7zWCSnLHiB12XUK5I70q-vcPrd_uhJafi8ZH8670jQjFU0RE7p2M_33zwQYuXq_Fl0JBRDCfXstZAHhCEhJwHUDSODGRwkzFq2Gsg/s1650/tube-medium-zoned.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1650" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp35orw5diOZy5AwjPEbu3nmvFsVztKfDaLdqlORiePxsFr-mICudL49Bv5wWjM3UHfvMg4mWOXWY4WfZasGueUi7zWCSnLHiB12XUK5I70q-vcPrd_uhJafi8ZH8670jQjFU0RE7p2M_33zwQYuXq_Fl0JBRDCfXstZAHhCEhJwHUDSODGRwkzFq2Gsg/w400-h266/tube-medium-zoned.gif" width="400" /></a></div><p>The tube map was designed by Harry Beck in 1933 and eventually became a design classic. It has been added to over the years but the design has not really changed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ3WQIJTlWU3TK01uvP4afEtKJqm9-Dm-OxEPhV3K6eQMFxHhVde6c6J3AgJtpB5mYKljKXM6sGi6YemE0dnBwNIBbxRHLvmLgAWNgUt77KsZl2bUwM9oaqZjCNAH0eYXco4sUFXcbYQu6u4OzVWyAbMKjC1CfrpM_7BpVucQOn5i_4KPfep7oZYHujTy/s4000/20240211_125914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ3WQIJTlWU3TK01uvP4afEtKJqm9-Dm-OxEPhV3K6eQMFxHhVde6c6J3AgJtpB5mYKljKXM6sGi6YemE0dnBwNIBbxRHLvmLgAWNgUt77KsZl2bUwM9oaqZjCNAH0eYXco4sUFXcbYQu6u4OzVWyAbMKjC1CfrpM_7BpVucQOn5i_4KPfep7oZYHujTy/w400-h300/20240211_125914.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBFHx7CBgrvRX6-DIgnfHOIKETXRll6ZiCbs45h8cOw_vXW6bAZ8vOStHDoA3G-FDfli8Vicej366cSpNZ0pHsgmq0D4B98jk-QqFEEijuWUPYuDvQrnsbEgG_KehdMm6BCsratdEoP3W7HaWRyFGTUQM5_FTE4-yveJuhfAWDkLwHE_8-T2sFSBBHZtZ/s4000/20240207_101210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBFHx7CBgrvRX6-DIgnfHOIKETXRll6ZiCbs45h8cOw_vXW6bAZ8vOStHDoA3G-FDfli8Vicej366cSpNZ0pHsgmq0D4B98jk-QqFEEijuWUPYuDvQrnsbEgG_KehdMm6BCsratdEoP3W7HaWRyFGTUQM5_FTE4-yveJuhfAWDkLwHE_8-T2sFSBBHZtZ/w400-h300/20240207_101210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vzBb-eChtZRGlJttnYMgSGSVpUhQwFQhq0oVQH27B46pltXk-E2EhuAmV0QaY_vzkvaEmJf3kzAE8rkBk8ZoXTGgxp_DDvKNyeoDEcbZXyYFtEnGDGC9m3g03ek6xwurqMckez-_xpg0n1m3tl6PSi8BVi_MxnWndWRIQoIrVn3IfQs6ZipdACdzgJLi/s4000/20240207_101159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vzBb-eChtZRGlJttnYMgSGSVpUhQwFQhq0oVQH27B46pltXk-E2EhuAmV0QaY_vzkvaEmJf3kzAE8rkBk8ZoXTGgxp_DDvKNyeoDEcbZXyYFtEnGDGC9m3g03ek6xwurqMckez-_xpg0n1m3tl6PSi8BVi_MxnWndWRIQoIrVn3IfQs6ZipdACdzgJLi/w400-h300/20240207_101159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-P1IzT0aguVFPTxUnvv76mwJ3koXh97icFpq2gxGwojJh7EvtX2MKm7w-dz60EsJNFcYmrdJPMYVKl3gMgsvTC4eGg7VYnBduij231OkbKyNFlO4uKpmiTShvo4BxQKGN994xlSy27wg47JBWDNNA7sKQlAQVuO-xdFFG5GLNsdBx9n8kxZ8vyPG_EIS/s4000/20240207_101134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-P1IzT0aguVFPTxUnvv76mwJ3koXh97icFpq2gxGwojJh7EvtX2MKm7w-dz60EsJNFcYmrdJPMYVKl3gMgsvTC4eGg7VYnBduij231OkbKyNFlO4uKpmiTShvo4BxQKGN994xlSy27wg47JBWDNNA7sKQlAQVuO-xdFFG5GLNsdBx9n8kxZ8vyPG_EIS/w400-h300/20240207_101134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Close up of the map and how it shows the interchanges between the lines.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidiCozWCOAZ8DE1DTg21bQT5EHJzxwKuuzQOXF_ela7iuiIlfbgnbPj6aRPNdMMAZnWqJno_AcZzs0270kZCIjH7w-rz2aWI_xguICC3p_esLUqdfz33M2Ad92yv-EOgdsj6mrvY-Dz_kXVOIbEoERDTkKhVIqWh432_xWgHJ4BHlIIsfaO2otjYGamqB/s4000/20240207_101121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidiCozWCOAZ8DE1DTg21bQT5EHJzxwKuuzQOXF_ela7iuiIlfbgnbPj6aRPNdMMAZnWqJno_AcZzs0270kZCIjH7w-rz2aWI_xguICC3p_esLUqdfz33M2Ad92yv-EOgdsj6mrvY-Dz_kXVOIbEoERDTkKhVIqWh432_xWgHJ4BHlIIsfaO2otjYGamqB/w400-h300/20240207_101121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjucduRCJSpchyphenhypheng2sOXNwPKPFtFjatXAaVxVwLde6ySwtOuTu6Sn5r3OzyZXBsqzeuZTZGxAAy9GJ4G9REEiAqfdWCqbzkiKseCqeBqCFuQx-g94ywmM6vEjd2McZthVDaDCNmeUcldrMLlxZUxV-iRyYJ2YWmdmvnDdkxUr7NHnPsmv8xUF-gkujSpVH6/s4000/20240207_101114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjucduRCJSpchyphenhypheng2sOXNwPKPFtFjatXAaVxVwLde6ySwtOuTu6Sn5r3OzyZXBsqzeuZTZGxAAy9GJ4G9REEiAqfdWCqbzkiKseCqeBqCFuQx-g94ywmM6vEjd2McZthVDaDCNmeUcldrMLlxZUxV-iRyYJ2YWmdmvnDdkxUr7NHnPsmv8xUF-gkujSpVH6/w400-h300/20240207_101114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I am so familiar with the original map that I wouldn't want it to change but I think there must be an award in the offing for this very clever advertising spin on the tube map.<p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-63244868054093834482024-02-07T08:00:00.002+00:002024-02-07T08:00:40.692+00:00Art in Bratislava<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSLc4rLVT6xmCSlNb2Jx5MbP_ODgvgDO0cIA2gySVpToLwXEl1kVmcdbu0LHu5jipG5lwh7hPqxnir_oqOOneih0sW8rN1YSkj0BQgT1WyhaBofK8ciSfBRGivANHZi-jOtJpYumATKzC8pc6pw-uV6bSgjOtGNdRN3FB9t_7-XsOQc9u1tU4soB8Fmv2/s4000/20231202_140506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSLc4rLVT6xmCSlNb2Jx5MbP_ODgvgDO0cIA2gySVpToLwXEl1kVmcdbu0LHu5jipG5lwh7hPqxnir_oqOOneih0sW8rN1YSkj0BQgT1WyhaBofK8ciSfBRGivANHZi-jOtJpYumATKzC8pc6pw-uV6bSgjOtGNdRN3FB9t_7-XsOQc9u1tU4soB8Fmv2/w300-h400/20231202_140506.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is the Nedbalka art gallery in Bratislava. The interior reminded me of the Guggenheim in New York although this is on a much smaller scale.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ttm22Up0WNIhWcQtIHqa90dhkuKeHGNvmCwXpRsW3XwVk-uJc32nfN9V6QhfCuVQAtsAnaQ5T0DefYgfR6c-d8SJBJ_VyKggiFovWWGtRNDTE9pI0vNjh1jVoOazEwSnEVv_lUxCHBPcFlnmOQY4GVwCLJ5vA5Zp3R7rNVgkGjldGUh0l9Z600UdfRYd/s4000/20231202_140457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ttm22Up0WNIhWcQtIHqa90dhkuKeHGNvmCwXpRsW3XwVk-uJc32nfN9V6QhfCuVQAtsAnaQ5T0DefYgfR6c-d8SJBJ_VyKggiFovWWGtRNDTE9pI0vNjh1jVoOazEwSnEVv_lUxCHBPcFlnmOQY4GVwCLJ5vA5Zp3R7rNVgkGjldGUh0l9Z600UdfRYd/w300-h400/20231202_140457.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Here are a few paintings which were on display when I visited.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTjWSRulHHCXjITVt1bfULLrj38IFZt54XPS49ThAlTkz77-mQ1YO-Q0Xbxv1OUKIK5haTOev-Jrl0jLYhazuF6TDp9DenfRWK0dPRxRd7rJ9CyRNU_7w1ak0Nsy9SiWjk4ZPpH2M_QDrTYhekW6A47jCKcHXVaV-yQD2naRDpnO5UnEmD82gXuG2Y0ih/s4000/20231202_140040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTjWSRulHHCXjITVt1bfULLrj38IFZt54XPS49ThAlTkz77-mQ1YO-Q0Xbxv1OUKIK5haTOev-Jrl0jLYhazuF6TDp9DenfRWK0dPRxRd7rJ9CyRNU_7w1ak0Nsy9SiWjk4ZPpH2M_QDrTYhekW6A47jCKcHXVaV-yQD2naRDpnO5UnEmD82gXuG2Y0ih/s320/20231202_140040.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZmFoZ16pyAPm7rZZemyKnE86CG4OmwLcCPoSwt-V3rLJF87XWkURVbIbo0bZA_qsu68hm71LsxJYdESERPquu9iLzI_bEir96_vK-DxYFNWvthNKgYNsX9NKH8ihuKqH0EV-lExDzLnYWLxXomWxWRND1wtl_zxC-L7fAvrlgYHN8dMQeV23ndlXHjzF/s4000/20231202_140035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZmFoZ16pyAPm7rZZemyKnE86CG4OmwLcCPoSwt-V3rLJF87XWkURVbIbo0bZA_qsu68hm71LsxJYdESERPquu9iLzI_bEir96_vK-DxYFNWvthNKgYNsX9NKH8ihuKqH0EV-lExDzLnYWLxXomWxWRND1wtl_zxC-L7fAvrlgYHN8dMQeV23ndlXHjzF/w300-h400/20231202_140035.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd3YpBP3xhn-MSwupDRAKreV1gfyuVtCUkfFC9a7tPznpdJgpfhCrvuVL3Nff_r9fv2QnSrq2-DkHjpl0jz1xfz0IAeRQJRG88d7RMkHymj6sXSaS4mRrOq2K9EfXAcJsCHwWZwLhog4VYXLNu39DbW_taBli6B6V_ZKiKCQkDxHrn_Jc_JEl_cKzB5MQ/s4000/20231202_140001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd3YpBP3xhn-MSwupDRAKreV1gfyuVtCUkfFC9a7tPznpdJgpfhCrvuVL3Nff_r9fv2QnSrq2-DkHjpl0jz1xfz0IAeRQJRG88d7RMkHymj6sXSaS4mRrOq2K9EfXAcJsCHwWZwLhog4VYXLNu39DbW_taBli6B6V_ZKiKCQkDxHrn_Jc_JEl_cKzB5MQ/s320/20231202_140001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SfBYrAVTiXonUgbZZs9uIMlC2hOtUejdRJCFX9K5xZPkcg9gktikbJLJZRLhLzDY5noRnMnrGNhlhZ7HQDF9AF4TyPBRNwVbAQ_-BinUi6wmh5_SslCe4UD6UgIaQ3955y-V41HP8DBAoLP1t10O1Wh_VxIo-_kTYwMLAKBNEMkW_GuRak_mGtnLDdcn/w300-h400/20231202_134904.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcESkFrF8aU5ufDW8-dQdPJUGQDw5JEheAQb5YS7mIzkMjFeuRlvx4KhCi_uuwM1CAU8YITbB4yx6J5LnE19Uqx0yJgWdhGafu93mi5djcXyvyS_UCXF1GpjuKhYiGgrF4TxRHYBMtft1ZAZYohoiV-ld5sxooei-6ORNykwKi0ZiGRa5p-qT2KcXiIFd/s4000/20231202_134539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcESkFrF8aU5ufDW8-dQdPJUGQDw5JEheAQb5YS7mIzkMjFeuRlvx4KhCi_uuwM1CAU8YITbB4yx6J5LnE19Uqx0yJgWdhGafu93mi5djcXyvyS_UCXF1GpjuKhYiGgrF4TxRHYBMtft1ZAZYohoiV-ld5sxooei-6ORNykwKi0ZiGRa5p-qT2KcXiIFd/s320/20231202_134539.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1LHcsCurCjeBH1l614Vupft-ZZZDnCCKCzmgfhMFaBDUKo29sgd5yNEapvZO7oDSHIKSp0qih6LCgepx5XbP2xH2bgGtlfaUef2ZyHr2tgXnyxUOGh2fVzMJUbnAn1SpPhlOjhmKgxArmU0BOW3UvUCZnpVWK-Rsy40KnXMzaKXBMBYQn3SQG8MUCTzW/s4000/20231202_134535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1LHcsCurCjeBH1l614Vupft-ZZZDnCCKCzmgfhMFaBDUKo29sgd5yNEapvZO7oDSHIKSp0qih6LCgepx5XbP2xH2bgGtlfaUef2ZyHr2tgXnyxUOGh2fVzMJUbnAn1SpPhlOjhmKgxArmU0BOW3UvUCZnpVWK-Rsy40KnXMzaKXBMBYQn3SQG8MUCTzW/w300-h400/20231202_134535.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-64732703244080800172024-01-21T20:25:00.000+00:002024-01-21T20:25:05.177+00:00Common kingfisher<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmUWiZo_CHVjCN7HzFP46NdycERIuTACAd0YRLaps5Xsp6OLnQuN-whyphenhyphen1l5kv58TZJ_x1Ls7YjOrJFC5AXFYKfPaUDZYoyrX2u77OpopCQwZwgYZ2ZeHA-ShaprpTKpA5oXIwi02ZJxvDCaXctTdexqASYNmZWVOXNjJiMsLMIJq8wuvnzEcQL7-cK6Uv/s4000/1110013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmUWiZo_CHVjCN7HzFP46NdycERIuTACAd0YRLaps5Xsp6OLnQuN-whyphenhyphen1l5kv58TZJ_x1Ls7YjOrJFC5AXFYKfPaUDZYoyrX2u77OpopCQwZwgYZ2ZeHA-ShaprpTKpA5oXIwi02ZJxvDCaXctTdexqASYNmZWVOXNjJiMsLMIJq8wuvnzEcQL7-cK6Uv/w400-h300/1110013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Whilst out on one of my 'underground station visits' I happened to see a Common Kingfisher. They may be called Common but they are not common to me. I was thrilled to have spotted it and fortunate to have my camera to hand.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhyphenhyphenzeweE0G4MBZpJUs_lqJvZWWaLJhmPikxeCi-Ml8j1EP-CjcdzJ551qqiIpf1opKUmrzGEG2uYQ6-B5AbLtA9aekK_LFiILUl7vZaUYbvuFKMT3evZfvsYFZfKfNJ5O64_K2H8766zqPeSZBOm_rHQtx10DpFGFTGOwljLAUdeW-Cbd0gYtRsZG1p5l/s4000/1110017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhyphenhyphenzeweE0G4MBZpJUs_lqJvZWWaLJhmPikxeCi-Ml8j1EP-CjcdzJ551qqiIpf1opKUmrzGEG2uYQ6-B5AbLtA9aekK_LFiILUl7vZaUYbvuFKMT3evZfvsYFZfKfNJ5O64_K2H8766zqPeSZBOm_rHQtx10DpFGFTGOwljLAUdeW-Cbd0gYtRsZG1p5l/w400-h300/1110017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2X6NPymYOKU-8HOSYyJr77HvsrLjpX80o67sl0IFopR7ixpI9oz8-SqjcPwIcEjd-KaIkw1RPcy8qZhVKm_KKLHH-tL51BiWjKwUJ6PuCDmvaiyUhRiEK4j97pvq46-2Ux22j4JsQoPMGZPErGtsMQfke7fra3VdDDHQ3TdtjkSy0KGMVgmqmfV-ER3D/s4000/1110022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2X6NPymYOKU-8HOSYyJr77HvsrLjpX80o67sl0IFopR7ixpI9oz8-SqjcPwIcEjd-KaIkw1RPcy8qZhVKm_KKLHH-tL51BiWjKwUJ6PuCDmvaiyUhRiEK4j97pvq46-2Ux22j4JsQoPMGZPErGtsMQfke7fra3VdDDHQ3TdtjkSy0KGMVgmqmfV-ER3D/w400-h300/1110022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>I wasn't out in the country but in the middle of a London suburb. The path I was on was very busy as it went from a housing estate to the local High Street. I was looking at this fallen tree over the river when a splash of colour caught my eye.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiHiHFcmEp0QOassOJYJtNpjFc5cUtwxxt6NkAIXYck7hF95aGVRHthVZcIQClyssWRgQ7JuDyXHOnHbfQ3s7iVb3C2kn6YXiMAPjanJgtot_vcq7MZxO52Z46q1sDHETOIyKRKw0oNOnJx-_gDUe9kRZNRuY8JDDBOKORBDYTYdTuqWMoOZb-2wHawU0/s4000/1110011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiHiHFcmEp0QOassOJYJtNpjFc5cUtwxxt6NkAIXYck7hF95aGVRHthVZcIQClyssWRgQ7JuDyXHOnHbfQ3s7iVb3C2kn6YXiMAPjanJgtot_vcq7MZxO52Z46q1sDHETOIyKRKw0oNOnJx-_gDUe9kRZNRuY8JDDBOKORBDYTYdTuqWMoOZb-2wHawU0/w400-h300/1110011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>No mistaking a Kingfisher.<p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-28968244910244392672024-01-05T13:43:00.000+00:002024-01-05T13:43:05.995+00:00Urban walk<p> My first walk of the year was a five mile one lead by a new leader in our u3a Rambling Group. We like to have a variety of walks to cater for our different interests. I do guided walks mainly in Central London as well as country walks in Kent. </p><p>We have tried to persuade members of the group to lead maybe just one or two walks a year and share their favourite walks. So today Kate showed us one of her local walks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFnB-19hSRcLz3avJdvaBtJlF83pF4QFbLVcxP3HqO3riZ6oqUOHLlbnWlvCxSxbUjRGHcPksyda6k14AaZY23IrA0hsVgIN755AA5LSqSh_wjuMotPpLbjmwDxfzGkE2giSMSP6xFnUDOpHVCrgkz1fu8_3JyVWSfz8eBVyP5UUnrz5DBKFYED-Nqb00/s4000/20240103_102139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFnB-19hSRcLz3avJdvaBtJlF83pF4QFbLVcxP3HqO3riZ6oqUOHLlbnWlvCxSxbUjRGHcPksyda6k14AaZY23IrA0hsVgIN755AA5LSqSh_wjuMotPpLbjmwDxfzGkE2giSMSP6xFnUDOpHVCrgkz1fu8_3JyVWSfz8eBVyP5UUnrz5DBKFYED-Nqb00/w300-h400/20240103_102139.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>12 of us set off through the high rise blocks of Lewisham.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaSPNVrZBjDiSaduwR-dDt6zf9CARU_0faabF_7MFawfsa-UmrOZ5koWhZNDOIUrHd4nwuqyB55uTD9g0jLGXiIfxVkYwx3pUd-vIqbPKeTHHShLSzeqmKXL4Cez0ksiaYgGIRc2UnIbgi91iilCioMJMIS-QibiMMAZZ3EKWkY2H2v08n9RBHVaSrt4H/s4000/20240103_112837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaSPNVrZBjDiSaduwR-dDt6zf9CARU_0faabF_7MFawfsa-UmrOZ5koWhZNDOIUrHd4nwuqyB55uTD9g0jLGXiIfxVkYwx3pUd-vIqbPKeTHHShLSzeqmKXL4Cez0ksiaYgGIRc2UnIbgi91iilCioMJMIS-QibiMMAZZ3EKWkY2H2v08n9RBHVaSrt4H/w300-h400/20240103_112837.jpg" width="300" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A heron was spotted next to a large pond in the middle of a housing estate. The walk took us across Blackheath and then onto the Thames Path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56YVCm9vHeNAC9cv8uj3BXTwWfdxS2nYoHfHzT3VdxSagFJR-haT2H2841tdnR7tnK-4KiHOg7j1uNpulCPgTZCCvn8TmaCZMh8qVwFZVP-VweBrGBeFTBDnsUUlFuvPSl1M7eJO8WuxqVSrdVxwCXdBrXTpM1ioFFcc0v7sLft33OIsS9Ar1xkJFwBt3/s4000/20240103_112134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56YVCm9vHeNAC9cv8uj3BXTwWfdxS2nYoHfHzT3VdxSagFJR-haT2H2841tdnR7tnK-4KiHOg7j1uNpulCPgTZCCvn8TmaCZMh8qVwFZVP-VweBrGBeFTBDnsUUlFuvPSl1M7eJO8WuxqVSrdVxwCXdBrXTpM1ioFFcc0v7sLft33OIsS9Ar1xkJFwBt3/w400-h300/20240103_112134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pigeons loved the old pier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jfenVQKtrQf0Dm0qJ5xe0-Sm3CzwdsmtX7kVd9_7ETSym-FGusgxvaZTbHw1q5ZL1jVl6SN_nJDxc1nltuw5nAQVg8Da9MobV3h9b2EAjAR1xYojmdLk09pTAf445lZ8icIPUe_z2Q4HekaE0suuFl0gvvQfaG9rIxwQLIBniUshJ9WVNSU8pZkQvUhy/s4000/20240103_113911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jfenVQKtrQf0Dm0qJ5xe0-Sm3CzwdsmtX7kVd9_7ETSym-FGusgxvaZTbHw1q5ZL1jVl6SN_nJDxc1nltuw5nAQVg8Da9MobV3h9b2EAjAR1xYojmdLk09pTAf445lZ8icIPUe_z2Q4HekaE0suuFl0gvvQfaG9rIxwQLIBniUshJ9WVNSU8pZkQvUhy/w400-h300/20240103_113911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first snowdrops of the year<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iTfcH0YWQCOLi-6InOA-FU8k3ySpFfflzxKmdbEYooqxhmH7ruzl6Bs3JIyuHsfFW74WUaGNIDIY2WO3R2Sa4DewEYY3vsBXWGPZmhewX8QsiVpi3Nu-XLrS-LNb3Ajc-pfctGZQJeb6_5-z5rJABFlRtYkQhGhnqM85JbqnuCKqYy5OA6ApWchN08Ml/s4000/20240103_113852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iTfcH0YWQCOLi-6InOA-FU8k3ySpFfflzxKmdbEYooqxhmH7ruzl6Bs3JIyuHsfFW74WUaGNIDIY2WO3R2Sa4DewEYY3vsBXWGPZmhewX8QsiVpi3Nu-XLrS-LNb3Ajc-pfctGZQJeb6_5-z5rJABFlRtYkQhGhnqM85JbqnuCKqYy5OA6ApWchN08Ml/w400-h300/20240103_113852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The snowdrops were blooming around the base of this mulberry tree. It is thought that the tree was planted in 1698 by the Tsar Peter the Great who visited this area at that time. during his visit to England. It was a very enjoyable walk to start off another year of u3a rambles.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-81815618330921919792024-01-01T15:04:00.000+00:002024-01-01T15:04:48.130+00:00New Year 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTPABDyC49g1ofUO49QVGMrLNQ-NLU63VSmiIgr0H8-7qAbPkGxK-FdtVZrY3jt6344gP7Yrcs3vS2W6nWCf-B5usSFvkZYe469KPUMtFZ25-hszkwAX4a-ikCvV0C6V1L8cNlEhdaUkkANKwZxniOifyY5y1qL3J_xBwb1IaKyK41CJGNNiapNCc48C2/s4000/20231125_181035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTPABDyC49g1ofUO49QVGMrLNQ-NLU63VSmiIgr0H8-7qAbPkGxK-FdtVZrY3jt6344gP7Yrcs3vS2W6nWCf-B5usSFvkZYe469KPUMtFZ25-hszkwAX4a-ikCvV0C6V1L8cNlEhdaUkkANKwZxniOifyY5y1qL3J_xBwb1IaKyK41CJGNNiapNCc48C2/w300-h400/20231125_181035.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Happy New Year to everyone. A big thank you to all who read and comment on this blog but a special thank you to those of you who read and comment on my other blog: <a href="http://www.62andthenext10pathways.blogspot.co.uk">Above the Underground</a>. It has been ten years since I gave myself the challenge of visiting and writing about all 272 underground stations. I still have over 80 more to visit but I am determined to complete the challenge. I am well aware the posts are long but they record the visit more for myself than others. That's why I am thrilled if someone reads the post and comments.<p></p><p>Looking back over 2023 I am pleased that I managed a few trips: Chicago, Albania, Menorca and Bratislava( which I still need to write about). Unusually I have nothing booked for 2024. There are a couple of major events happening which will curtail my plans. </p><p>Hope you are all enjoying the day and I wish you all good health and happiness for the coming year. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-84660267254277649012023-12-16T09:11:00.003+00:002023-12-18T07:55:12.066+00:00Merry Christmas from London<p> The shops on New Bond Street in London all look so festive. I much prefer looking at them than the lights on Oxford Street.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebKhIdK4vUMAVa39VUQ-Zc5G9LbyLzAJrBm9zQnE432jrBx_HpjBByHmgifyFvG2-akum7AmZ2IJIZU2Ylyq45mwr5OswFQ7Zpa8q2Y93PszNkRTBtwJ_vJ-x8YS6p6g9K8UzV7b_rrh-bV5wU7CQ4V4hx4JYKhBKrwbWAfqMoOyIMBu8whA_xzFqw6tn/s4000/20231215_155357.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebKhIdK4vUMAVa39VUQ-Zc5G9LbyLzAJrBm9zQnE432jrBx_HpjBByHmgifyFvG2-akum7AmZ2IJIZU2Ylyq45mwr5OswFQ7Zpa8q2Y93PszNkRTBtwJ_vJ-x8YS6p6g9K8UzV7b_rrh-bV5wU7CQ4V4hx4JYKhBKrwbWAfqMoOyIMBu8whA_xzFqw6tn/w300-h400/20231215_155357.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6yHrENSZT9kdz1QUDvoMulLkp-fee8uFyMD_XuwAJLnoy66Vp1uKaXyhSlK4rlhtIyZZhYXt0Fk9IcFLCU1Qq4BHyZE3qsIw9zSMrLNwWGTKc9dtMil00OkiH2ij80H9sA-v15Y1ZGef-1zO12CFtT279a6KFfP-KT73noucd3pnLjx3rXjdz7IjhbD3/s4000/20231215_155446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZsRPFR22_Osi_DbZp3DTq4iB4QPTagpeh1pFS2xJ8jqSo9zzooku8Nzt2uqRPCtMHJ2xFKCTsn6zhDarfSeO4phxdR74b-YWfSqRM1tNEGx9nBkAwtP7SqcUphdDjA8yAP5YyyzQek_iVw-_0ZPY7nDF3QHP0PCuFN8o4EapCu1p2YaZv-wFYgtgEDXV/w400-h300/20231215_155822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWus4ym4-TwJV0V9jpSbGhvTbnoQJ1-3kuJN81FqlL7YgsSszZ062GiEoo2_AqDIq_UxwWc0WjLopRf7mQ7qTYmNaqI761yvbkmcqy_R0VlU0AV-MQ-RluhTT9zXKsiXe0vexzJojinXSTIZZWrPP-QrpalBqO9lgdqYy3298UR8Nn9LVYnCfsPWm8IFy/s4000/20231215_164944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWus4ym4-TwJV0V9jpSbGhvTbnoQJ1-3kuJN81FqlL7YgsSszZ062GiEoo2_AqDIq_UxwWc0WjLopRf7mQ7qTYmNaqI761yvbkmcqy_R0VlU0AV-MQ-RluhTT9zXKsiXe0vexzJojinXSTIZZWrPP-QrpalBqO9lgdqYy3298UR8Nn9LVYnCfsPWm8IFy/w300-h400/20231215_164944.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Savile Row, home to many of the world's best tailors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4PKNcc025lUyTHB42Fm0X588_15tdxYYJVT1dALalNoj9aHdP0dnW1-2uovwjf-pPHA4LamAYLIHD6YegLK-sJ7d5AjgvqkSXw6DD1AadZ_W7G8bmjm6YFXuqo48sfdYIJ9OgcbjbyTunpRfOTasmoRZSt7xasbmBt35WOt_2boIWQJX4t8REpFnuyWF/s4000/20231215_154227.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4PKNcc025lUyTHB42Fm0X588_15tdxYYJVT1dALalNoj9aHdP0dnW1-2uovwjf-pPHA4LamAYLIHD6YegLK-sJ7d5AjgvqkSXw6DD1AadZ_W7G8bmjm6YFXuqo48sfdYIJ9OgcbjbyTunpRfOTasmoRZSt7xasbmBt35WOt_2boIWQJX4t8REpFnuyWF/w300-h400/20231215_154227.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The windows of Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JcFnTg6ZWIXLfPGdkwSp8YFKvibS1Zmw8ZOcEX3lDcqhCEw-nW9nxynZgVLzPsjmxibt7JuGIgbUQZ9DeCsgaFStw2yJ42p7bt20Wh7l1rGU0spK1wYKvYDuORCwjUMQRP2o5C0YnM_ht4nkarwplq-lNsdwUYaJmyBAUhMjvcyiczxn4TkY67CE0dBl/s4000/20231215_154207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JcFnTg6ZWIXLfPGdkwSp8YFKvibS1Zmw8ZOcEX3lDcqhCEw-nW9nxynZgVLzPsjmxibt7JuGIgbUQZ9DeCsgaFStw2yJ42p7bt20Wh7l1rGU0spK1wYKvYDuORCwjUMQRP2o5C0YnM_ht4nkarwplq-lNsdwUYaJmyBAUhMjvcyiczxn4TkY67CE0dBl/w300-h400/20231215_154207.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_6hrIeTLIioNmTdnyB1LybzWV6EYMAYOj6YNj9_Ra3h3uyveWRW6uCcv1MzRIA2xa9ULUXFG-lY2GP-qte0JN64goeAYDRUBwHSPjAu-Ay6SxaZgbWWjYboaPcKm6n0m9_6am4YHx4uVzSCdFSXaKItGgXiphwsHhHboVWxHNg2MZM3toebCFCwOcr-Q/s4000/20231215_154158.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_6hrIeTLIioNmTdnyB1LybzWV6EYMAYOj6YNj9_Ra3h3uyveWRW6uCcv1MzRIA2xa9ULUXFG-lY2GP-qte0JN64goeAYDRUBwHSPjAu-Ay6SxaZgbWWjYboaPcKm6n0m9_6am4YHx4uVzSCdFSXaKItGgXiphwsHhHboVWxHNg2MZM3toebCFCwOcr-Q/w300-h400/20231215_154158.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDGuR_de2JdXeZMYlOY8YctlyO8MfTtpVo7eoJX_8nwNepemRbyLj4toHksNRnQuz6UR3WffFHeVziuuaUfNHrl4QIIuBz8ilGk9cMlF5Jegyn6eyeWtVt2-BCgB615Xqt2H8qP3MwY-ydQlnW9R4q6XC7WwsdyvMmAVx7RgLSwqnUcWvH0801IUevCJO/s4000/20231215_152922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDGuR_de2JdXeZMYlOY8YctlyO8MfTtpVo7eoJX_8nwNepemRbyLj4toHksNRnQuz6UR3WffFHeVziuuaUfNHrl4QIIuBz8ilGk9cMlF5Jegyn6eyeWtVt2-BCgB615Xqt2H8qP3MwY-ydQlnW9R4q6XC7WwsdyvMmAVx7RgLSwqnUcWvH0801IUevCJO/w400-h300/20231215_152922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Inside the store<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mlxMR3ttjj7rqiAk1y0Z-1Xub8nih3BfI81qHEs6bNUV9hJXZ60I42zDB4SebIG65iNErHNAgEEGMVel2VG0bKi0rk4DLnj8_AlAQp_bLwo0YQkSjJJJqG-CPyxCeoQbv5_0cs1l1KDeh0-OFVulbFVqi6B18sC0jn4H3hYIx8ESISJzEK-P_ASGroa1/s4000/20231215_152131.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mlxMR3ttjj7rqiAk1y0Z-1Xub8nih3BfI81qHEs6bNUV9hJXZ60I42zDB4SebIG65iNErHNAgEEGMVel2VG0bKi0rk4DLnj8_AlAQp_bLwo0YQkSjJJJqG-CPyxCeoQbv5_0cs1l1KDeh0-OFVulbFVqi6B18sC0jn4H3hYIx8ESISJzEK-P_ASGroa1/w300-h400/20231215_152131.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Falling Christmas puddings. These went up and down at regular intervals.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1hlnniSGX05jcgJPF_4qobaCSxqvzDkTW45xxePC8HC1LhMqdzrkz6naWmIswPAAHGG3JAciT0z0FDe2umYWqh217rhoqufzxeR2HUnA6zFQCOuzNBzIUDYp8LDVIdpzU758qzHSfHkdegY0yoRLNBxOfApHPuTUzClsgUBzD0PVkjc3u39cEP3Rk6hC/s4000/20231215_145632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1hlnniSGX05jcgJPF_4qobaCSxqvzDkTW45xxePC8HC1LhMqdzrkz6naWmIswPAAHGG3JAciT0z0FDe2umYWqh217rhoqufzxeR2HUnA6zFQCOuzNBzIUDYp8LDVIdpzU758qzHSfHkdegY0yoRLNBxOfApHPuTUzClsgUBzD0PVkjc3u39cEP3Rk6hC/w400-h300/20231215_145632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Inside the Savoy Hotel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoNMGNeW05hz_thd-fHC9giX_4aKllY7ApZy6B7v_U9udQVNmvhCy9TQ5eSGrP9v1JoFx2rk0vseJROR9H23bxGqmGmWV6AXprPvEJYAOrlmmTJ4TJ_SY6Lld7G5NeqjgheUGZi9vBjc3ySOSLLnKMcilhxiFly_k3vazkIO8JjoNhPouGS0EKXzW6X8D/s4000/20231215_145606.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoNMGNeW05hz_thd-fHC9giX_4aKllY7ApZy6B7v_U9udQVNmvhCy9TQ5eSGrP9v1JoFx2rk0vseJROR9H23bxGqmGmWV6AXprPvEJYAOrlmmTJ4TJ_SY6Lld7G5NeqjgheUGZi9vBjc3ySOSLLnKMcilhxiFly_k3vazkIO8JjoNhPouGS0EKXzW6X8D/w300-h400/20231215_145606.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>It looked magical in the reception are of the hotel.</div>I hope you have enjoyed seeing a little of London's Christmas decorations. I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.<div><br /><div>Sharing with Throughmylens<br /><div>https://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/</div></div></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-25571518230065278522023-12-07T07:43:00.000+00:002023-12-07T07:43:13.699+00:00UFO Bratislava<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Most SNP is a bridge over the Danube built in the late 60s. At one end is a restaurant and observation tower known as UFO. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohGtHmqEWO7JPOALhcieBxIKNegLSDN2PyDWcKuRaw9ve1TKkLW4vu4jiXCzbuBfGQ0yC5stTwL1ZiAfbmDQrWiti8LlMTuQ6VmC6GChCz9OvPEr_71i4e20S_JVcvnUSvVF8eykH44gSE7qhIN8PWd0l39aIAy3m_JUpkEeOrI7HJDZ7uO6ZMWiwYQAh/s4000/20231203_095621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohGtHmqEWO7JPOALhcieBxIKNegLSDN2PyDWcKuRaw9ve1TKkLW4vu4jiXCzbuBfGQ0yC5stTwL1ZiAfbmDQrWiti8LlMTuQ6VmC6GChCz9OvPEr_71i4e20S_JVcvnUSvVF8eykH44gSE7qhIN8PWd0l39aIAy3m_JUpkEeOrI7HJDZ7uO6ZMWiwYQAh/w400-h300/20231203_095621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>On our last day in Bratislava the weather cleared and we decided to view the city from the UFO tower. There is a lift and then a staircase taking you to the observation area above the restaurant. What I hadn't expected was it being in the open air. All other observation towers I have been up, you are protected by glass windows. The shock of stepping out to.be confronted by high winds up there took my breath away. Obviously there is a wall surrounding the area but I didn't feel that comfortable. Clinging onto my hat I quickly took some photos and then went back down to the next level which was the restaurant.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2HLO_EwIoT0BuwrHvBSK5JwUE-vw6amE_kYzlfGJCPd247QZ-5FcZgJRPbrx5eoAv8ApcvZfhP5Wa0qCpBccvDnYCBxw6aKCjyEBUbBi1ImTeUT6xstqztQ814FV_jepMVfQ4ZK_ibk90hIjGKsrT9Grxsng0G6oPfXl6aVZX1bHaAXY92VaKPYj3G-s/s4000/20231203_100744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2HLO_EwIoT0BuwrHvBSK5JwUE-vw6amE_kYzlfGJCPd247QZ-5FcZgJRPbrx5eoAv8ApcvZfhP5Wa0qCpBccvDnYCBxw6aKCjyEBUbBi1ImTeUT6xstqztQ814FV_jepMVfQ4ZK_ibk90hIjGKsrT9Grxsng0G6oPfXl6aVZX1bHaAXY92VaKPYj3G-s/w400-h300/20231203_100744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The views were excellent. This view looks back over to the old town with the castle on the hill.