Tuscany

It seems to be a trend in our travels to go somewhere for a week or two and end up staying much longer. As was the case in Tuscany, we found a lovely home in Pianezze. The landscape is picturesque, the surrounding towns are charming, the food delicious and the people welcoming. We had MANY furry friends during our stay that provided great company and entertainment, as well as amazing hosts. It was definitely hard to pack our bags. We left with heaps more experience "cooking" raw/vegan food, including making our own almond, hemp, coconut (etc.) milk, homemade granola, nut cheeses and raw blueberry 'cheesecakes'. We built a pergola in the garden and a lounge area (aka the acoustic stage) on the property. We took walks through the surrounding chestnut forests and even hung around long enough to see the fields of sunflowers open to the sun. It ended up being a great time of transition for us, as our path unfolded and seemed to change with each passing day. We will never forget the endless support and hospitality here. We look forward to a return visit one day! Thanks for everything!!















































Monterchi


















































If you see this posted in your town, go to the show!

Skopje to Pristina

We came to Skopje, Macedonia to visit a friend and check out the city before heading towards Pristina, Kosovo. Macedonia is a beautifully green country by what we could see. The roads are paved and travel is much easier than Albania. Upon arriving in Skopje, you're hard pressed not to notice the extremely abundant and extravagant statues and fountains that occupy the center. It is truly remarkable, and maybe just a little over the top. We'll let you be the judge. (Of course, we didn't go around taking pictures of 'every' statue in Skopje, that would be ridiculous. These are just a few that we passed by more than once.)
















Macedonia claims Alexandre the Great, which the Macedonians of northern Greece seem to discredit. However, they do have the statue!
















Mother Teresa was born in Macedonia.




The bus ride into Kosovo was lush and green, with snow on the mountain tops even at the end of May.








The Newborn Monument represents Kosovo's independence from Serbia, to which all the supporting countries flags are now painted.




FYI: The people from Kosovo love the American people, with a statue of Bill Clinton and a boulevard named after him as tribute.








There is no real transport to get to the airport (besides paying for a taxi). So, we received good advice to catch a bus to the nearest town and walk. The first time we've hiked to an airport, possibly not the last. :)




...and now, Italy.








Milan railway metro station

It has now been over a year since we left the soil of our home country. For most of our time, to our astonishment and amusement, we've been in the Balkans (except for Turkey and Cyprus). We've enjoyed the simplicity of our lifestyle over the past year, getting back to the basics in more ways than one. We have gained a further appreciation for what we've had, and learned about what we didn't. The time has flown by as we remember our paths. All of which come with remarkable memories. Thank you to everyone who opened their homes and shared the journey with us. This wouldn't be possible without you. As we leave eastern Europe and head west, we look forward to the path of endless possibilities that await us.
Ciao!

Pogradec to Sveti Naum

We spent a night in Pogradec, on the Albanian side of Lake Orhid before walking across the border to the Sveti Naum Monastery in Macedonia. Still on the lake, it made for a beautiful stop. The peacocks surrounding the monastery were majestic. Never realized they could fly as high as they could, and they put on quite the show. You would have loved it, Kass!
We waited for a bus that never came, and so then decided to give our thumbs a try. Before long we were on our way with a priest who had just given a baptism that morning. It was a lovely coastal ride up to the town of Orhid and very much appreciated.




Pogradec








market








The giro. Every evening without fail, between 6:30 and 8:30 everyone comes out to enjoy an evening walk along the water (or in Berat, one of the main streets were used). It reminds us of a parade, but for any occasion. There are vendors selling sunflower seeds and ice cream...and everyone walks, leisurely. Although it is social, it isn't as well. It's more of see and be seen, whilst greeting your neighbors. We found it to be a rather good tradition.







leaving Albania




















Sveti Naum








...and because he kept spinning around...
wanted to share the full view with you too!