Split, Croatia: There were no maps for the public transportation system in Split, and even the lady at the bus station information desk could only tell us a bus number that ran in the general direction of our AirBnB, located 6 miles outside of the city. When it dropped us off, we slowly trekked the … Continue reading Bird Droppings and Sea Symphonies: Split and Zadar, Croatia
Within the first hour of our time in Croatia, it was apparent that it was still a Balkan state, but set apart from the others on our recent travel circuit. It was more decadent, modern, and less impoverished. This perception remained throughout the extent of our stay. Various large sailboats and cruise ships moored off … Continue reading Josh and Hannah Storm King’s Landing: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Our barely air-conditioned bus navigated switchbacks and steep, narrow roads for over 6 hours in 95 degree heat. A child in the back of the bus vomited in a bag. The bus drivers smoked cigarettes while driving. They took turns driving, sometimes alternating at a stop in the middle of a road. Everyone was sweaty … Continue reading Kotor, Montenegro: Fjord of the Balkans
Mostar is a city located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina close to the Croatian border. The city was characterized by an old Ottoman styled bridge spanning a deep, green river. Lanky, local men in Speedo swimsuits took turns seeking money from the gawking crowds while others leaped from the bridge into the moving … Continue reading Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bridging Cultures
The bus ride to Sarajevo wound through a mountainous region of Bosnia & Herzegovina. The sheer rocky cliff sides starkly contrasted with the dense forests around it. The image reminded me of scenes from the movie Avatar. It was breathtaking and almost fictional. Our bus carefully navigated the endless switchbacks before eventually moseying down into … Continue reading Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Pain the World Forgot
Within minutes of exiting the worn threadbare seats of the ancient shuttle bus from the airport, we stepped out into the hot Serbian sunshine. The familiar smells and sounds of the Balkans immediately assaulted our senses. Cars espoused black thick emissions while “antique” trams with rust and peeling paint rumbled past. Much like Greece and … Continue reading Belgrade, Serbia: Beauty in Dysfunction
Day 20: Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) It must be a pattern that I disclose my initial skepticism to my readers. Last year, Hannah, once again, caroused me into another of her shows: Downton Abbey. I rushed headlong into it, though. The show was so incredibly well done and raptly drew my attention that we binge … Continue reading UK Road Trip Week 3: Part 2 High Tea at Downton Abbey and Butterbeer at Hogwarts
Day 14: Isle of Skye and Highland Games The Isle of Skye came highly recommended; the island and the entire journey to it did not disappoint. I have often heard Ireland called the “Emerald Isle” but Scotland could very well have it beat. As valleys rose to mountains at sharp angles, my mind took me … Continue reading UK Roadtrip: Week 3 Part 1
It's A Ritch Life 