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU03JjCTjATaPr91FD8dDQihJhNJpnLelHySeXRtUNmIuVgUfwRJvdU9I_gtic3N7_Pg6yVap6zb-cF-ewaGG7W7udwnrtDVU25UDt_YKYGN175DWUMOAhxEHL0mpCnJj1CHJcBxhcz6Io-Qo-6x7AJL_X7ZfPxI4iJLzg9kgT2P3Kef0E_Ds2AEbwNHvC/s4000/20231203_100752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU03JjCTjATaPr91FD8dDQihJhNJpnLelHySeXRtUNmIuVgUfwRJvdU9I_gtic3N7_Pg6yVap6zb-cF-ewaGG7W7udwnrtDVU25UDt_YKYGN175DWUMOAhxEHL0mpCnJj1CHJcBxhcz6Io-Qo-6x7AJL_X7ZfPxI4iJLzg9kgT2P3Kef0E_Ds2AEbwNHvC/w400-h300/20231203_100752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A number of river cruise boats moored on the Danube allowing the passengers to disembark for a day trip to the town.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdpSDE-VhSS7Y3gtPvoyvI2bBqUMVUtMi2MfiKoAcoMBKHUYTgrFO3jwblYKL1voA5iyhOCeOCo8sUC_x_ug7N4VYcjzHUj2uWlZ24pOf6ghFMAznSVKPGP3mq4vzRvAMuyXx0TYuZashfmmuAoW-7Sqb57qgf9sGfPO-wR8t6yQl3fq_G5JrhxvOdUsB/s4000/20231203_100942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdpSDE-VhSS7Y3gtPvoyvI2bBqUMVUtMi2MfiKoAcoMBKHUYTgrFO3jwblYKL1voA5iyhOCeOCo8sUC_x_ug7N4VYcjzHUj2uWlZ24pOf6ghFMAznSVKPGP3mq4vzRvAMuyXx0TYuZashfmmuAoW-7Sqb57qgf9sGfPO-wR8t6yQl3fq_G5JrhxvOdUsB/w300-h400/20231203_100942.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> Looking in the opposite direction towards Austria. Vienna is less than an hour's drive away.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssQQ0oq43uAhYXxcb9j5l4JoZRqxotMQx-JAKu266khChvK4VSEyDcaJpff3UE10UDVLlP1-2QwyJd4xXIXU0e6m6OUwsgq2M4W8Tscp6-ZEurwSkneM_rTvb7eNK3rrrHH7IQWpoYJaLul2bgtuBCb1C273L4ZTiS2KhhKP0ZW-VLg2UbLyW3ikOLyh2/s4000/20231203_100806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssQQ0oq43uAhYXxcb9j5l4JoZRqxotMQx-JAKu266khChvK4VSEyDcaJpff3UE10UDVLlP1-2QwyJd4xXIXU0e6m6OUwsgq2M4W8Tscp6-ZEurwSkneM_rTvb7eNK3rrrHH7IQWpoYJaLul2bgtuBCb1C273L4ZTiS2KhhKP0ZW-VLg2UbLyW3ikOLyh2/w400-h300/20231203_100806.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoEnUfUdPQ3cIlCtwpy4M_1BFP_p6_Pq03F7XFyqNlYIO3FGBKZt71r0WJoQb9e_OtD76RmTlyWqxEI16958OegSLD_-1_2tFdQ5QDLC9t-cu5GR-y7iA15tuxsTSfgJ-duIREluXm94ITEXKrhSH3wr1L4mACg5HimzW3zCZA0A7vKmuJRrJ8LHfFib6/s4000/20231203_100803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoEnUfUdPQ3cIlCtwpy4M_1BFP_p6_Pq03F7XFyqNlYIO3FGBKZt71r0WJoQb9e_OtD76RmTlyWqxEI16958OegSLD_-1_2tFdQ5QDLC9t-cu5GR-y7iA15tuxsTSfgJ-duIREluXm94ITEXKrhSH3wr1L4mACg5HimzW3zCZA0A7vKmuJRrJ8LHfFib6/w400-h300/20231203_100803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Can see more bridges over the river.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWKCmvbBhyphenhyphenKX6wwEdgUyQIvUi1xXH_3zHrwN0mIQIfxdVZmFgx6YaWHfCv5gZTcvzw-xprwhZ_WUSUhlXKGyoUbrp-DQSpjStpEMKyTuR1SWbQknqkemXXna67heuqUCr1vRWbbnny0UqngM0oUX3YbWXLmBz17OwK9T810VMGE_JhSML6GSz9fiLNuhL/s4000/20231203_101436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWKCmvbBhyphenhyphenKX6wwEdgUyQIvUi1xXH_3zHrwN0mIQIfxdVZmFgx6YaWHfCv5gZTcvzw-xprwhZ_WUSUhlXKGyoUbrp-DQSpjStpEMKyTuR1SWbQknqkemXXna67heuqUCr1vRWbbnny0UqngM0oUX3YbWXLmBz17OwK9T810VMGE_JhSML6GSz9fiLNuhL/w300-h400/20231203_101436.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Warming up in the restaurant. A much more comfortable way to admire the views.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-69958087166870057562023-12-04T19:47:00.002+00:002023-12-04T19:47:38.241+00:00Bratislava 2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3wmH0AHnr9qZMlqeToM4xfSN5Eta-DBGSWLrM0BrihPh7lqXiMYpnhedhtLQq_XYucjnoGSb30LITMJK2ZbMu769JWssuU9Tb-84QZ_9F1MoldHTuc2jzmqypL0C8fz_tCY3_qC8gYzoR3tF10YnlODgiXXUKrWikqhffXBz_c9XnrhyphenhyphenDdTDF4CTFUPz/s4000/20231201_093459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3wmH0AHnr9qZMlqeToM4xfSN5Eta-DBGSWLrM0BrihPh7lqXiMYpnhedhtLQq_XYucjnoGSb30LITMJK2ZbMu769JWssuU9Tb-84QZ_9F1MoldHTuc2jzmqypL0C8fz_tCY3_qC8gYzoR3tF10YnlODgiXXUKrWikqhffXBz_c9XnrhyphenhyphenDdTDF4CTFUPz/w300-h400/20231201_093459.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Bratislava had a few sculptures around the town but this was my favourite.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqo7ZQ1hYCknNljr5SWZ_JLCQ7hI-UTxSOidRZkvP_qRGm8aehIIKzejla_e8nYKKjcJozD6pI_Y8Ud_5OxyLQTXjQmswqpFfD3DTKmdqpamqviO6gNVoiJXXlxUMAWcEn27T_MWyIA-huyjuC9737VIij6cmwjaLVnisflS5Kk7eJsQJ2c3CRPjEysAd/s4000/20231201_093509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqo7ZQ1hYCknNljr5SWZ_JLCQ7hI-UTxSOidRZkvP_qRGm8aehIIKzejla_e8nYKKjcJozD6pI_Y8Ud_5OxyLQTXjQmswqpFfD3DTKmdqpamqviO6gNVoiJXXlxUMAWcEn27T_MWyIA-huyjuC9737VIij6cmwjaLVnisflS5Kk7eJsQJ2c3CRPjEysAd/w300-h400/20231201_093509.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BoJCwGcLg9fQNTayJb5H1OlUmrkziQx2_dg08yOAZY4CpeSSQwtlvoXezQvvLHReqifivhDnrOLQVeUNmh0Q1H9SEfKJ00QxAQv_QQfZTxygA9KTBjQa0321km8nJ3eSR5qpetTqw1ZTmigzHpLYbTQw9HBcT3hW_Fk39Iu-Y17nNGbNxkGc1sXS7b0g/s4000/20231201_100509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BoJCwGcLg9fQNTayJb5H1OlUmrkziQx2_dg08yOAZY4CpeSSQwtlvoXezQvvLHReqifivhDnrOLQVeUNmh0Q1H9SEfKJ00QxAQv_QQfZTxygA9KTBjQa0321km8nJ3eSR5qpetTqw1ZTmigzHpLYbTQw9HBcT3hW_Fk39Iu-Y17nNGbNxkGc1sXS7b0g/w300-h400/20231201_100509.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Many of the old streets are cobbled.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6gtYHdAOcbO0zZAcYkwRJ_T0Q1UkIaPvGrHtPQK9H5CS0ANKEr1R27ZQBuDfkiPq4ytPDrCsxn69CZy7Uid24e7mzoQWJqjbzieEowdQderFLShXrB4iV-d0kt8cl13BoFKhyphenhyphenqu3xi28Lufv9AI3opao0yWiLAZBNJKt0-pkqvjGkuH3IU_gyDRmZe8f/s4000/20231201_101017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6gtYHdAOcbO0zZAcYkwRJ_T0Q1UkIaPvGrHtPQK9H5CS0ANKEr1R27ZQBuDfkiPq4ytPDrCsxn69CZy7Uid24e7mzoQWJqjbzieEowdQderFLShXrB4iV-d0kt8cl13BoFKhyphenhyphenqu3xi28Lufv9AI3opao0yWiLAZBNJKt0-pkqvjGkuH3IU_gyDRmZe8f/w300-h400/20231201_101017.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of the old town dates back to the 12th and 13th century hence the narrow streets.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKyGJO7NSjl8kCDVRIoW28Pn4LH3IpgPoZMOy7zjwa3a1zEOCMPFx2OMgi0Z9skrkbJ9KhWfp856o3eBJfIRLgNgO9F6-4czC2EICxZtpr9zDlXDPZj0ltp2cUjEWUqU0ZbpEVlX0aHwONGQWgnuLR_vsNo2Bmq4lB1W4a27NgWOKtAjKvHaCWu21WgwV/s4000/20231201_101217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKyGJO7NSjl8kCDVRIoW28Pn4LH3IpgPoZMOy7zjwa3a1zEOCMPFx2OMgi0Z9skrkbJ9KhWfp856o3eBJfIRLgNgO9F6-4czC2EICxZtpr9zDlXDPZj0ltp2cUjEWUqU0ZbpEVlX0aHwONGQWgnuLR_vsNo2Bmq4lB1W4a27NgWOKtAjKvHaCWu21WgwV/w300-h400/20231201_101217.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIJWlhB7E-7axMp7LwYEtxAQc7RfeB4ik5arBTrC42DV8-PzWLntwq4T0E68wgqncbPDKKZ5lQ6ROXTai1bmKr0Ow-zMQBQAFqRfxBBAa3Lx15kdFC_uD5RweNGwz2L0VKuUPzrfGEP9mEdarhcRaUaNL_JMtvvcoZjpJ7RMpdpUUiZYu8yMsG78FyJlK/s4000/20231202_102737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIJWlhB7E-7axMp7LwYEtxAQc7RfeB4ik5arBTrC42DV8-PzWLntwq4T0E68wgqncbPDKKZ5lQ6ROXTai1bmKr0Ow-zMQBQAFqRfxBBAa3Lx15kdFC_uD5RweNGwz2L0VKuUPzrfGEP9mEdarhcRaUaNL_JMtvvcoZjpJ7RMpdpUUiZYu8yMsG78FyJlK/w300-h400/20231202_102737.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf3zRnXYmQFVRw_pLad-DVb3Oby7ne8hXZnSOKxeBByBVpjsnuE8x50YLZvaw8ZsyBsisQ3-Db3gST8OLfa45N91n1m0kaUd8M-hIhh31xCNmyyDtuoYNujJnAV9UEO9onpKX_82Kpmbl1a58yp9w1yBGZeReM6tzFZQAgbHbs7ebMoPJXV9N3crWkm3A/s4000/20231201_093256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf3zRnXYmQFVRw_pLad-DVb3Oby7ne8hXZnSOKxeBByBVpjsnuE8x50YLZvaw8ZsyBsisQ3-Db3gST8OLfa45N91n1m0kaUd8M-hIhh31xCNmyyDtuoYNujJnAV9UEO9onpKX_82Kpmbl1a58yp9w1yBGZeReM6tzFZQAgbHbs7ebMoPJXV9N3crWkm3A/w400-h300/20231201_093256.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I loved the architecture. This is the Opera House<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNgb4FTgOBLN93R3M373_e6P36sxAV3aQzkVpIv9w3y4wVkgsiSt4sKhL6ZWSwPC_DitwGviWFhStfhLI83gk__dTNkCpnbkidVcCMsl2uURYvNKjgp-gLY1Sq21OK4cOzDYFMNFoxUMRNu9nqsCIMIt3k7i6cCf-UCAQM0m3_Wjh_UA2rwIAgMRDgxeV/s4000/20231201_113044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNgb4FTgOBLN93R3M373_e6P36sxAV3aQzkVpIv9w3y4wVkgsiSt4sKhL6ZWSwPC_DitwGviWFhStfhLI83gk__dTNkCpnbkidVcCMsl2uURYvNKjgp-gLY1Sq21OK4cOzDYFMNFoxUMRNu9nqsCIMIt3k7i6cCf-UCAQM0m3_Wjh_UA2rwIAgMRDgxeV/w400-h300/20231201_113044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The children's museum<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYDtm5DNj1bvYAjHp-wpHTgCzXd6oqfOiWNgGScMxiemL_g62mHLHxjrwbzbHmpkP0Mqg9mvP6G0WRUdM6l_YCjTRHS5wmX9R_LZ8_x1bPYAo4MneiQwBWMPyLnv-lMjjWQBPPrXN5izWibClQP5Bc5p9DgEQREXKsSuY1dROq2gQCnBc3Q6ibxliGt_v/s4000/20231201_143748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYDtm5DNj1bvYAjHp-wpHTgCzXd6oqfOiWNgGScMxiemL_g62mHLHxjrwbzbHmpkP0Mqg9mvP6G0WRUdM6l_YCjTRHS5wmX9R_LZ8_x1bPYAo4MneiQwBWMPyLnv-lMjjWQBPPrXN5izWibClQP5Bc5p9DgEQREXKsSuY1dROq2gQCnBc3Q6ibxliGt_v/w300-h400/20231201_143748.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The Town Hall. The Christmas trees in front of the town hall were decorated by school children.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5FNAo8skJ979y6d_PrIZnyWJkMdOwPMosmTLF3XpijDHVdf_jaxEJ7ectDFzqjFNgCkwZk5tGyU-gYWGGiiKFPrRbFb5FDUz1IWglVhXQGhyphenhyphenpT0Fr1uwHf14Ba57bb6QHX-moZLcww8oHeIWt8eOwncDcoC6AhYOiDhrRIY-gvKOuC9NmLM_gjWwoqKQ/s4000/20231202_092950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5FNAo8skJ979y6d_PrIZnyWJkMdOwPMosmTLF3XpijDHVdf_jaxEJ7ectDFzqjFNgCkwZk5tGyU-gYWGGiiKFPrRbFb5FDUz1IWglVhXQGhyphenhyphenpT0Fr1uwHf14Ba57bb6QHX-moZLcww8oHeIWt8eOwncDcoC6AhYOiDhrRIY-gvKOuC9NmLM_gjWwoqKQ/w400-h300/20231202_092950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The concert hall<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl-wS-byhIFB_fg9d3ZfH85eRkJQbf3dsUj4Y4UMSQOmfr1yiyx-cmXHg9KI_BFZ7kCT5U3tJ6hiWk-0kKG49hi6sR2-cnmtRZUx7j-k7LVNvBZVXFNf5d5Y3yfYY5gf093MDMENng-HukckZNALx-OhRJsQurh240hhtF884SKW4iQWbLxiXCKSa2MTE/s4000/20231202_093313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl-wS-byhIFB_fg9d3ZfH85eRkJQbf3dsUj4Y4UMSQOmfr1yiyx-cmXHg9KI_BFZ7kCT5U3tJ6hiWk-0kKG49hi6sR2-cnmtRZUx7j-k7LVNvBZVXFNf5d5Y3yfYY5gf093MDMENng-HukckZNALx-OhRJsQurh240hhtF884SKW4iQWbLxiXCKSa2MTE/w400-h300/20231202_093313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-16047036527653976502023-12-01T20:50:00.000+00:002023-12-01T20:50:17.368+00:00Bratislava<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLBXePraKhU7kzsRMwkWUpFsHuXeSMnR0HPdfBTS2vg1CEZsV1BWHztKBN6aw_GsPJxtjsCWo8ePJJ9nvkTgmDhbrx3jCQecEp8dNnRvejWM4KS6YExKMzqdIJKsUsAwtMo2pv3zYoLHo6P8t_u9Vrz1XiL4FHXB2jnbASc0IVOUtZ0ZZjCGKws5pwVfD/s4000/20231130_194425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLBXePraKhU7kzsRMwkWUpFsHuXeSMnR0HPdfBTS2vg1CEZsV1BWHztKBN6aw_GsPJxtjsCWo8ePJJ9nvkTgmDhbrx3jCQecEp8dNnRvejWM4KS6YExKMzqdIJKsUsAwtMo2pv3zYoLHo6P8t_u9Vrz1XiL4FHXB2jnbASc0IVOUtZ0ZZjCGKws5pwVfD/w300-h400/20231130_194425.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I am in Bratislava, Slovakia, this weekend to have a look at its Christmas markets as well as its main tourist attractions. Unfortunately it hasn't stopped raining since I got here and the forecast is much the same for tomorrow with the possibility of snow.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWiVChalScIo8we1Ge6wK9O-pMDhttAJ0hbrsCpPQBX46apUARrt-KFzDjCspb7RbCJ9taZLQIHBY_tRkAEQqW6aA_QxxaYjk68DoKJafsiRhUcMRD7BUGiQqLUNNOLpOOa7EKZGuhM6LQYJRuN25BEEH7PewtNtifeCnywyxJLbvQfUC5su026Kad11p/s4000/20231130_180913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWiVChalScIo8we1Ge6wK9O-pMDhttAJ0hbrsCpPQBX46apUARrt-KFzDjCspb7RbCJ9taZLQIHBY_tRkAEQqW6aA_QxxaYjk68DoKJafsiRhUcMRD7BUGiQqLUNNOLpOOa7EKZGuhM6LQYJRuN25BEEH7PewtNtifeCnywyxJLbvQfUC5su026Kad11p/w300-h400/20231130_180913.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N4JgVqMFmR8HVen4DbXsRbjTbDIDKFB7Uts2ZUqRcGtBAhmq-h4Y55F06zZuwWN-Ufodz-K6XiUd8wtdhav1CyrN-jDS8DODhEloOd76n2BtM0cuc6zeoiG8b6LNMP-QGiwYix7vyENG4IXDtPRox6H_qIB_YW6XekYRmXk0og4S1USNoHb0-JTbrFnq/s4000/20231130_195049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N4JgVqMFmR8HVen4DbXsRbjTbDIDKFB7Uts2ZUqRcGtBAhmq-h4Y55F06zZuwWN-Ufodz-K6XiUd8wtdhav1CyrN-jDS8DODhEloOd76n2BtM0cuc6zeoiG8b6LNMP-QGiwYix7vyENG4IXDtPRox6H_qIB_YW6XekYRmXk0og4S1USNoHb0-JTbrFnq/w400-h300/20231130_195049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Christmas markets are mainly food and drink. The smell of the food as you walk around the market stalls is mouth watering.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt5M5gRm_plVXCK_eDFTRu9IL4WzMmh7fiQefNumogKDUbeNOOGwRI9uUbXv-YbImOybeDS6LNSLYXNI0VkdmlAZnbHBaXueWlkn-WaTn8ZSSfcfdEmCkMIHHzHALRK8ni326IUBhDbb6K0Ij8DbkQHvEILWEu9a5lH1SESiDvNFUEBMCJV9Y5ySPzXwp/s4000/20231130_195038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt5M5gRm_plVXCK_eDFTRu9IL4WzMmh7fiQefNumogKDUbeNOOGwRI9uUbXv-YbImOybeDS6LNSLYXNI0VkdmlAZnbHBaXueWlkn-WaTn8ZSSfcfdEmCkMIHHzHALRK8ni326IUBhDbb6K0Ij8DbkQHvEILWEu9a5lH1SESiDvNFUEBMCJV9Y5ySPzXwp/w400-h300/20231130_195038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIASJHVf53VKOS3b9C3QB1mfesVCytZmWEC6zIpqat8hjx8E4JqsEVaUawY5ZqT4kkYSPneDWI40lScH5ZOP0dgYBjl3SY59P90S14AzOA5p6woIiUPt4BUYICrvQ_f1SlCVZkjMjpMLvIZnwZ_CU04OR2GpM7hepC0fb5Fi_LB72ldBJ79BKgP0H3nTWK/s4000/20231130_180922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIASJHVf53VKOS3b9C3QB1mfesVCytZmWEC6zIpqat8hjx8E4JqsEVaUawY5ZqT4kkYSPneDWI40lScH5ZOP0dgYBjl3SY59P90S14AzOA5p6woIiUPt4BUYICrvQ_f1SlCVZkjMjpMLvIZnwZ_CU04OR2GpM7hepC0fb5Fi_LB72ldBJ79BKgP0H3nTWK/w400-h300/20231130_180922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-18047413457286554852023-11-12T14:22:00.000+00:002023-11-12T14:22:52.024+00:00Day 9 Kruje<p> After breakfast I went out on the balcony. It was a beautiful morning, so I sat there writing my journal until I saw the others gathering downstairs to get on the bus. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidyknA0MYzE1Du2jyX9HXoX8R9NPkIIOQBUYvOvzQhoIfJoYmNVj3CGlCoqdqnZbV5GEdQIvm1og5XMq0G4igZVFgg2wQD_4QNL3C5EItjcH_8F6fhqwmZ64T8li4wWrBhyphenhyphennozOJwsb6wSBCgs3jY05Ha5lJM7Uh577OtfOPO-IKTdSDL2SFLOAW7hdZ3/s4000/20230930_080917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidyknA0MYzE1Du2jyX9HXoX8R9NPkIIOQBUYvOvzQhoIfJoYmNVj3CGlCoqdqnZbV5GEdQIvm1og5XMq0G4igZVFgg2wQD_4QNL3C5EItjcH_8F6fhqwmZ64T8li4wWrBhyphenhyphennozOJwsb6wSBCgs3jY05Ha5lJM7Uh577OtfOPO-IKTdSDL2SFLOAW7hdZ3/w300-h400/20230930_080917.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We had about a 2 hour drive to the port of Durres, home to the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. We hadn't travelled that far when there was a bang. A car had driven into the back of us. Not much damage but damaged it was and we couldn't move until the police had assessed the situation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7a8X8swtrk0VCvPDPAM2p8yyOE1e04umr_3-uslbsFdXYlTMAa373nmfBSjtUQp5E0iDvwBeqSGc8YQrhKkzK8kzERge9DTghfy1kyOVg9mWbUF-dSaUYq9rnFdgAuFmH2RlWHFFOro3wr7QICk_BZme20UqHNUAXRp7QC3WwaJ-ScqAiLXHGAgXQiuC/s4000/20230930_103216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7a8X8swtrk0VCvPDPAM2p8yyOE1e04umr_3-uslbsFdXYlTMAa373nmfBSjtUQp5E0iDvwBeqSGc8YQrhKkzK8kzERge9DTghfy1kyOVg9mWbUF-dSaUYq9rnFdgAuFmH2RlWHFFOro3wr7QICk_BZme20UqHNUAXRp7QC3WwaJ-ScqAiLXHGAgXQiuC/w300-h400/20230930_103216.jpg" width="300" /></a><div>We got off the bus and I went into a local supermarket next to where the accident had taken place. It turns out that the man who owned the supermarket had lived in England just a few miles from where I live. He returned to Albania to buy the supermarket with his brother and although it is long hours and hard work it seems to be going well for them. He told me that sorting out the accident would take some time and I might as well go to the beach. I didn't even realise we were close to the sea. So I went for a quick look.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdRdVM_xg1bjGh0x3MjL9KFFrBB_vY8f0g1bLYzQ51EovzANsb-iEZ48E6p9481ueLZDKDbF8lmqqYh9tCHUwcWV1YM32dd4_qMBsPgGKmweNkaYOTV26wO-4btD7CZJZKSVk3GSmFmy9jR2MkPXsgK32M41a-DOob8aRl6Cv4gAyBV5epsH2UEou6Ayy/s4000/20230930_104841.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdRdVM_xg1bjGh0x3MjL9KFFrBB_vY8f0g1bLYzQ51EovzANsb-iEZ48E6p9481ueLZDKDbF8lmqqYh9tCHUwcWV1YM32dd4_qMBsPgGKmweNkaYOTV26wO-4btD7CZJZKSVk3GSmFmy9jR2MkPXsgK32M41a-DOob8aRl6Cv4gAyBV5epsH2UEou6Ayy/w400-h300/20230930_104841.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lovely soft, sandy beach and looked much better than the one we swam from the other day. When I mentioned this to Ed he said the water quality was very poor. Maybe it was or maybe it wasn't.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2R6VT51Mdv2qIcYRypJL3IvBQ9IhULUzblX7tnkTH5vE_9SdBGpCwY9p3ENlH61eYpRWrGPC2yADIihFBjwS1S_JLdSz3ljlBBzDlzcPTFVAfUXRTOPoD2i4D-SQtPHX_ziFJzbkMStaPhI9iKVzSGcMjAFLohwvzK1-iWsl-__ZbGcyqHBa4k-GNmMF/s4000/20230930_104941.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2R6VT51Mdv2qIcYRypJL3IvBQ9IhULUzblX7tnkTH5vE_9SdBGpCwY9p3ENlH61eYpRWrGPC2yADIihFBjwS1S_JLdSz3ljlBBzDlzcPTFVAfUXRTOPoD2i4D-SQtPHX_ziFJzbkMStaPhI9iKVzSGcMjAFLohwvzK1-iWsl-__ZbGcyqHBa4k-GNmMF/w300-h400/20230930_104941.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I returned to the bus to find a long traffic jam behind us with drivers getting very frustrated. It took about an hour and a half to sort out the paper work. Each one of us had to sign a disclaimer to say we hadn't been injured before we could be on our way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmraceyB5oi1NYB4V4AA26UwIXvriyJFlfujsBflIuWHgAxhmieDAj0USLBoC4s8uU0teKs1vCKGheWXcDtaNooMktzdGc5l4R6HS_UNwAPg-t1N-eNE7va30y82W7Ciq1RD1Fmj62PmkV-LQRNpJq9l2lsO8k__rLvGHzB7nErYDWSo2P1TumP4jwRS5D/s4000/1100315.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmraceyB5oi1NYB4V4AA26UwIXvriyJFlfujsBflIuWHgAxhmieDAj0USLBoC4s8uU0teKs1vCKGheWXcDtaNooMktzdGc5l4R6HS_UNwAPg-t1N-eNE7va30y82W7Ciq1RD1Fmj62PmkV-LQRNpJq9l2lsO8k__rLvGHzB7nErYDWSo2P1TumP4jwRS5D/w300-h400/1100315.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We finally reached Durres with its 15th cent Venetian tower. The Tower was built for artillery purposes close to the sea.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZh5k1Mkn1-x38qUjJDWx-gouds6I68Gxto6VfjATqIAziXHCZxBJG_vrIpXauRjhBiVEmiaZ_dxoCcFueLGf0ECS6-2w7ibU27DPirC6kF4g2FsDNDbKMAVCXPfKNYCmJloNIE7gTJJ8AWRIrmDYZBhHOWa-hjFbaS10cl0ZDRa7jcvJLyg4TWsvGhi7/s4000/1100337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZh5k1Mkn1-x38qUjJDWx-gouds6I68Gxto6VfjATqIAziXHCZxBJG_vrIpXauRjhBiVEmiaZ_dxoCcFueLGf0ECS6-2w7ibU27DPirC6kF4g2FsDNDbKMAVCXPfKNYCmJloNIE7gTJJ8AWRIrmDYZBhHOWa-hjFbaS10cl0ZDRa7jcvJLyg4TWsvGhi7/w400-h300/1100337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The amphitheatre was built at the beginning of the 2nd cent Ad. It is estimated that it could hold 15 to 20 thousand spectators. Slave owners would watch their slaves fight other gladiators or beasts. The amphitheatre was discovered in 1966.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW4XE44Oq2iOcEAQnVsig3NtghWJNL_aMJUp1Ji1eVEvU2KQupaIBdftc5d7kGJjROCgTGLaFtrqbBqNw5_ZOfGJOVxCt2KMqNu1uIYbSUwmuyep4FIJUNSBB4KgrLIYyvZMirz25x5aE6z1NFgP_nxpIdbHTBJsyyCT0wWwZ80jpCh93yvp6vxMwrl6Y/s4000/1100333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW4XE44Oq2iOcEAQnVsig3NtghWJNL_aMJUp1Ji1eVEvU2KQupaIBdftc5d7kGJjROCgTGLaFtrqbBqNw5_ZOfGJOVxCt2KMqNu1uIYbSUwmuyep4FIJUNSBB4KgrLIYyvZMirz25x5aE6z1NFgP_nxpIdbHTBJsyyCT0wWwZ80jpCh93yvp6vxMwrl6Y/w400-h225/1100333.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It did seem strange to have these modern buildings above the amphitheatre. I can only assume that it was whilst excavations during other building work that this ancient monument was discovered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vg3oPxU5azMlI8QPx0sr3G6h0q1s6BxSMM-VgsvkyN2zik8xYiPb_VqgIncuUkLzjbv3Aw-k6bfhXAIwV-vTB2-DBgid6_OeRR3fC083OU9agQQC7GBD4SS4uCAJNQumXc20NXfMLjKSNs8WEqPGrx7-MFw4kaGjZ537-Lc9MvVna1wGCwmIR9IhqStk/s4000/1100324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vg3oPxU5azMlI8QPx0sr3G6h0q1s6BxSMM-VgsvkyN2zik8xYiPb_VqgIncuUkLzjbv3Aw-k6bfhXAIwV-vTB2-DBgid6_OeRR3fC083OU9agQQC7GBD4SS4uCAJNQumXc20NXfMLjKSNs8WEqPGrx7-MFw4kaGjZ537-Lc9MvVna1wGCwmIR9IhqStk/w300-h400/1100324.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>There were tunnels beneath the seating areas of the amphitheatre.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH99aSUcLsfoX-XC-yb_SJNvLwBmS2ZE5ik7QoplmaQHGi4XHv59VasWHYHeJZsy6Cr7QBazlINkYPcDYPUJV3S3LGzrTSAY9N0-HLoOxENma98HaY2dYSuW9iq7cc0Y2tFEEyTEH1LUXfKE0HzjS6ix1QZzP7ahyphenhyphenAMlWfOszXRuOl7PUC3IeEkmzkUpB/s4000/1100325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH99aSUcLsfoX-XC-yb_SJNvLwBmS2ZE5ik7QoplmaQHGi4XHv59VasWHYHeJZsy6Cr7QBazlINkYPcDYPUJV3S3LGzrTSAY9N0-HLoOxENma98HaY2dYSuW9iq7cc0Y2tFEEyTEH1LUXfKE0HzjS6ix1QZzP7ahyphenhyphenAMlWfOszXRuOl7PUC3IeEkmzkUpB/w400-h300/1100325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrSxCMnQ28l7LTQX9qKZvYwwpYFidYHEUun59urEpV_SUI6EhgoIr2KOnrhB64c55VQUUrAiyZHefbsWTkOJeYhaGVkYpNVvVgQhemE0N2vyVNcR0AHr8BKHx9xg1AAk4qnQmf6eHlq_cozOj1Ebte3PxpZSZ1umDoBBiiG6hydDoPDNv8Ql8baCzwfBF/s4000/1100326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrSxCMnQ28l7LTQX9qKZvYwwpYFidYHEUun59urEpV_SUI6EhgoIr2KOnrhB64c55VQUUrAiyZHefbsWTkOJeYhaGVkYpNVvVgQhemE0N2vyVNcR0AHr8BKHx9xg1AAk4qnQmf6eHlq_cozOj1Ebte3PxpZSZ1umDoBBiiG6hydDoPDNv8Ql8baCzwfBF/w400-h300/1100326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeE5XBR9iJhfi3Zne18a5XILqA8anOiM8KQUUgSC4601cMZ-uPkjfEGCbRKL_1vdybY1YQhoeDPguufZYs0l_vlLqCUIR8yKFzQ_7f2Zk2yl5dpQcBgE7-o6jqbvFtCO4uE71IFZCXXYlmc_cChNUNOzzjlCrkLurZjE45nQpRpaKZtldygyrGfzw7TCm/s4000/1100327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeE5XBR9iJhfi3Zne18a5XILqA8anOiM8KQUUgSC4601cMZ-uPkjfEGCbRKL_1vdybY1YQhoeDPguufZYs0l_vlLqCUIR8yKFzQ_7f2Zk2yl5dpQcBgE7-o6jqbvFtCO4uE71IFZCXXYlmc_cChNUNOzzjlCrkLurZjE45nQpRpaKZtldygyrGfzw7TCm/w300-h400/1100327.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4SLuAnw5UixycX7RPlyv3aeRuGXsVW7ByDaJ4X5HGRKMV4HMu2EGVu0QGO93iyo72kKfFfSmPZi2XPDnahYrIHDeNb7c030Cwxz2QbzmCPTMtfJWddm60dbjKlWsHTTTMd5_L2bEpUN4ld-fsxqtjJ7M8QT9Ym0KdsvVSMVuM8QLCWO1xEyzgHDzx9xQ/s4000/1100340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4SLuAnw5UixycX7RPlyv3aeRuGXsVW7ByDaJ4X5HGRKMV4HMu2EGVu0QGO93iyo72kKfFfSmPZi2XPDnahYrIHDeNb7c030Cwxz2QbzmCPTMtfJWddm60dbjKlWsHTTTMd5_L2bEpUN4ld-fsxqtjJ7M8QT9Ym0KdsvVSMVuM8QLCWO1xEyzgHDzx9xQ/w400-h300/1100340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Passed a few pomegranate trees as we walked to the seafront. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF4VqKef94rE2YiDDIf2JFMYQ_WnezWnANgsavOW4Tisr_DZ9CntEyWTFbhOY4OPvlooLOiw4l3NboN7ycO3fOVLnomHJ_hELCLF1Q01Me_PXWwYwramWqKAqZXfduIT0k_2uxihVTTYeqI0v-Xa8maJ0mk1u3LrJiKgtmcCjRBo6ElFBQYFLe3eYFYWG/s4000/1100341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF4VqKef94rE2YiDDIf2JFMYQ_WnezWnANgsavOW4Tisr_DZ9CntEyWTFbhOY4OPvlooLOiw4l3NboN7ycO3fOVLnomHJ_hELCLF1Q01Me_PXWwYwramWqKAqZXfduIT0k_2uxihVTTYeqI0v-Xa8maJ0mk1u3LrJiKgtmcCjRBo6ElFBQYFLe3eYFYWG/w300-h400/1100341.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went for a stroll along the promenade </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNpcBOyOpqc7fUcNWy1CVJi03Cm1G6MRYDGRZh1KTQ38sWJ-kmcLsf2WHxmEZvB4PMQBoN1lF0Q8HKOuZP7NZvzdzMfjoDPXXwiCMB4IRbBdYSBZJlkcyP_1jn4KeO7JEyBX1LPrf4-en_bTqbCmGYA_CQxteoFIhwNNJEGtqO676q664w_A80ofW-CEu/s4000/1100343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNpcBOyOpqc7fUcNWy1CVJi03Cm1G6MRYDGRZh1KTQ38sWJ-kmcLsf2WHxmEZvB4PMQBoN1lF0Q8HKOuZP7NZvzdzMfjoDPXXwiCMB4IRbBdYSBZJlkcyP_1jn4KeO7JEyBX1LPrf4-en_bTqbCmGYA_CQxteoFIhwNNJEGtqO676q664w_A80ofW-CEu/w400-h300/1100343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a rocky beach so no good for swimming. After picking up a sandwich and an ice cream it was time to get back on the bus for a couple of hours driving to our final destination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5mBDZPXad07hA68_JS4GNtNO7jVdraGZ5L8VX6HnobfWlPvaGyjHBUpS3pvVb0nJqz-rrKaZ7uaNnGnmGRhq3UGXav6aCAhmg580snGqUEMFOYmCpHXWrT3rBEkuCZAzbMt2ETmjHUMkANG8QbKCPYWvlQm-DaQI3k73IUWtJByRo-A7h9kc3T2ExxA3/s4000/20230930_152228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5mBDZPXad07hA68_JS4GNtNO7jVdraGZ5L8VX6HnobfWlPvaGyjHBUpS3pvVb0nJqz-rrKaZ7uaNnGnmGRhq3UGXav6aCAhmg580snGqUEMFOYmCpHXWrT3rBEkuCZAzbMt2ETmjHUMkANG8QbKCPYWvlQm-DaQI3k73IUWtJByRo-A7h9kc3T2ExxA3/w400-h300/20230930_152228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We were staying at the Hotel Panorama in Kruje for our last night of the trip. Tomorrow we will all be driven to the airport in the capital Tirana for our flight home. The hotel is perched on the top of a hill with terrific views over the valley.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo9fosFn401DLfL-xKKegX1gz1MUq_erZsTyr0uIu9KFwzCto-_rEVFuEu3QO42nicwruB7Q-vfbDYWF2wBQnkWUlzxtxwVBvgGz5QllHmz4VRbmKmzTFOw8q6_Dl3feb0D1X5LuimV4CG6nu7FfPylFaghZBmFz9YGcqSKZ7PHV8nSJxKFSPgxgSo3-A/s4000/20230930_152234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo9fosFn401DLfL-xKKegX1gz1MUq_erZsTyr0uIu9KFwzCto-_rEVFuEu3QO42nicwruB7Q-vfbDYWF2wBQnkWUlzxtxwVBvgGz5QllHmz4VRbmKmzTFOw8q6_Dl3feb0D1X5LuimV4CG6nu7FfPylFaghZBmFz9YGcqSKZ7PHV8nSJxKFSPgxgSo3-A/w400-h300/20230930_152234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4wuSSAOMpS70-Hw2zjsw8GUHqfioNqcwsfF6oMa_Ha1F9m3PQu6C2OhkYd6fzXUl4q7MKhSYDywu8NYi7VRnjLarLoDYI7cpFKCFNY4T7QAb6XI6NQpfEazE8P0VFnVzpCS_rNGcq-8QIWDkZaILc6BiRxEFFSNdsqhGBodZQgZZi8AZlrBvSg-wWjam/s4000/20230930_152240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4wuSSAOMpS70-Hw2zjsw8GUHqfioNqcwsfF6oMa_Ha1F9m3PQu6C2OhkYd6fzXUl4q7MKhSYDywu8NYi7VRnjLarLoDYI7cpFKCFNY4T7QAb6XI6NQpfEazE8P0VFnVzpCS_rNGcq-8QIWDkZaILc6BiRxEFFSNdsqhGBodZQgZZi8AZlrBvSg-wWjam/w300-h400/20230930_152240.