Author: <span>nickpotter</span>

Albania

This wasn't my best trip by a long shot. We started off heading South East from Tirana towards Lake Ohrid and the days were long without much to see. It wasn't until we arrived in the south - from Gjirokaster onwards that things started to pick up. Albania is desperately trying to shake off its history of communism and dictatorship, but I think, at least outside of Tirana, it still needs sometime to recover. The Albanian Alps in the North are meant to be stunning but unfortunately we didn't have time to…

Comments Off

October 2024

Travel Blog

Albania Diary

A Journey Through Albania The trip to Albania began with an early morning flight from London Heathrow to Vienna, followed by a connecting flight to Tirana. The capital city, despite its complex history, presented a lively atmosphere with bustling streets and vibrant nightlife. A visit to Bunk'Art, a former communist-era bunker turned museum, provided a sobering reminder of the country's past. The journey continued with a visit to the Elbasan fortress, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Ohrid. The ancient ruins of a Christian basilica offered a glimpse into the region's…

Comments Off

October 2024

Travel Photos

Prague Revisited

This was my second time in Prague in what is now Czechia. I was last there in 2008 and the difference was stark. Despite both times being over the summer, this one early summer, last time late summer, visitor numbers seemed far higher this time. The main old square (containing the famous Astronomical Clock) and the ever popular Charles Bridge were heaving with tourists. If you were in the square on the hour when the clock chimed and the apostles appeared, good luck, the crowds were so dense you wouldn't be moving…

Comments Off

June 2024

Travel Photos

Algeria

Algeria, a North African gem bordering the vast Sahara Desert and sparkling Mediterranean Sea, boasts a rich history waiting to be explored. From ancient Berber kingdoms and Roman influence to the vibrant era of Islamic dynasties, Algeria's past is etched in its architecture, traditions, and breath-taking landscapes. In May 2024 I visited, exploring the coastal cities or Algiers and Oran, visiting magnificent Roman ruins near the "City of Bridges" Constantine, and spending some in the oasis towns deep in the Sahara desert. On this trip I also took a new gadget -…

Comments Off

May 2024

Travel Blog

Algeria Diary

A Bumpy Start, a Smooth Landing in Algiers The excitement of our Algerian adventure was almost derailed before it began! A cancelled flight from London meant a frantic scramble, rebooking for the following day. But a day of unplanned exploration in London turned out to be a delightful bonus. Finally, we touched down in Algiers, our hotel perched high above the bay offering a stunning reward after a rocky start to the trip. https://youtu.be/mZtL1vX5cbk Timelapse of Sunrise over the Bay of Algiers Djémila: Roman Grandeur, Local Delights, and Scenic Drives Our journey…

Comments Off

May 2024

Travel Photos

Budapest

As a benefit of my credit card I got two return flights within Europe so decided to head to Budapest for a long weekend as I've never been to Hungary. The city, sat on the Danube, is split into two - Buda on the westerns side of the river and Pest on the Eastern side. There's loads to see and do and some great restaurants as well. And although it was a little hot to just walk around when we were there, Budapest has a great public transport infrastructure of Trams, Buses…

Comments Off

July 2023