Author Archives: debbie

Berat

Posted on September 22, 2026 by debbie

Berat Castle is a fortified hilltop with an exterior wall extending about 1.4 kms. It dates back to the 4th century BC, through  the Roman Era, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire to the present day where it is an … Continue reading →

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On the Road to Berat

Posted on September 21, 2026 by debbie

This morning we meet our guide/driver for the next two weeks and then pick up our friends L&R from the airport. Stage two of our trip begins. As we drive towards Berat, south of Tirana, we learn tidbits of information … Continue reading →

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Tirana, Albania

Posted on September 19, 2026 by debbie

We go for our first real walk in Tirana today. Our destinations are a pyramid and a SPAR Market (to buy items more suitable for Debbie’s breakfast). The sidewalks have rough spots, tippy flag stones and protruding sections that are … Continue reading →

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And we are off!……to Albania!

Posted on September 18, 2026 by debbie

Years ago, we wrote about stepping through a portal, into a metal tube and then reemerging from the portal in another country. This morning we enter the portal and then numerous tubes and find ourselves in Tirana, Albania. Why Albania? … Continue reading →

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Making Indonesia New

Posted on April 18, 2026 by debbie

Before we left, I wrote a post about wanting to make Indonesia new again. B has not been there, but Murray and I have been there a number of times. While in Denpasar and Sorong, we visited temples and markets … Continue reading →

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Playing Tourist on the Gold Coast

Posted on April 18, 2026 by debbie

B has not been to the Gold Coast so we want to hit the highlights of the area. Our first stop is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Yeah, it is kinda zoo like, but I love it there. We spend three hours … Continue reading →

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Ubud Legong Dance

Posted on April 16, 2026 by debbie

For our last day in Ubud, we walk a path through the rice fields called the Sweet Orange Walk Trail. It is well used by walkers and folks staying in the various hostels and home stays along the trail.  Some … Continue reading →

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Batik Class

Posted on April 11, 2026 by debbie

It is a day of batik for B and me. We arrive at Nirvana Batik and are put to work immediately. The first step to pick a pattern and pencil it onto a piece of lightweight cotton. They do not … Continue reading →

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Around Ubud

Posted on April 9, 2026 by debbie

Our destination today is the Agung Rai Museum of Art. On the way, we walk past the Monkey Forest entrance and fortunately are not accosted by any of the furry creatures. It is only about 9:00 am and it is … Continue reading →

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Sumberkima to Ubud

Posted on April 8, 2026 by debbie

Our driver, Komang, arrives right on time, we pile our bags and wet dive gear into the back of the small SUV and we are off for the four + hour drive to Ubud. It turns out Komang is the … Continue reading →

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