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>As soon as I had taken my luggage up to my room I went downstairs and out into the bazaar.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_Hl8geJHi5wrUaHFI4X06GyDjP66cvlLpoZIfQ-v8ixvtLh4DjGsLvqnnszInYcg8k_TvaSxeF69US4B3m57kmjAp3xO72toLxc4C8X6-UVAQd_uNULrmFFjcFBJGq_frDbMKRVx4qPDR9DLQjMemGLK7E9NrOl8sZWclZrSUlg7ptuJkIQXQKoquilt/s4000/20230930_161329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_Hl8geJHi5wrUaHFI4X06GyDjP66cvlLpoZIfQ-v8ixvtLh4DjGsLvqnnszInYcg8k_TvaSxeF69US4B3m57kmjAp3xO72toLxc4C8X6-UVAQd_uNULrmFFjcFBJGq_frDbMKRVx4qPDR9DLQjMemGLK7E9NrOl8sZWclZrSUlg7ptuJkIQXQKoquilt/w300-h400/20230930_161329.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>There was nothing I wanted to buy and the cobbled street did not make for comfortable walking.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrwHMOPSM5fILpFbX8twsSqUt5PLHkD8uS7xcDAZmTGL2Z-wbAYBMWMuW50QrpBVcBLxupd8tN7AjXcvdjlApZ_BhDZiXygVf84t-CJjBygsnpzBt327aBWP17ms8u1w7KH6mN1ewZ-S57AVi8cFNMKZ3_TElGtmwvinD96vlv6MuTXQW0k2D7oT-Emex/s4000/20230930_161624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrwHMOPSM5fILpFbX8twsSqUt5PLHkD8uS7xcDAZmTGL2Z-wbAYBMWMuW50QrpBVcBLxupd8tN7AjXcvdjlApZ_BhDZiXygVf84t-CJjBygsnpzBt327aBWP17ms8u1w7KH6mN1ewZ-S57AVi8cFNMKZ3_TElGtmwvinD96vlv6MuTXQW0k2D7oT-Emex/s320/20230930_161624.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme8YRUiGo-Nfdof60FFsZG-7uXglMNgsBbWLrlii6n-gf2GA2h3zVm0asGvb3_bG2THY6vxHZF6XQt6rs3S9ZR1dVP4onvYjfidsXdeuRHcbFfnIFNubBgcsdT6sMlNzVfXmmE7PJEkOUMoNaWF4gZs9kF28d0Up5ti6x1vgaE6J-p0vCn3yZC2BS7xGN/s4000/20230930_161333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme8YRUiGo-Nfdof60FFsZG-7uXglMNgsBbWLrlii6n-gf2GA2h3zVm0asGvb3_bG2THY6vxHZF6XQt6rs3S9ZR1dVP4onvYjfidsXdeuRHcbFfnIFNubBgcsdT6sMlNzVfXmmE7PJEkOUMoNaWF4gZs9kF28d0Up5ti6x1vgaE6J-p0vCn3yZC2BS7xGN/s320/20230930_161333.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>After wandering the length of the bazaar I went back to the hotel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFIS2-yTr4j_bCqLhUamGrNjXAbStq2-cvRNJ7nh0At0_3RGeL8LndKLhH9iaIcadl8fSb3-XmrnOl1jCMe6OBdZetW8HExoME-kPhvHOB5_bWTpnjUEMfAbn1aiJIlBVDcAtK_kiLKqtAtzbT0YdrnKmtGSRzKijb6FNK1KZbrTrXgySDlFd6_MivZc2/s4000/20230930_153307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFIS2-yTr4j_bCqLhUamGrNjXAbStq2-cvRNJ7nh0At0_3RGeL8LndKLhH9iaIcadl8fSb3-XmrnOl1jCMe6OBdZetW8HExoME-kPhvHOB5_bWTpnjUEMfAbn1aiJIlBVDcAtK_kiLKqtAtzbT0YdrnKmtGSRzKijb6FNK1KZbrTrXgySDlFd6_MivZc2/w400-h300/20230930_153307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I was feeling exhausted and the thought of walking down the cobbled street again was just too much. So I opted out of going with the others to the castle and the museum. Instead I went up to the rooftop pool. It had had all day to warm up in the sun so it was ok. I found it refreshing and then I lay on a sun lounger for an hour or so before returning to my room.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy9U63ZSQL8xDTay2zBHHv4vB95Lf-vMhxKulDIle1RmxF_Nx_EFFyuitlAls3pkM1vo2zEjRXGNnCcM3Sz9f2ATIBG9Wrxbp_xuDx-bxOSXQjsPeON7qcL6wjuHiXNCE6mnsr_0VJzItDXr5cHjioMZwTgtOTirQgJBp3FKHGR4fUk-KEFXZSUaKsfUM/s4000/20230930_153312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy9U63ZSQL8xDTay2zBHHv4vB95Lf-vMhxKulDIle1RmxF_Nx_EFFyuitlAls3pkM1vo2zEjRXGNnCcM3Sz9f2ATIBG9Wrxbp_xuDx-bxOSXQjsPeON7qcL6wjuHiXNCE6mnsr_0VJzItDXr5cHjioMZwTgtOTirQgJBp3FKHGR4fUk-KEFXZSUaKsfUM/w300-h400/20230930_153312.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />In the evening we all met up in the hotel restaurant for a final meal together and to reflect on the trip. I had thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Albania. The scenery was spectacular and the hotels were of a much higher standard than I expected. The food was delicious, cheap and fresh and the people very friendly. What more could you ask for.Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-54904195117840570662023-11-08T11:17:00.002+00:002023-11-08T11:17:21.352+00:00Day 8, Berat<p>After an early breakfast, four of us went to look at the Edward Lear Gallery which was due to open at 8am. We were almost ready to give up and go back when the door finally opened at 8.15. We needn't have worried as it only took us 15mins to look around the small gallery. Edward Lear (1812-88) is probably better known for his poetry than his art, but he was passionate about drawing and painting and became one of the leading natural artists in Britain focussing on exotic birds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h8-3Mo5pDbdy0OFsOXNS8cjBq39mhyOz-eaJkxbkqIFn3ApL7O_I5pECiO5pM5_7_BbZeQ9SA5JDgYva5uSLr4I9wMQJDBrWebw9ErFfFVBg0xziejkbzL6VRk3yhuRCUQX1bL9U0-NSAyYsWZuw0QMQmv2INtMY9_Dz3plT2lPhHeaAY8-VjXI_ypVa/s4000/1100230.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h8-3Mo5pDbdy0OFsOXNS8cjBq39mhyOz-eaJkxbkqIFn3ApL7O_I5pECiO5pM5_7_BbZeQ9SA5JDgYva5uSLr4I9wMQJDBrWebw9ErFfFVBg0xziejkbzL6VRk3yhuRCUQX1bL9U0-NSAyYsWZuw0QMQmv2INtMY9_Dz3plT2lPhHeaAY8-VjXI_ypVa/w400-h300/1100230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In the Autumn of 1848 he travelled to Albania as part of a long journey through Europe. He visited numerous towns and villages and wrote about his travels as well as painting what he saw along the way, many of which are published in his book 'Journals of a landscape painter in Albania' There were only three pieces of his work here in the gallery. As the gallery is named in his honour I had wrongly assumed there would be many more of Lear's paintings on display.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP_ZWObpD1Bg0qiQ-NxWqOKcT9Ns3Nde5ENRTk684fjlZXZZ8GKcvIW-pPY_OQyF0vB5JYi7_ovy9UOz6drYDwstyQaqn_xAif1zxdvaPVLkonRX14zPlHk5hQnOrYuoonzxXcXxEYlUBJfovbYfwS2VVCDxPORU6QbVKzlhgk-5ECqlKiUWln6Gc4cCi/s4000/1100246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP_ZWObpD1Bg0qiQ-NxWqOKcT9Ns3Nde5ENRTk684fjlZXZZ8GKcvIW-pPY_OQyF0vB5JYi7_ovy9UOz6drYDwstyQaqn_xAif1zxdvaPVLkonRX14zPlHk5hQnOrYuoonzxXcXxEYlUBJfovbYfwS2VVCDxPORU6QbVKzlhgk-5ECqlKiUWln6Gc4cCi/w400-h300/1100246.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div>These watercolour paintings of Berat are not originals as they are in private collections.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB81oWBHR-V7wXZD6y3bcqfv5ou1KAnTK_GDKQ3xYDO8NVSt2Eng36HOJixI0BjeYcPvMtF1KQMe08s4_z9nSmHM1b6dS3vl_Sddvko18QtIm7u7-UP88PjxLKy5QlZRLBHXoCQ7loqYK14uP3u2qIcHKHeROd83VeBcQphvdIZ7pJo4x861diS7Lu-dk/s4000/1100232.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB81oWBHR-V7wXZD6y3bcqfv5ou1KAnTK_GDKQ3xYDO8NVSt2Eng36HOJixI0BjeYcPvMtF1KQMe08s4_z9nSmHM1b6dS3vl_Sddvko18QtIm7u7-UP88PjxLKy5QlZRLBHXoCQ7loqYK14uP3u2qIcHKHeROd83VeBcQphvdIZ7pJo4x861diS7Lu-dk/w300-h400/1100232.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH9RARcSGKkPfTUHL7n6HRQxOIJOwmF7ZO1kxMHBmsojvk3ZlRgPP2bWYziD6_G15NrmaqRKw5Y2Qy5VIa43sxXfPwk8FguWz0iKWPpzbe-GyCxt5pJ_hJZfTHHytuzh3eiqjZUESv8mckAasgGSu3WO2KqNXh5DyzwZ_EY8xn3KHCvgA2QZTUO78KFCR/s4000/1100248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH9RARcSGKkPfTUHL7n6HRQxOIJOwmF7ZO1kxMHBmsojvk3ZlRgPP2bWYziD6_G15NrmaqRKw5Y2Qy5VIa43sxXfPwk8FguWz0iKWPpzbe-GyCxt5pJ_hJZfTHHytuzh3eiqjZUESv8mckAasgGSu3WO2KqNXh5DyzwZ_EY8xn3KHCvgA2QZTUO78KFCR/w400-h300/1100248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After the gallery visit we returned to the hotel to meet the rest of the group for a walk around the town and castle. This is a side view of the hotel with the dining are where we had breakfast at the top.<span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;"><span class="eHaQD" color="var(--XB5uFb)"> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JlFeg4zcwF83X-gJMetmnuR_ABoT5m9qel6CwFxUpSqV4FIf1t-pdHlqyZVLQLQcJSSfDAfoOrFysNPNHaahvddQBVEYGmq2lyzHui7d8dpvW4RD94ANVyxcDItS3hKjPvWlY8RSIcSRMfDrmWTIAofQxrUFXLl3SG-eEDk08ysFusCSnac702nhQ7tZ/s4000/1100249.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JlFeg4zcwF83X-gJMetmnuR_ABoT5m9qel6CwFxUpSqV4FIf1t-pdHlqyZVLQLQcJSSfDAfoOrFysNPNHaahvddQBVEYGmq2lyzHui7d8dpvW4RD94ANVyxcDItS3hKjPvWlY8RSIcSRMfDrmWTIAofQxrUFXLl3SG-eEDk08ysFusCSnac702nhQ7tZ/w400-h300/1100249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVEq46vz3UbPF0rrZyD3NaQdAJtpa77m9FzxwqVcySIzU1LMsq3V9ZLbOlQopHoFuF-OLxdDgtIQ_u8CHjhinSRqv5pU_9I_9LLtjHaMksM2tt9YZbFi7RqpC5qhIA191YQEeKresdx0uCASwJRYSQTwjFEQds8SiHaDPucZBnOcfd49hvhoGdnm9iErt/s4000/1100251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVEq46vz3UbPF0rrZyD3NaQdAJtpa77m9FzxwqVcySIzU1LMsq3V9ZLbOlQopHoFuF-OLxdDgtIQ_u8CHjhinSRqv5pU_9I_9LLtjHaMksM2tt9YZbFi7RqpC5qhIA191YQEeKresdx0uCASwJRYSQTwjFEQds8SiHaDPucZBnOcfd49hvhoGdnm9iErt/w300-h400/1100251.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> We visited the oldest mosque in the town which had the star of David on the entrance. Impressive on the inside<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeeg4JutDLJe5XOgYABiHCJPhiAsSYmZpJHzUhKzZYZpPy2PSNtTLfWJKtN9nHkTfY3uvgglaozqvbK9y1bLUXJ5Ey837kGacQ83l1BbqBD9ezKP6_VL99WWsqbQKLoy7XOC7PaMC3eDGSPq8F7kW81RncuAzWueExUlHliddF0HCDJ4SsjIQsPSMW_t4/s4000/1100252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeeg4JutDLJe5XOgYABiHCJPhiAsSYmZpJHzUhKzZYZpPy2PSNtTLfWJKtN9nHkTfY3uvgglaozqvbK9y1bLUXJ5Ey837kGacQ83l1BbqBD9ezKP6_VL99WWsqbQKLoy7XOC7PaMC3eDGSPq8F7kW81RncuAzWueExUlHliddF0HCDJ4SsjIQsPSMW_t4/w400-h300/1100252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These buildings are from the latter half of the 18th century. It was a complex that included the King Mosque, a prayer hall and guest houses.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGEDZ-uhwTklY0B543NGvd6CuRMnlVpItdcajzuE5OK-y-G-xgqj40UUD-kjz-Lhda8sgE28CHELuVH6vGs-TnJFiebJQzbCSX_fZm-GyXt7dpHFglqF44LmxbyF5nKdnnwTNO12R1GKh_JfoUa5VjyIVRN2RmvqWIoihTPIPJUeAW0bmFw3zl66CIOOJ/s4000/1100255.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGEDZ-uhwTklY0B543NGvd6CuRMnlVpItdcajzuE5OK-y-G-xgqj40UUD-kjz-Lhda8sgE28CHELuVH6vGs-TnJFiebJQzbCSX_fZm-GyXt7dpHFglqF44LmxbyF5nKdnnwTNO12R1GKh_JfoUa5VjyIVRN2RmvqWIoihTPIPJUeAW0bmFw3zl66CIOOJ/w400-h300/1100255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Painted, wooden carved ceiling.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDFbIwO_hbQrbwxLw41PjoGWVJLjmSsc82v62EfftfexIE-ZrucE_wy0ZIo6T7Vh2NZQYTYKKNzknJW258fg6aJiVuDdm2fysgSBXAJOH-MyR0-grDJi-EFJUKNpUvbwcZnhpbMFgbjWnN3-XUKPIaDvtwBTiSjKzijZu8PFlKS3KgofQUa9ldx8TDsUa/s4000/1100259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDFbIwO_hbQrbwxLw41PjoGWVJLjmSsc82v62EfftfexIE-ZrucE_wy0ZIo6T7Vh2NZQYTYKKNzknJW258fg6aJiVuDdm2fysgSBXAJOH-MyR0-grDJi-EFJUKNpUvbwcZnhpbMFgbjWnN3-XUKPIaDvtwBTiSjKzijZu8PFlKS3KgofQUa9ldx8TDsUa/w400-h300/1100259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p8087_Y0iQU0_bB-LDxTc3ZKcN5segrMAMIZSPhZLMlaXq0fPr8SWz_rwAda8v69vbNClG_3ov24I30E3cSMTkFsJt6wqKlSACPR2QLXjAGkyT0ghXpjooDTQ-6bp0zCvmRN2jmU6GVsx5gQKtrcgPa36xJwY2fvKTVGaRNhLrPg-xaUVDFTt8IffbQy/s4000/1100258.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p8087_Y0iQU0_bB-LDxTc3ZKcN5segrMAMIZSPhZLMlaXq0fPr8SWz_rwAda8v69vbNClG_3ov24I30E3cSMTkFsJt6wqKlSACPR2QLXjAGkyT0ghXpjooDTQ-6bp0zCvmRN2jmU6GVsx5gQKtrcgPa36xJwY2fvKTVGaRNhLrPg-xaUVDFTt8IffbQy/s320/1100258.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Lots of evidence of woodworm. I hope it has been treated.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_4ke3Hjj3QYFIHBOte1ijq07Cbyfx_gvc-AcBG1duClvhrbBfN9jqnpuojCbm34Wdzryvl-MByi6lnIG66B1lepPvJeBFsoJGUANq-rd-lPJHkW3a3-Q-zWdYZ1JS5a4InwQMZfJJcEvYm7S0g2EXR-j8KdSWFpaIi2ANPPGf8YMbYxMZplsSKZjQUgl/s4000/1100260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_4ke3Hjj3QYFIHBOte1ijq07Cbyfx_gvc-AcBG1duClvhrbBfN9jqnpuojCbm34Wdzryvl-MByi6lnIG66B1lepPvJeBFsoJGUANq-rd-lPJHkW3a3-Q-zWdYZ1JS5a4InwQMZfJJcEvYm7S0g2EXR-j8KdSWFpaIi2ANPPGf8YMbYxMZplsSKZjQUgl/w400-h300/1100260.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Detailed artwork adorned much of the woodwork.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50zGoNTjgdL4job3SSqFtGLXznyPcgJdioojJsaJB15l4IkYNg0BNI1dC10xB1ClaI7cx6hEItsridc5sXNmP6q_xj9C6r63PHLQBod9hnb8zCpwGlnkM0n29w8IOyO3mhHthqcU_WT7flzlSAd92K0QHpQJPAiUU9PtVtREht11zMjYFKv4B5Zt0GsQF/s4000/20230929_092842.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50zGoNTjgdL4job3SSqFtGLXznyPcgJdioojJsaJB15l4IkYNg0BNI1dC10xB1ClaI7cx6hEItsridc5sXNmP6q_xj9C6r63PHLQBod9hnb8zCpwGlnkM0n29w8IOyO3mhHthqcU_WT7flzlSAd92K0QHpQJPAiUU9PtVtREht11zMjYFKv4B5Zt0GsQF/w300-h400/20230929_092842.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MoQdfbT1EwyUD_vWHh3brh9zOk4mfsVPax0Dq2tBRfFxi4Af1bW-lkE54ns2Kmot-ssrADgkofUQHpTmEeSjC4sjL1wkanC_vWeA9pIRG7T12-FVx6302yAT7yIHEoW324oJc7mSJBJj_9CMG6Z5LxUuwg_hwvyb2aHVQAmK2a1kntfeop9WsUJGoVv8/s4000/20230929_093433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MoQdfbT1EwyUD_vWHh3brh9zOk4mfsVPax0Dq2tBRfFxi4Af1bW-lkE54ns2Kmot-ssrADgkofUQHpTmEeSjC4sjL1wkanC_vWeA9pIRG7T12-FVx6302yAT7yIHEoW324oJc7mSJBJj_9CMG6Z5LxUuwg_hwvyb2aHVQAmK2a1kntfeop9WsUJGoVv8/w400-h300/20230929_093433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The women's balcony<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTzCatAr5aas4nNEKxLPPLrk9YSkmX2bYGYn8GeUUcTGq32MSnmx15MSeLHBcGfuUFVlSKFyJVHoQml7ZnVWeH5ZsENY6JXMe_4VklSyx_nPzNdKJNtmI7VKV19sV8J-IpZoA0Mlw0Y9b0ynJ5fKYJUkPNB8oCmaEGicPkb6WhcKG1PqKAXhBrNLO_5-8/s4000/20230929_094123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTzCatAr5aas4nNEKxLPPLrk9YSkmX2bYGYn8GeUUcTGq32MSnmx15MSeLHBcGfuUFVlSKFyJVHoQml7ZnVWeH5ZsENY6JXMe_4VklSyx_nPzNdKJNtmI7VKV19sV8J-IpZoA0Mlw0Y9b0ynJ5fKYJUkPNB8oCmaEGicPkb6WhcKG1PqKAXhBrNLO_5-8/w300-h400/20230929_094123.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNE_vHiS_alkAYgYisICCfONPE8ZcTpuxdGozzRypb4GEFjbyLgepfN2NbSll-1a57tHDnq_18abAXXoorEss_QJ-Dn58BMbmKLNZUWOSCIrYMLi-1z8tQ6BN7QKP2tgkR_208gwL6pvXTLP4wzt16SqrYGC_uSFeMPr2i4uL9zEOR0uc6cWWCT7KEx2Z/s4000/20230929_094116.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNE_vHiS_alkAYgYisICCfONPE8ZcTpuxdGozzRypb4GEFjbyLgepfN2NbSll-1a57tHDnq_18abAXXoorEss_QJ-Dn58BMbmKLNZUWOSCIrYMLi-1z8tQ6BN7QKP2tgkR_208gwL6pvXTLP4wzt16SqrYGC_uSFeMPr2i4uL9zEOR0uc6cWWCT7KEx2Z/w300-h400/20230929_094116.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> The star of David on the doorway into a Mosque which is very unusual.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwGp1gt2Q3kZhAtFBJbDGIoinrokdRbXjeXP5aLLncr144SQYFFT1YB_mXDbtFxP6GeTVbFMGE1Ncr_Qd0yG8d4X7ghrsIwqQB2w-Sto37b_EabClHAetG8qKpcICSXoCnRhPDcMx6hD6qTSsBulNVgB-t2TdMGMwCW9xl05B2yppndjx5C5ijmiG44d2/s4000/1100270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwGp1gt2Q3kZhAtFBJbDGIoinrokdRbXjeXP5aLLncr144SQYFFT1YB_mXDbtFxP6GeTVbFMGE1Ncr_Qd0yG8d4X7ghrsIwqQB2w-Sto37b_EabClHAetG8qKpcICSXoCnRhPDcMx6hD6qTSsBulNVgB-t2TdMGMwCW9xl05B2yppndjx5C5ijmiG44d2/w300-h400/1100270.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We then walked along the promenade and crossed the bridge. Another very warm day. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3INk__l7XPV_EYZIENtk_4lKaWk9t6rd32GOEb3OTKwmlpEVv3Cp_kxst3uCx_L_aiWuHK1N7e9_47UIBNHTlJ0p95as4Ms1Drb8p9J4kC98DtjVGDMc46N731roXR4WNqX0X_pLF2hzdtkNSH8xxDMdqU0-NEX9df4t6iFuMpyhthZRT7auoDXb0McV/s4000/1100273.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3INk__l7XPV_EYZIENtk_4lKaWk9t6rd32GOEb3OTKwmlpEVv3Cp_kxst3uCx_L_aiWuHK1N7e9_47UIBNHTlJ0p95as4Ms1Drb8p9J4kC98DtjVGDMc46N731roXR4WNqX0X_pLF2hzdtkNSH8xxDMdqU0-NEX9df4t6iFuMpyhthZRT7auoDXb0McV/w400-h300/1100273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzDwC-KwdeFW_CMMXi7BjgBbIC4osibVvyDj-CPC45bq-BD9rU69tnoJg2KFlKLOstK7DPOsyJF8id_QEeJPjRx5W9L-5YvLXM86QFBiXiPt2wfDBYiGk-5aSyka6fQ7OeCC7t3Xb74zvdl1F0vTQEF7Q-y_wIMbNR9A7-XBKmlmPG3hX2gGB1ftMExhl/s4000/1100275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzDwC-KwdeFW_CMMXi7BjgBbIC4osibVvyDj-CPC45bq-BD9rU69tnoJg2KFlKLOstK7DPOsyJF8id_QEeJPjRx5W9L-5YvLXM86QFBiXiPt2wfDBYiGk-5aSyka6fQ7OeCC7t3Xb74zvdl1F0vTQEF7Q-y_wIMbNR9A7-XBKmlmPG3hX2gGB1ftMExhl/w400-h300/1100275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qdgtakcstwmVUlgQC_DtXjGGUCd1Rt9BFjRllB2QxaYd5s07IU5CkYgXZSTetR-z05ctEQF1lXEx3dT3aFKJYrYsWlMqNNUhLd3orQ2ye_tAdfrOooCIYUCS17ua5KiiTvG1_tnOEfW-UDVZlF-FZBRVtSq037gG3rRfA_NPVpPY_qbBoNxE4kciS6r2/s4000/1100283.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qdgtakcstwmVUlgQC_DtXjGGUCd1Rt9BFjRllB2QxaYd5s07IU5CkYgXZSTetR-z05ctEQF1lXEx3dT3aFKJYrYsWlMqNNUhLd3orQ2ye_tAdfrOooCIYUCS17ua5KiiTvG1_tnOEfW-UDVZlF-FZBRVtSq037gG3rRfA_NPVpPY_qbBoNxE4kciS6r2/w400-h300/1100283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Berat is known for its white Ottoman houses. This view of the town with all the windows gave rise to it being called the city of a thousand windows.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfN9VgTQcyyL_HXBO3gidlz8y0frCTxv3ANhe_8N4Z20rsRy26QgdHaesQdgoMThd2CWgXZNfCy4nxDCJvHEDf9Uorsd-N2tJZ103HJGHcB8bbhlQzE3gJpPPSaF18aO_hRVAN-I0xfFcrLRCj_k8K-T6X4tkN7adqa9O4FJFaVufOo23g7EOLKzDOebm/s4000/1100284.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfN9VgTQcyyL_HXBO3gidlz8y0frCTxv3ANhe_8N4Z20rsRy26QgdHaesQdgoMThd2CWgXZNfCy4nxDCJvHEDf9Uorsd-N2tJZ103HJGHcB8bbhlQzE3gJpPPSaF18aO_hRVAN-I0xfFcrLRCj_k8K-T6X4tkN7adqa9O4FJFaVufOo23g7EOLKzDOebm/w400-h300/1100284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcWha59d_rYPURNvrZ1yP57LFECyajByfmwh832XzlxV-YKGfZkEzKQ7ZJEkPY_OavfMUS6jDykTtGDyYzf4JFZYtaRdbfU2HbB5uWNyBZEfmEd4pqrGGKysqGmv0XoQ0IyVPHFGeagO4XLWzTJ3iWaAUpsbAMVflgGpChqQFZWdJVPzg64zU6owVYG0w/s4000/1100292.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcWha59d_rYPURNvrZ1yP57LFECyajByfmwh832XzlxV-YKGfZkEzKQ7ZJEkPY_OavfMUS6jDykTtGDyYzf4JFZYtaRdbfU2HbB5uWNyBZEfmEd4pqrGGKysqGmv0XoQ0IyVPHFGeagO4XLWzTJ3iWaAUpsbAMVflgGpChqQFZWdJVPzg64zU6owVYG0w/w400-h300/1100292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mr D was waiting in the coach to drive us to the top of the hill to see the castle. It was more of a citadel which had numerous churches and impressive views.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm-rGKnLK1EZfSus2arsfBIbZKi9sRYNWzN9hHttZhEwONzO4zDcfDXXB3XQLKLFlCRPvOhma6c1G3e9Llvl0n23ChPeRZRNA69KGTB9B0guK4F-y7PTzSps4HmLo8noKteaPPz4ME6BEMmGW3JCMh8H_B-D9tqSnWqeQHT6olJ1em0MhDQoLe1PMSUdM/s4000/20230929_133606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm-rGKnLK1EZfSus2arsfBIbZKi9sRYNWzN9hHttZhEwONzO4zDcfDXXB3XQLKLFlCRPvOhma6c1G3e9Llvl0n23ChPeRZRNA69KGTB9B0guK4F-y7PTzSps4HmLo8noKteaPPz4ME6BEMmGW3JCMh8H_B-D9tqSnWqeQHT6olJ1em0MhDQoLe1PMSUdM/w400-h300/20230929_133606.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgFqXjaIdMHELIL4kwAaOjKfNa7w7CTnzhp1OvdrAROiEA4BSmADwHsoFGz4IRepBtKKqmNtxyUaBwgDT-9ZGsLmma5c6-RzKaZ2xo3WgBXEzAUg219X7cFmcMr9056h2rpvwlR-xNQOKN9YVrjIvOucGOnCdEON6J2Zsz_Hiz_yORMuy5-e3l6cyL-EQ/s4000/20230929_122200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgFqXjaIdMHELIL4kwAaOjKfNa7w7CTnzhp1OvdrAROiEA4BSmADwHsoFGz4IRepBtKKqmNtxyUaBwgDT-9ZGsLmma5c6-RzKaZ2xo3WgBXEzAUg219X7cFmcMr9056h2rpvwlR-xNQOKN9YVrjIvOucGOnCdEON6J2Zsz_Hiz_yORMuy5-e3l6cyL-EQ/w400-h300/20230929_122200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8HWcIPoPhbcYstNS6UWpLO1_57_dH0pWhg0xgWtJrGEQXhyrt1vaQj-Z-bk5fjz3PRDIOolYXdLRzr_uJqsniIOawJFNn4D1K39Rf4JJQiLm-vecSmRQSsS1U7eClxo7vP_MycHrXleH7N41Bxdnn6PnMf6iv4OpHNx8O7Yq8wrWirfX5dxwTuQNPIa8/s4000/20230929_123153.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8HWcIPoPhbcYstNS6UWpLO1_57_dH0pWhg0xgWtJrGEQXhyrt1vaQj-Z-bk5fjz3PRDIOolYXdLRzr_uJqsniIOawJFNn4D1K39Rf4JJQiLm-vecSmRQSsS1U7eClxo7vP_MycHrXleH7N41Bxdnn6PnMf6iv4OpHNx8O7Yq8wrWirfX5dxwTuQNPIa8/w300-h400/20230929_123153.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>The citadel dates mainly from the 13th cent and contains a number of Byzantine churches and mosques.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvTHuiXe7iBpPFjXtc9gUfHZMjJVhL0eDeoxr2d4LhZLPr5eMlwlcDofLroC2GqY_eIGuTlO_dUwxeILeYUSkIsl9KKzfDa7qTX4B1kvQmg7yAoy9yj7oyPYeCzR88TO3-a8iirNRUW-C6qfxMoj4E3Ua7Rs_8w58ykpgXLGY5sNf-8I_QuahYc4zCJMI/s4000/1100308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvTHuiXe7iBpPFjXtc9gUfHZMjJVhL0eDeoxr2d4LhZLPr5eMlwlcDofLroC2GqY_eIGuTlO_dUwxeILeYUSkIsl9KKzfDa7qTX4B1kvQmg7yAoy9yj7oyPYeCzR88TO3-a8iirNRUW-C6qfxMoj4E3Ua7Rs_8w58ykpgXLGY5sNf-8I_QuahYc4zCJMI/w300-h400/1100308.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVh4Fu3_0xyF8ql6mCc_9CScvfkT4_bljAgpqGCNSoNT4N4q4EXDnhtbkhOR9FXd2lNjS_yXED7Zkvh5pyH5EgJOOxlZpTTDnga4daBeEg90fSJfIS5v02ICpf9PiQZ1Rw5Bw5tx2WG3wrT7i7jQgVYaGSFXCd0MlaBgAsEoEBAkH2Xp0hwo7hDKX_-uP/s4000/20230929_132112.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVh4Fu3_0xyF8ql6mCc_9CScvfkT4_bljAgpqGCNSoNT4N4q4EXDnhtbkhOR9FXd2lNjS_yXED7Zkvh5pyH5EgJOOxlZpTTDnga4daBeEg90fSJfIS5v02ICpf9PiQZ1Rw5Bw5tx2WG3wrT7i7jQgVYaGSFXCd0MlaBgAsEoEBAkH2Xp0hwo7hDKX_-uP/w300-h400/20230929_132112.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Again the frescoes were very impressive inside the churches.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyzjWJ7_AaMNldiXJnqaF_55dMvCyYlFL8jQMBAQc1hZ7r5Oq3Ux1UirzsQctrXNyZszUj0X8O_J8D0fqacnG-Kz8Ty8El0AuOS8b9vr7f2ad1QkBkaUq0giDaDRXNjDDv3an5wyINXfxe1qixouxCtspHp29BkEhFugXo0nbTeUoV19ThXCGYDy5LnIS/s4000/20230929_132126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyzjWJ7_AaMNldiXJnqaF_55dMvCyYlFL8jQMBAQc1hZ7r5Oq3Ux1UirzsQctrXNyZszUj0X8O_J8D0fqacnG-Kz8Ty8El0AuOS8b9vr7f2ad1QkBkaUq0giDaDRXNjDDv3an5wyINXfxe1qixouxCtspHp29BkEhFugXo0nbTeUoV19ThXCGYDy5LnIS/w400-h300/20230929_132126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGjpJllUubGiRdqulWt7RumzIt7kQqjKlTZKcYfQ-WHtX6ovzALygDmcd0TloSpGF_taYFXVeU5oH43nR4r7LF2FfleJl7B-GNZ4M4tHntMqmeimwPGvQoMsXDHezNe8nlM3qeyVWT1ya3RrAFVpCZAJ6Ps3Sl81JxTBWpP6WivdjdvTfm3tX8b3Izmf1/s4000/20230929_132546.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGjpJllUubGiRdqulWt7RumzIt7kQqjKlTZKcYfQ-WHtX6ovzALygDmcd0TloSpGF_taYFXVeU5oH43nR4r7LF2FfleJl7B-GNZ4M4tHntMqmeimwPGvQoMsXDHezNe8nlM3qeyVWT1ya3RrAFVpCZAJ6Ps3Sl81JxTBWpP6WivdjdvTfm3tX8b3Izmf1/w400-h300/20230929_132546.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We returned to the town and bought a cheese pastry from the local bakery which is a very popular snack here. It is made from what looks like filo pastry with cheese inside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLJJLQSasM_khG1keSdzx05ddeqtDVMNyFC6H0gNSfF-L_ACR0Nsw-wGSmPu4U8_PEyx5VdSEwqq0Qnp9gj_YYaxe5CS4RcYq0bM5ixoOufpSDPXpVtTiaGe33VeWu1RbqmG-qvoBxEUoFG1q58Xlx12gprJkQId4_XshHwo4UNtO-7d4G_C3K5WT7gGh/s4000/20230929_140631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLJJLQSasM_khG1keSdzx05ddeqtDVMNyFC6H0gNSfF-L_ACR0Nsw-wGSmPu4U8_PEyx5VdSEwqq0Qnp9gj_YYaxe5CS4RcYq0bM5ixoOufpSDPXpVtTiaGe33VeWu1RbqmG-qvoBxEUoFG1q58Xlx12gprJkQId4_XshHwo4UNtO-7d4G_C3K5WT7gGh/w300-h400/20230929_140631.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In most of the towns we have come across stray dogs. They were everywhere but they were all very placid and looked well fed. Those with a red tag in their ear meant they had been vaccinated. We saw them in the towns, villages, by the road side and even in the restaurants. I never saw people shooing them away only treating them kindly and affectionately.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Afterwards I went back to the hotel as my ankle was killing me with all the walking over cobbled streets. </span><span style="text-align: left;">After a rest M and C came over with a bottle of wine which we enjoyed on the balcony. The afternoon passed quickly.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">In the evening we sought out a small restaurant above a hotel which had been recommended. Really good food although the wine was a bit rough. He said it was home made but I think the waiter meant local. It was a red wine that had been well chilled!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXSYB-im6GNGZsweqqo8_pWHzGMaSnZYVCBtc6dX14SV5mii8iNU-zQiTZisVOdCeHrtkPxLNBfCwdv9MOxymxaRI2n7-fQv3nGqKSRsTg3foMZlIjAJISfedNmVPz8A9fOthAW9bN79RIAq0fFkKPg2NGWJYDe8xyEHGGcs_5LyUQZNjrhY5xeOGl5mI/s4000/20230929_212445.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXSYB-im6GNGZsweqqo8_pWHzGMaSnZYVCBtc6dX14SV5mii8iNU-zQiTZisVOdCeHrtkPxLNBfCwdv9MOxymxaRI2n7-fQv3nGqKSRsTg3foMZlIjAJISfedNmVPz8A9fOthAW9bN79RIAq0fFkKPg2NGWJYDe8xyEHGGcs_5LyUQZNjrhY5xeOGl5mI/w300-h400/20230929_212445.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>On the way back to the hotel we stopped to listen to a singer in the town square. Apparently she had represented Albania in the Eurovision song contest a few years ago. She was very popular with the locals who were all singing along and dancing. A great atmosphere.</div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-13271424961121266732023-10-30T17:53:00.000+00:002023-10-30T17:53:09.123+00:00Day 7 Berat, Albania<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTx_QDziGkqzWefULvBgRJChPcrc-rc8Yl1fVJ0O0LbkGrNABdWu_tjLvWG2KCHlCbv_Osrj3f342G5PhvODwyfpS8l1_RU0eb7_bWb9TppmnueA-BHedI0NAeHrXUmtxhPomCjHEbri2kb2qlPFGmQrghtMRuyG57y9ntBFz3Z1kG0GqJAeHFA3mEpYu/s4000/1100115.