Sicily is significantly different from northern Italy, mostly because of the organizational “chaos”, definitely fitting into the climate of southern Europe. However, during my short three-day trip I focused on visiting the most interesting aspects of the island: architectural monuments and natural wonders, e.g. Etna. Palermo is the biggest city of the island. The cathedral,…
Category: Photography
Hérault in France – where one can explore the beauty of natural heritage. Part 1
Do you want to visit French mountains which landscapes can take your breath away because of their beauty and not difficult climbing? If your answer is yes, that you should definitely visit Herault. Mountains in the department are not very high which makes hiking possible at all different types of levels. Herault is a part…
Paradoxes of travelling inside of small volcanic islands – Santorini in Greece
Topography of the island is mountainous and makes it quite difficult to move by bike. Also, the absence of pathways along the main roads connecting major communities (such as Kamari, Perrisa, Oia and Fira) is making difficult to walk between places. But with the modernization of infrastructure would it be possible? Santorini is presenting a…
Journey through the clouds: Madeira’s highest peaks (Ruivo & Arieiro)
The highest peak in Madeira is Pico Ruivo, with 1862 meters of altitude. It’s the third highest peak in Portugal, only mountains on Azores islands are higher. Interesting fact is, that almost all pathway leading to the top, is wooded.. perfectly confirming why the island is called Madeira (‘madeira’ in portuguese means ‘wood’). Moreover, Madeira…
From sugarcane plantations, vineyards and banana exports to powerful energy factories: Madeira’s natural treasures
Geographically located two times closer to Africa than to Europe (about 1000 km of the closest cost) Madeira island was probably one of the legendary Fortunate isles mentioned for the first time in Plutarch’s “Parallel lives”.. Officially discovered and settled during 15th century, the island quickly became known for the production of sugar cane. Madeira…
Albania… What? (part 1)
14-16/05/2021 Tirana – Shkodër Our plane has arrived at Tirana very late, after midnight, so our first ride on the streets and main road from the airport, were not at all representative. Because we really thought that the roads in Albania are empty. In fact Albanian roads are always plenty of everything!!!! Not only of…
Tokyo – Asakusa. Where sacred meets profane
Asakusa, is situated at north-east side of Sumida river; also called by shitamachi which means “downtown”, in opposition to yamanote so the east part of Tokyo, or “low city,” because of its position to Sumida river. During Edo period (1600-1867) a former red light district (Yoshiwara) was created here in order to limit the practice…
Mysterious Virpazar. Montenegro. Lake Skadar.
In such a small village like Virpazar, which population in 2011 was around 300 inhabitants in total, you are not expecting to see such a variety of different professions and talents. However this lovely town can be proud of its local artists and artisans. One of them is Ljilja who is producing by herself very…
Lake Skadar (only images)
Sometimes the words are unnecessary, cause the place is talking to you in its own language (all photos: ©AS, 2020)
PolkaLady Art & Travel 