Tag Archives: Balkans
Monday Morning Blues – Fisherman on Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia
I took this shot from the balcony of our accommodation in 2006. We travelled to Ohrid by bus from Skopje and had a fabulous time by the beautiful lake.
Sunday Photo – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia in Bulgaria
The capital of Bulgaria has a fine Orthodox Cathedral. The grand exterior covers a rather plain interior, however it makes for a very peaceful sanctuary.
Euro 2020 Rest Day 6 – Non Qualifiers Serbia & Montenegro
Serbia & Montenegro used to be one country following the post war break up of Yugoslavia. In 2006 Montenegro gained its independence and adopted the Euro as its currency, despite not belonging to the EU or being a Euro member. Montenegro I visited in 2007, taking a train from Bar on the Albanian border to […]
Euro 2020 Match Day 16 – Croatia v Spain
Copenhagen plays host to the first last 16 tie of the day. Croatia On my 2015 Balkans train tour we found ourselves in Ploce. Having left the delights of Split we were hoping for another version of the same to wile away a couple of hours before catching a train to Sarajevo. Instead we found […]
Euro 2020 Match Day 7 – Ukraine v North Macedonia
This Eastern European match up kicks off the days proceedings, played in Bucharest. Not too far to travel then. Ukraine Crimea is disputed territory at present, but in 2011 it was still very much officially part of Ukraine. The Khan’s Palace was occupied by the Tatars, an Islamic minority that resided in Crimea. Built in […]
A-Z April Challenge – N Is For Night Trains
Anybody that follows Wilbur’s Travels will know that I adore an overseas train journey and absolutely adore an overnight train. They have to be one of the bargains of our time, being transport, hotel & restaurant rolled into one. And environmentally friendly too! Favourite overnight train journeys have included Bangkok to Laos, Hue to Hanoi […]
A-Z April Challenge – M is for Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegro is a stunning little country with gorgeous locations. The ancient walled town of Kotor is beautifully located between an alluring fjord and brooding mountains is an absolute joy. When I went in 2011 it was not that well known, which has all changed with it now firmly on the cruise ship itineraries. Like […]
Friday Photos – Pristina Train Station
Kosovo was the last of the Balkan countries that I visited. I journeyed there overland from Albania in 2017 and left by train to Skopje. In fact the only train running in the fledgling nation is from Pristina that goes close to the border with North Macedonia. Here are some photos from that journey. You […]
Friday Photo – Roman Aqueduct, Skopje
When I visited Skopje a second time in 2016 I found a city garishly transformed from a characterful Balkan capital to a Disney style freak show. I was therefore happy to negotiate a taxi journey to the environs, including this Roman aqueduct a few km from the centre. The largely neglected ruin stands in the […]
Train Travel In The Balkans – A Reflection
Travelling By Train Across The Balkans It is now over 18 months since I published my book featuring train travel in every Balkan country. With train journeys anywhere off my agenda since February, it is with even greater fondness that I look back on past trips. Some of my most memorable Balkan journeys (all featured […]