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTx_QDziGkqzWefULvBgRJChPcrc-rc8Yl1fVJ0O0LbkGrNABdWu_tjLvWG2KCHlCbv_Osrj3f342G5PhvODwyfpS8l1_RU0eb7_bWb9TppmnueA-BHedI0NAeHrXUmtxhPomCjHEbri2kb2qlPFGmQrghtMRuyG57y9ntBFz3Z1kG0GqJAeHFA3mEpYu/w400-h300/1100115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This morning we went for a walk up a steep path following Caesar's trail. A path he took on his way to defeat Pompey. Whether that is true or not doesn't matter as it was a delightful walk through the forest which cleared to give us some amazing views of the countryside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlVLKu-bPOb5d1nblznK_IhdxIEsuxbwIACqYx1PAUZOreQdmLUURI_2CidvL20CDFZpTsTh8XGmdkC7hKxIbpczkZ284kamqFiUDaz1mCKSQ5V2ojIJ0vE2CgjTTs4IAc09fYXdxQyM3Pc7zV8HFKO4L_gKy2mV-xtcTdcNqqgynyY1Achu34NGMsM23/s4000/1100123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlVLKu-bPOb5d1nblznK_IhdxIEsuxbwIACqYx1PAUZOreQdmLUURI_2CidvL20CDFZpTsTh8XGmdkC7hKxIbpczkZ284kamqFiUDaz1mCKSQ5V2ojIJ0vE2CgjTTs4IAc09fYXdxQyM3Pc7zV8HFKO4L_gKy2mV-xtcTdcNqqgynyY1Achu34NGMsM23/w300-h400/1100123.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu_WmcjHz78eaapViDrtH5KTwsXbWJzYXE848HLHveefkPEOknko61GRrcxWJQ3MI_W3MzAaC_4kO4kkEeKbykYldyM5KjBGU4JcqdD9CCLV06ejpdwzIWvv-qycGx9sWdc-qQjdiea8RrtJ9aC0EIvyySIpfE8RFDfdktG8BTDLfBe76TVJIK5nmlpwP/s4000/20230928_110512.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu_WmcjHz78eaapViDrtH5KTwsXbWJzYXE848HLHveefkPEOknko61GRrcxWJQ3MI_W3MzAaC_4kO4kkEeKbykYldyM5KjBGU4JcqdD9CCLV06ejpdwzIWvv-qycGx9sWdc-qQjdiea8RrtJ9aC0EIvyySIpfE8RFDfdktG8BTDLfBe76TVJIK5nmlpwP/w300-h400/20230928_110512.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNdCKRiLdNrezH_0uhUDzbhuWZ3KUdyrpYR3KFIWwLUta0Pbyq3624PBaI0UD_Bnn6FBSGeh-u4g5vKjyxLThk-UnOmTdyQyYv2XH7V4-HyUz-CCfzOasWikv7P3Elb9dxJHdY2UlPglVLHyoDmYjaICxAH6HWKR5rrn9VC_tsw8PE_dKyfcB36oC23_b/s4000/1100178.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNdCKRiLdNrezH_0uhUDzbhuWZ3KUdyrpYR3KFIWwLUta0Pbyq3624PBaI0UD_Bnn6FBSGeh-u4g5vKjyxLThk-UnOmTdyQyYv2XH7V4-HyUz-CCfzOasWikv7P3Elb9dxJHdY2UlPglVLHyoDmYjaICxAH6HWKR5rrn9VC_tsw8PE_dKyfcB36oC23_b/w400-h300/1100178.jpg" width="400" /></a>A conveniently placed hotel at the bottom of the hill made an ideal spot for a tea break before moving on to Apollonia.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBEL3nv0DfUm03m_fYYrZv7yu7j0-5-ioePhjxIim1C5Q57_5ccuPYKQmyPD6FvX8zUe5Szju4cpYzbdVtwL6garXql7u41InquItKP25M4bLYXVFUPZ4s1EGXSH5G33ZXlwc16W_0Q6-y8hf0kOs00JQWL0knoNo-73wrYRmhQoHjcqbk-fI2Cqsg8GN/s4000/1100179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBEL3nv0DfUm03m_fYYrZv7yu7j0-5-ioePhjxIim1C5Q57_5ccuPYKQmyPD6FvX8zUe5Szju4cpYzbdVtwL6garXql7u41InquItKP25M4bLYXVFUPZ4s1EGXSH5G33ZXlwc16W_0Q6-y8hf0kOs00JQWL0knoNo-73wrYRmhQoHjcqbk-fI2Cqsg8GN/w400-h300/1100179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Apollonia was originally occupied by Illyrian tribes and then Greeks around 6th cent BCE. Romans also settled here but that declined in the 3rd cent CE when the harbour silted up due to an earthquake.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsoAISoTALa2j9xOFvvkrTRQVZzK1zwlszDnbEC-NsT9xE4PJ5APUSZWOijJ3drPaOKKcaAekFYBLA9oqpYBh2HfV-MZj3QLHp0ce5jIrefpN9l4MGOxzeeJyMxSiW5ykp0ExRUGUG4OxL3fkVn_fCctVsZ-O1mTtAGruaK0ivmLAQIfdp9SmS9-mCN_X/s4000/1100198.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsoAISoTALa2j9xOFvvkrTRQVZzK1zwlszDnbEC-NsT9xE4PJ5APUSZWOijJ3drPaOKKcaAekFYBLA9oqpYBh2HfV-MZj3QLHp0ce5jIrefpN9l4MGOxzeeJyMxSiW5ykp0ExRUGUG4OxL3fkVn_fCctVsZ-O1mTtAGruaK0ivmLAQIfdp9SmS9-mCN_X/s320/1100198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Impressive museum. It is the first archeological museum in Albania. The site covers a large area but only a small section has so far been excavated.<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl5w8HXaHheqlmK8c8YqIVBrBpNBuiXaetGZ2sikIh2muKYVMq-ukxRtlYfQNnXHsyOc2pV5HqSmEqAeWB_ML_BGUj7QhkRz1Tc6J_RjU4E-UnJxurEb5Qgl3saAQvKhUEIosYfAjFXdXDWTY0XDzDT8bFRSuoyIy8WR6dvY-RadnhJhBlmlTORxR6DB_/s4000/1100175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl5w8HXaHheqlmK8c8YqIVBrBpNBuiXaetGZ2sikIh2muKYVMq-ukxRtlYfQNnXHsyOc2pV5HqSmEqAeWB_ML_BGUj7QhkRz1Tc6J_RjU4E-UnJxurEb5Qgl3saAQvKhUEIosYfAjFXdXDWTY0XDzDT8bFRSuoyIy8WR6dvY-RadnhJhBlmlTORxR6DB_/w300-h400/1100175.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Marble statue of female 2nd - 3rd cent AD<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncIN96tEUxCRa62sYpSRvK83RbVQazEFeowCtQA7DqayJywv0R99R_abMBDUCiIIQyT5jCjRRcIH_4wor4F5gBk5ggZ_jcHd-uTQysYMNTQICDj6w1sUHZWpYWtuJVNHNSWiQeIUZAcxypKCixDX2VraJezia64ATnGR0o28TfMqTlrq_SS1szlcVpiHi/s4000/1100169(0).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncIN96tEUxCRa62sYpSRvK83RbVQazEFeowCtQA7DqayJywv0R99R_abMBDUCiIIQyT5jCjRRcIH_4wor4F5gBk5ggZ_jcHd-uTQysYMNTQICDj6w1sUHZWpYWtuJVNHNSWiQeIUZAcxypKCixDX2VraJezia64ATnGR0o28TfMqTlrq_SS1szlcVpiHi/w300-h400/1100169(0).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lion found in front of a tomb 3rd - 2nd cent BCE<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIJCJq1HCxylp7cS-0mFHyLdnPZnHkWFqdL1q25C7MdkIDqBEDFoT6CeWvT6YxhwW6meuYDo2yTTdwAFMfPfKZJ_IDm5hQXKD8-_F6dk-FWX1jUBjBWsV0aCpU0oJtbwKDr2e6rWDx9aPiQibfSkAyLHF_yvZBnpuOB5qFvCiu6bwVCU7NCaz4c10K5ie/s4000/1100164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIJCJq1HCxylp7cS-0mFHyLdnPZnHkWFqdL1q25C7MdkIDqBEDFoT6CeWvT6YxhwW6meuYDo2yTTdwAFMfPfKZJ_IDm5hQXKD8-_F6dk-FWX1jUBjBWsV0aCpU0oJtbwKDr2e6rWDx9aPiQibfSkAyLHF_yvZBnpuOB5qFvCiu6bwVCU7NCaz4c10K5ie/w300-h400/1100164.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAva3eyAynk18OiI60yaP0oqgfpLXgXQc2LLdOR0qLKwAsFBzn6K7C6gZGO_qQ5d29NgmSzCkUAn73lee0TJitS7yEzPv9RAFKqRDqsfpj4nL-dgMjm5a2kkE638m8YCxex8o60PQRHCheU-rrbS0MAFOHCNEbyNU_HANtjGdqYAO9inwfXpiu_eg6JPQk/s4000/1100163.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAva3eyAynk18OiI60yaP0oqgfpLXgXQc2LLdOR0qLKwAsFBzn6K7C6gZGO_qQ5d29NgmSzCkUAn73lee0TJitS7yEzPv9RAFKqRDqsfpj4nL-dgMjm5a2kkE638m8YCxex8o60PQRHCheU-rrbS0MAFOHCNEbyNU_HANtjGdqYAO9inwfXpiu_eg6JPQk/w400-h300/1100163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzcAM37Gi4sUuPM-PThQn2mzwQLtb2c-4nxDIM27NN3E4Bf-LcHWZP9-25Ikw6d2of6YBi66bmRvXwa-tSZx2v-rPCOBeRLT4Zjdnkei3Fvz6RvJu4Jd41PjuXXA-2jeLLomBwUW3qEpV-_yon3Yp2W-7QhpPspXHjE1YKnSWVxQ1LIUKDmBbG6U1w27k/s4000/1100148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzcAM37Gi4sUuPM-PThQn2mzwQLtb2c-4nxDIM27NN3E4Bf-LcHWZP9-25Ikw6d2of6YBi66bmRvXwa-tSZx2v-rPCOBeRLT4Zjdnkei3Fvz6RvJu4Jd41PjuXXA-2jeLLomBwUW3qEpV-_yon3Yp2W-7QhpPspXHjE1YKnSWVxQ1LIUKDmBbG6U1w27k/w400-h300/1100148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The monastery and the church of St Mary dates back to the 13th century. The monastic complex is Byzantine and is built with recycled bricks and blocks from the ancient buildings of Apolonia. The church is the first of this type in Albania being in the shape of a cross with a central dome. In the front of the church is the refectory.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Knh-Td-IbB3TItWCh0acOh1JmZiblaO6xfQcgv4_Rx4IlCX7u3kyS1h5cQBBsjVdhM-bJhzhJhwkheYm9_kZqOtzLlKFmEI-_e2LC6Ax9Eh7Vihi96I8UB8xTyK_W3rebNz03qa1q-9sIwg15b9vvRBw1Q1nIhKGGID_C7yem0QQhoAXvSrngxl3iil/s4000/1100153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Knh-Td-IbB3TItWCh0acOh1JmZiblaO6xfQcgv4_Rx4IlCX7u3kyS1h5cQBBsjVdhM-bJhzhJhwkheYm9_kZqOtzLlKFmEI-_e2LC6Ax9Eh7Vihi96I8UB8xTyK_W3rebNz03qa1q-9sIwg15b9vvRBw1Q1nIhKGGID_C7yem0QQhoAXvSrngxl3iil/w300-h400/1100153.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZqVJSqq9RpZCYKtnGEFIh1T6HjozX67DfZOlzDlYH3HAzvQ0aGYfCoqH5ZqxFrzYhC-qsh17XzwSvLdnlmhEaTf5OTFuqaFGBPmK_jQ-vhyphenhyphenoP91LN7ZIYRjGnS9flCw1vwDlS0PRjaltjZCLlIKkRys-pOA7htxULzAlOteRQgqyA9zNJWnpB0d4I6VO/s4000/1100156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZqVJSqq9RpZCYKtnGEFIh1T6HjozX67DfZOlzDlYH3HAzvQ0aGYfCoqH5ZqxFrzYhC-qsh17XzwSvLdnlmhEaTf5OTFuqaFGBPmK_jQ-vhyphenhyphenoP91LN7ZIYRjGnS9flCw1vwDlS0PRjaltjZCLlIKkRys-pOA7htxULzAlOteRQgqyA9zNJWnpB0d4I6VO/w300-h400/1100156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In the corner of the church I could just about see a fresco above one of the pillars which dates from the 14th century.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippKcg097TlmBfwyIMunkBX7Z3YiK2JC6zkg7W1G_tFZSHbcyPbY2cimFHuvCr3_cTw99vTBEl9z9SKaVZvN_NB8Wwcg7Gj0RCB-OvdXvIR8U7lwJ4bOUFqrF1ob8P5ZNCuhWbI0CFs9w5Khpsf4uXlCiJtZE55M7sZh5GttftszYb5kXfl7cy_U29D-20/s4000/1100155.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippKcg097TlmBfwyIMunkBX7Z3YiK2JC6zkg7W1G_tFZSHbcyPbY2cimFHuvCr3_cTw99vTBEl9z9SKaVZvN_NB8Wwcg7Gj0RCB-OvdXvIR8U7lwJ4bOUFqrF1ob8P5ZNCuhWbI0CFs9w5Khpsf4uXlCiJtZE55M7sZh5GttftszYb5kXfl7cy_U29D-20/w300-h400/1100155.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5afNr58B5_tK6V5_x0n5xz4_0F-dWjgXRFB3nHTooOAHBmj7_26ZNV6IS-e6J1X2BRfpJ7AX74nmLj3gdSJa1329witXtHAc0Q74dbqS-FSJw8qBQ5_P12hMJ6XkEjrncFD3LmuKNkzuKxWZFxZf-fyjB2AI3AT8fO29awIDIbau6whC51-a4Ws767l1P/s4000/1100151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5afNr58B5_tK6V5_x0n5xz4_0F-dWjgXRFB3nHTooOAHBmj7_26ZNV6IS-e6J1X2BRfpJ7AX74nmLj3gdSJa1329witXtHAc0Q74dbqS-FSJw8qBQ5_P12hMJ6XkEjrncFD3LmuKNkzuKxWZFxZf-fyjB2AI3AT8fO29awIDIbau6whC51-a4Ws767l1P/w400-h300/1100151.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvXNxVHrmeKA0XSnktdug0VPHzkXVa-q7_R7-dazVlFMR4mW0mXpTHVaVouAADZeMearqgPNG3Xr0RYIFrNuHElYGGXDVRiiTyWxD9KXmSRr5ay91TKjEZSX2eTd62OKgP7b2Mrxm3MTsHfqydqeI2h2B2HTfANilFycdlROKnzgL4s_g7hwQmx_4sOH-/s4000/1100152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvXNxVHrmeKA0XSnktdug0VPHzkXVa-q7_R7-dazVlFMR4mW0mXpTHVaVouAADZeMearqgPNG3Xr0RYIFrNuHElYGGXDVRiiTyWxD9KXmSRr5ay91TKjEZSX2eTd62OKgP7b2Mrxm3MTsHfqydqeI2h2B2HTfANilFycdlROKnzgL4s_g7hwQmx_4sOH-/w400-h300/1100152.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnrIQau7VU-DwLD-upOQUbQ72dfxu90WmJVZ2z53zcUT26ppyrLvoxp3M9pY-LejHJKt_6GHZFUtFP6CHT2lYH1u0gGwkaXfxmzTJxZnJGekj736qGdZ2Hq-wCHdxQSXNp8VODr3-m1WrAL_Wovgg86F1CyXicKucVIu5QZcwcZ0EWtU3lMbCmC0Cbiyz/s4000/20230928_165630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnrIQau7VU-DwLD-upOQUbQ72dfxu90WmJVZ2z53zcUT26ppyrLvoxp3M9pY-LejHJKt_6GHZFUtFP6CHT2lYH1u0gGwkaXfxmzTJxZnJGekj736qGdZ2Hq-wCHdxQSXNp8VODr3-m1WrAL_Wovgg86F1CyXicKucVIu5QZcwcZ0EWtU3lMbCmC0Cbiyz/w300-h400/20230928_165630.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Another hour and a half in the bus and we arrived in the town of Berat where we will be spending two nights which will give us more free time than usual. It was a beautiful hotel and I was delighted with my room which had a balcony overlooking the main street. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpX2asX6AeArBlZEnBP-G5f6pSw26-Kxxovbkdlk1giOY2DFBsfhgJ3LbFA0Vqfl9oFvgW_83xRWTBerzBbH-xUXmWi4fLC6YDa008_FjMuI3r-ftqqjMcqVxcagnEQPJqePTVp02MAiTjssGP-qeFCyWfeqilEIM-EgmbWht_cq9c2JcuRoyX3LJ_vrb/s4000/20230928_165919.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpX2asX6AeArBlZEnBP-G5f6pSw26-Kxxovbkdlk1giOY2DFBsfhgJ3LbFA0Vqfl9oFvgW_83xRWTBerzBbH-xUXmWi4fLC6YDa008_FjMuI3r-ftqqjMcqVxcagnEQPJqePTVp02MAiTjssGP-qeFCyWfeqilEIM-EgmbWht_cq9c2JcuRoyX3LJ_vrb/w300-h400/20230928_165919.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0wSQsxTORyj5XGOSFYseOg40dMJVmw0kHUCuJx_2sSilQ1ks-c_w5lvfw9jv6tl7N-oJSPcmV6a4bUTUrlxfFB-fFbNXxwUGxiz4IKgnhlkW3pZxgrnuBp6v9XDQrmHA0-fk4zCU66c0g6vhBgb1Uo8OAvt_0VIpoA8YJozHaxoyjjX_UnGOq4ld6-lo/s4000/20230928_170923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0wSQsxTORyj5XGOSFYseOg40dMJVmw0kHUCuJx_2sSilQ1ks-c_w5lvfw9jv6tl7N-oJSPcmV6a4bUTUrlxfFB-fFbNXxwUGxiz4IKgnhlkW3pZxgrnuBp6v9XDQrmHA0-fk4zCU66c0g6vhBgb1Uo8OAvt_0VIpoA8YJozHaxoyjjX_UnGOq4ld6-lo/w300-h400/20230928_170923.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>My room was the only one with a balcony, giving me great views into the town. It turned out to be a real joy as m and C joined me for a glass or two of wine in the evenings giving us a great opportunity for people watching.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcfCmpb5cfvQCuX5_WLfN6N6WJ6OXhmfYudSygug4DTnF6ejeXaGPz5u7j6jSENbD-KO_eMbMfnQY-ZuTGY-PqbZTp1RAvd8S4Ng8-WWt9JZyxMwhOdvvykfsMrSzZXJZ5dPtjI0HOvpP2UkqJEYpxN8XH1ngqJzBfcfwOuGkjk0jooxOcaC4PVYQvqCj/s4000/20230928_170805.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcfCmpb5cfvQCuX5_WLfN6N6WJ6OXhmfYudSygug4DTnF6ejeXaGPz5u7j6jSENbD-KO_eMbMfnQY-ZuTGY-PqbZTp1RAvd8S4Ng8-WWt9JZyxMwhOdvvykfsMrSzZXJZ5dPtjI0HOvpP2UkqJEYpxN8XH1ngqJzBfcfwOuGkjk0jooxOcaC4PVYQvqCj/w400-h300/20230928_170805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfa7sSCf_VSMp8WA1PCfaDWJzWox6_ngW_gyowJXx6khXU0qW0WhTgrfoLAW0qFHOYGmVAvCYj3hR0ZphuwX5TunJNMbxPJdlOmis1Yl1syZwlY6O7C1hR_L8x1K-eArnzOR2F_bnbNBJ5SkPsjcW2nbgPhFkPBKjktEYoGrSSpEhO1xJk9CTpjJb49Jp/s4000/20230928_185026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfa7sSCf_VSMp8WA1PCfaDWJzWox6_ngW_gyowJXx6khXU0qW0WhTgrfoLAW0qFHOYGmVAvCYj3hR0ZphuwX5TunJNMbxPJdlOmis1Yl1syZwlY6O7C1hR_L8x1K-eArnzOR2F_bnbNBJ5SkPsjcW2nbgPhFkPBKjktEYoGrSSpEhO1xJk9CTpjJb49Jp/w300-h400/20230928_185026.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>In the evening we visited a local restaurant of which there were many. We were given a table overlooking the pedestrian bridge which looked beautiful as it was all lit up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQo302xfPbdk9IhHEJph1h2jL752F4ZZ7qPZwidTRhKHbEzwHkkoOlZ7xDRHTlR-TlrryJB5cVVcG5e47tUn37yCAP5p6G3B2_HeKzhQhCzCDlEG2LWYFXcS9WfarAsgmtmz3OUW_b1JO8NZ_H7dbeH23bJvm03lysvf_t7TFrZllN-BOF7G7f8uWa1xl/s4000/20230928_185226.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQo302xfPbdk9IhHEJph1h2jL752F4ZZ7qPZwidTRhKHbEzwHkkoOlZ7xDRHTlR-TlrryJB5cVVcG5e47tUn37yCAP5p6G3B2_HeKzhQhCzCDlEG2LWYFXcS9WfarAsgmtmz3OUW_b1JO8NZ_H7dbeH23bJvm03lysvf_t7TFrZllN-BOF7G7f8uWa1xl/w400-h300/20230928_185226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The food was excellent which we have have now come to expect. Afterwards we joined the locals for a walk along the promenade by the river. Lots of families were doing the same. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-91196039468740489652023-10-27T09:39:00.003+01:002023-10-27T09:39:25.397+01:00Day 6: Llegora National Park, Albania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFumWYtFoV57-Fg6c7PwlkbQmtiqPNBCtc_opI5DpdXnsGfuCMk4Ay_1sNCcGA3rT_9eONyMG1XeTfZSsqKWJm6Zs3a9w294NJixwCWfvWirZ2T5B1-GkzR1tfp7dCQESlwRaB2JsRw-u3hBYbc-d1yRUc0RbeA7QtOR97TOd1kg6FtuYVj7badAhf8Gzx/s4000/20230927_082920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFumWYtFoV57-Fg6c7PwlkbQmtiqPNBCtc_opI5DpdXnsGfuCMk4Ay_1sNCcGA3rT_9eONyMG1XeTfZSsqKWJm6Zs3a9w294NJixwCWfvWirZ2T5B1-GkzR1tfp7dCQESlwRaB2JsRw-u3hBYbc-d1yRUc0RbeA7QtOR97TOd1kg6FtuYVj7badAhf8Gzx/w400-h300/20230927_082920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We had a short walk from the hotel Gjirokastro in to where the bus was parked but the views were spectacular.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf-IQLbVP9EGac48o1wBIndWQwd6xS1z7Teqk1-zD20WSgVGYDqcutzLL6H6yBgM8mf-JBkeHiYYej6Af_mSUSAjaY5O9IRU9I-QiuhotGybfp7ytQ0pyP6LBvNiFuTl_8amCu9u2R1BCrdyaaAYJsT63QWPnb3PR2pH8gGcWf73SJJqKnc2oIfr-O7fK/s4000/20230927_083037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf-IQLbVP9EGac48o1wBIndWQwd6xS1z7Teqk1-zD20WSgVGYDqcutzLL6H6yBgM8mf-JBkeHiYYej6Af_mSUSAjaY5O9IRU9I-QiuhotGybfp7ytQ0pyP6LBvNiFuTl_8amCu9u2R1BCrdyaaAYJsT63QWPnb3PR2pH8gGcWf73SJJqKnc2oIfr-O7fK/w400-h300/20230927_083037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Many buildings had a couple of solar panels on the roof which were used to heat the water.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLnI937p6HwTJXrsezA77EF7YPx6YmVrq5ShoKYOTJsphlFu-O1eleFVQy4RgrZuY-dxNiGP3-U3fYs2ZIuJMjsXV5T7F92zJ-r4SH3n-zqPYEygzvoP9mxv35OUaMF8ie4HoNAvy2zFIm5yvL7h-iplsmaUscZc-Hegl40TYJ9cPDQvVa3_V2ypGR18m/s4000/20230927_110123.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLnI937p6HwTJXrsezA77EF7YPx6YmVrq5ShoKYOTJsphlFu-O1eleFVQy4RgrZuY-dxNiGP3-U3fYs2ZIuJMjsXV5T7F92zJ-r4SH3n-zqPYEygzvoP9mxv35OUaMF8ie4HoNAvy2zFIm5yvL7h-iplsmaUscZc-Hegl40TYJ9cPDQvVa3_V2ypGR18m/w400-h300/20230927_110123.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">We were on the road by 8.30am with a couple of hours drive to the World heritage Site of Butrint national Park. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Butrint was an ancient port on the Mediterranean. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The area was developed from the C4th BCE when it became home to a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine where worshippers then flocked to be healed. The city expanded during the Roman period but fell into decline after an earthquake and was abandoned towards the end of the Middle Ages. The site has archaeological remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman cultures and civilisations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ITMTvIZ7nklf1whmeF3_nuUkO1Dn-t5nxUXva_JIoLogtFHVd-leOjHriupK5CEbp4CNpscFjH19U-Ds1ESvplVgQhAjrf3LeXG7B8NHSeQMjQ4L4OW5qI734zgEWTlhoWkHYIQydmcXWE3wbIcGD37Nkevvs3_D4dyUpfSObPzCZlBVVH12OHTwwXIj/s4000/1100064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ITMTvIZ7nklf1whmeF3_nuUkO1Dn-t5nxUXva_JIoLogtFHVd-leOjHriupK5CEbp4CNpscFjH19U-Ds1ESvplVgQhAjrf3LeXG7B8NHSeQMjQ4L4OW5qI734zgEWTlhoWkHYIQydmcXWE3wbIcGD37Nkevvs3_D4dyUpfSObPzCZlBVVH12OHTwwXIj/w300-h400/1100064.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A Venetian tower built in the 15th and 16th century.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09w7yejF9_0Tqdesv2rHwIRcCoxftb_FX4fTpKHzjNQ22UriFP-sZHOGZMQ9nObTFc6Zit-dkLVUJ3_r-nKdaRh74GECvHHTHIE-ZNSjtTmrd9c0Wy_UNUUoki7VmTdvJwT2AUMjZ0U2pQaoP72aUX92lcB4lEZoSDEf_0iaNzyh3yauSIIOb-IiFDZJS/s4000/1100065.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09w7yejF9_0Tqdesv2rHwIRcCoxftb_FX4fTpKHzjNQ22UriFP-sZHOGZMQ9nObTFc6Zit-dkLVUJ3_r-nKdaRh74GECvHHTHIE-ZNSjtTmrd9c0Wy_UNUUoki7VmTdvJwT2AUMjZ0U2pQaoP72aUX92lcB4lEZoSDEf_0iaNzyh3yauSIIOb-IiFDZJS/w400-h300/1100065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The site of a large Roman Villa<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlJ2AiZkpQsZn5MpW_2y0ND_ASH6Eo89cF4kJL44COg4viFun-jJqkSzmKsoGJXzrfNy0EJ2J-7ECxxKQTDIIvr4B88XVIRDF8_vLgYMF0-7F5cKBP_uaQhjbVi7wBNPxYmc24ISB4k_bSDkTFiBQ4KU0TiXe7HLZssQbyRQpNWdKyd7Ei5Z82SU7wu5F/s4000/1100066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlJ2AiZkpQsZn5MpW_2y0ND_ASH6Eo89cF4kJL44COg4viFun-jJqkSzmKsoGJXzrfNy0EJ2J-7ECxxKQTDIIvr4B88XVIRDF8_vLgYMF0-7F5cKBP_uaQhjbVi7wBNPxYmc24ISB4k_bSDkTFiBQ4KU0TiXe7HLZssQbyRQpNWdKyd7Ei5Z82SU7wu5F/w400-h300/1100066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsvcqlBr8KSBOktFkYo9xgNCQ9-UltqEkKl6BwNr-GNZKLoarrbRIpsojbQp9XaTxx9HWHYg_EU7pbFx2ap1c_cK3w_DXJZLNBrPW8Fyhea5nRUKvS1dhERwuQeJtql5K-5k2LkpAhU7uORKOl8uHOAwSz1MzRzWtxZtcoTgUUmgzCLoPg1nhzjH2JM1G/s4000/1100067.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsvcqlBr8KSBOktFkYo9xgNCQ9-UltqEkKl6BwNr-GNZKLoarrbRIpsojbQp9XaTxx9HWHYg_EU7pbFx2ap1c_cK3w_DXJZLNBrPW8Fyhea5nRUKvS1dhERwuQeJtql5K-5k2LkpAhU7uORKOl8uHOAwSz1MzRzWtxZtcoTgUUmgzCLoPg1nhzjH2JM1G/w400-h300/1100067.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR-uksriydaIj4fLivVjtZc2JKwjwrzazkNl0A5eoLPUiAycDLMjnKcMMiinkRVYfO4aYE7szsJM8SRardXgef84wV4gkPRKtUlACecnCVMYDTfK8R_KFrIrbtwwC0nefFzqnibt2Uv9_UDY3eDYf8Fcf8rxHwdJjBXcaesaDtrtubxgMGyT_tsT0PtZ2/s4000/1100068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR-uksriydaIj4fLivVjtZc2JKwjwrzazkNl0A5eoLPUiAycDLMjnKcMMiinkRVYfO4aYE7szsJM8SRardXgef84wV4gkPRKtUlACecnCVMYDTfK8R_KFrIrbtwwC0nefFzqnibt2Uv9_UDY3eDYf8Fcf8rxHwdJjBXcaesaDtrtubxgMGyT_tsT0PtZ2/w300-h400/1100068.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCh42lBNWwGw2wOhr3kp7nTqdi4xZbF9LwGvRvQRUCdb3xWXfeSxkCazdyTcZ95lw28h03YB61iDcMoHm4Jz2v1KDB-5J9caq-vFIVWPgyJxwSxcKQvGw9CQ7a-wanUzCzooFQUppNL7kdMtJrMvKaLpYq_ysLIqQIWaXyhMFF9uGXpDkHf1ra5n1FEu_/s4000/1100070.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCh42lBNWwGw2wOhr3kp7nTqdi4xZbF9LwGvRvQRUCdb3xWXfeSxkCazdyTcZ95lw28h03YB61iDcMoHm4Jz2v1KDB-5J9caq-vFIVWPgyJxwSxcKQvGw9CQ7a-wanUzCzooFQUppNL7kdMtJrMvKaLpYq_ysLIqQIWaXyhMFF9uGXpDkHf1ra5n1FEu_/w400-h300/1100070.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgorJoh81oXQqk5F0cYQIdhafhyphenhyphenxy3WEnDsw3FdhxSsjjCUrgezpi472Gb3hXb0QVZbAuPNJbR0ZZHBV6kRE0806WghFRTBAMEuQ2Dgew7dfiaIEgE32IXgP8aJmzexuyheliLMFTRY9rxVESCGHrRAVWaDtyf_lRyxMJLxZKcMrGI67zS6-iSk5Woz7X/s4000/1100074(0).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgorJoh81oXQqk5F0cYQIdhafhyphenhyphenxy3WEnDsw3FdhxSsjjCUrgezpi472Gb3hXb0QVZbAuPNJbR0ZZHBV6kRE0806WghFRTBAMEuQ2Dgew7dfiaIEgE32IXgP8aJmzexuyheliLMFTRY9rxVESCGHrRAVWaDtyf_lRyxMJLxZKcMrGI67zS6-iSk5Woz7X/w300-h400/1100074(0).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Great Basilica, the church of the bishop built in the 6th century AD.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu6v3JwIqM7NuMEcf4ETp_s3rlMI3bNYaCCbsHl7nimtzaZwlVeAjD9ol-YFBMVZjOklhsl9VzaAarRCi1p7qk5kJ0BHkrgWTvEpQ95101K3dPZaMQHII1osLSQQi1pDIABZJUHShTC1_2o4UE-VkZrUfat2vG9b2XNVx05UFsUC6NUQZbT6KAPSJnTSq/s4000/1100075(0).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu6v3JwIqM7NuMEcf4ETp_s3rlMI3bNYaCCbsHl7nimtzaZwlVeAjD9ol-YFBMVZjOklhsl9VzaAarRCi1p7qk5kJ0BHkrgWTvEpQ95101K3dPZaMQHII1osLSQQi1pDIABZJUHShTC1_2o4UE-VkZrUfat2vG9b2XNVx05UFsUC6NUQZbT6KAPSJnTSq/w400-h300/1100075(0).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROXPR9RxLo3d9HKfPG72IZzjOQGOTqz3kDhdPkbnqLYBV1dnTB5qShqhyphenhyphenU8VaWOFtunT8_D7cZDuYkbxosPemeoU6HEFE9YImjE8A7piax2nwqDefODASSJxuDSxCtkPX1pgwKiny85QfPnqOUB2H2WBU9ZxGQqeo_e6DWnmvtM31hW0AnM7h01hvQR8S/s4000/1100076.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROXPR9RxLo3d9HKfPG72IZzjOQGOTqz3kDhdPkbnqLYBV1dnTB5qShqhyphenhyphenU8VaWOFtunT8_D7cZDuYkbxosPemeoU6HEFE9YImjE8A7piax2nwqDefODASSJxuDSxCtkPX1pgwKiny85QfPnqOUB2H2WBU9ZxGQqeo_e6DWnmvtM31hW0AnM7h01hvQR8S/w300-h400/1100076.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBkOJ_lkXc8xlHSOdw3hAXlW8YH4Lq3MmkbGFFUDW0WUEygOySILbJnm6KCKFeT7BZdALCyV7Xwd9K3VOfqH5AP_2jO-_HZJC2zdJtAyph00noSa-TowWZEtegeSdSGzcNToHWG5NjkdX_2FdzoCI6_Xv5QFM98vZVLSIEbub7RRCoTdJcVFAPpnX3jZp/s4000/1100077.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBkOJ_lkXc8xlHSOdw3hAXlW8YH4Lq3MmkbGFFUDW0WUEygOySILbJnm6KCKFeT7BZdALCyV7Xwd9K3VOfqH5AP_2jO-_HZJC2zdJtAyph00noSa-TowWZEtegeSdSGzcNToHWG5NjkdX_2FdzoCI6_Xv5QFM98vZVLSIEbub7RRCoTdJcVFAPpnX3jZp/w300-h400/1100077.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is the Lion Gate which takes its name from the relief depicting a lion devouring the head of a bull positioned above the entrance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A-z_U2nDTLWR7ZWCLJXvYn9syK9L7xYn4tTLZ4oOo7hzYMnyqyQ9PBaAeldxBYYaSVK44dzoB-qDMazzJP4F5p84YyhvsVQS1_mMOBx-PDQIaiaHamU0F0JxN44RpCus8kWmKUKu0fL_QSK691GjdVxz54ParQX1yUced1nis6gaJqf4zA9H9CeLXA_V/s4000/1100078.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A-z_U2nDTLWR7ZWCLJXvYn9syK9L7xYn4tTLZ4oOo7hzYMnyqyQ9PBaAeldxBYYaSVK44dzoB-qDMazzJP4F5p84YyhvsVQS1_mMOBx-PDQIaiaHamU0F0JxN44RpCus8kWmKUKu0fL_QSK691GjdVxz54ParQX1yUced1nis6gaJqf4zA9H9CeLXA_V/w300-h400/1100078.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>From there we went to the coastal town of Saranda where we had lunch overlooking the sea. Afterwards we had a refreshing swim in the Adriatic. The rest of the afternoon was spent driving to the Llogora National Park where we were spending the night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTA-RFEeH-7SrqFhv3cZJAorRwYiKUUjlJzc3xP5jyb2KyrP4B2s7MdZ5RAl8dA2Xb5_y7-LdiID3LsKNTrmXMFSxJj0Q8qPBwAk5HvTIFOhO7kf4euJvuVy6m6qKqIuboA1vugWSA8QjS0aTZGg-WWsGZ6i-ngMimVkFxghgqh3UE_ky0w6LZ2SOt4NT/s4000/1100084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTA-RFEeH-7SrqFhv3cZJAorRwYiKUUjlJzc3xP5jyb2KyrP4B2s7MdZ5RAl8dA2Xb5_y7-LdiID3LsKNTrmXMFSxJj0Q8qPBwAk5HvTIFOhO7kf4euJvuVy6m6qKqIuboA1vugWSA8QjS0aTZGg-WWsGZ6i-ngMimVkFxghgqh3UE_ky0w6LZ2SOt4NT/w400-h300/1100084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>From this part of the Albanian coastline you could see the Greek Island of Corfu.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TJ-cnZMEjYsIts1-4Q73bhxbNnwXY8cmrEF7Jmc7KbgqeUBpCm7B_TuDJUvtV44uoUw5QyErtVqWLUViAKVARMaIMgL4DF5OeIrWZlsgH2e1ClPtFBJ5DoXKZ_Yrm5x2NVnO67szLHPe4_HU7UBfKabad9i_QsgUnAcaAg2DrvtiNAl_RX_9YdWfkNux/s4000/1100086.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TJ-cnZMEjYsIts1-4Q73bhxbNnwXY8cmrEF7Jmc7KbgqeUBpCm7B_TuDJUvtV44uoUw5QyErtVqWLUViAKVARMaIMgL4DF5OeIrWZlsgH2e1ClPtFBJ5DoXKZ_Yrm5x2NVnO67szLHPe4_HU7UBfKabad9i_QsgUnAcaAg2DrvtiNAl_RX_9YdWfkNux/w400-h300/1100086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The route then took us away from the coast and up into the mountains.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS47t-FsHdUccj_rR-g_ZQFbsg_daGOp8Oqh9Te413QXaJdnznRy5DXt56u3tsiFMo8j-P7NpCA2pGCN_wrK4Jce4BOSzv2IrdLBAhMlNB-yCdWWhyeSeG78SRDnPOQThNeqevZ1iNr8_nqnQwqVQ2-TSLMTeJVPn69GSxFNsBN87_jJhIDNk0ng7SruDG/s4000/20230927_180222.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS47t-FsHdUccj_rR-g_ZQFbsg_daGOp8Oqh9Te413QXaJdnznRy5DXt56u3tsiFMo8j-P7NpCA2pGCN_wrK4Jce4BOSzv2IrdLBAhMlNB-yCdWWhyeSeG78SRDnPOQThNeqevZ1iNr8_nqnQwqVQ2-TSLMTeJVPn69GSxFNsBN87_jJhIDNk0ng7SruDG/w300-h400/20230927_180222.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>There were so many hairpin bends I was glad I wasn't driving.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIgVBWgkRM1m0RHJd9f4_DKqRbyKvdgJOPrtbtaYyxYfWFGFDEc8BtedMD4Xux4PIpVlgNhSF-2VtsBpAmBppu7m5cMLUo5z5FvX6sP09-3bDW-FPyxBXQWVM9bRGob67WJZbt4Nw1oucYDlGu3WCWYEujqhKaPKef7mBIyly1poQrYynKzX15kFdb54c/s4000/1100108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIgVBWgkRM1m0RHJd9f4_DKqRbyKvdgJOPrtbtaYyxYfWFGFDEc8BtedMD4Xux4PIpVlgNhSF-2VtsBpAmBppu7m5cMLUo5z5FvX6sP09-3bDW-FPyxBXQWVM9bRGob67WJZbt4Nw1oucYDlGu3WCWYEujqhKaPKef7mBIyly1poQrYynKzX15kFdb54c/w400-h300/1100108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p>The hotel was in the middle of the park. As well as the hotel rooms it had a number of lodges. </p></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43RyuqDbn2FsA1Kf5W8skhQOCKKWNt2k8QXPcI6fmy2OURL327QWeEO_BG_BcF5eHTXsrP64G4l8KkZJY0hPueyCO5NiInAWYP41IyUJ1TlIKjk5Fi1dTBG6j8THMdezNhRbKSnkcoXavTUWnxjNpBSsGKM5xJuW0yTdPpipz3_4LLh1Ur5g4K_rzso1z/s4000/1100107.