Two years ago I flew into the Thai capital to toast my retirement and had myself such a good time that I've returned; this time to celebrate my big 4-0 wedding anniversary. My husband jokes he'd get less for murder, but I know he's quietly pleased we're not letting this decade anniversary slip by without … Continue reading Bangkok: One quick week
Croatia was the final destination in our three month Balkans trip and it was extremely easy to lap up everything Dubrovnik, Korcula Island, Split, Vis Island, Zadar and Zagreb offered in sun drenched July. UNESCO listed Dubrovnik, the very popular Game of Thrones and cruise ship town was our introduction to Croatia. This 15th century … Continue reading Balkans: Croatia
Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia Herzegovina really is superb. It's a city that's got the lot - history, sights, friendly and open people who enjoy a chat. We bussed into Sarajevo from Mostar (an easy two and a half hours) taking in the stunning scenery along the way. BiH is certainly blessed with water, a … Continue reading Balkans: Bosnia: Sarajevo
Well and truly tourist friendly, BiH with its beautiful landscapes, interesting sites and difficult history was a compelling destination to spend 10 days. Mostar was our first stop and we arrived here by bus from Croatia. Funnily enough Croatia is split in two by twelve kms of coastline that is given to Bosnia, saving it … Continue reading Balkans: Bosnia: Mostar
If you love train travel, then you must arrive in Montenegro from Serbia on the rather famous Belgrade to Bar train. This is the train line that Tito commissioned in 1976. His trademark blue carriages were used to conduct meetings with officials from the Yugoslavian countries as well as heads of state from foreign countries. … Continue reading Balkans: Montenegro: Belgrade to Bar train and Kotor
This is what I knew about Serbia before I visited, just a loose collection of history facts really: Ottomans ruled, then the Austro Hungarians. In 1914, a Serb killed the Austrian Archduke and the world went crazy for four long destructive years. Later, Tito integrated Serbia into Yugoslavia and then there was Milosevic and wars … Continue reading Balkans: Serbia: Novi Sad and Belgrade
This is our last port of call in Romania. A three hour drive from Sibiu with a private driver was the easiest way to arrive in Timisoara, the town that has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2021. It’s impressive with some very beautiful European style buildings cloistered around three distinct squares. We stayed … Continue reading Balkans: Romania: Timisoara
We had a fabulous time in vibrant Sibiu. A comfortable train trip which gave us green as green views of fields and villages brought us here from Sighisoara. From the train station in the middle of town, it was just a short walk to our apartment where we met Florina, aged 26 who owns the … Continue reading Balkans: Romania: Sibiu
The wonderful Transilvania area is home to this drop dead gorgeous town, a three hour train ride from Brasov. Sighisoara is a walled fortress town dating from the 12th century. Skilled artisans from Germany were encouraged to relocate here and hence the town's fine reputation for craftsmanship was established. It goes without saying that Sighisoara … Continue reading Balkans: Romania: Sighisoara
Brasov in Transilvania is pure medieval magic and it's the first of the Transilvanian towns that we're visiting. Settled by the Saxons in the 12th century (explains the German flavour), it boasts well maintained former merchant houses transformed into cafes, restaurants, guest houses, hotels and shops. The three hour train ride from Bucharest rendered these … Continue reading Balkans: Romania: Brasov
