Half way to the fortress top .Being cheap or frugal I opted hiking up the side of the fortress entering in a hole for free.

Some pictures of the hike to the fortress. Kinda domesticated mountain goats enjoying some salt; one goat staring me down; pomegranates are plentiful along the way.

The hole to the fortress, free of charge.

Finally mission accomplished on top the fortress. Only thing left is to purchase a cold beer from a old guy with a cooler, conveniently at the fortress.

Pictures of our day trip to the mausoleum of Montenegro’s treasured Petar Petrović Njegoš. Great view of Kotor and area; the crypt; Montenegro fasion.

Rainy but worth it

Above view and sea level of the lovely Kotor.

Shkoder

We traveled from Shkoder to the remote Valbona. Here’s some of the captured journey. Koman lake ferry trip had spectacular views along with random stops to exchange goods and drop people off. Like literally jump off to this random looking spot.

Valbona side of the hike, pretty much all cloud covered; blanketed in this eery evil Disney feel.

Passing over to Theth side where the sun was hiding. Climactic.

Always meeting and making friends.

At the bottem heading to the villge of Theth. Last attempt of evil trying to claw over the ridge. (top left)

Next mornings sucessful pursuit of the water fall. Bonus berries.

Below are a few images of the Tirana, Albanians capital. Anti smoking sculpture; Canadian education add; beer festival; “offical” mini-Disney land and others.

Formerly known as “Enver Hoxha Museum.” This pyramid-shaped structure was designed by the daughter and son-in-law of the late communist leader Enver Hoxha.

Spent some time rummaging around the large market in Tirana. Imagine a mall but no walls and you can haggle to your hearts content.

This bleak B-class horror movie set is the neglected and empty mansion of the fomer dictator. No one seems to know what to do with it.

During the nearly forty-year leadership of Enver Hoxha of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, over 700,000 bunkers were built in the country – one for every four inhabitants.

Day one of our hiking tour was literally a walk in the park, the Bucegi Park. A warm up and a trial run for our guide, nicknamed The Colonel, to judge our mountaineering abilities. 

Day two and three are combined here and the mountain range is named Piatra Craiului, meaning Prince’s Stone. Was quite a physical and mental gauntlet but worth every second up there. Sweat was produced. The highest peak was 2,238 meters called Vârful La Om.

Below is a pano of our guide Mr.Bogdon, a most interesting individual who will enlighten whom he travels with and most certainly test.

Though steep and sometimes scarey with narrow goat paths as our trail, we rallied on. Not even some rock climbing and memorial placques (rip) could stop us.

Resting up was such a reward especially with home cooked meals and Raki a traditional spirit to warm our battered souls.

Along with the natural beauty and great guest house came a dinner served by a local shepherd. This was the most legit cultural experience. Polenta balls filled with cheese the size of your noggin. Plus a pack of ferocious sheep puppies.

Lake Ohrid

Here we have the splendid lake shared by Macedonia and Albania. The weather played nice and was mostly sunny. Chill old town to hang around and warm water to dip in.

This lovely lady was nice enough to let me capture her. She does water colors and sketches of them with ink and a tooth pick! Get outa town right?

Below we have some images of the old and new basilica.

National Park Galichica

And now for some mountain hiking pictures. We did get a little off track a few times, but hey just an add to the venture.

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A pen. Snail for scale.

Capital Skopje

We didn’t stay very long in Skopje but found it an interesting and rather bizarre capital, lots of statues and fancy government buildings. I’m lacking photos here but encourage you to check online.

The Millennium  Cross on top of mountain Vodno.

The Matka Canyon

Matka lake is Macedonia’s oldest artificial lake.

Varna

Crazy tree, synchronized swimming, kite surfers and a creepy Mcdonald clown a few photos showing Varna, which is on the coast and known for a awesome summer vibe.

Sophia and Rila Orthodox Monastery 

Prague, Czech Republic 

Above is the palace cathedral. The tower was started Gothic style and later finished in Renaissance style.

Vienna, Austria

Ruin bar in Budapest, Hungary

Leipzig 

Brief good time at my cousins house led to swimming and sunburns:

Thanks Ariane

Ulm

The Ulmer Munster has the highest steeple in the world, the stairs aren’t for the faint of heart:

The leaning Fisherman house:

Some more pictures of the delightful city of Ulm:

Dressed up from the left my cousin Andy, Mark the wicked artist and me the nerd bird (Jon):