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43RyuqDbn2FsA1Kf5W8skhQOCKKWNt2k8QXPcI6fmy2OURL327QWeEO_BG_BcF5eHTXsrP64G4l8KkZJY0hPueyCO5NiInAWYP41IyUJ1TlIKjk5Fi1dTBG6j8THMdezNhRbKSnkcoXavTUWnxjNpBSsGKM5xJuW0yTdPpipz3_4LLh1Ur5g4K_rzso1z/w400-h300/1100107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The hotel had a very good swimming pool which I made use of as soon as we arrived as it wouldn't be open before we left in the morning. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy7o23QGbjuGfLMn683azh0vb_Sz4Q05S-WGYBQ1f58Cit-yabIqywV9o4hQ35a4fUV-4vVJknNeAFGsMp9JCZ2THy6GDPXCi7te40H8Xe8_WXnLD7-hvjajv3hZ8LNQWxzjkrNdVM1DgP2u6k_9lItZpIfB1Ihh-S3HlPy8jWOU3AKpR78YN8gd9LKoC/s4000/1100114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy7o23QGbjuGfLMn683azh0vb_Sz4Q05S-WGYBQ1f58Cit-yabIqywV9o4hQ35a4fUV-4vVJknNeAFGsMp9JCZ2THy6GDPXCi7te40H8Xe8_WXnLD7-hvjajv3hZ8LNQWxzjkrNdVM1DgP2u6k_9lItZpIfB1Ihh-S3HlPy8jWOU3AKpR78YN8gd9LKoC/w400-h300/1100114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As we were leaving the next day we could see lots of deer wandering around the hotel.</div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-40404128406618908412023-10-22T08:12:00.002+01:002023-10-22T08:12:21.862+01:00Day 5 Gjirokastra, Albania<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVCu4L0BSaMyXCNGDUq298sNRjMHJ-y6_ea0gbUJ2QhwYUrLruKvdsnNL_30Ov1I3gjrr0bmbksN_O40zk6yBQcbF1a9nGyW8sFn3EM49cbHdPPkBLV9AzMGeepVUyRerJPjuE4VuAfZOnPKco8-23kDExKVuBSewPnE9FDb4PN7hHSxl4PTEu3UDuqJ9/s4000/20230926_072404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVCu4L0BSaMyXCNGDUq298sNRjMHJ-y6_ea0gbUJ2QhwYUrLruKvdsnNL_30Ov1I3gjrr0bmbksN_O40zk6yBQcbF1a9nGyW8sFn3EM49cbHdPPkBLV9AzMGeepVUyRerJPjuE4VuAfZOnPKco8-23kDExKVuBSewPnE9FDb4PN7hHSxl4PTEu3UDuqJ9/w400-h300/20230926_072404.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>We had a very busy day ahead of us and although it had stopped raining, it was still too cloudy to take advantage of the view from my lovely hotel room.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFFFfIWldsXKu8KEYN-rr7cvdbnu_xGYDb6sIPM2XxqiKSjTZHIbfpvMoqGPgRGZlNSSYUgPzIvMPbjyfLi85H3w3k0DBWZoqwEAyvqhirx_9jIsmheB2CaDMCEikRtHbfwwYGNeshl40ELPMfba1wooM7_CXcYTUWFtXvdpvdRM4fSHSjuL4pEIZrOt_/s4000/1090996.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFFFfIWldsXKu8KEYN-rr7cvdbnu_xGYDb6sIPM2XxqiKSjTZHIbfpvMoqGPgRGZlNSSYUgPzIvMPbjyfLi85H3w3k0DBWZoqwEAyvqhirx_9jIsmheB2CaDMCEikRtHbfwwYGNeshl40ELPMfba1wooM7_CXcYTUWFtXvdpvdRM4fSHSjuL4pEIZrOt_/w400-h300/1090996.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Anyway, our first visit this morning was through the old communist industrial area of the town where some of the factories are still being used by co-operatives. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEvy_DSaoj9Y51b5TWCY1mOz3DbEckhehZnuwzpxk60YPFx_3bRpm3lY7sYEKLyOceMYuJmHR6VoZYCtafocBlYrIoOPyncxtB99-0k-KCBrGt3YmgujP2EjHvs5Qq7vpjvjJCQyqicmpXDiY6LDUfq933-7ndilLp2IifkXU2JKFdPQ0sjbiX6Py8vZ6/s4000/1090999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEvy_DSaoj9Y51b5TWCY1mOz3DbEckhehZnuwzpxk60YPFx_3bRpm3lY7sYEKLyOceMYuJmHR6VoZYCtafocBlYrIoOPyncxtB99-0k-KCBrGt3YmgujP2EjHvs5Qq7vpjvjJCQyqicmpXDiY6LDUfq933-7ndilLp2IifkXU2JKFdPQ0sjbiX6Py8vZ6/w400-h300/1090999.jpg" width="400" /></a> Our guide told us this was a pasta making factory and is still in use. being so close to Italy, pasta featured on many menus.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbi1dXj1WbMDGb9t1tW8_3cGhfrWaLXBzqXBdlWbofCJzOSktM98Ejru97kprFKHZq0QGbsSW0ucVhk7c5JnSHIsKlLvhIeYWJhpWs8BZ1GIsESRrOGJI1TRSMa3Xv-C_Egp_b0HRgr4P2W7Opq7S1-TBEUsIBTBAimRqxYV8Axd8AuIIxu9bNBJIWxz6/s4000/1100007.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbi1dXj1WbMDGb9t1tW8_3cGhfrWaLXBzqXBdlWbofCJzOSktM98Ejru97kprFKHZq0QGbsSW0ucVhk7c5JnSHIsKlLvhIeYWJhpWs8BZ1GIsESRrOGJI1TRSMa3Xv-C_Egp_b0HRgr4P2W7Opq7S1-TBEUsIBTBAimRqxYV8Axd8AuIIxu9bNBJIWxz6/s320/1100007.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p>We visited a jam making industry. They only use local produce that is in season, which is all you will get in the restaurants as they do not import fruit and veg from around the world unlike we do in the UK. Hence the food is so fresh and delicious here. They were in between seasons at the factory. All the soft fruits had finished and they were now awaiting the oranges as their next main crop.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8N2jzHvOLaN7GjYLXN77FVNcajdN7jvFdonNN2_UObKZQoyN8uFLjWALore4Ch7v0Vq5Fk5NODIuBLnuQrg8CmAvGZncJ8OCV7jwCYv0m7LQMYKY2vCj9TX3MxVu57ozTfYUs_fk_TY8bn5T53dK_JW7GboXrv0yokqLGcNJY1HwcnI0PTMtpudyff3s/s4000/1100004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8N2jzHvOLaN7GjYLXN77FVNcajdN7jvFdonNN2_UObKZQoyN8uFLjWALore4Ch7v0Vq5Fk5NODIuBLnuQrg8CmAvGZncJ8OCV7jwCYv0m7LQMYKY2vCj9TX3MxVu57ozTfYUs_fk_TY8bn5T53dK_JW7GboXrv0yokqLGcNJY1HwcnI0PTMtpudyff3s/s320/1100004.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>There were vats of figs and walnuts which were being softened, soon to be turned into jams. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrgLiyonCXttl1B8aNv0WxPLyk_Um_6loZlUeilmnmy4Tnd-FSsTOAwvP7-L8Fho_H-6sOQqX0KYg8nkdlYzhyphenhyphenAEBB6vySl63siD210QU_43am0FbcYu07BNefSV3k2qIbvVo_7FUlKuvmxTMzjYtYy77-kwYb5ELQcBlY4fEzBMdp6DVk0l9Iv1Ae3cW/s4000/1100011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrgLiyonCXttl1B8aNv0WxPLyk_Um_6loZlUeilmnmy4Tnd-FSsTOAwvP7-L8Fho_H-6sOQqX0KYg8nkdlYzhyphenhyphenAEBB6vySl63siD210QU_43am0FbcYu07BNefSV3k2qIbvVo_7FUlKuvmxTMzjYtYy77-kwYb5ELQcBlY4fEzBMdp6DVk0l9Iv1Ae3cW/w400-h300/1100011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We tasted fig, walnut, cherry, watermelon, quince and even grape jams. All of which were delicious.</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESW4GkfTBUElBwHAljeI9A3MefEDQmPxisJu-lz56a03UfH8uLAaYvneodsgudLaqPywlkA0Tyo5M3Xv8waByhS14UEkaCqe0oQ_7VA13iPxDECX_HFUc075zJZzR9kxTVw6zoW0teLC6f1ra5-PoA68AjGKhv5nDEGW80RKgHuKiFtIO2sQzaNElmSle/s4000/1090991.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESW4GkfTBUElBwHAljeI9A3MefEDQmPxisJu-lz56a03UfH8uLAaYvneodsgudLaqPywlkA0Tyo5M3Xv8waByhS14UEkaCqe0oQ_7VA13iPxDECX_HFUc075zJZzR9kxTVw6zoW0teLC6f1ra5-PoA68AjGKhv5nDEGW80RKgHuKiFtIO2sQzaNElmSle/w300-h400/1090991.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards a couple of us walked to the city stone by the river and climbed to the top for a view of the town. The city stone is 25m tall and 15m wide and 30m in diameter. It is thought it was part of a fortress in the Middle Ages. There are stairs leading up to the summit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RPzVk3XQHsYtkq5y2jrGPS93EQk6UwVIn6PnymnjdEII8PD1hPcHlC4mr4TszEg_qtu3YhUB-JSCFAyFPVlAygfe-hw36Yf2yaqeZiNgOGL_KiEgp0RqezNp7dMYxZglrIi_SUiu-AtED6dBU7B_kNy_h6Xtop9vPuOzJqIaFqngvRqL3FboTErlTWNz/s4000/1100016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RPzVk3XQHsYtkq5y2jrGPS93EQk6UwVIn6PnymnjdEII8PD1hPcHlC4mr4TszEg_qtu3YhUB-JSCFAyFPVlAygfe-hw36Yf2yaqeZiNgOGL_KiEgp0RqezNp7dMYxZglrIi_SUiu-AtED6dBU7B_kNy_h6Xtop9vPuOzJqIaFqngvRqL3FboTErlTWNz/w300-h400/1100016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB-KDmiINxGGfppcLkOZA5ojzVwVdWQW10SqPaQCwK0aI6zIs9VWwpBzTj46jOLhd6GwPkI3vS8iIXgn_aFd-LBkPA-Nnuj6L2wtoQLoCtE0lGz8onmP1p4DjqAEX1dP36vgAfpzQoznarOKDBtvuVpZfL-4A9wUFcD6a7gadA-X7TwA8v-IndkoxhDL6/s4000/20230926_104229.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB-KDmiINxGGfppcLkOZA5ojzVwVdWQW10SqPaQCwK0aI6zIs9VWwpBzTj46jOLhd6GwPkI3vS8iIXgn_aFd-LBkPA-Nnuj6L2wtoQLoCtE0lGz8onmP1p4DjqAEX1dP36vgAfpzQoznarOKDBtvuVpZfL-4A9wUFcD6a7gadA-X7TwA8v-IndkoxhDL6/s320/20230926_104229.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I enjoyed viewing the town from this height. This is the Albanian flag flying from the top.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfqmv5LrZZUay-LzOK-1hZuwKO_7_ifIpj0jRIo_Tj5WMrGIiCeBB2Gev4_SAvH7-RKceEEZkkSfR715cC7-vFTvBhQ-KQWPv8SBU2o8omSPeJ9csHLDUu3Pc6DPVGKoRwowlrNUs9LOFxWzgXIjbAhHrAsr62Zqzuqk2jDgq4o3B2JRINKlnGSRzC5ba/s4000/20230926_143114.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfqmv5LrZZUay-LzOK-1hZuwKO_7_ifIpj0jRIo_Tj5WMrGIiCeBB2Gev4_SAvH7-RKceEEZkkSfR715cC7-vFTvBhQ-KQWPv8SBU2o8omSPeJ9csHLDUu3Pc6DPVGKoRwowlrNUs9LOFxWzgXIjbAhHrAsr62Zqzuqk2jDgq4o3B2JRINKlnGSRzC5ba/w400-h300/20230926_143114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We left Permet and were driven to the area of Dhokset to visit a family and have lunch with them. We drove off the main road and travelled some distance through the countryside along narrow bumpy lanes. It gave us a chance to see more of the life in these very small villages which are all over this very mountainous country. The fields mainly contained small flocks of sheep always accompanied by a shepherd. Farming is never on a large scale. During the communist era people were given just a small strip of land to farm and this seems to have continued after independence with people growing food for their own needs or small cooperatives. I never once saw large fields of crops or any large farm machinery. Farming was mainly being done in the traditional way with hand tools.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCcqklfJCAU_A9Ng9yodlJlGj-i2UsCaFE48qOeSN2UzltFSyHFfbzDNffzcxXwQFZ6RjukBt0KzfFEvG4KmN7RH36f-VMZUOlrdrDamyQr3xBumiYM0zbBI_-oc3GU2g3C0HaikkXBjvwe96bU85MeO1QIobTqLlvVq6nFfQiTlvgc9DxbwarZHHpwbi/s4000/1100002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCcqklfJCAU_A9Ng9yodlJlGj-i2UsCaFE48qOeSN2UzltFSyHFfbzDNffzcxXwQFZ6RjukBt0KzfFEvG4KmN7RH36f-VMZUOlrdrDamyQr3xBumiYM0zbBI_-oc3GU2g3C0HaikkXBjvwe96bU85MeO1QIobTqLlvVq6nFfQiTlvgc9DxbwarZHHpwbi/w300-h400/1100002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcz2lRsb5T4suTa7O7A7rYAyj5kykGh3hthIakXGUHmm3Bm5L6Ib5skvo0dD5qOwRml1LsylKr2DZqthLQDGW6QJ75fMUogMp2WZ1c1I9ObEDQy4y8PE0ISV2tIrxobXhMImjC14BDfdXBAuvNGG7w_gYL41UP67nFsAR8RryztxJv_KgP4tVldltWtPw/s4000/20230926_125811.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcz2lRsb5T4suTa7O7A7rYAyj5kykGh3hthIakXGUHmm3Bm5L6Ib5skvo0dD5qOwRml1LsylKr2DZqthLQDGW6QJ75fMUogMp2WZ1c1I9ObEDQy4y8PE0ISV2tIrxobXhMImjC14BDfdXBAuvNGG7w_gYL41UP67nFsAR8RryztxJv_KgP4tVldltWtPw/w300-h400/20230926_125811.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHHDTfeTbUDHvdteVtV8PtIqNv-VK0zSkDm7hh5ru4uL44BXvC9eRExvTnQgTtTuGGdck14WXiAu5Adzi8weHLxgeSU5ScZ3mw6swE0b8LG9rk95-zxCdE13K1vQ8G5jRVi-rAlZZcIOYlSBFvsjooEXSyVI24qtwoABjag1dlh-i-tonBRmi_22PPpiM/s4000/20230926_125906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHHDTfeTbUDHvdteVtV8PtIqNv-VK0zSkDm7hh5ru4uL44BXvC9eRExvTnQgTtTuGGdck14WXiAu5Adzi8weHLxgeSU5ScZ3mw6swE0b8LG9rk95-zxCdE13K1vQ8G5jRVi-rAlZZcIOYlSBFvsjooEXSyVI24qtwoABjag1dlh-i-tonBRmi_22PPpiM/w300-h400/20230926_125906.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>The house we arrived at for lunch was huge. The owners had added to it over the years and generations that they had lived here. It was an unexpected surprise in this small village. The meal was incredible. It was vegetarian with courgette rissoles, stuffed peppers, mushrooms. salads, cheese, beetroot and many more dishes. They had grown and prepared all the food themselves including the cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZV6uToxogFsJjSflExYlCq2QNQjVbXvAQ5r0QRM89EC5gNVBDNhtjxSLN8tr5k8R56-4EFWHxxQfyUQPpLU4EMpR28a6QB3chgfD_0cBjn4inzLk4JEyY7ACqE753KLdApmU8-Vuo7udTvyHzDgSTKhJrSnAx4ucujYzpsHScjnTFEnYjYX96i5muRLG/s4000/20230926_141821.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZV6uToxogFsJjSflExYlCq2QNQjVbXvAQ5r0QRM89EC5gNVBDNhtjxSLN8tr5k8R56-4EFWHxxQfyUQPpLU4EMpR28a6QB3chgfD_0cBjn4inzLk4JEyY7ACqE753KLdApmU8-Vuo7udTvyHzDgSTKhJrSnAx4ucujYzpsHScjnTFEnYjYX96i5muRLG/w300-h400/20230926_141821.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">Afterwards we strolled around the village.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WyzRCiw4Kgb-haBeGVF5U2AjRA5A1e1i_-cw-4bWNMVlOCLyo3q67raTWUhU9L5CoW6rQg76bWO1IcOblFO21PovkuQHPVuxW-8fLAB-u9oNA4CeKPwU0kgt1kbx-ElH78GPNJ4YbSitO0Kk2iBY2tYMbzO9g_KrAeW0pJNLPmF1Z4jfNhTLgoqAvlqY/s4000/20230926_142052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WyzRCiw4Kgb-haBeGVF5U2AjRA5A1e1i_-cw-4bWNMVlOCLyo3q67raTWUhU9L5CoW6rQg76bWO1IcOblFO21PovkuQHPVuxW-8fLAB-u9oNA4CeKPwU0kgt1kbx-ElH78GPNJ4YbSitO0Kk2iBY2tYMbzO9g_KrAeW0pJNLPmF1Z4jfNhTLgoqAvlqY/s320/20230926_142052.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Not sure what this building was used for but it is a large building for a small village. It looks communist in style so perhaps was a factory of some description. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85tjYxPgdvVbv9AfI42QvMhHDa7lgV6SZ9hYUHxNkUBcCPxoZzsMsueG6AzfBcx8neRAV6UgrN9sTz4AN3qy86-e4b67QPBMnyIxgwf4N0POK9my32Xk8C-qDaEWTcq-wAzJ6A3afllzvOA8P8aG-nt14Wfa6_kB3ManmaZ76rAVeGtgYIYX7OnfXfNXw/s4000/20230926_142505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85tjYxPgdvVbv9AfI42QvMhHDa7lgV6SZ9hYUHxNkUBcCPxoZzsMsueG6AzfBcx8neRAV6UgrN9sTz4AN3qy86-e4b67QPBMnyIxgwf4N0POK9my32Xk8C-qDaEWTcq-wAzJ6A3afllzvOA8P8aG-nt14Wfa6_kB3ManmaZ76rAVeGtgYIYX7OnfXfNXw/w300-h400/20230926_142505.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Every garden was full of fruit and veg.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7YiF4X1-xEetDiIEcy0alIfDwtJ4wcxnkgiRN7JGla-cjwjMFx-t6X3JTvVEzWM5hgVsoYn4Cd4Z-c80cRtIxmblF92Sa2dMWnhWFdyZwOMWb8W8pOK00k_tYXUtJzD9TtgGKdjXQE3IlcZRAGGqAiK9Gse0l7GWmawVEBjeI7-vr5XFRDgPh66wyFTg/s4000/20230926_142619.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7YiF4X1-xEetDiIEcy0alIfDwtJ4wcxnkgiRN7JGla-cjwjMFx-t6X3JTvVEzWM5hgVsoYn4Cd4Z-c80cRtIxmblF92Sa2dMWnhWFdyZwOMWb8W8pOK00k_tYXUtJzD9TtgGKdjXQE3IlcZRAGGqAiK9Gse0l7GWmawVEBjeI7-vr5XFRDgPh66wyFTg/w300-h400/20230926_142619.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbiFBQtgzYiceqgYdcrJT0sHMbfme6SUmuqC521JXtfxowvVc_M-elayfVbGF8wlA-i0YlD8_lZ3s57vTelvyNQOS3j9-lyWkOQi8WPbVJVE_aKu77xHL8KRxlQ1qzKtHwA208aGdhTb6aeKaDVTUHxvn3fFcVYNJ7rc2oMOXMw7QLq0GKTrZ_9a5b86/s4000/20230926_142735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbiFBQtgzYiceqgYdcrJT0sHMbfme6SUmuqC521JXtfxowvVc_M-elayfVbGF8wlA-i0YlD8_lZ3s57vTelvyNQOS3j9-lyWkOQi8WPbVJVE_aKu77xHL8KRxlQ1qzKtHwA208aGdhTb6aeKaDVTUHxvn3fFcVYNJ7rc2oMOXMw7QLq0GKTrZ_9a5b86/w400-h300/20230926_142735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ6r9YVjpYqxI-wZv-K1d_WHDIJu37o7E0T1eZk96Kzk_ybnBOQnOc5xCpXjKm5yqyOh8F04qBMXC3eqqjP2yxu8xDaQUcTD4eqEHy0ZWKtH9o1B5GXwhw22JB4X5O1dDzPEaddCgrC_TQNSnYkfXkdQLrknReAGRyy_-rQ34fbL0h9WsKC_hJVk1fWAd/s4000/20230926_143026.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ6r9YVjpYqxI-wZv-K1d_WHDIJu37o7E0T1eZk96Kzk_ybnBOQnOc5xCpXjKm5yqyOh8F04qBMXC3eqqjP2yxu8xDaQUcTD4eqEHy0ZWKtH9o1B5GXwhw22JB4X5O1dDzPEaddCgrC_TQNSnYkfXkdQLrknReAGRyy_-rQ34fbL0h9WsKC_hJVk1fWAd/w300-h400/20230926_143026.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A plaque to Lord Byron, the English poet, who had visited the village whilst on a tour of the Mediterranean in 1809.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86QOfzJsoFB_Unn4iSrxvcMGWS5gV1qRXh3QxBV_4m1bDVc0HUxJafwjrowcaRQQfliw5MdEisCZlgXCpfq0DYHimkk75wfiTG_0FRhDnLwEhd9AfSLSqG8NsapOUYgC7S2xBghyphenhyphenS58pwjvHe6xwuIOy3-7aTjPak_av1DXWoQuvvSoWbpW9WXKRkbweg/s4000/20230926_143327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86QOfzJsoFB_Unn4iSrxvcMGWS5gV1qRXh3QxBV_4m1bDVc0HUxJafwjrowcaRQQfliw5MdEisCZlgXCpfq0DYHimkk75wfiTG_0FRhDnLwEhd9AfSLSqG8NsapOUYgC7S2xBghyphenhyphenS58pwjvHe6xwuIOy3-7aTjPak_av1DXWoQuvvSoWbpW9WXKRkbweg/w300-h400/20230926_143327.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Pomegranates were everywhere and I picked one off a tree which I later peeled and ate. It was so juicy and sweet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkscDHhtb_O3wUQVjjz9To6FX9KpYFXSyvYi2xLSGIP7LdT81un9GYPkLh_vQTBDiovJRMijt-RiNuIuGyE5hwWTJuQNUMpaCGY8oTKbh4pjY6SIkW8bXpt2BR8poFXDU02JuAHic34WrltguzPkZg2iLrzv2_ztNq2f_LBak3RAl8FVYjKOOC-Sc3yae/s4000/1100032.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkscDHhtb_O3wUQVjjz9To6FX9KpYFXSyvYi2xLSGIP7LdT81un9GYPkLh_vQTBDiovJRMijt-RiNuIuGyE5hwWTJuQNUMpaCGY8oTKbh4pjY6SIkW8bXpt2BR8poFXDU02JuAHic34WrltguzPkZg2iLrzv2_ztNq2f_LBak3RAl8FVYjKOOC-Sc3yae/w300-h400/1100032.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>From there we went to the town of Gjirokastra where we were spending the night. After dropping off our luggage we walked to the top of the hill for a tour of the castle. It was an impressive castle with great views of the town. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACkMizKMaQWFhWsTzFxC1COBQmW333ZMCotf-THW5m8Zw2sHv62vsFoFRoJxcLZyxkxGycrhkeTbqUzrYGedcZpqOTacrMCtASIRC28-alN4vAvG8afAdJFNc8fmeIrZzkOP3vHLfPuuDKIR2PxXDcj-EvR0ZHi8RbTY_SqhxUpFNTga4ZwSbOCAy7Lhb/s4000/1100034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACkMizKMaQWFhWsTzFxC1COBQmW333ZMCotf-THW5m8Zw2sHv62vsFoFRoJxcLZyxkxGycrhkeTbqUzrYGedcZpqOTacrMCtASIRC28-alN4vAvG8afAdJFNc8fmeIrZzkOP3vHLfPuuDKIR2PxXDcj-EvR0ZHi8RbTY_SqhxUpFNTga4ZwSbOCAy7Lhb/w300-h400/1100034.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Uzi5zQpKc25tELcv-9mja5skXqUavM9J4n5CRU0XoO8D-trQ9aN0BmNSTiFbmFyn1H6TxJVRl8rjUJKAKOJJbi-TWd4ti85Jue0hlx24GdFAjGNEr-noMazizn2W3UP3XWmNYrJP5mcwdgxrGKGcg63vBE4TAwHvyaZ7d8zMOyncvwJjSizCiKflOJpk/s4000/1100035.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Uzi5zQpKc25tELcv-9mja5skXqUavM9J4n5CRU0XoO8D-trQ9aN0BmNSTiFbmFyn1H6TxJVRl8rjUJKAKOJJbi-TWd4ti85Jue0hlx24GdFAjGNEr-noMazizn2W3UP3XWmNYrJP5mcwdgxrGKGcg63vBE4TAwHvyaZ7d8zMOyncvwJjSizCiKflOJpk/w400-h300/1100035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVjWjhYJiyw43gHOEYQg7HP1RGDHyqa0q8HO5kZEbWAHYjUnbqxSlthk1bb_AahSe8bwHdKLb7IZWtbsZTL3iMJNCBdALdx5UFxNwodnfcfz6Z2Ur0-EfQb8M7T-I6v2a4DheqF6jaHk7uh3AQTbos2EJwsnBVuFgQ4zk6DRZxxmHjscvyG4mnUWJnNUw/s4000/1100044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVjWjhYJiyw43gHOEYQg7HP1RGDHyqa0q8HO5kZEbWAHYjUnbqxSlthk1bb_AahSe8bwHdKLb7IZWtbsZTL3iMJNCBdALdx5UFxNwodnfcfz6Z2Ur0-EfQb8M7T-I6v2a4DheqF6jaHk7uh3AQTbos2EJwsnBVuFgQ4zk6DRZxxmHjscvyG4mnUWJnNUw/w300-h400/1100044.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The clock tower was built under the rule of Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. According to legend, its bell could be heard as far away as Ioannina in northern Greece. However it was the next place we visited that was the most interesting.<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0EW2plLPDu70MRvRq_vIukX1UC3-jU9_Ujvme_kzyOUNCv6w9l5xTIwGTZ7u-VmU3vgDN0LjQ2P2AlxdwRxb1uFqH9BSvY5Y9ne2fBzE1WYid3_Yh4r-Ntw9aogEktQsJRGRrBb13thmAOz8QFPET_YY2dC62rksM7CUcCcK22E8Ss8ovrn0adiGjd6D/s4000/1100055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0EW2plLPDu70MRvRq_vIukX1UC3-jU9_Ujvme_kzyOUNCv6w9l5xTIwGTZ7u-VmU3vgDN0LjQ2P2AlxdwRxb1uFqH9BSvY5Y9ne2fBzE1WYid3_Yh4r-Ntw9aogEktQsJRGRrBb13thmAOz8QFPET_YY2dC62rksM7CUcCcK22E8Ss8ovrn0adiGjd6D/w300-h400/1100055.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> This was Skenduli, a 17th century house in the middle of the town. Originally the family home of someone of wealth. I was surprised by the number of rooms. A basement provided shelter during earthquakes right up to a small room on the third floor where human waste would go down a pipe to a primitive sewage system. Also at the top of the house was a room for just the men with a gallery for the women so that they couldn't be seen.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0F_KvqgQC8e1VAKP3-lTYsp2Fb1qs4sQQ1YC4b_B3gvXklReN9F_3tAiKApSirMziX-hnLl0L4TopYNx9JwNAd5n2iPs4XaXaCOjI3Js4tvH_9lX0kIFE_LW-ojtrZritEd-bFCp2JjRfP9reTpEXboEqKnOPGOkQLWBhoSBg6vNMX_U6aAjFYED92Ao/s4000/1100056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0F_KvqgQC8e1VAKP3-lTYsp2Fb1qs4sQQ1YC4b_B3gvXklReN9F_3tAiKApSirMziX-hnLl0L4TopYNx9JwNAd5n2iPs4XaXaCOjI3Js4tvH_9lX0kIFE_LW-ojtrZritEd-bFCp2JjRfP9reTpEXboEqKnOPGOkQLWBhoSBg6vNMX_U6aAjFYED92Ao/w300-h400/1100056.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI6CSSclgNG7V1C2cuMTELfvNz1yDY1lpDPVAymmSAx8vFC1JL5HOSK3BSzFAUBifZyLV_vezV3NRvyR9eqighnrNqFs89UXCIpNg60fIsriTfUIKiLKRggHx2ZdRKi8RA3h25xlNiskCDKPHpkd3iNyt36QJgc8DezFUdZ2ixIN_TPEl_tf8LjZnmOrD/s4000/1100057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI6CSSclgNG7V1C2cuMTELfvNz1yDY1lpDPVAymmSAx8vFC1JL5HOSK3BSzFAUBifZyLV_vezV3NRvyR9eqighnrNqFs89UXCIpNg60fIsriTfUIKiLKRggHx2ZdRKi8RA3h25xlNiskCDKPHpkd3iNyt36QJgc8DezFUdZ2ixIN_TPEl_tf8LjZnmOrD/w400-h300/1100057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Original wall paintings could still be seen both inside and outside the building. (Photos were not allowed of the inside.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsI6nsKaOdXzYSwtlU3cUloo9-RqvGrUUwubxcKVfd4oBDYPKr7btsgKHVePSxr2U_J1drMk85jm9QWyMEgq4yswBlyaYLk36P9fNcILo8l1QW16gynFznJLSH73jLwiMW0MlPkaf9VbrCoT52q8B9eKwhKnyppswIcWQNM_Y9plYYDoIaHfJvuDt6lkP/s1600/IMG-20230926-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsI6nsKaOdXzYSwtlU3cUloo9-RqvGrUUwubxcKVfd4oBDYPKr7btsgKHVePSxr2U_J1drMk85jm9QWyMEgq4yswBlyaYLk36P9fNcILo8l1QW16gynFznJLSH73jLwiMW0MlPkaf9VbrCoT52q8B9eKwhKnyppswIcWQNM_Y9plYYDoIaHfJvuDt6lkP/w400-h300/IMG-20230926-WA0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p>We just about managed to see it all before darknesss fell. After such a huge lunch we didn't want dinner but picked up a small pastry type of cheese sandwich in the bazaar. We wandered around and found our way to a hotel near the top of the hill where we could look down on the lights of the town and enjoyed a very nice gin and tonic.</p><br /><p><br /></p></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-84243959173231074622023-10-16T06:47:00.000+01:002023-10-16T06:47:30.082+01:00Day 4 Permet, Albania<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-b9RHTVz19ZqWXg_v96_S7iB7WgZkvj06_VoX2I6EX9s0_-WCGn9A_G-TJD8DHoW0UAW8oXa_RJ-sVb44PwHtpoy9Skngl2tgvEyoL5Yc_N88mm8a3nJURaAZRrFSjUXQyd9czulDsT1a08Rwhhj1r4XtupXgBo-pPQgE8mUsSCMKIe2M8LSFc3BO2YV/s4000/20230925_092702.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-b9RHTVz19ZqWXg_v96_S7iB7WgZkvj06_VoX2I6EX9s0_-WCGn9A_G-TJD8DHoW0UAW8oXa_RJ-sVb44PwHtpoy9Skngl2tgvEyoL5Yc_N88mm8a3nJURaAZRrFSjUXQyd9czulDsT1a08Rwhhj1r4XtupXgBo-pPQgE8mUsSCMKIe2M8LSFc3BO2YV/w400-h300/20230925_092702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The day started with torrential rain, continued with torrential rain and ended with torrential rain! Today involved a long drive through the mountains with spectacular scenery but due to the dark skies, low cloud and rain we saw very little of the scenery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNf9oqo4QnMfy5cim27kwrJIiktJilT00-1CeK7XzVoO065-w1RIjRKhLLk5fzWJGVj4TTSirzQ9ATBJWGgaorynMALI30OMtWTYg7ZXp_ox5wXdYEPX6fDx7stCTx940ffDoRYD1wI9_LCWcq-MDE2XN4BfWeV6JiaAn6BHHnVYOrHmgbw3fN2yiKO7d/s4000/1090921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNf9oqo4QnMfy5cim27kwrJIiktJilT00-1CeK7XzVoO065-w1RIjRKhLLk5fzWJGVj4TTSirzQ9ATBJWGgaorynMALI30OMtWTYg7ZXp_ox5wXdYEPX6fDx7stCTx940ffDoRYD1wI9_LCWcq-MDE2XN4BfWeV6JiaAn6BHHnVYOrHmgbw3fN2yiKO7d/w400-h300/1090921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN7i1kU8-PyyOSRnPuymSiGKBpFEtpW3ESLU0cUMqbtQZhB51tUDDAOqEi3j0hNrI9XAqzlR2IyibTDg6KoNPr65QQ3SVyRYO6Ky0nCdP_Bfw-2woegKz0nh2u2B4Eg8T8LzugF0_WGyAslO4aT-XDLM0QZOT1c8b17TkMw_1X35B9f3o5VEvmsNmjNK6/s4000/1090924.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN7i1kU8-PyyOSRnPuymSiGKBpFEtpW3ESLU0cUMqbtQZhB51tUDDAOqEi3j0hNrI9XAqzlR2IyibTDg6KoNPr65QQ3SVyRYO6Ky0nCdP_Bfw-2woegKz0nh2u2B4Eg8T8LzugF0_WGyAslO4aT-XDLM0QZOT1c8b17TkMw_1X35B9f3o5VEvmsNmjNK6/w400-h300/1090924.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Mid morning we stopped at Erseke, the highest town in Albania at 1050m.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv98dmWhObVvdRxP5yI3pxiiWdgEIBRCJTUu6yi9kWuzU9RL7QJhiqxSEqvtagtclkx4d4to42-FxC8zOsQNCrmnG6GYqyuht_eWqKLKQ8a4-gAOF-rvKkl72yCFQQiAtLgis-NF_seszpEOmn59Uww1oNl1pvqod_OeCI6M3rNCvb23FNtHOCyemq03O/s4000/1090931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv98dmWhObVvdRxP5yI3pxiiWdgEIBRCJTUu6yi9kWuzU9RL7QJhiqxSEqvtagtclkx4d4to42-FxC8zOsQNCrmnG6GYqyuht_eWqKLKQ8a4-gAOF-rvKkl72yCFQQiAtLgis-NF_seszpEOmn59Uww1oNl1pvqod_OeCI6M3rNCvb23FNtHOCyemq03O/w400-h300/1090931.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p> I did walk a little around the town but most people were huddled in the coffee shops to keep dry.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzITZ1zzrBC2kws6RtqWLJcihSnx7BoFYRZZnrNp5ZMHWkTsfocvIX9PJpVVFZPqcVGjkNEhtqlA86qdQBOsBdb__5Eb1NzZagPpEbZAM3gJmA2A5d-SrhLqpEBD2elEIRAi0YpSZIixOEUUaW9BqxD5C2nXh1esfIAe46Qf9JSFGJu7wN_vwdgzaGmCWd/s4000/1090928.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzITZ1zzrBC2kws6RtqWLJcihSnx7BoFYRZZnrNp5ZMHWkTsfocvIX9PJpVVFZPqcVGjkNEhtqlA86qdQBOsBdb__5Eb1NzZagPpEbZAM3gJmA2A5d-SrhLqpEBD2elEIRAi0YpSZIixOEUUaW9BqxD5C2nXh1esfIAe46Qf9JSFGJu7wN_vwdgzaGmCWd/w300-h400/1090928.jpg" width="300" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Outside the museum was this Russian sculpture but the museum was closed today.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C5tezk_TbEBYZA2HKQpHzQ-Mn9Dm_tdAzui14rzyZF4XZCSvrJjgmUmksKVWiYf7HxjWYmLwWJ5mI2NGxDLAQpaD1NvD11xUUyZZoiHbJZgAxPDJjJ3hoZzOkg38rinyitmK29lDytP26kTWxpdObdYAOeJCbCo42J57HszqaYgEjuyTI_u3SCWcurQt/s4000/1090932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C5tezk_TbEBYZA2HKQpHzQ-Mn9Dm_tdAzui14rzyZF4XZCSvrJjgmUmksKVWiYf7HxjWYmLwWJ5mI2NGxDLAQpaD1NvD11xUUyZZoiHbJZgAxPDJjJ3hoZzOkg38rinyitmK29lDytP26kTWxpdObdYAOeJCbCo42J57HszqaYgEjuyTI_u3SCWcurQt/w400-h300/1090932.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>Behind the main square were some old communist blocks. When you have a closer look you can see that a number of them are in need of renovation.