DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has launched a unique stopover package in partnership with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) to promote and market Qatar as a destination of choice for international travelers. The program offers transit passengers the opportunity to discover Doha with free luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas. The unique offer is part of a broader campaign called +Qatar that aims to encourage all transit passengers to add … [Read more...]
Top 9 Lakes Visited Around the World
In my travels around the world I have been fortunate to have visited all of these lakes listed below other then the Blue Cave Lake in Brazil. That is now on my list for my next trip to Brazil! Any of these make your list? Others to add? These are some truly special spots; they are listed alphabetically. Blue Cave Lake, Brazil or locally known as the Gruta do Lago Azul is located in Southern Brazil. I wish I had known about this lake a few … [Read more...]
Lake Ohrid, Macedonia – December 2014
Lake Ohrid is one of Macedonia's true natural gems. The lake was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 - the lake itself is visually stunning but then you add a historical town such as the old city of Ohrid perched on hills and cliffs overlooking the lake, along with its picturesque architecture and you have a recipe for a truly beautiful spot. Small rocky beaches dot the edges of the cliffs - the old city of Ohrid boasts of a number … [Read more...]
5 Top European Adventures You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
There are certainly the go to and much loved destinations in Europe. Cities such as London, Paris and Rome quickly come to mind. However, the focus of this list is to highlight some lesser known European locations and adventures. Have you experienced any of these or been to these locations? Suggest some of your favorites: leave comments below. For experiences similar to the ones mentioned below, Contiki Tours (age 18-35) offers a number of … [Read more...]
Vulgar Wheat: A Trace of Thrace Bugaria
John M. Edwards chows down on subpar "Vulgarian" grub and survives a dangerous dispute over a restaurant bill in the Balkans. Oh well, there is always the region's lip-smacking yogurt. . . . Bulgaria has by far the best yogurt in the world, partly because they invented it. They also are (supposedly) responsible for the regional cuisine shared by many of its neighbors: Bulgar wheat, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, kebabs, goat cheese, and … [Read more...]
A day in Skopje, Macedonia
Skopje is a very interesting city - I was here a few weeks ago but this time I actually had a little bit of time to kill and explore the city. 16 years is a long time but that is when I first met my 3rd online friend back in the mid 1990's - using a program called ICQ (precursor to a number of the instant message programs or built in SMS programs all over the internet these days). She is from Bitola Macedonia, now living in Skopje and we … [Read more...]
Paradise, Ohrid – Macedonia
I've discovered Paradise - Ohrid on the shores of Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. This is the ideal spot for anyone to spend a few weeks or months or more. But especially for travel writers - where one can easily be inspired to write by the natural beauty of this area. September is a good time to visit - many of the tourists have already left, leaving still warm weather and empty beaches for one to enjoy. Bring a lot of good books, browse the shops … [Read more...]
Reflections of Ohrid – Macedonia
Let us set the scene for your visit - Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Macedonia's true natural gems. Here are the basics: the old town of Ohrid is the place to stay with its ancient architecture, site of Europe's first University, site of where the Cyrillic alphabet was invented, steep cobblestone streets, small cafes and bars that are only accessible by foot or by boat and rocky secluded beaches perched at the base of steep … [Read more...]
Staying in Struga, Macedonia
I'm now staying in Struga, a small town on the shores of beautiful Lake Ohrid in Southern Macedonia. I've rented the top loft in an apartment building only blocks from the shoreline. This room has character - the ceiling is slanted so I can't stand up properly but the skylight opens onto the roof for fresh breezes blowing in the from the lake. If I pop up onto the roof I have views overlooking all the red roofs of the town with Ohrid in the … [Read more...]
Matka Canyon, Macedonia
Pulled into Skopje late last night and like many of the cities in the nearby countries - easily found free wifi - a lifesaver when you are winging every hotel or hostel at the last minute. Looking for a break from the fast paced travel of the last few days - I got up Sunday morning and caught the early bus to Matka - which is just on the outskirts of the city. Most cities would kill to have a place like this within spitting distance of its … [Read more...]