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDA5ueiX3o-qJKlr4-dh8Wm9UIrwapU99So0m7qcSamnWh-_u9l3ymSOorqY6P1mB73WYz5lCuL5wto94HtUDkS1M8FbmVSlMQB9hiD5ayftOOX9_WKdV37LRyvhHrjSSB_KgBKkqRocHsj3uOS8x07YY2qc6UYXU-ioefgrfwt6qGSdnAqBPfUJob2qZ/s4000/20230925_121248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDA5ueiX3o-qJKlr4-dh8Wm9UIrwapU99So0m7qcSamnWh-_u9l3ymSOorqY6P1mB73WYz5lCuL5wto94HtUDkS1M8FbmVSlMQB9hiD5ayftOOX9_WKdV37LRyvhHrjSSB_KgBKkqRocHsj3uOS8x07YY2qc6UYXU-ioefgrfwt6qGSdnAqBPfUJob2qZ/w400-h300/20230925_121248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The lunch time stop was a restaurant by a beautiful lake but it was still raining.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFX-CjfLGGr3coUYo3qhRrnZzhLIYNLPwKGTqI1ajDhcf6ACJdamH7ku8dlxHF2zOI8T6bkH1fYcu8qlbW9LF2bkSeLQ8Ku09pG153CRUKIPwKBQWgIzKra5l9B-FVXU4M89KlHRZcZbMRTDLO-hpsOsBTF6FMsZAPN7XCu9Ov7vmkLuh1CB7jBuECukr/s4000/20230925_112224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFX-CjfLGGr3coUYo3qhRrnZzhLIYNLPwKGTqI1ajDhcf6ACJdamH7ku8dlxHF2zOI8T6bkH1fYcu8qlbW9LF2bkSeLQ8Ku09pG153CRUKIPwKBQWgIzKra5l9B-FVXU4M89KlHRZcZbMRTDLO-hpsOsBTF6FMsZAPN7XCu9Ov7vmkLuh1CB7jBuECukr/w300-h400/20230925_112224.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAMSqhRYJKT5mh4C8AwbvomkmAQWsBhjtnhwTGGiplMVQfQ0PmflIbNg1NB0MDC2LzasYiWNRCcWtezd6girJXeBBLHupJHp0ZLKQ_iUsCTL61KPInnuUZShhr9w3XtVjqz0RgjpJdc0IAAgQf2BUAWrkJavLkv-QizxGyswjNFghmWe5dD7nBiPOh6Mk/s4000/20230925_140751.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAMSqhRYJKT5mh4C8AwbvomkmAQWsBhjtnhwTGGiplMVQfQ0PmflIbNg1NB0MDC2LzasYiWNRCcWtezd6girJXeBBLHupJHp0ZLKQ_iUsCTL61KPInnuUZShhr9w3XtVjqz0RgjpJdc0IAAgQf2BUAWrkJavLkv-QizxGyswjNFghmWe5dD7nBiPOh6Mk/w300-h400/20230925_140751.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb6JBdF72k5MXZbrXbJhwRi3pzKIfIitgX7dsTxRNeW64B2y5qjhho5m01AYvvbhzDC9ECvQq2HE5t9AJE0F0lO3JUf8oUYlLRAXXj0ablo3xM9j8zkuzo1jL5vcrtjVcYai1-1TbVVDxrHDJ32Mi00nuyQDxMuWgYJ1F5JNcnF-x5nXjnnY-eK32ZwMt/s4000/1090971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb6JBdF72k5MXZbrXbJhwRi3pzKIfIitgX7dsTxRNeW64B2y5qjhho5m01AYvvbhzDC9ECvQq2HE5t9AJE0F0lO3JUf8oUYlLRAXXj0ablo3xM9j8zkuzo1jL5vcrtjVcYai1-1TbVVDxrHDJ32Mi00nuyQDxMuWgYJ1F5JNcnF-x5nXjnnY-eK32ZwMt/w400-h300/1090971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was a very long drive today and it was such a pity that we couldn't see more of the scenery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WXSUHglGvko585o17KODsW2iPFmHM8DVZ22EuiseHnPRF1QMmruf5uqhafK-HJfxbgrCATM-9LzljKfP3CNcgKMVwCI4xKu4v8utm2K-ErRybODNqjCGYid3SkGfQouOtqLI12jN5mj2nq011iWhYfjUti7gabgLnF_PhRQkIrhF13s0jIbX91ZYvL2T/s4000/1090973.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WXSUHglGvko585o17KODsW2iPFmHM8DVZ22EuiseHnPRF1QMmruf5uqhafK-HJfxbgrCATM-9LzljKfP3CNcgKMVwCI4xKu4v8utm2K-ErRybODNqjCGYid3SkGfQouOtqLI12jN5mj2nq011iWhYfjUti7gabgLnF_PhRQkIrhF13s0jIbX91ZYvL2T/w400-h300/1090973.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM92GA__ViUOhezGWl0EioKo0NbO12eXt_MSAz4MGrqpzGAUmKi_w0mUaZNRYAV06RJaQxIXSFe25lUp0JG6Cq8rmddUNibEQkCrSJM9lMYjHvNZ2Ofh9E_cdojSWs3ero1i6rvqFpfCkZp7EfvWaGEhKIJRUVVrgwWd3AinEefQ4coYzvItHxzwuMEsZn/s4000/1090980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM92GA__ViUOhezGWl0EioKo0NbO12eXt_MSAz4MGrqpzGAUmKi_w0mUaZNRYAV06RJaQxIXSFe25lUp0JG6Cq8rmddUNibEQkCrSJM9lMYjHvNZ2Ofh9E_cdojSWs3ero1i6rvqFpfCkZp7EfvWaGEhKIJRUVVrgwWd3AinEefQ4coYzvItHxzwuMEsZn/w300-h400/1090980.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Then we had a scheduled stop at the old bridge at Benje Village with its hot springs where we were supposed to have a leisurely dip and swim. The rain had made the walk to the springs too dangerous. Whilst we were there, fire fighters, police and mountain rescue had been called in to help rescue 20 or more people who were trapped because of a landslide and the heavy rain flooding the gorge. It appears that there were other hot springs accessible through the gorge and normally people would walk from one hot spring to another and on to another. Once the police arrived they ordered everyone out of the springs and back to their cars so they could ascertain how many people were missing and continue with their search in a methodical way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvg6s4OLGyueXgVEGXxqYwbR8FKOIql7CQSuuT2XHy5Nak20JJok2evHdLhUPwJftxaPQeyeHdNE6Bkfnn9QxD_c_sCgyE77eu2ULDOF70Y_9rXOV2_q2eyB0euv4fj3bFD7Mh_7_pULtFyqkVqMsohqIJucQTBPbHlByJlqNnVz-BoTfHFptuKuVn3Dw/s4000/1090982.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvg6s4OLGyueXgVEGXxqYwbR8FKOIql7CQSuuT2XHy5Nak20JJok2evHdLhUPwJftxaPQeyeHdNE6Bkfnn9QxD_c_sCgyE77eu2ULDOF70Y_9rXOV2_q2eyB0euv4fj3bFD7Mh_7_pULtFyqkVqMsohqIJucQTBPbHlByJlqNnVz-BoTfHFptuKuVn3Dw/w400-h300/1090982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsifqch3-occrEiJGUWkekihIxAqqKIn3m0eKPzwa9SygU_CP6dP8NQp27R3EhRSrViHyG5Z1zaRzDjDC7yapcpg5y_pAxwcAqhWV_jhDNI_YOPxAjoYddi74RO6V18t7mDcDT0dTVbXRNmQfQlI4ZFkJpon2i2-2ewrApcOs-0bS7tqMuz7mSMyj8Xsvz/s4000/1090983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsifqch3-occrEiJGUWkekihIxAqqKIn3m0eKPzwa9SygU_CP6dP8NQp27R3EhRSrViHyG5Z1zaRzDjDC7yapcpg5y_pAxwcAqhWV_jhDNI_YOPxAjoYddi74RO6V18t7mDcDT0dTVbXRNmQfQlI4ZFkJpon2i2-2ewrApcOs-0bS7tqMuz7mSMyj8Xsvz/w400-h300/1090983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtaAQOkJjJ4Lr-jQl2d9BFMZJmeuxW2FdKIvEl0tH80wpa28NXLgTRuVbvqWmJ2ADpDTlKLlcVfa-6hbYnppsrVUu1HO_Vir3myMUZerwGh8UTtpIhuXUGSkequ43ZLS8pBLB3e2f0LzweR24XUv4g5ME7XCMxT662NqRkS6doRtR1-SoHO4Ew7ecdsAj/s4000/1090984.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtaAQOkJjJ4Lr-jQl2d9BFMZJmeuxW2FdKIvEl0tH80wpa28NXLgTRuVbvqWmJ2ADpDTlKLlcVfa-6hbYnppsrVUu1HO_Vir3myMUZerwGh8UTtpIhuXUGSkequ43ZLS8pBLB3e2f0LzweR24XUv4g5ME7XCMxT662NqRkS6doRtR1-SoHO4Ew7ecdsAj/w400-h300/1090984.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Although some of the group did not heed the advice of our guide and had gone to the springs, the police soon had them out of the water and back with the group. You can just see the first of the springs on the left of this photo. They are a much brighter shade of blue.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">By the time we arrived at our hotel for the night we were all a bit fed up. I was the last to be given the key to my room but the hotel owner had kept me waiting as she wanted to give me the room with the best balcony and view as we shared the same first name. She greeted me like a long lost friend.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPaadgeNQB4cik_chXtEbStqY1uo2Kj1XJpF_QYxAzzfIiyYICOJwFig66bit0xrQtx9CTnc4OBEX0I2CoO_LpRBoL6BEiQdioehBHwIi9ajK6FpdDQ133FWmxNPGt6yoS8H9I-Myt8CvT8poi-AsLKaAR59P-BPzS2_fUQN3uGoPxbRQBwu3eqjRFNtK/s4000/20230925_172013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPaadgeNQB4cik_chXtEbStqY1uo2Kj1XJpF_QYxAzzfIiyYICOJwFig66bit0xrQtx9CTnc4OBEX0I2CoO_LpRBoL6BEiQdioehBHwIi9ajK6FpdDQ133FWmxNPGt6yoS8H9I-Myt8CvT8poi-AsLKaAR59P-BPzS2_fUQN3uGoPxbRQBwu3eqjRFNtK/w400-h300/20230925_172013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The view was over the river and out to the mountains. It will be a beautiful view if it ever stops raining.</p></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-52377971750549677082023-10-13T15:11:00.000+01:002023-10-13T15:11:24.178+01:00Day 3 Korce Albania<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhyMBUJzW6xB_tgsr31ayBtcMQstx46JqaGXJ7B1BRvqtWLOqzJZxZDWm8E-5lLLby82oXbRrH8lR-wLcMwCj43okH8MEPx3bbw0Y5VvqetEJOCnDPD0pO6qgOGpCPk0zXlPIQk_M2bslKJB9UwcglDKTqgN95DahEmdUYJEmWLCJujox9rARkghphr2f/s4000/20230924_070650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhyMBUJzW6xB_tgsr31ayBtcMQstx46JqaGXJ7B1BRvqtWLOqzJZxZDWm8E-5lLLby82oXbRrH8lR-wLcMwCj43okH8MEPx3bbw0Y5VvqetEJOCnDPD0pO6qgOGpCPk0zXlPIQk_M2bslKJB9UwcglDKTqgN95DahEmdUYJEmWLCJujox9rARkghphr2f/w300-h400/20230924_070650.jpg" width="300" /></a></p><p>I woke up early to meet M and C in reception. We had decided last night that we would go for a swim in the lake before breakfast. I have to admit I am no cold water swimmer and although the water was a bit warmer than the coastal waters of the UK it still felt cold and it took me ages to actually get in the water. M and C were straight in there but I finally went for it and got my shoulders under. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5t6JCjhdsdt7DGZNS_wNZUOR29JpY7uWYUhQxEXkaOYtiLQBDzyixaEiX8fPd_MY3iT1A9_NRY6bbbHnflK235BxplI8w80PYbfCsmGXZN3Ik2tFdD4i5v1vlneM6aArvgtvzwG1ZSMMtaOoU_QQgXLKONLK1y9KYp1VSmrR7Dnq3P1xwJBntgv4mHy3/s4000/20230924_074454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5t6JCjhdsdt7DGZNS_wNZUOR29JpY7uWYUhQxEXkaOYtiLQBDzyixaEiX8fPd_MY3iT1A9_NRY6bbbHnflK235BxplI8w80PYbfCsmGXZN3Ik2tFdD4i5v1vlneM6aArvgtvzwG1ZSMMtaOoU_QQgXLKONLK1y9KYp1VSmrR7Dnq3P1xwJBntgv4mHy3/w300-h400/20230924_074454.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">It wasn't so bad once I had started swimming. Unlike the UK it didn't feel cold once we were out of the water. We returned to the hotel for a shower and then breakfast. I'm not sure the others in the group actually believed that we had been swimming in the lake before breakfast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy_cAJIzFA6LEttND8v_SaKaIqdQQyQPW88kNvDAuEWboNTWhIWdo4gI2nBUrgQWsj2vhJx99ypLbVeSlxHwapu_zJDpHDJwJMoxtuoV00KGO9L-o5C_UzCkIUJNaR3ecxG92tBHDUungt3nCcGhM0HFJIMqOepoTyrZVtCutvmKeGbNsnNwhJtKxW-q1/s4000/1090897.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy_cAJIzFA6LEttND8v_SaKaIqdQQyQPW88kNvDAuEWboNTWhIWdo4gI2nBUrgQWsj2vhJx99ypLbVeSlxHwapu_zJDpHDJwJMoxtuoV00KGO9L-o5C_UzCkIUJNaR3ecxG92tBHDUungt3nCcGhM0HFJIMqOepoTyrZVtCutvmKeGbNsnNwhJtKxW-q1/w400-h300/1090897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We left the hotel and drove for an hour to the village of Voskopoje, situated on the trade route between Venice and Constantinople. It is renowned for having 26 churches built there between 1630 and 1780. Now, after two and a half centuries of damage caused by war, earthquakes and erosion only five remain. The ceilings and walls of all five are covered in frescoes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2HQBucmxHmGA62VRr9-hN5ETjh6jngR9MOYKD32KtlPXnTszwbUuF0u21jClgWLLcVNnk05kewj6a_jHrejTm4Pdg3NXq5VepCCw8tAvwmmzVfAe3fmRHjxxp-WTBoNt3502Okt2fQyj7TJe-_T-ueRWwCWvWZBwQTnZCrsBvfodmfSvoxUwWsY62TQH/s4000/1090901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2HQBucmxHmGA62VRr9-hN5ETjh6jngR9MOYKD32KtlPXnTszwbUuF0u21jClgWLLcVNnk05kewj6a_jHrejTm4Pdg3NXq5VepCCw8tAvwmmzVfAe3fmRHjxxp-WTBoNt3502Okt2fQyj7TJe-_T-ueRWwCWvWZBwQTnZCrsBvfodmfSvoxUwWsY62TQH/w400-h300/1090901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There were signs saying no photos But I asked a priest and he said it was OK, I realised afterwards that he was probably expecting some baksheesh.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qBuR3eKk9yjEalRtjlhFcL6q8eZ4culeK2K-B-m4_IrtDvWOTcRiLFVpTCH0wg0ABiemI-iW7ESCzIlVoVRfPkCOHY0XwyB3L-UQDQaE72mnObJGLwv7RDASjP-mE7ywRZdOHEYMR2HEEFyiUiaY4FjwWhxnBIQtYBDINsbNcbiGDir259nv7yON5SZ2/s4000/1090902.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qBuR3eKk9yjEalRtjlhFcL6q8eZ4culeK2K-B-m4_IrtDvWOTcRiLFVpTCH0wg0ABiemI-iW7ESCzIlVoVRfPkCOHY0XwyB3L-UQDQaE72mnObJGLwv7RDASjP-mE7ywRZdOHEYMR2HEEFyiUiaY4FjwWhxnBIQtYBDINsbNcbiGDir259nv7yON5SZ2/w400-h300/1090902.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB6-mMle1RdYcos8goR88C_QI6lUOtIpzl-ocWSEjezmb94la0oWRQF8xSIae3kra0jNh12FmxLeTNgJCLSvmtSr3jSyqXd4rrkbjycGwilVQKvhxGo-_zHXdqXeZykFTibwHD0pxTqTZX4egEfUqOh5p0S7QVU6DHfdK23mEgEAB60ThX6U0PedObEB3/s4000/1090903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB6-mMle1RdYcos8goR88C_QI6lUOtIpzl-ocWSEjezmb94la0oWRQF8xSIae3kra0jNh12FmxLeTNgJCLSvmtSr3jSyqXd4rrkbjycGwilVQKvhxGo-_zHXdqXeZykFTibwHD0pxTqTZX4egEfUqOh5p0S7QVU6DHfdK23mEgEAB60ThX6U0PedObEB3/w400-h300/1090903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The frescoes filled every space. It was obvious that this was very important religious and cultural centre in previous centuries. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2JDMHEeJIJFnL54xdHe6lIP_AW5unTjPL5_fpW-Ojm9num-_2JPFkuHkhoYmQDmSBJKoYCdZx_IejPhEBfo6BAjQppCedI22jqHHwtR5MX6eWM4d3zkKzwWnrDVzGNigITfw36aZaG85HhO0SfJt9JdmRwJ2FsqCkCtGuPB8TxFgt0hzQ9alsWcat8-e/s4000/1090904.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2JDMHEeJIJFnL54xdHe6lIP_AW5unTjPL5_fpW-Ojm9num-_2JPFkuHkhoYmQDmSBJKoYCdZx_IejPhEBfo6BAjQppCedI22jqHHwtR5MX6eWM4d3zkKzwWnrDVzGNigITfw36aZaG85HhO0SfJt9JdmRwJ2FsqCkCtGuPB8TxFgt0hzQ9alsWcat8-e/w400-h300/1090904.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPOmb2wpnU1b9OAKvzenHcyjmYGH0YwZOuZMidtha9-gcHTUy_4V-9FpKeVx9QY8jRgsje3ngmJ40Zpg2DiMHZlcS73jGOTniFD550ObrHyLalG1NYjg84G9FWB7lEf2oUN6ehGUHNzit6hPrdtBlmJeLLnx3kcQ-6M-r8-5jpUGkz8xsVRnEIl0a3hdY/s4000/1090905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPOmb2wpnU1b9OAKvzenHcyjmYGH0YwZOuZMidtha9-gcHTUy_4V-9FpKeVx9QY8jRgsje3ngmJ40Zpg2DiMHZlcS73jGOTniFD550ObrHyLalG1NYjg84G9FWB7lEf2oUN6ehGUHNzit6hPrdtBlmJeLLnx3kcQ-6M-r8-5jpUGkz8xsVRnEIl0a3hdY/w300-h400/1090905.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzmuMTbeaKBGmN59LGAbKU3NNw9OPPQjuZeiuUC3palP0eid1NkH1baA0cdHMCrCYL2_NLuj0bkYtgEsgxiKHlx2yy9FNJ2xXSxPvFJTTGDLo_B-GLDqr-J7VvA1IXfuTzb6y8cH0Tm7xpNqPkByi5odQ98-uvFOhzFL60dv0jzMH8BJe3sqV3u_9hyphenhyphenlZ/s4000/1090907.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzmuMTbeaKBGmN59LGAbKU3NNw9OPPQjuZeiuUC3palP0eid1NkH1baA0cdHMCrCYL2_NLuj0bkYtgEsgxiKHlx2yy9FNJ2xXSxPvFJTTGDLo_B-GLDqr-J7VvA1IXfuTzb6y8cH0Tm7xpNqPkByi5odQ98-uvFOhzFL60dv0jzMH8BJe3sqV3u_9hyphenhyphenlZ/w300-h400/1090907.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdJa1nXR-Si8L12wIuzBVZy7kuomOWruJuPGNas0h3k4tOskiyopNoIJQuId7esu5ImMpeMpH2WmQ2g9v9nz1BeAZCMVP0oG7Bo5L6adRogP0YXOV9ANz9Zf696zjnluS9ONZztlaqlVhpwZlOOZMEY95pH9o0amGjHrSIu4gPC6YMKvBKDsPeJO_OEOA/s4000/1090919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdJa1nXR-Si8L12wIuzBVZy7kuomOWruJuPGNas0h3k4tOskiyopNoIJQuId7esu5ImMpeMpH2WmQ2g9v9nz1BeAZCMVP0oG7Bo5L6adRogP0YXOV9ANz9Zf696zjnluS9ONZztlaqlVhpwZlOOZMEY95pH9o0amGjHrSIu4gPC6YMKvBKDsPeJO_OEOA/w400-h300/1090919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We walked up the hill to the church of St Athanas This one was built in 1724<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFMZypO5rSvZ_IaFMG-l1OOmutMDwnid6djHwY5eXS52p4Z1WbbkaJagA2ctrkGKJUcIBN_ldRsDZIlgfJNo-bMfDDwGUADE5nujeWLQ1UNLk-dM9n93VkTsqDV2WNDTtrrVMTCDgNMdm6J_5k2iuOFICGpgGEEiRy0RUPVXXvatWHuGbtFS9fipZLSoJ/s4000/1090912.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFMZypO5rSvZ_IaFMG-l1OOmutMDwnid6djHwY5eXS52p4Z1WbbkaJagA2ctrkGKJUcIBN_ldRsDZIlgfJNo-bMfDDwGUADE5nujeWLQ1UNLk-dM9n93VkTsqDV2WNDTtrrVMTCDgNMdm6J_5k2iuOFICGpgGEEiRy0RUPVXXvatWHuGbtFS9fipZLSoJ/w400-h300/1090912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Here there were even more remarkable frescoes<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6EDIF0ilQnUxfpnPK40jvqxyW4BGt0llzTvivH0W6ZjlqM-W7dOt5MU4XwpxrEF7Tmj15BFxq9HJT68WMMgPU44876hGgTYvkiF8XhhT9p-WJ2cce_n5pZUpregNAzeVfGFWlmiiXfpfqHKc86sf1_lFiymUHwPSn29Z5Oz5PUuzw5taBEE-2VJ2PVLL/s4000/1090913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6EDIF0ilQnUxfpnPK40jvqxyW4BGt0llzTvivH0W6ZjlqM-W7dOt5MU4XwpxrEF7Tmj15BFxq9HJT68WMMgPU44876hGgTYvkiF8XhhT9p-WJ2cce_n5pZUpregNAzeVfGFWlmiiXfpfqHKc86sf1_lFiymUHwPSn29Z5Oz5PUuzw5taBEE-2VJ2PVLL/w400-h300/1090913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiS0JzcB-rI5X3aJqy2HaFAZ5Z3GFLKzq10R0DK6LnPo84c87fC65i9gT5jvgWxIxLI0iorYu8ZI7EBz5_p3EHCAIJYqcpiZeui5Tu11bCykzvRW0i4iW3radIrVvrsyyih4_q_Cm9n92ZqGDDp34hYM3VDb851uN7sqTHTljl3d-T4AWB7y34rdBOnAI/s4000/1090916.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiS0JzcB-rI5X3aJqy2HaFAZ5Z3GFLKzq10R0DK6LnPo84c87fC65i9gT5jvgWxIxLI0iorYu8ZI7EBz5_p3EHCAIJYqcpiZeui5Tu11bCykzvRW0i4iW3radIrVvrsyyih4_q_Cm9n92ZqGDDp34hYM3VDb851uN7sqTHTljl3d-T4AWB7y34rdBOnAI/w400-h300/1090916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0A8LXpMAJ1szrDhi6WB9yKjB733lTOU0NTxP8nTKPBxphhadm_kAuaFTGQ7szhKl2NbDykICxhFY35On0-adOOIk9Tet3Km8NDjThAwILikbJ5Olu2gR_HyXLzW6CoTZfco08Ddv-afaoiFTT1eVTB2vz8mdxVUkA3RstBL9iZwJYkis1DP1xA9PKrVD/s4000/1090918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0A8LXpMAJ1szrDhi6WB9yKjB733lTOU0NTxP8nTKPBxphhadm_kAuaFTGQ7szhKl2NbDykICxhFY35On0-adOOIk9Tet3Km8NDjThAwILikbJ5Olu2gR_HyXLzW6CoTZfco08Ddv-afaoiFTT1eVTB2vz8mdxVUkA3RstBL9iZwJYkis1DP1xA9PKrVD/w400-h300/1090918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7pKqjq8mr3ORSiCX4fgY4qaVJxAkXFEtEjO70F8X8bIaaf373jY2lOdY-6FtmgisTDZqVQZh6x38sMf35EGLIVN-OfkIxxnL9XAa9fOHy2sSRUxbRR5-_nAdv7kAG_beCVS8csuA863tMB7iQnoZa00Tb3Ya1d9Sbea9EzLba_wITi_r2XqtS7J34YLy/s4000/20230924_145402.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7pKqjq8mr3ORSiCX4fgY4qaVJxAkXFEtEjO70F8X8bIaaf373jY2lOdY-6FtmgisTDZqVQZh6x38sMf35EGLIVN-OfkIxxnL9XAa9fOHy2sSRUxbRR5-_nAdv7kAG_beCVS8csuA863tMB7iQnoZa00Tb3Ya1d9Sbea9EzLba_wITi_r2XqtS7J34YLy/s320/20230924_145402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfqXkwtOKEbVWr4oej1hoGNS4Pw-etGLcw3kR6ouj2VFrSO37pyf1gAMErl00_hD20l8k0uu-ftO5KA_8UwWW-6YsGk8m29KWD0MlgeTfbFsM2B4tsZihzmII13A2dsmMCHR-KY-1lisp1URq1_UERROH0avEPXJloKqCzOvdaQZLIIvWNdicH7wfJTMS/s4000/1090898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfqXkwtOKEbVWr4oej1hoGNS4Pw-etGLcw3kR6ouj2VFrSO37pyf1gAMErl00_hD20l8k0uu-ftO5KA_8UwWW-6YsGk8m29KWD0MlgeTfbFsM2B4tsZihzmII13A2dsmMCHR-KY-1lisp1URq1_UERROH0avEPXJloKqCzOvdaQZLIIvWNdicH7wfJTMS/s320/1090898.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><p>After lunch in the village we were driven to a museum of painted icons from a variety of churches.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8f4qyWkMbTcGGDU67g8HPgBs2gbvSejMdb79fszOiq_YaIO18IAGWkXjoW-Ci1oeJa9XgtIgW4leSycXKG7fsRtMnjA0-mjHbspNkaYeFM8SE2AzSx0-uhQtUInhIYKt1HriTjHLirIPpc4o79NizAmynrYfYT8pkpLmQxrRXY3Wvq3p7nSbK-R4rejc/s4000/20230924_154412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8f4qyWkMbTcGGDU67g8HPgBs2gbvSejMdb79fszOiq_YaIO18IAGWkXjoW-Ci1oeJa9XgtIgW4leSycXKG7fsRtMnjA0-mjHbspNkaYeFM8SE2AzSx0-uhQtUInhIYKt1HriTjHLirIPpc4o79NizAmynrYfYT8pkpLmQxrRXY3Wvq3p7nSbK-R4rejc/w300-h400/20230924_154412.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> They were very well displayed and made a colourful exhibition. I had a brief look round but I'm not that interested in this kind of art and know little about it. The items dated from the 14th to the 20th century.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjzJiaJmIXtgNdnA-ZGxZpbjrl_JFUhJ4-AjGhcGXZwsZEUBhb-7fMDibYtB9J3aDmfRfgBsVf9hLjzR5m94sjf01dfMXwaAR-9UGg3j8-wwGBKgttN92iYL4lHoULbdsRJVXGgQkmGJF5j-BP5fgk1MtUMruWPTpJYC29_gHMdEG-nlfIyLmDBTAOBne/s4000/20230924_154724.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjzJiaJmIXtgNdnA-ZGxZpbjrl_JFUhJ4-AjGhcGXZwsZEUBhb-7fMDibYtB9J3aDmfRfgBsVf9hLjzR5m94sjf01dfMXwaAR-9UGg3j8-wwGBKgttN92iYL4lHoULbdsRJVXGgQkmGJF5j-BP5fgk1MtUMruWPTpJYC29_gHMdEG-nlfIyLmDBTAOBne/w300-h400/20230924_154724.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMU2Xb3smB58Q3LANwgHLD6XLS0NiDVlA8sMp3UOjbZTkZMByfuLstd9BK0AVfAW4V48uoBYJjWtpmD5LaggtGJ4RYn4NFptw4CHFxfx-JJhhHeU0PQz_7BDtSRjz4chuJRke1RnAIOzUFn1kA9GRHsyDCw-29gJwCh-tNaisP-1w6uJGWiIE4VW_JELS/s4000/20230924_155012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMU2Xb3smB58Q3LANwgHLD6XLS0NiDVlA8sMp3UOjbZTkZMByfuLstd9BK0AVfAW4V48uoBYJjWtpmD5LaggtGJ4RYn4NFptw4CHFxfx-JJhhHeU0PQz_7BDtSRjz4chuJRke1RnAIOzUFn1kA9GRHsyDCw-29gJwCh-tNaisP-1w6uJGWiIE4VW_JELS/w300-h400/20230924_155012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4-a06XTsvZCc0vfcAq-MGphtDYeHjuVys3zVALBsnJE8ykvBz9qgTRoaP42sjYAD40R1mqCmh3cGYbJp_42Xjam2Ljl1YnAZlAr2VNx5LBYfp8AefyuGXrgvXTLh7MatTWNzv6E_p45I-UycuAH0i04M3EVOtQ6efz_t8cTBrTK5jhLvgDsc8IW6lkho/s4000/20230924_155131.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4-a06XTsvZCc0vfcAq-MGphtDYeHjuVys3zVALBsnJE8ykvBz9qgTRoaP42sjYAD40R1mqCmh3cGYbJp_42Xjam2Ljl1YnAZlAr2VNx5LBYfp8AefyuGXrgvXTLh7MatTWNzv6E_p45I-UycuAH0i04M3EVOtQ6efz_t8cTBrTK5jhLvgDsc8IW6lkho/w300-h400/20230924_155131.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItvQ7k668XzbU48PWZDcavrp7kAaj_VPl9Yeqz9R0JWQKLSKS70J8rMz-mET4wqJXKeyt_vGL7cnJDjmCyLr3xMu6whVtdjQzAzmP1eJfU_XOg8hxD2uliizKZYwYn1PN5mz9xEQ4e12rbI6OxCLIT45yAyDPNUlURuNQP_dkTlm68CMbelw2PECDXdP7/s4000/20230924_155228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItvQ7k668XzbU48PWZDcavrp7kAaj_VPl9Yeqz9R0JWQKLSKS70J8rMz-mET4wqJXKeyt_vGL7cnJDjmCyLr3xMu6whVtdjQzAzmP1eJfU_XOg8hxD2uliizKZYwYn1PN5mz9xEQ4e12rbI6OxCLIT45yAyDPNUlURuNQP_dkTlm68CMbelw2PECDXdP7/w400-h300/20230924_155228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another drive of about an hour or so took us to Korce, the largest city in SE Albania which sits at the foot of Moravia mountain. This was where we were staying the night at the Hotel Kocibelli.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzExGduFM4bNsBIiacAVpWnFkPl39mOPGgzt296hxmkqoOBayqcEVfA71C8MaFrJTj5qsDA2dQo8kbNjykIGnbz0_vXMnSzLvL-7hH5cwjkM7kJtXIKeaYLmb4FvZO0VBLkBeBOXCumPqCb8K4CkGF9sHB9EvuXwXbethCm5PuIomHVONnTb5lhyphenhyphennuJSy/s4000/20230924_163125.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzExGduFM4bNsBIiacAVpWnFkPl39mOPGgzt296hxmkqoOBayqcEVfA71C8MaFrJTj5qsDA2dQo8kbNjykIGnbz0_vXMnSzLvL-7hH5cwjkM7kJtXIKeaYLmb4FvZO0VBLkBeBOXCumPqCb8K4CkGF9sHB9EvuXwXbethCm5PuIomHVONnTb5lhyphenhyphennuJSy/w300-h400/20230924_163125.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>My room was really large with a double bed, chaise longue etc and it even had a kettle but no cups! The hotel had an indoor swimming pool so as soon as we arrived, M, C and myself donned our damp swimming gear to go swimming for the second time that day. <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0wtjdy8z9d7KFj5XZCXfZTGMmnG28vh2i7ITTmqBOWX5ZxVytb9WnKu-tq7hqD_9PaMOe7N5hjGJrdvOHz-4MZYEfG_kGXBnZdJF3nmFvNoqtwGOoBSMcIWpcqBN-C6YfQv4XxI4GJF_2lCdpOgIgLhvTgLoSaSbk6UphvoDsVnoDfBsKhvgfh5sBgeL/s4000/20230924_174712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0wtjdy8z9d7KFj5XZCXfZTGMmnG28vh2i7ITTmqBOWX5ZxVytb9WnKu-tq7hqD_9PaMOe7N5hjGJrdvOHz-4MZYEfG_kGXBnZdJF3nmFvNoqtwGOoBSMcIWpcqBN-C6YfQv4XxI4GJF_2lCdpOgIgLhvTgLoSaSbk6UphvoDsVnoDfBsKhvgfh5sBgeL/w300-h400/20230924_174712.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We didn't have long as we were meeting up in an hour's time for a tour of the town. But the half hour swim was definitely worth the effort.The tour took us to the new cathedral and then into the old bazaar. Here instead of shops there were numerous restaurants where we had a meal.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBW2gJZ1C106vL4rH4gLgQPQMn74lFNLgNseN-MQKIGXsTSTIgOQmzKhOcLkX6pMEesHKVs7Hth-TxSMADUOlzijJzWj1KaV15kL95FV3vc50VkRLCg5uMZE0TrPzcY_T-2k90BYLMINyjIvINBG5IQwHd8tKqyYX62hfPRVqWHsMdWY9KcBSqYCUuwgv/s4000/20230924_181537.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBW2gJZ1C106vL4rH4gLgQPQMn74lFNLgNseN-MQKIGXsTSTIgOQmzKhOcLkX6pMEesHKVs7Hth-TxSMADUOlzijJzWj1KaV15kL95FV3vc50VkRLCg5uMZE0TrPzcY_T-2k90BYLMINyjIvINBG5IQwHd8tKqyYX62hfPRVqWHsMdWY9KcBSqYCUuwgv/s320/20230924_181537.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELv3kR6ERCS86OU67xF4wXtbKcr8mXEz1M4QEMRDW-rDEukyxUB9SCrXZc0DvLRH1aTTGyFJqsxrhT4HNe8NKAotHoMl7WuHHcX_FGiO0vrpE8soC7KPsi3J3Sw2JcWfRfhHmvSSTRa5sivjiu1vZSAUiIZIDAUiHgei22GwkhNqlJM-fyjWpnOWKMb-i/s4000/20230924_183327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELv3kR6ERCS86OU67xF4wXtbKcr8mXEz1M4QEMRDW-rDEukyxUB9SCrXZc0DvLRH1aTTGyFJqsxrhT4HNe8NKAotHoMl7WuHHcX_FGiO0vrpE8soC7KPsi3J3Sw2JcWfRfhHmvSSTRa5sivjiu1vZSAUiIZIDAUiHgei22GwkhNqlJM-fyjWpnOWKMb-i/w300-h400/20230924_183327.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP5aB3j9oJ09Y5nZc0lshrcoL-XZE0QtYUhxfc73AXBMeUPCf68_RiJT2ksS_Bq5ajQRKSrNXd-e5x7UEF_Gugd-3d-6gjfOpf2mECdRLu3iz1XeZK46zt9osnCEl6FseVj0u9O1CSrQEnSrMY0pt3ztRxw2U8rytghhpfudHidjxZKQgw9UKvcAlWQCu/s4000/20230924_183527.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP5aB3j9oJ09Y5nZc0lshrcoL-XZE0QtYUhxfc73AXBMeUPCf68_RiJT2ksS_Bq5ajQRKSrNXd-e5x7UEF_Gugd-3d-6gjfOpf2mECdRLu3iz1XeZK46zt9osnCEl6FseVj0u9O1CSrQEnSrMY0pt3ztRxw2U8rytghhpfudHidjxZKQgw9UKvcAlWQCu/w300-h400/20230924_183527.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpX7ZV5Gv-TNytG2imehaxlLb4-N9vxwigOW-pEnsAeZTsjuOfEVrtXARrPCou-jb_6Y2WRpOLVCl14ZEd41YYUKIHwsfYLqjUOYrGYMTg61PiV1Yb3A2Kdtw5R0992DEVsNMI_3LScexrMDK_en07iUa5B5mIK4R2rhqY37cew8CSJjnxfcghMy44FIN/s4000/20230924_184002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpX7ZV5Gv-TNytG2imehaxlLb4-N9vxwigOW-pEnsAeZTsjuOfEVrtXARrPCou-jb_6Y2WRpOLVCl14ZEd41YYUKIHwsfYLqjUOYrGYMTg61PiV1Yb3A2Kdtw5R0992DEVsNMI_3LScexrMDK_en07iUa5B5mIK4R2rhqY37cew8CSJjnxfcghMy44FIN/w300-h400/20230924_184002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We saw teddy bears displayed around many houses as we travelled around this part of Albania. Apparently they were used to keep the 'evil eye' away.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhpbVICC2yOWEebiFZF8NV3cmFUe1EAGNgkQPjT07PuooP_gEMhKZbaHsawHDRTusfCwgr_VY0081Az4zzLdbzKUoC6QzFUHHajmDv6Vug13IPwqavb_Pkmvin8c3GGuBD83W9-LSo-SpXr_JymGgSqq2k1l4cU_Mo-n3WPRG7O6hRvVp3z9EmfhIa2ID/s4000/20230924_184059.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhpbVICC2yOWEebiFZF8NV3cmFUe1EAGNgkQPjT07PuooP_gEMhKZbaHsawHDRTusfCwgr_VY0081Az4zzLdbzKUoC6QzFUHHajmDv6Vug13IPwqavb_Pkmvin8c3GGuBD83W9-LSo-SpXr_JymGgSqq2k1l4cU_Mo-n3WPRG7O6hRvVp3z9EmfhIa2ID/w300-h400/20230924_184059.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg36ghzhGSry6_iBg-RmWXC_HJroK7McC5kqikhUKzvvownoEm8cggXPVrz4469HAeT5PuHmKXme_ZbNht1R6TQ_Zl_R9gMgcCk5L7iFJjKVbKnZQQOAHxkWrVAuNGT1bNwfC6Rye5IAEPKCpJCrdywQiePkxgD8QvRLDQscOmz7H6FKIAX6w0BCzaKg6/s4000/20230924_184218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg36ghzhGSry6_iBg-RmWXC_HJroK7McC5kqikhUKzvvownoEm8cggXPVrz4469HAeT5PuHmKXme_ZbNht1R6TQ_Zl_R9gMgcCk5L7iFJjKVbKnZQQOAHxkWrVAuNGT1bNwfC6Rye5IAEPKCpJCrdywQiePkxgD8QvRLDQscOmz7H6FKIAX6w0BCzaKg6/w400-h300/20230924_184218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I was keen to return to the hotel as the cobbled streets were making the tendonitis in my leg more painful. Back at the hotel I was excited about making myself a cup of tea (always have tea bags with me). Seemed I was the only one with a kettle. However not only were there no cups but there was no water either. After checking at reception there was no water in the hotel due to a faulty pipe somewhere. It took a couple of hours of digging and drilling before the problem could be solved. Oh well no cup of tea in bed for me tonight.</span></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-72410314263485936332023-10-09T22:17:00.000+01:002023-10-09T22:17:31.894+01:00Day 2 Pogradec, Albania<p> After checking out of the hotel we went on a final walk around Tirana. Although we would be flying home from Tirana at the end of the tour we would not be returning to the city.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvcpyuy3HfS8Xy_6lf4UPwO1kf-H8zJZ65cm3GfFcvDOzjAy0WYnXowLikhKLyUTJXVsVzf7uDbUcAmz3ZY0zpCToOmRsV8Ecefg6is_r_O7tQ-OZRWCCh-nDKtdO2b6zSIBmVVQ_oqRmhSqIpH36YZW97YFwOFA8A5WhU7QGzUGD_uhQ7GsGSC_4u6aR/s4000/1090807.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvcpyuy3HfS8Xy_6lf4UPwO1kf-H8zJZ65cm3GfFcvDOzjAy0WYnXowLikhKLyUTJXVsVzf7uDbUcAmz3ZY0zpCToOmRsV8Ecefg6is_r_O7tQ-OZRWCCh-nDKtdO2b6zSIBmVVQ_oqRmhSqIpH36YZW97YFwOFA8A5WhU7QGzUGD_uhQ7GsGSC_4u6aR/w300-h400/1090807.jpg" width="300" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The first stop was the Et'hem Bey Mosque which was spared destruction during the communist era but was closed to worshippers. Building began in 1789 but wasn't finished until 1823 and is one of the oldest buildings left in the city. In 1992 it reopened for worship once again.<p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirirzUtUn2VpgvbL-loTnHCoxp2zrY-LO9aXMj1zo2TsUIbsyAfhGBo_NWQT8kUuFrnhmHKlkkFhln4InuX1ZdH7ZYeKCuPGpr2zZbtWIEKexk920jSMPYHBL4P2QNZLwekniow-jM-uPEM9A6sziUBnU-xs8O724SEOxru-aAp79ldq-S9aa8E17QdLS-/s4000/1090848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirirzUtUn2VpgvbL-loTnHCoxp2zrY-LO9aXMj1zo2TsUIbsyAfhGBo_NWQT8kUuFrnhmHKlkkFhln4InuX1ZdH7ZYeKCuPGpr2zZbtWIEKexk920jSMPYHBL4P2QNZLwekniow-jM-uPEM9A6sziUBnU-xs8O724SEOxru-aAp79ldq-S9aa8E17QdLS-/w400-h300/1090848.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyO5Vo7hFuasrsTrHTDb4brfJL4hrzqSbKlLqfECZON4UdELAr7HzTXXKunTXSk5ddNWbEe3V2Dq0Y-ULlyeafOjIB_-TVxiJr5pWKk72FD08B5pDQE8jYSGU3vH4P2QRkusKnEj0fyW_HkxjKuYm6N1GtyqUGh6b7pNqFg0likzl-fCtYp4Mcg7ltFeU/s4000/1090851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyO5Vo7hFuasrsTrHTDb4brfJL4hrzqSbKlLqfECZON4UdELAr7HzTXXKunTXSk5ddNWbEe3V2Dq0Y-ULlyeafOjIB_-TVxiJr5pWKk72FD08B5pDQE8jYSGU3vH4P2QRkusKnEj0fyW_HkxjKuYm6N1GtyqUGh6b7pNqFg0likzl-fCtYp4Mcg7ltFeU/w300-h400/1090851.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Inside, the mosque the walls are covered with frescos.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe8ayZW6XulIGiplYQ0aVG-RTGrT-4dYU2mbcuZSaIsbF-TJycMxpnaOm-qviud90X0ClTAS8X-OXwv-MgAtpuQ638e-HUY2SbZ2sG1j3iJ6gASu6JtAFrUb00OSCS76k-PERZolSmr6uCsPTVKYrhAfebVDxTi4UbSLWOJC_Sfn5KjLRx8CM7Jta-9X8/s4000/1090852.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe8ayZW6XulIGiplYQ0aVG-RTGrT-4dYU2mbcuZSaIsbF-TJycMxpnaOm-qviud90X0ClTAS8X-OXwv-MgAtpuQ638e-HUY2SbZ2sG1j3iJ6gASu6JtAFrUb00OSCS76k-PERZolSmr6uCsPTVKYrhAfebVDxTi4UbSLWOJC_Sfn5KjLRx8CM7Jta-9X8/w300-h400/1090852.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDSa5O7r0uGR2TD1Jhb3jSDUQuwiQyrE-27Rm1t7AAEzsNHadBq-1VZNLqa3JjJnlxkg__OSdXFgO5dyXGcmae7uDX6_z-D_YV8t2pCM8zkCHatMXwsrpgjW6kYu1SJ3vsHRRnEsKTN1yzJLPEohQ1SNJxvpqLcmVwasVvdJlUeTGMTFDopRpmEy1UkSF/s4000/1090853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDSa5O7r0uGR2TD1Jhb3jSDUQuwiQyrE-27Rm1t7AAEzsNHadBq-1VZNLqa3JjJnlxkg__OSdXFgO5dyXGcmae7uDX6_z-D_YV8t2pCM8zkCHatMXwsrpgjW6kYu1SJ3vsHRRnEsKTN1yzJLPEohQ1SNJxvpqLcmVwasVvdJlUeTGMTFDopRpmEy1UkSF/w400-h300/1090853.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZoYPqVeOj-mL1e-OFVlPyLaIRHWOW_oX6lLt69SvwZsmd8vDGOKtEQ1wuVSH-QkldUJwM9bzqRZuTyLQTlUDjwUhgJbgaNttTPDDoYT1V5lF02w86FsxT5WYBzXFjbNulD-V5DCEF-rNcUN_-VBuZcXIo3ZL3UvC9-KxzgzQSjULZGZUxK9Ce_pWinWx/s4000/20230923_094702.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZoYPqVeOj-mL1e-OFVlPyLaIRHWOW_oX6lLt69SvwZsmd8vDGOKtEQ1wuVSH-QkldUJwM9bzqRZuTyLQTlUDjwUhgJbgaNttTPDDoYT1V5lF02w86FsxT5WYBzXFjbNulD-V5DCEF-rNcUN_-VBuZcXIo3ZL3UvC9-KxzgzQSjULZGZUxK9Ce_pWinWx/w400-h300/20230923_094702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We walked to the large marbled square with lots of food stalls selling a variety of goods such as jars of honey, nuts, oils, soap etc. These were more for tourists than locals. Although the square looks empty in this photo there were plenty of people wandering about. I was surprised by the number of tourists especially large coach parties of Germans and Italians. Albania is not a common tourist destination from the UK.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk2ZmaEjM9pcRfD3WdIb2e6W2FImuiZBPGdPsgebEeEiNnLKrAj_-mHa3V6QSRrCgT5p5_cmjwvL8gh5V9E7eS_ZKdwCmNd41He-Pay-XwNHqFUEv-iSFVWQ8YedgVRTwyplVlnUVqAgqrx2lgUWMUxe2d5O2y3M9HcLrNiOQWAVOARlCFoslZ3Ft51MV/s4000/1090858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk2ZmaEjM9pcRfD3WdIb2e6W2FImuiZBPGdPsgebEeEiNnLKrAj_-mHa3V6QSRrCgT5p5_cmjwvL8gh5V9E7eS_ZKdwCmNd41He-Pay-XwNHqFUEv-iSFVWQ8YedgVRTwyplVlnUVqAgqrx2lgUWMUxe2d5O2y3M9HcLrNiOQWAVOARlCFoslZ3Ft51MV/s320/1090858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I can't say this product sounded appealing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk34dbkY2mCHKE_NkKHc3iajmGmcOWjgO8M8W_7Bhx-4tG55NG9hTOVJqXMwxko5QnCiN_3zDuHLUc7_YRc4kLA4YoIR8UDCMhcUdw5EAgJgdZR0JBMIRERAf5Zfi_NIFSP_tqM73VBJVUW-F19XhWyg7XOGrUvaEIlVjpM1WrFrxfm2uP_7gPwzJHVy5g/s4000/1090861.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk34dbkY2mCHKE_NkKHc3iajmGmcOWjgO8M8W_7Bhx-4tG55NG9hTOVJqXMwxko5QnCiN_3zDuHLUc7_YRc4kLA4YoIR8UDCMhcUdw5EAgJgdZR0JBMIRERAf5Zfi_NIFSP_tqM73VBJVUW-F19XhWyg7XOGrUvaEIlVjpM1WrFrxfm2uP_7gPwzJHVy5g/w400-h300/1090861.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Then it was into the National History Museum with items dating back to the Greeks and Romans as well as more modern history. Although a lovely chap, our guide could talk for ever and I just drifted off as I couldn't concentrate for that length of time. Sadly photography was not allowed so I have few memories of the treasures that were in the collections. The huge mosaic on the Museum's façade is apparently called 'Albania' </span>and shows Albanians from Illyrian times through to WW2. To me, it looks very Russian in style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zkCeCR3vfu9m3ock0j8-eXtKl5hGbfm2S9BfCf62fpw7BCO2q3c8OWxXjvd5LfxtWKYRtrv0b-l1VvUp066zEF2FYORflu69wfMAopiJzoiSiUJ3wL2XkmZaO6eVTkjmtzvE2PFodcbqeAczXaY-sVEpMsZCn9LIDI9advJ5RqQt_5YvrnEgTY5Rn48-/s4000/1090864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zkCeCR3vfu9m3ock0j8-eXtKl5hGbfm2S9BfCf62fpw7BCO2q3c8OWxXjvd5LfxtWKYRtrv0b-l1VvUp066zEF2FYORflu69wfMAopiJzoiSiUJ3wL2XkmZaO6eVTkjmtzvE2PFodcbqeAczXaY-sVEpMsZCn9LIDI9advJ5RqQt_5YvrnEgTY5Rn48-/w400-h300/1090864.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In one corner of the square was this double decker carousel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1ebNJtQD0X0yC8scqqxHvLdCezxMzfGs2yDctUyBzNcis8KH58UXESNr6F5RLtC2IG3c-xG4OEW7gyCZ2YNZTFVKX1H_AlYTQP_WfYbP7urtgcKCZcvLWnBG79rIgle5D2QjGphAJD9FBEhMQLy8UeK1hwCxuUsrnhBfRKsGa8EPWIIolWlBXWW6LB3r/s4000/1090869.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1ebNJtQD0X0yC8scqqxHvLdCezxMzfGs2yDctUyBzNcis8KH58UXESNr6F5RLtC2IG3c-xG4OEW7gyCZ2YNZTFVKX1H_AlYTQP_WfYbP7urtgcKCZcvLWnBG79rIgle5D2QjGphAJD9FBEhMQLy8UeK1hwCxuUsrnhBfRKsGa8EPWIIolWlBXWW6LB3r/w400-h300/1090869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Luxury shops.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYJMfgh9gUDAi1gEhMHZ14Rk70WJcrfjZ_QIgAI_eDSV2Gcb1gXnU-68Cdd4xMD4MW_2rHW83mEqSQHVygEcJbFvRu7yiTR9EJ3VdxJfExCk9J2tqijrCF_9wRJa3YRtSMwvoe9BGigMsIXOF3r7LS2Iyy3lJz593Hpx-uWa3-Fm0LeAmaiBW3fnDcJrb/s4000/1090870.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYJMfgh9gUDAi1gEhMHZ14Rk70WJcrfjZ_QIgAI_eDSV2Gcb1gXnU-68Cdd4xMD4MW_2rHW83mEqSQHVygEcJbFvRu7yiTR9EJ3VdxJfExCk9J2tqijrCF_9wRJa3YRtSMwvoe9BGigMsIXOF3r7LS2Iyy3lJz593Hpx-uWa3-Fm0LeAmaiBW3fnDcJrb/w400-h300/1090870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">One of the thousands of bunkers built throughout the country.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_yaMKk2itri4KzTNsg3pRKGkaQEfK7uPUSQfFq8JeHN9jHXl4w80Jp62Kbltjrwl8ylmzY7JFYWXBsNrid0abP1t9Ymf836tTWKrWnASPPcD1m-i5O6Flm7cmE-laxAaZFu70jqE4_6X8oDp1mqwp1ZX7J_VnwnHlMRmhwHVfxaBNnFD0ZLN2v9fBOCa/s4000/20230923_142339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_yaMKk2itri4KzTNsg3pRKGkaQEfK7uPUSQfFq8JeHN9jHXl4w80Jp62Kbltjrwl8ylmzY7JFYWXBsNrid0abP1t9Ymf836tTWKrWnASPPcD1m-i5O6Flm7cmE-laxAaZFu70jqE4_6X8oDp1mqwp1ZX7J_VnwnHlMRmhwHVfxaBNnFD0ZLN2v9fBOCa/w400-h300/20230923_142339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The driver had already packed our cases into the bus so we were picked up in the middle of town and driven a couple of hours to our next stop which was the town of Elbasan, where we had lunch before having a look at the small town.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL6hLZffxF2GlEHBjaOPeaNYy7BIlxuK-AS6zfNm_90NoGPPmPGAYLhxn-u3bJy5UBuigP5zxtGAV6Wmg90g75biWEOLe2Cbu3mQA2fRiZQHbzx4cdCJPq64SXSNgldZ9CMl5R1xYHdqKed0acyMtZO7zx4yPoyJofkbLqj4YtyfcR8foiPMpogg1hXDn/s4000/1090874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL6hLZffxF2GlEHBjaOPeaNYy7BIlxuK-AS6zfNm_90NoGPPmPGAYLhxn-u3bJy5UBuigP5zxtGAV6Wmg90g75biWEOLe2Cbu3mQA2fRiZQHbzx4cdCJPq64SXSNgldZ9CMl5R1xYHdqKed0acyMtZO7zx4yPoyJofkbLqj4YtyfcR8foiPMpogg1hXDn/w400-h300/1090874.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g-nHRlMznvWL2tSYZrlETKrdzb7zlWhRiVE9DZF2T8YW6uuFox7Igj5yYlmCR4T2LreAFqtBiulfrhR8RMVFbhTF-uxGZrRSEWZmnV3OwnSCKoLjBG9YP2QTwyonAom7lFme-ZcuKOaw-eCz_ZQif_pk-ytuv7wuIH4reczZlqacj6ejvRpzZpZg3fjQ/s4000/1090886.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g-nHRlMznvWL2tSYZrlETKrdzb7zlWhRiVE9DZF2T8YW6uuFox7Igj5yYlmCR4T2LreAFqtBiulfrhR8RMVFbhTF-uxGZrRSEWZmnV3OwnSCKoLjBG9YP2QTwyonAom7lFme-ZcuKOaw-eCz_ZQif_pk-ytuv7wuIH4reczZlqacj6ejvRpzZpZg3fjQ/s320/1090886.jpg" width="240" /></a>There are just a couple of walls remaining of the Ancient Elbasan Castle which enclose the cobbled streets of the town. </div><div>One wall is centred around the clock tower<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-0skKW1afMjS7N1DsoSMPpZEN4mL48-7Fqc6GbBIQ3nL2GBESx84nMSjDthEIlBOHybfCxw9QPLjhztA4neAn5FT86lhyc7BgIBFb6T1m4xwYSYuUfRvxK2VItqi2HKMVy-Qklx1edcdgFQI6oZ9QRCBvoMqUtiaxnK-nW33SrCjbQfON27mln0W4zLE/s4000/1090884.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-0skKW1afMjS7N1DsoSMPpZEN4mL48-7Fqc6GbBIQ3nL2GBESx84nMSjDthEIlBOHybfCxw9QPLjhztA4neAn5FT86lhyc7BgIBFb6T1m4xwYSYuUfRvxK2VItqi2HKMVy-Qklx1edcdgFQI6oZ9QRCBvoMqUtiaxnK-nW33SrCjbQfON27mln0W4zLE/s320/1090884.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmU1uecPxdIcrV249Ij4vZs_31uAn0UydnseDU5CW47d-3OGwWvgQq6lFk-6mmmSqlijJ-fAj6y9E3DNAy01cl71i9exQsmNMXiAl_JV0GqRxZYKmUwEaqQOVp3g9O2jq3PMB_uQFVoZeECKVzUrYGo3kGfBgrgc0UX4lKXGL6dW2wvWOGFmc_hsqqHcL/s4000/1090883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmU1uecPxdIcrV249Ij4vZs_31uAn0UydnseDU5CW47d-3OGwWvgQq6lFk-6mmmSqlijJ-fAj6y9E3DNAy01cl71i9exQsmNMXiAl_JV0GqRxZYKmUwEaqQOVp3g9O2jq3PMB_uQFVoZeECKVzUrYGo3kGfBgrgc0UX4lKXGL6dW2wvWOGFmc_hsqqHcL/w300-h400/1090883.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYIrXdLk679-D3dT32nHyktgnnzH7k4rCZjnIbaFQV7JuaDkD9coxwnWOGjXPw2R9getDGg7JDpb5B3vltuc1ei85Cw7R0TNxTZruwZkhE9kHhOaFgvXqrnpXM9cKkTPrGI896gJJoEqC0BKoCSK-eCpnpJ6yR_xg3uNY742mUai8mRfZ3oUdpXru5qYf/s4000/1090877.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYIrXdLk679-D3dT32nHyktgnnzH7k4rCZjnIbaFQV7JuaDkD9coxwnWOGjXPw2R9getDGg7JDpb5B3vltuc1ei85Cw7R0TNxTZruwZkhE9kHhOaFgvXqrnpXM9cKkTPrGI896gJJoEqC0BKoCSK-eCpnpJ6yR_xg3uNY742mUai8mRfZ3oUdpXru5qYf/w300-h400/1090877.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is the King Mosque one of the earliest shrines in Albania. It was built at the end in 1492.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDImEOOg6SFSiiyeYOw4H-cLRQnE_EDEleGb94RhecDCXP9WzO02O0qpDv2dKFG88GzuFZc2a1hWv2XBKOhA7FHITyiWqYI6WZUtROQwJAusaDumcBWbEIVCjBYW9RlcNoH64yLyZRRFbN2yjf7HnmtFothyR21Nk8SgdSPCROZcVmgrQqkyepqk5wzoQ/s4000/1090888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDImEOOg6SFSiiyeYOw4H-cLRQnE_EDEleGb94RhecDCXP9WzO02O0qpDv2dKFG88GzuFZc2a1hWv2XBKOhA7FHITyiWqYI6WZUtROQwJAusaDumcBWbEIVCjBYW9RlcNoH64yLyZRRFbN2yjf7HnmtFothyR21Nk8SgdSPCROZcVmgrQqkyepqk5wzoQ/w400-h300/1090888.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Back on the bus to Pogradec, our stopping place for the night. The journey from Elbasan took us along winding mountain roads. We stopped briefly to enjoy the view of Pogradec and Lake Ohrid.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9lc3_Vk0BwlqUaQX8M1Q_E1bRXKaC033Oy-EzxBgz3-PpjDxvgAm9xf300XhaqQxObjR0cCLXiaO-oCZZRGZPvBXdi5TgEi-fS0Rs3T5WQAkkmJyQowCM2VO3XwDtRKiZUaOBEQqBU6uBkgcKESQk_ox_Z3GKB7zMZqeOj0JD8H_ib8-lQ9OK0UE03Gj/s2372/20230923_184031.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2372" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9lc3_Vk0BwlqUaQX8M1Q_E1bRXKaC033Oy-EzxBgz3-PpjDxvgAm9xf300XhaqQxObjR0cCLXiaO-oCZZRGZPvBXdi5TgEi-fS0Rs3T5WQAkkmJyQowCM2VO3XwDtRKiZUaOBEQqBU6uBkgcKESQk_ox_Z3GKB7zMZqeOj0JD8H_ib8-lQ9OK0UE03Gj/w400-h311/20230923_184031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> Once checked in we went for a walk to the lake which was 5 mins from the hotel. Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake (285m) in the Balkans and borders Macedonia and Albania. In 1980 UNESCO proclaimed it a Natural Heritage site.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtOLwc3PtyrsN3iHCtcUZ5OcOIpRoIn7skCaPHeDIlPa1YYXc1B6SQ8L5NyXJVNIDV_DaxEL4ZgDxw-KX87a7GYIXm_TPIoJ1rJIxHsWswceF9EBMM7DAXIDNJ-s-o4YNOpY2yRVLSyxa06shIWTYQ042NmXw-ukcpmkHnTzuOGxWs344N2SEvPcOtkPI/s4000/20230923_184540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtOLwc3PtyrsN3iHCtcUZ5OcOIpRoIn7skCaPHeDIlPa1YYXc1B6SQ8L5NyXJVNIDV_DaxEL4ZgDxw-KX87a7GYIXm_TPIoJ1rJIxHsWswceF9EBMM7DAXIDNJ-s-o4YNOpY2yRVLSyxa06shIWTYQ042NmXw-ukcpmkHnTzuOGxWs344N2SEvPcOtkPI/w400-h300/20230923_184540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the evening we ate in a restaurant overlooking the lake. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAbhyGqdSavkGojIqx6JV7HWHFY1mosSTFQL84EMtyiV-DHDAr06YjHZJxkNX1rJQzf6CR92ccR4siLSy9dssHhLYB23IZt5iQhZ8gAr2bUjl9me9djlXEh3cgiw96erUacMxhXS-smVpiqfkqG8TDv7_BR3bzshINZ16476ArIggbCOJQjJq6eofmam7/s4000/20230923_195542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAbhyGqdSavkGojIqx6JV7HWHFY1mosSTFQL84EMtyiV-DHDAr06YjHZJxkNX1rJQzf6CR92ccR4siLSy9dssHhLYB23IZt5iQhZ8gAr2bUjl9me9djlXEh3cgiw96erUacMxhXS-smVpiqfkqG8TDv7_BR3bzshINZ16476ArIggbCOJQjJq6eofmam7/s320/20230923_195542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">C and I shared a very large fish caught in the lake, known here as Koran but also known as Ohrid trout. You choose the fish you want which is then weighed and you are charged per kilo. This was the most expensive meal we had in Albania and cost £18 each for the fish, a large plate of grilled vegetables and a bottle of the local red wine. There was easily enough fish for 3-4 people. </span><div>On the way back to the hotel we passed a dessert bar and just had to go in to view the pastries etc. I ended up with a mixed fruit milkshake which tasted infinitely better than it sounded. It seems like the tour is turning into the culinary highlights of Albania.</div></div></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-48560739956250821772023-10-08T09:20:00.003+01:002023-10-08T09:20:51.883+01:00Day 1 Tirana, Albania<p> This 10 day trip is with Exodus, a company I haven't used before as I always use G Adventures, so it will be interesting to compare. I met up with M and C at Heathrow to catch an early flight to Tirana, the capital of Albania. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAG2XS9UOLubtRUOQg_yLgLpr4MZ0h1G6-xI2cu2NWopf8s2Qy6egKGs7Reqlv1eqhJRHaGuizRuQvEVMnn67yjd4s1cmYpY2j6zjvDfK8-X85KYfXmenLXnxsdhrq-Enid6gd75iU_7YzZR_JbofpvKxx2vT-MBnmlqpykbGKdUFKXgVQV6r7RuJ0OY2/s4000/20231008_081057.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAG2XS9UOLubtRUOQg_yLgLpr4MZ0h1G6-xI2cu2NWopf8s2Qy6egKGs7Reqlv1eqhJRHaGuizRuQvEVMnn67yjd4s1cmYpY2j6zjvDfK8-X85KYfXmenLXnxsdhrq-Enid6gd75iU_7YzZR_JbofpvKxx2vT-MBnmlqpykbGKdUFKXgVQV6r7RuJ0OY2/w300-h400/20231008_081057.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We were met at the airport by our guide for the week, Edion and our driver who was happy for us to call him Mr D. We had a brief orientation walk with Ed as we all needed to exchange money. Albania has a closed currency, meaning we can only exchange currency from within the country. As opposed to many countries at the moment, Albania uses cash rather than cards.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIgR0zol9ClCU4X4oZLZ0cdVcSlTXH5R7XzGw-DYpyHGP3DSV_yPXQ5GoM53V1IVYg6MKbmcW0Bv75nzYxAnO-ZmQTQxU0Pj5DprH4NuIph-vuzxX5ayq1OqFPgt4nnVjrQltngGO-GN8zr-DhBvLm0ZCQUXi1N2UH1PrkzUU0cBTwfhOKKdFBQU8b3Jv/s4000/20230922_140714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIgR0zol9ClCU4X4oZLZ0cdVcSlTXH5R7XzGw-DYpyHGP3DSV_yPXQ5GoM53V1IVYg6MKbmcW0Bv75nzYxAnO-ZmQTQxU0Pj5DprH4NuIph-vuzxX5ayq1OqFPgt4nnVjrQltngGO-GN8zr-DhBvLm0ZCQUXi1N2UH1PrkzUU0cBTwfhOKKdFBQU8b3Jv/w400-h300/20230922_140714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There was an abundance of fresh local fruit and vegetables in the local bazaar.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_H7LRX9fNuSISDjp_6rJXfmZV3WDXyHS3bEObfN18oUX87PUW4pnanMzbhXGnGVKW0LKogIqwhzlgrYLv_4oMKlzAH0GsE6jXIYAzSzu-cajHU6xXcTDYVYrsiYEj01ecZ50mEFouVGmiDJgSU8Getxifwg8i3zjQ1O2Y2dIkthnIw2EWyMovgSmJuM6/s4000/20230922_140717.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_H7LRX9fNuSISDjp_6rJXfmZV3WDXyHS3bEObfN18oUX87PUW4pnanMzbhXGnGVKW0LKogIqwhzlgrYLv_4oMKlzAH0GsE6jXIYAzSzu-cajHU6xXcTDYVYrsiYEj01ecZ50mEFouVGmiDJgSU8Getxifwg8i3zjQ1O2Y2dIkthnIw2EWyMovgSmJuM6/w400-h300/20230922_140717.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">There were 16 of us altogether in the group, the majority being British. After we had all checked into the hotel, Ed gave us a brief history of the country and I realised I should have read much more about the country before the trip. Ed was passionate about the history of his country and did go on a bit and I did find it difficult to follow at times. Briefly, the Albanians are descended from the Illyrians, an ancient Indo-European people who lived in central Europe and migrated south by the beginning of the Iron Age. The area was ruled by the Romans by the 1st century BCE and then it became part of the Byzantine Empire in the 4th century. In the 14th century they were ruled by the Ottoman empire. The country did not achieve independence until 1912. In 1939 Albania was invaded by Italy, but when Italy surrendered in 1943 the Germans stepped in and occupied Albania. In Oct 1944 the Germans withdrew from Albania and then in Nov 1944 the communists entered Tirana. After the war a socialist government was formed under Enver Hoxha. Gradually the country cut itself off from the rest of the world and remained isolated until 1992 with the election of a non communist government.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKESpCai_IE7_O36EE7uu_IvNGT3sxJfcbK3jzydTp7NynfEwvbZ7UKeM5JhRjqFridrD-AdsvwfhJBlICqw70tEgJc3Bvt9EbcEPXLpuzAKpzP7vT7a42m5E2WyiVxOnOe0YvPfwodK0EDAmrU6t4u1a8Lk7YC9Xr8O7hqrX2oiVg0oww_4o9RT9lbbf/s4000/1090805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKESpCai_IE7_O36EE7uu_IvNGT3sxJfcbK3jzydTp7NynfEwvbZ7UKeM5JhRjqFridrD-AdsvwfhJBlICqw70tEgJc3Bvt9EbcEPXLpuzAKpzP7vT7a42m5E2WyiVxOnOe0YvPfwodK0EDAmrU6t4u1a8Lk7YC9Xr8O7hqrX2oiVg0oww_4o9RT9lbbf/w300-h400/1090805.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Before we went out for an evening meal we went for a stroll around the centre of town.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5I_lH9d9nwmkwU1PlNdLHjyWW9QhEQSaXIeVuDs-t6k79W1JM55xzu1bf5Ww1x3PTlYOTQcFc-ssUT3PhznbuJDt7PuMiNxHxqNsFpACl4Jek3_KtK2fxY3Nm6uEtQA_EulGu2ttIj-EkRssSgqy5l1Ni39phxfWFHp9tpULbq3RBAKbPu9NUAqNAEy8/s4000/1090809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5I_lH9d9nwmkwU1PlNdLHjyWW9QhEQSaXIeVuDs-t6k79W1JM55xzu1bf5Ww1x3PTlYOTQcFc-ssUT3PhznbuJDt7PuMiNxHxqNsFpACl4Jek3_KtK2fxY3Nm6uEtQA_EulGu2ttIj-EkRssSgqy5l1Ni39phxfWFHp9tpULbq3RBAKbPu9NUAqNAEy8/w400-h300/1090809.jpg" width="400" /></a><div>Surrounding the town were mountains which became clearer as the day wore on and the haze lifted.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH5Rx827qB7sZ-Ga4yD2sBg_-eGBQQ3lt6q6n_T25qUAbUuAn7sfKpDstAUvQyXjyz6Ek6L-0U4kxORcIOLU8NScO51bLHJ82AbPicu7HZbrY7dOlLFqVJyvEg4ke7w1F_FS6JWssCCU2T-pi9-h25HIWVDR9czMM3HgC1CsdZeK2uwVeHHWnong46q4n/s4000/1090806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH5Rx827qB7sZ-Ga4yD2sBg_-eGBQQ3lt6q6n_T25qUAbUuAn7sfKpDstAUvQyXjyz6Ek6L-0U4kxORcIOLU8NScO51bLHJ82AbPicu7HZbrY7dOlLFqVJyvEg4ke7w1F_FS6JWssCCU2T-pi9-h25HIWVDR9czMM3HgC1CsdZeK2uwVeHHWnong46q4n/w400-h300/1090806.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I didn't expect to see a hot dog seller. In fact I didn't see another one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8NeAArvpSo30z1VG_zk7KPKiXrCB82G23hMRTu527WzukECvGx5ba4-SUWDJJIN-PyLSdFZIlTuAGC_IDLwZfM824LftvBLXKNo9KlDuFZh1m-hWBDJ8SegBe54k9lW7E8ZoN4Y7KDKayeNh6mSVrU357yPC8D94UiowYmPHd_cYA-JDCkUqn4QvXlPi/s4000/1090810.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8NeAArvpSo30z1VG_zk7KPKiXrCB82G23hMRTu527WzukECvGx5ba4-SUWDJJIN-PyLSdFZIlTuAGC_IDLwZfM824LftvBLXKNo9KlDuFZh1m-hWBDJ8SegBe54k9lW7E8ZoN4Y7KDKayeNh6mSVrU357yPC8D94UiowYmPHd_cYA-JDCkUqn4QvXlPi/w300-h400/1090810.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>There was some interesting lighting around the town.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zbl5y0Kll1uEYn0-gBphJCp6DF4VgalF3ZO8uZrMjNkdQNbGA_HViX-X6zmTwJx8mfCBd89ecvDziIoyk1I6urTCjidpShs7EFPKu83dFIrND6Q61jHUUCx057V946QtqefR7tiLqpn1_Bsf72W5c2_eVpD9SwkAWbjSVwVVrFf09lQWNJHAJh7BkT58/s4000/1090811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zbl5y0Kll1uEYn0-gBphJCp6DF4VgalF3ZO8uZrMjNkdQNbGA_HViX-X6zmTwJx8mfCBd89ecvDziIoyk1I6urTCjidpShs7EFPKu83dFIrND6Q61jHUUCx057V946QtqefR7tiLqpn1_Bsf72W5c2_eVpD9SwkAWbjSVwVVrFf09lQWNJHAJh7BkT58/w300-h400/1090811.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Some very modern skyscrapers.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvbqgU26DJH23BhQpt37JmP3T9azhZ03ZBb1-6BUdLVCSVbf7qQEnnHrj_kE4gWGXKN8Bk06NMSE7p0RYp0OyTTWOwwzzkYZPisQXywl0Q0lpyRPmR7nHvXJYkTmDHt-t8NrkPt18GEuvWZPQm0-_vC9SAZTD_t9NYXNEra06IW7eXgurOfEaAyUOBoiW/s4000/1090825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvbqgU26DJH23BhQpt37JmP3T9azhZ03ZBb1-6BUdLVCSVbf7qQEnnHrj_kE4gWGXKN8Bk06NMSE7p0RYp0OyTTWOwwzzkYZPisQXywl0Q0lpyRPmR7nHvXJYkTmDHt-t8NrkPt18GEuvWZPQm0-_vC9SAZTD_t9NYXNEra06IW7eXgurOfEaAyUOBoiW/w300-h400/1090825.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Couldn't work this one out until Ed told us that the windows sticking out formed the shape of Albania.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGEhJ7TdsUr6A_U_m1iPSbbtbznsuJfXBmyRnimM_duVhTnsFg7z5AOv_Y4DJupajW6m1SYwAB-2mAKrX1oP3UgxXFNrwm-Xo6V5cg5yNguvoTbsURsklVUyQzi48QJ5kbxbp1TUq955dFwoL_BZweAKu_ODi3wBriLUm-MLf8P1BYWFjC2UldqgIscNi/s4000/1090815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGEhJ7TdsUr6A_U_m1iPSbbtbznsuJfXBmyRnimM_duVhTnsFg7z5AOv_Y4DJupajW6m1SYwAB-2mAKrX1oP3UgxXFNrwm-Xo6V5cg5yNguvoTbsURsklVUyQzi48QJ5kbxbp1TUq955dFwoL_BZweAKu_ODi3wBriLUm-MLf8P1BYWFjC2UldqgIscNi/w400-h300/1090815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is the 'Resurrection of Christ' cathedral. The corner stone was laid in 2004 and took 7 years to complete. From 1944 until 1990 every expression of faith was prohibited and the church was disbanded. During this time any religious building was repurposed usually for military purposes. In 1998 the Holy Synod of the Christian Orthodox Church of Albania was formed. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX54hFT2yxruetru2CAQo-L3ORwD61miiVm3qGMuaCS-uBiEnkMh8BNsRkBpgJio5Zf2eGX8jQI8kQu0GBNjEfItXz_tSUcg6WdtW8sqJrLoPxoSqWKcBs6-WIY7C4nHcgBzETDGvp-AyVw7Ohkw-R5xubqOany5wfGZ_wjyHheYVUpNkmRzg24QKOe1pz/s4000/1090816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX54hFT2yxruetru2CAQo-L3ORwD61miiVm3qGMuaCS-uBiEnkMh8BNsRkBpgJio5Zf2eGX8jQI8kQu0GBNjEfItXz_tSUcg6WdtW8sqJrLoPxoSqWKcBs6-WIY7C4nHcgBzETDGvp-AyVw7Ohkw-R5xubqOany5wfGZ_wjyHheYVUpNkmRzg24QKOe1pz/w400-h300/1090816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Inside the cathedral there is a very impressive dome with an enormous chandelier hanging beneath it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELoW8icsX8p3_jntCOonyvBOXn8wsH-b1ASzisfgqnPRRx-Z6imL9xXT6pWUO7_kC1lB44UXZuev3SF6Xt7CdKLKznqpa7AxXhmiGWHkm5Ay2I_CT17hygOzceOyja4-iWKEZn5ULcRXVPKdjtI5wtfeAHnoc7pDtqwwibDHKpcDj1IL3kw4nUt9TSaFH/s4000/1090819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELoW8icsX8p3_jntCOonyvBOXn8wsH-b1ASzisfgqnPRRx-Z6imL9xXT6pWUO7_kC1lB44UXZuev3SF6Xt7CdKLKznqpa7AxXhmiGWHkm5Ay2I_CT17hygOzceOyja4-iWKEZn5ULcRXVPKdjtI5wtfeAHnoc7pDtqwwibDHKpcDj1IL3kw4nUt9TSaFH/w400-h300/1090819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhxmfk3hDoUZUMeDkdcOX76DMWKXl2uuZfeR9gt0fmVB-1L6TtFEiWEjUyEqcSAxZk1vHiLEdY2oaenDjUIyaWPU-Ubn_R40q8pYKjCwZOVvOaYVTAnAyvtkKUKpHR7LuwdAcqyLEb2zKsJFKkUCrhg15jHRHst9Vcr25iRPEBukjLZra8p1aH80syy0r/s4000/1090826.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhxmfk3hDoUZUMeDkdcOX76DMWKXl2uuZfeR9gt0fmVB-1L6TtFEiWEjUyEqcSAxZk1vHiLEdY2oaenDjUIyaWPU-Ubn_R40q8pYKjCwZOVvOaYVTAnAyvtkKUKpHR7LuwdAcqyLEb2zKsJFKkUCrhg15jHRHst9Vcr25iRPEBukjLZra8p1aH80syy0r/w400-h300/1090826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"> </span>This is Bunk'Art 2 which was secretly built as a nuclear bunker between 1981 and 1986 and has recently been transformed into a museum. Like many other bunkers of this size, it was built to withstand a potential chemical and nuclear attack. Actually the bunker was never even used for training. The Prime Minister Mehmet Shenu as well as the dictator Enver Hoxha who ordered its construction, never saw it completed as they both died before it was finished. The exit and entrance were only built recently because the original plans would have been for the bunker to only be accessed from the Ministry of Internal Affairs next door. The bunker was hidden from the public eye until its recent unveiling in 2015. The bunker building project started in the early 1970s and led to the building of 175,000 concrete bunkers of various sizes across the country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwC0u-bFXT7bu9E0n9_wu6OrJLJSfrYqWOVkXOa0ifiHbm9JRGq0KJCyjBSs3vzurHGpYITYpAQwwOEVO5vOhUc64Dh5fPJJopnDlTGEnC1-PX3XtRxEQ52dHiUBlB2rtkTgbZ5Ao0Jq8dEfFwayPSHyNEwLwsqdp4siT9bjwTHpDAKNJ5hKJmet1SXjC/s4000/1090827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwC0u-bFXT7bu9E0n9_wu6OrJLJSfrYqWOVkXOa0ifiHbm9JRGq0KJCyjBSs3vzurHGpYITYpAQwwOEVO5vOhUc64Dh5fPJJopnDlTGEnC1-PX3XtRxEQ52dHiUBlB2rtkTgbZ5Ao0Jq8dEfFwayPSHyNEwLwsqdp4siT9bjwTHpDAKNJ5hKJmet1SXjC/w400-h300/1090827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGGNLQm4b0Lsf3KmhGFx1OM2cLSnL27aE16GGAxZikU94ZQOfI8eAa1ciSXBx1iPlSsZspA8D_BfEVUfUjsXCerf4VijR0VPSyqAISZzVGsNOQA4u4mHDUZdqLOAAhynHqWhGZgJMAbR94525_tVS1LoTdgtugfwzatfcfcx7E8k0Ik0ssx_VX4jVbKOs/s4000/1090846.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGGNLQm4b0Lsf3KmhGFx1OM2cLSnL27aE16GGAxZikU94ZQOfI8eAa1ciSXBx1iPlSsZspA8D_BfEVUfUjsXCerf4VijR0VPSyqAISZzVGsNOQA4u4mHDUZdqLOAAhynHqWhGZgJMAbR94525_tVS1LoTdgtugfwzatfcfcx7E8k0Ik0ssx_VX4jVbKOs/w400-h300/1090846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The museum made for some difficult reading about the communist era of Albanian history. Its focus was on the spying, torture and the executions that took place during those years.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWJ8x1l6LH92PMorRiT7jV0ASuzigx1jbsf-QINxB3XKBLZgLVzysX8eIYQahokk3hgz1EcUiEdnqYFFBGb3PM_IFVzXtEoO-gS1kOUk6A5EbfIX-1_U1FabNt9dg0fF7YM3ABP7hpY3D4pCUU9swEwGr1yfO7kuqmBq3CLJOS9V5OAV0iii6LfnAApH3/s4000/1090845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWJ8x1l6LH92PMorRiT7jV0ASuzigx1jbsf-QINxB3XKBLZgLVzysX8eIYQahokk3hgz1EcUiEdnqYFFBGb3PM_IFVzXtEoO-gS1kOUk6A5EbfIX-1_U1FabNt9dg0fF7YM3ABP7hpY3D4pCUU9swEwGr1yfO7kuqmBq3CLJOS9V5OAV0iii6LfnAApH3/w400-h300/1090845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>One item that was used for spying was this everyday broom which had a bug hidden in the handle. This was used by a maid in the Italian Embassy in Tirana which was providing refuge for an Albanian family who were being persecuted, The maid had been recruited as a spy and for five years collected information.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd86gMdHug33QDPQL5F9ANXxuNno5jOKQ75Iyzlt1MiqaRKbYEjrsPESjrmhLJIWSegMOC9Hy54rpxfpXs_qg9byTwISZftg2D3kGf_fP3Whg9-JV8_2rrzV6wpYscEqrqnWJV3CidubfvUmHqk81-LnzIxienPuW_d8ViyE72L-23Xz8bML8erU9fcv3X/s3072/1090844.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd86gMdHug33QDPQL5F9ANXxuNno5jOKQ75Iyzlt1MiqaRKbYEjrsPESjrmhLJIWSegMOC9Hy54rpxfpXs_qg9byTwISZftg2D3kGf_fP3Whg9-JV8_2rrzV6wpYscEqrqnWJV3CidubfvUmHqk81-LnzIxienPuW_d8ViyE72L-23Xz8bML8erU9fcv3X/w400-h300/1090844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The siege of the Italian Embassy lasted until 1990 when Italy with the help of the United Nations finally managed to get on a plane to Rome with the six members of the Popa family. Their escape was an example to thousands of others who several weeks later invaded the Western Embassies in Tirana seeking political asylum, marking the beginning of the end of the communist regime in Albania.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9q_kdL-yRRJ77j0MNcE1VrgM39TDVD7gBZsWMIcMcM22ccfkVQQ804ls8-5fDscesqIv8QjNrkBWfc6YP57SeHY-uGZVXnvJK3EFG-k-aatHZxUgR0Arlz3iB_uBv0Y1WcyhqsNXRvkrjBJai2ufwPBvPeQWl0gbSFB68XQAgyh21GeQw4TRqbAvL_Fn/s4000/1090838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9q_kdL-yRRJ77j0MNcE1VrgM39TDVD7gBZsWMIcMcM22ccfkVQQ804ls8-5fDscesqIv8QjNrkBWfc6YP57SeHY-uGZVXnvJK3EFG-k-aatHZxUgR0Arlz3iB_uBv0Y1WcyhqsNXRvkrjBJai2ufwPBvPeQWl0gbSFB68XQAgyh21GeQw4TRqbAvL_Fn/w400-h300/1090838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">To complete our first day in Albania we went to the Oda restaurant which was hidden away behind the new bazaar. The meal was cheap compared to European prices but the quality of food was excellent. It was so fresh and tasty as was all the food in Albania. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos which was a real shame. The portions were large and we shared with the others on the table which meant we tried lots of different dishes. Pies made with a type of filo pastry were very popular and had various fillings such as leek or cheese or chicken. There were usually 4 or 5 different kinds of salad on the menu as well as stuffed vegetables and meat dishes.</span></div></div></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-11535439854975410652023-09-23T21:40:00.003+01:002023-09-23T21:40:37.796+01:00Albania<p> For the next 10 days I am touring Albania. I will write about it when I return home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMJXrxzdQHDNyyMkjcWVF6jmefXaCh7LmDRonQCanrMAfBdJfOFFALkoqEiP5lSOfJMzi7McN1A52cF4ovMQwHX_9tBy0qkAwHZrnxkkSP02Q9i61q3f4youtRkgyUAAwlrVri-HyUgao9JQEYGY95tx2BhbCwb1MGYNCTBw1wF3lUeuWWzNNMNteLBdn/s4000/20230923_184540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMJXrxzdQHDNyyMkjcWVF6jmefXaCh7LmDRonQCanrMAfBdJfOFFALkoqEiP5lSOfJMzi7McN1A52cF4ovMQwHX_9tBy0qkAwHZrnxkkSP02Q9i61q3f4youtRkgyUAAwlrVri-HyUgao9JQEYGY95tx2BhbCwb1MGYNCTBw1wF3lUeuWWzNNMNteLBdn/w400-h300/20230923_184540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-v6otCGTdqiHh4JauBl3zPokcjhS6MICBGfg1howgaG7Yu97OkisCFczP1v-42xyWfj1U9YwWmG1I9SbKWRkUDXoW4U-dt8kHWJ0P6mce0UcR7wROpMymw9saymdAI3veoX6EQ23v1uBbu8U8UmVMjOvGTD7eUfM_8qcxcYHByef2aVWWQaoqkteKlcz/s4000/20230923_114929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-v6otCGTdqiHh4JauBl3zPokcjhS6MICBGfg1howgaG7Yu97OkisCFczP1v-42xyWfj1U9YwWmG1I9SbKWRkUDXoW4U-dt8kHWJ0P6mce0UcR7wROpMymw9saymdAI3veoX6EQ23v1uBbu8U8UmVMjOvGTD7eUfM_8qcxcYHByef2aVWWQaoqkteKlcz/w300-h400/20230923_114929.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-45143474616034271502023-09-21T16:39:00.000+01:002023-09-21T16:39:06.087+01:00St Botolph <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kMCIYpc3z8PNgiXoh4eUqFYSmC_u4mHN7wGSryQuRibUxuaDLRvEDb57xSPiclU050ffTQeAA4w5BGRi_QO7igdA6Cvzje0fBwOfa5O8Xr4fIV6VvW_2RL6MAsgNT4CLOARjOqEMr0EgrmmbD57jlrtzMNUcEjAEs7G2nBtqua15xnCXIK56VqfxyJaj/s4000/20230912_102618.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kMCIYpc3z8PNgiXoh4eUqFYSmC_u4mHN7wGSryQuRibUxuaDLRvEDb57xSPiclU050ffTQeAA4w5BGRi_QO7igdA6Cvzje0fBwOfa5O8Xr4fIV6VvW_2RL6MAsgNT4CLOARjOqEMr0EgrmmbD57jlrtzMNUcEjAEs7G2nBtqua15xnCXIK56VqfxyJaj/w300-h400/20230912_102618.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>St Botolph's without Aldgate Church stands at the edge of the City of London. Aldgate was the Eastern gate if the Roman City of Londinium and beyond it in the area around St Botolph's was the Romans' Eastern Cemetery. There has been a church on this site for over a thousand years. The church that we see today was built in 1744.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFX40Wrha3PkAkCGjrgUkP0x1sGwioJc-0FlSYWZfpa6EX8Gio71NZ8ffbtVZmRJ6_WO-_-_wR2dtiZV3jJMHbR0lRBgwU-M3t7utHk6PrDHIiX1o_v7Q7hQ6lzUBj4P9HEdWdGL4YgOCUK4kSk_PKQWBfGkOC7ea7LdH1PIzs8VZh85pwIfAsYtQSPm_/s4000/20230912_101011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFX40Wrha3PkAkCGjrgUkP0x1sGwioJc-0FlSYWZfpa6EX8Gio71NZ8ffbtVZmRJ6_WO-_-_wR2dtiZV3jJMHbR0lRBgwU-M3t7utHk6PrDHIiX1o_v7Q7hQ6lzUBj4P9HEdWdGL4YgOCUK4kSk_PKQWBfGkOC7ea7LdH1PIzs8VZh85pwIfAsYtQSPm_/w300-h400/20230912_101011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Inside the church were some interesting memorials. Some of which are written in old English and predate this church.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZRBBJuYP0oR16jzaI8yOZcMWYYCIJojpGTE9gg4sBno_eOAnuaBhatARHsnmF-y5RQsDTXQPH0OpqVfuytHIGiDjealYuaRahLyx3s0JoDAri2RyWN354KOvrbLvF2ZzKa_bbMkfzluuQu7PvtevGa5ujD6i1XH8_ZxAlkC1wFvayhuUJaSaNBeE2sr7/s4000/20230912_101549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZRBBJuYP0oR16jzaI8yOZcMWYYCIJojpGTE9gg4sBno_eOAnuaBhatARHsnmF-y5RQsDTXQPH0OpqVfuytHIGiDjealYuaRahLyx3s0JoDAri2RyWN354KOvrbLvF2ZzKa_bbMkfzluuQu7PvtevGa5ujD6i1XH8_ZxAlkC1wFvayhuUJaSaNBeE2sr7/w300-h400/20230912_101549.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ0vFynmvgQztzuajw6aW1Y_UcA2DikitYsjWOTjLXZULBhG7aLOOSTtV3BaAGW3hyZN7fynRz-m_wz6Vp734acpLea3m8WTJsxpCh2qW0qz5jZV2K_wfKjIEtdI1OgXs39Jd5qRCL5eKOW2-iNL0a0dR3oYZms3ZfZ3ROdg4IL3Ahb2CP6ZIQ7KjTqtP/s4000/20230912_101559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ0vFynmvgQztzuajw6aW1Y_UcA2DikitYsjWOTjLXZULBhG7aLOOSTtV3BaAGW3hyZN7fynRz-m_wz6Vp734acpLea3m8WTJsxpCh2qW0qz5jZV2K_wfKjIEtdI1OgXs39Jd5qRCL5eKOW2-iNL0a0dR3oYZms3ZfZ3ROdg4IL3Ahb2CP6ZIQ7KjTqtP/w400-h300/20230912_101559.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM2HZHYcpEdOx_lbWfCh2iMa7xhcJnLjjR-z3rujTujwtiIDu2ywdzXcj_HjVJUW51fs-lILJf40zlHtk5dg1kYpbPkzCQXQySqvNdsWqrKi_Z0oOWstewK4zbP5jUwQaHmVMkNHgIzFNNwcrbTNkHg63BirVJYOOFv-cBcI_FkPk6f6RTDmbAlsma_Z1/s4000/20230912_101615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM2HZHYcpEdOx_lbWfCh2iMa7xhcJnLjjR-z3rujTujwtiIDu2ywdzXcj_HjVJUW51fs-lILJf40zlHtk5dg1kYpbPkzCQXQySqvNdsWqrKi_Z0oOWstewK4zbP5jUwQaHmVMkNHgIzFNNwcrbTNkHg63BirVJYOOFv-cBcI_FkPk6f6RTDmbAlsma_Z1/w300-h400/20230912_101615.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiCeHDgbLOavNynmTXI4CTwGj4awaTpxV_aEHm8byePyso1qIrwhL07lopB0YJGVFldRxIUjvpJcnURPYVYeCnodRcOHpTWzAr0R6mvTw8uUq47Vh1o83i7LHlYkTkLNszj-M_TebNkYYsq0mDxc6IEcyyclMBwrnjWrxsH-RINe7JIFSqzs_IFDuud4e/s4000/20230912_101629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiCeHDgbLOavNynmTXI4CTwGj4awaTpxV_aEHm8byePyso1qIrwhL07lopB0YJGVFldRxIUjvpJcnURPYVYeCnodRcOHpTWzAr0R6mvTw8uUq47Vh1o83i7LHlYkTkLNszj-M_TebNkYYsq0mDxc6IEcyyclMBwrnjWrxsH-RINe7JIFSqzs_IFDuud4e/w400-h300/20230912_101629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHpwF_xxNQJUcSiLj_TRRfpsAwypDwdCmE_Y22ykYBz2t2h8n-W0kMvBXqHpDpwezOM-uG4_aOk0E5pMBiBJpvsVF59VbiCCUzM2bKqRCB2ymW_5Cns_qrgSkMUAwrv4AyamZMvTNf6terjne6CS6j3fdcFUb0u_kibReZS-YdI2jqw3hznxoHqkeg6Xf/s4000/20230912_101706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHpwF_xxNQJUcSiLj_TRRfpsAwypDwdCmE_Y22ykYBz2t2h8n-W0kMvBXqHpDpwezOM-uG4_aOk0E5pMBiBJpvsVF59VbiCCUzM2bKqRCB2ymW_5Cns_qrgSkMUAwrv4AyamZMvTNf6terjne6CS6j3fdcFUb0u_kibReZS-YdI2jqw3hznxoHqkeg6Xf/w300-h400/20230912_101706.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>This was an interesting notice placed in a niche inside the entrance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKSVi6AVDyULnLT1D6x8jObsgCYP_vOfFB7OiA3_KqV60tg13pWNzXxxqQjxXRmslhftq1WnWjQ9-9WpLOVdM0u0bk2VZSh7i8COfyYGxIFAtbOh_evf0rZBS08n_ue-SFqst--0udU0aNpBqoMVHCstNniTDrXR4pLTZ2u0w2fkCS7bHSQu2tstk8qDM/s4000/20230912_101753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKSVi6AVDyULnLT1D6x8jObsgCYP_vOfFB7OiA3_KqV60tg13pWNzXxxqQjxXRmslhftq1WnWjQ9-9WpLOVdM0u0bk2VZSh7i8COfyYGxIFAtbOh_evf0rZBS08n_ue-SFqst--0udU0aNpBqoMVHCstNniTDrXR4pLTZ2u0w2fkCS7bHSQu2tstk8qDM/w300-h400/20230912_101753.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0FW8D9DpH7V21YfYQMH9Ee28pwHXP6tjK86kJPcvBGk4woEWq2jGq8ND46ZgIVBLyx5xXh9opdL_bxMxDcF4Px6DWnQbI6CZ1TbaDtlcGjj8KA0sbcE4a7FhhCpEcA9lc1MZjkDEn9u4ykyxmSVA49BjTQWCeVtNH9fRh4US1KRY3NyBut2z0fQv83pT/s4000/20230912_100812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0FW8D9DpH7V21YfYQMH9Ee28pwHXP6tjK86kJPcvBGk4woEWq2jGq8ND46ZgIVBLyx5xXh9opdL_bxMxDcF4Px6DWnQbI6CZ1TbaDtlcGjj8KA0sbcE4a7FhhCpEcA9lc1MZjkDEn9u4ykyxmSVA49BjTQWCeVtNH9fRh4US1KRY3NyBut2z0fQv83pT/w300-h400/20230912_100812.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The organ at the back of the church is England's oldest working church organ c. 1705. It predates the current church and is attributed to the organ builder Renatus Harris.</p><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FU7-0fOTOiCnEa0v4vP8Pe-Rj8cnXpbR5w6_hl0tnh2RipqFWr6qIS6sUgAxOIXy-KPXSYep0gVGt6dhZM-zSPi03f_bmPXNcJu47b83uNZ4iiVDUjZ437WunVdD-b7OGuDPeNphIMjxHiq2d1HEmHHUplIAkhs2UiEL_gH7M8hI8QjXARkPPg12f3ys/s4000/20230912_100739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FU7-0fOTOiCnEa0v4vP8Pe-Rj8cnXpbR5w6_hl0tnh2RipqFWr6qIS6sUgAxOIXy-KPXSYep0gVGt6dhZM-zSPi03f_bmPXNcJu47b83uNZ4iiVDUjZ437WunVdD-b7OGuDPeNphIMjxHiq2d1HEmHHUplIAkhs2UiEL_gH7M8hI8QjXARkPPg12f3ys/w300-h400/20230912_100739.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>You can't see the large stained glass windows behind the altar which is a shame.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xM9O_AVhrWaUhJQrlJRNa0M5oS1YP4b3mfyoLwLQfIO6GDRnayadiPakezf7uJBSG41cUvRlf816BTgJTP1ycTxSwjnD7TaPB60p-xngMfEw1Nx0-tSgzsIz27LecdgGgARYMP_j9JxS0DHrZ1wo8g0ec8wag49vjAUG_MKTikj-7HdITYteKDOgdWcL/s4000/20230912_100714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xM9O_AVhrWaUhJQrlJRNa0M5oS1YP4b3mfyoLwLQfIO6GDRnayadiPakezf7uJBSG41cUvRlf816BTgJTP1ycTxSwjnD7TaPB60p-xngMfEw1Nx0-tSgzsIz27LecdgGgARYMP_j9JxS0DHrZ1wo8g0ec8wag49vjAUG_MKTikj-7HdITYteKDOgdWcL/w400-h300/20230912_100714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This memorial caught my eye with the phrase'dying in want'. Although he had some success in his life with the construction of the first steamboat, a courtcase towards the end of his life meant he died in debt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaggE7D1N1xU_BwvEIch4BerXsZl7BXyiiyO7maFLezeGonVFmVTxxXUNCkE2LR2WUNLuHDQXrjdaJQK0Y8C46-pmf-QBhIweNEX82PaVakQrwO1uacm8riOB6Mmps9Q7BkZHxsk2i576i-fUEv4ohVxuntpKJqr6N4DsYLRVikt_C_sGcFEbKS0HFtWV/s4000/20230912_100630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaggE7D1N1xU_BwvEIch4BerXsZl7BXyiiyO7maFLezeGonVFmVTxxXUNCkE2LR2WUNLuHDQXrjdaJQK0Y8C46-pmf-QBhIweNEX82PaVakQrwO1uacm8riOB6Mmps9Q7BkZHxsk2i576i-fUEv4ohVxuntpKJqr6N4DsYLRVikt_C_sGcFEbKS0HFtWV/w300-h400/20230912_100630.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This is a painted cartouche recording the gift of an organ to the church in 1676. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCeJe7_qpcaUanvTcCULRDHwQmTA0GRpQ0DSAjFqCdVTBOtEPQlkky0LJRBO96HtXqIsTn7gedN2yNsdF8g-uSN-a1S90iVFbkwgi1FvdqP01dbCRct1_WJ00RTrkmHXazt9oqts3f-exu_jhJx1ukSw11nQ4By1ZB9uI0arKNBxYTjWg6Kt8bQSihham/s4000/20230912_100620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCeJe7_qpcaUanvTcCULRDHwQmTA0GRpQ0DSAjFqCdVTBOtEPQlkky0LJRBO96HtXqIsTn7gedN2yNsdF8g-uSN-a1S90iVFbkwgi1FvdqP01dbCRct1_WJ00RTrkmHXazt9oqts3f-exu_jhJx1ukSw11nQ4By1ZB9uI0arKNBxYTjWg6Kt8bQSihham/w400-h300/20230912_100620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This post had a will of its own and I just couldn't put the photos in the order I wanted.</div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759507296620179428.post-89172472333469460262023-09-12T23:42:00.005+01:002023-09-12T23:42:40.136+01:00The BT Tower<p> <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCpJH6wmYM5RNwAP_rBBpKCfPgiBVoV5GlJRKSKVVxs5x1uTnP2pVzOwozgLTjpyTcgbKnv1vLjN6SZ2uG-lT9Nkmz7ebiTb8HYrnNKpeSBQnFpmCWgiEaHKvg81tQC8lIYl_Fv1lMnxuFCYPQPQQTs7LE_DrPcIlyr86KSRuIY22y5EJ_GPgXbt5pALq/s4000/20230910_084604.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCpJH6wmYM5RNwAP_rBBpKCfPgiBVoV5GlJRKSKVVxs5x1uTnP2pVzOwozgLTjpyTcgbKnv1vLjN6SZ2uG-lT9Nkmz7ebiTb8HYrnNKpeSBQnFpmCWgiEaHKvg81tQC8lIYl_Fv1lMnxuFCYPQPQQTs7LE_DrPcIlyr86KSRuIY22y5EJ_GPgXbt5pALq/w300-h400/20230910_084604.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This weekend was Open House weekend where you can visit buildings not usually open to the public. I applied for tickets to a few buildings which are allocated through a ballot. I was successful in one of them to go and see the BT Tower. Opened in 1965 as a telecommunications tower, it was known as The Post Office Tower. One year later the revolving restaurant on the 34th floor 'Top of the Tower' was opened to the public. A public observation gallery was also opened with more than 50,000 people visiting in the first three weeks. It was a very popular tourist attraction. But then in 1971, a terrorist bomb exploded on the 31st floor. Thankfully, no-one was injured but the damage to the building took two years to repair. Public access to all areas ceased and the restaurant closed its doors in 1980. So today was a huge thrill for me to finally have access to this building.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJPu05cR5lWs8TditTV-3lz1HObVyXZ0xGHKou1IX2rbai4k7w05pReMJDSWKKX3JRdLI3H_pvbz_tyFCeee75sWV2-nZOntLWu8VesIDVHyLlmIa_GKr0aEJxZKA3Xn1uZPa_fl0aGrELhJKb2EDTOcjbeTHLbSCrDKDieO94t4YFnHosS0vhEEbDfss/s4000/20230910_085648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJPu05cR5lWs8TditTV-3lz1HObVyXZ0xGHKou1IX2rbai4k7w05pReMJDSWKKX3JRdLI3H_pvbz_tyFCeee75sWV2-nZOntLWu8VesIDVHyLlmIa_GKr0aEJxZKA3Xn1uZPa_fl0aGrELhJKb2EDTOcjbeTHLbSCrDKDieO94t4YFnHosS0vhEEbDfss/w300-h400/20230910_085648.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the entrance hall are these quirky pieces of art based on telephone boxes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS4nauayw91OFqmKswWh3EeVt3hBI3F8-ejLGD4NeRQoxsakUSW6S5g1Ruc1QMFuCojzIcGrSsEcw_-SRNwOdw3O72zoOJpt3nCReLPOdW4kf_yJ3EgzdA6CTQUROHP_q3h6HOshpgxohDcgbsAp6QeSWcdiF7HMcfYakxb8lmR4YyoLlqXR58_eORmaC/s4000/20230910_085446.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS4nauayw91OFqmKswWh3EeVt3hBI3F8-ejLGD4NeRQoxsakUSW6S5g1Ruc1QMFuCojzIcGrSsEcw_-SRNwOdw3O72zoOJpt3nCReLPOdW4kf_yJ3EgzdA6CTQUROHP_q3h6HOshpgxohDcgbsAp6QeSWcdiF7HMcfYakxb8lmR4YyoLlqXR58_eORmaC/w300-h400/20230910_085446.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvhKRVeN9n5yE-Slw1DAALodG0FsJfVMJpzzO4McMD9zeaL6gg6L4fDur-s_eC45dVq1UlShpSyarCwSXD3GEEWpzvijK78FcXR66YCLZ0qPD0mbd5DocIVXWmVsqfWp51zHljyfXTJb7NhqWe-2Azs1KS1vKwaK-Ye4YkSRWC3QBLiIoMmAbJSUQdde3/s4000/20230910_085515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvhKRVeN9n5yE-Slw1DAALodG0FsJfVMJpzzO4McMD9zeaL6gg6L4fDur-s_eC45dVq1UlShpSyarCwSXD3GEEWpzvijK78FcXR66YCLZ0qPD0mbd5DocIVXWmVsqfWp51zHljyfXTJb7NhqWe-2Azs1KS1vKwaK-Ye4YkSRWC3QBLiIoMmAbJSUQdde3/w300-h400/20230910_085515.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This one is covered in pennies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWnYtPXjUKmfx8UK7ED9-G8AoerKUsUD23vOeVy1Bwnn0ILFWEoZ2eEo8gQiEi_V2bhfvFS7tIWqKHZ0bU9_9LtoWFWn9Ra3yTgvfAhWej875Jub_tEhSid9LuxMhlpoUdinm6A6XROHQhbeRa81BOV9CTISuDEEo1E_rIWxJKz6trbfNIrY3ZR2O1I38/s4000/20230910_102055.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWnYtPXjUKmfx8UK7ED9-G8AoerKUsUD23vOeVy1Bwnn0ILFWEoZ2eEo8gQiEi_V2bhfvFS7tIWqKHZ0bU9_9LtoWFWn9Ra3yTgvfAhWej875Jub_tEhSid9LuxMhlpoUdinm6A6XROHQhbeRa81BOV9CTISuDEEo1E_rIWxJKz6trbfNIrY3ZR2O1I38/w400-h300/20230910_102055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Another made a very comfortable seat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi248dml7o4ZzkCWji5mDTUaIN3EFyhezYkdwgHus-Yd3cnULO3iaaK6cu2Dbf0oO0NaRoOCAVBmGsKGxjnkbZYbejh2vZ4TJrQIjp-4_GmkHuV_OuOhBPtIlnYie5EIGqvyiWhM-uGwrSagVEerYFMjAO4TMA9FAtT6T5DQUTFZw9zVXzl5L_eII-LQ1P5/s4000/20230910_095519.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi248dml7o4ZzkCWji5mDTUaIN3EFyhezYkdwgHus-Yd3cnULO3iaaK6cu2Dbf0oO0NaRoOCAVBmGsKGxjnkbZYbejh2vZ4TJrQIjp-4_GmkHuV_OuOhBPtIlnYie5EIGqvyiWhM-uGwrSagVEerYFMjAO4TMA9FAtT6T5DQUTFZw9zVXzl5L_eII-LQ1P5/w300-h400/20230910_095519.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>It was a hot and hazy day and unfortunately I couldn't see much in the distance but it was still exciting for me to see views from this part of London. In fact I took so many photos of what I could see outside the windows that sadly I didn't take any of the floor we were on which used to be the restaurant. The lift which is one of two that go up through the centre of the tower took less than 30 seconds to get us up here. I know newer buildings do go faster than that but it was fast enough for me. This is the only building in the country that allows evacuation by lift. Parliamentary legislation was required to allow this oddity.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB2nrnWziHBUQNmDkc3Iz5M-VpVkc79mGUMxy-D68VXdV6UpAMgRfzemcVU4xg3NNkww1HeIp0__KhZ_WGdxFG1qzY35ZWTc0awNvYzGpZr-btVXs91pee8AP9CoWijV-yvgeUnNcAPvPzIKAk4vu-VMXBdGiXudyOpbglcqywB1YWOrB_IQph-lGIoEk/s4000/20230910_095506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB2nrnWziHBUQNmDkc3Iz5M-VpVkc79mGUMxy-D68VXdV6UpAMgRfzemcVU4xg3NNkww1HeIp0__KhZ_WGdxFG1qzY35ZWTc0awNvYzGpZr-btVXs91pee8AP9CoWijV-yvgeUnNcAPvPzIKAk4vu-VMXBdGiXudyOpbglcqywB1YWOrB_IQph-lGIoEk/w300-h400/20230910_095506.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>For a large city, London is very green and from up here I had a good view over Regent's park and could also see lots of the rooftop gardens. The floor rotated whilst we were there as it would have done when the restaurant was open. It revolves 2.5 times per hour.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdwF7gg-dPySQVSOdlJc0Mb2xhXQ4Kz1HY-RbYdVOMQi5n3n3nnae1rW0SvupqqDYzvnqlNcdgsbaHCCNMwL9qSDpYvlaa3dt3YkSxZZU4iMfh0Dt04hz3koGJKSt4N54M7JgnXUNuop75eDdONXy_vDz7ka3dEmRwTXnudiNmyi1gKKKaqy2Xb7hIkG/s4000/20230910_092824.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdwF7gg-dPySQVSOdlJc0Mb2xhXQ4Kz1HY-RbYdVOMQi5n3n3nnae1rW0SvupqqDYzvnqlNcdgsbaHCCNMwL9qSDpYvlaa3dt3YkSxZZU4iMfh0Dt04hz3koGJKSt4N54M7JgnXUNuop75eDdONXy_vDz7ka3dEmRwTXnudiNmyi1gKKKaqy2Xb7hIkG/w400-h300/20230910_092824.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The green in the far right of the picture is Hyde park.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHaixEC0EluNPJMzYRoFJQ9d6w0kPyDpS6iHrgV4zYmlOzS26mTGdFgCFLA3eokTmyzD8RTVYVJf5o24TJ-A5LdCfcRzqb3sXCJfRM-q5HgC_xTUPe9oFYzBdDb1MavGj2Hd9rtnT0vWgHh6WNYu_9QbUuF9Oi-b8_zD9BywxG2mZxo7AWE-0ZY4z-REO/s4000/20230910_092654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHaixEC0EluNPJMzYRoFJQ9d6w0kPyDpS6iHrgV4zYmlOzS26mTGdFgCFLA3eokTmyzD8RTVYVJf5o24TJ-A5LdCfcRzqb3sXCJfRM-q5HgC_xTUPe9oFYzBdDb1MavGj2Hd9rtnT0vWgHh6WNYu_9QbUuF9Oi-b8_zD9BywxG2mZxo7AWE-0ZY4z-REO/w400-h300/20230910_092654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Another odd thing about the Tower is that it was classed as an official secret on its completion. Taking or possessing .photos of the Tower was technically an offence under the Official Secrets Act. The Tower was not marked on Ordnance Survey maps eventhough it was obviously there for all to see. It wasn't until 1993 when a member of parliament officially confirmed its existence that it could then be recognised as a national monument by English Heritage and was given Grade II status in 2003.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMRQc17qUeEq4uAn5cjq9Oj0FTiV854VX3C7MEL3uZEIrPXDPCEpZjB6ed0brW-BbOXvMSvDF0RgDnZ0rwV1S2XcCVZLfhfiqKrh8GncgKohaW30YQDdidQ7Kdw4SMSn745Hiowuj5aoqzkZbU2f7zYBp6hIF3ktBxTIuiqlwMcBN7FTJm369-Q1-CHDB/s3264/20230910_092556.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMRQc17qUeEq4uAn5cjq9Oj0FTiV854VX3C7MEL3uZEIrPXDPCEpZjB6ed0brW-BbOXvMSvDF0RgDnZ0rwV1S2XcCVZLfhfiqKrh8GncgKohaW30YQDdidQ7Kdw4SMSn745Hiowuj5aoqzkZbU2f7zYBp6hIF3ktBxTIuiqlwMcBN7FTJm369-Q1-CHDB/w400-h300/20230910_092556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuIq9I0K5g-0OEwpTKhW3xedNvFqD8YTioHftnSuFdSB5JRXoxvedOzrH2edBNPnETSAxquSr0_Z0IZvDNBxA1LTHBvc-INqFGFp3YTDhDXz2jeVRZWC_UqFaRYfB0y05XJVx8U6bDLVDfpnS5a0nPJDJ2fkADX1Y74nqLB74V_BoM6Ilag6LbBrw4l-B/s3264/20230910_092450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuIq9I0K5g-0OEwpTKhW3xedNvFqD8YTioHftnSuFdSB5JRXoxvedOzrH2edBNPnETSAxquSr0_Z0IZvDNBxA1LTHBvc-INqFGFp3YTDhDXz2jeVRZWC_UqFaRYfB0y05XJVx8U6bDLVDfpnS5a0nPJDJ2fkADX1Y74nqLB74V_BoM6Ilag6LbBrw4l-B/w400-h300/20230910_092450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHox3LfD2EBmdEE6wlznsZVd6rwI2iD-JwkVinx3H8TxqekvVdYsTc6sf2n_5Wd1Crm-MgphphXjJutjSW1iT9-psL4WOG4-JGTkkxfbTlQ7Dq3WJpUE12ta7DM7uetOOK8h3qqi44w5Q9yVcC00Ob4YU82ItN2HCqvf3jy02sCtY6nA7U3p7wCQ5imC2D/s4000/20230910_092424.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHox3LfD2EBmdEE6wlznsZVd6rwI2iD-JwkVinx3H8TxqekvVdYsTc6sf2n_5Wd1Crm-MgphphXjJutjSW1iT9-psL4WOG4-JGTkkxfbTlQ7Dq3WJpUE12ta7DM7uetOOK8h3qqi44w5Q9yVcC00Ob4YU82ItN2HCqvf3jy02sCtY6nA7U3p7wCQ5imC2D/w400-h300/20230910_092424.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A close up of Regent's Park with the semi circular John Nash terraced buildings. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Fun60http://www.blogger.com/profile/08084441984556826917noreply@blogger.com14