Byron once described Montenegro as “the most beautiful meeting of land and sea”. And, as I came in to land at Tivat Airport, I could see why. Beneath me were lush lofty mountains that cascaded down to the emerald green of the Adriatic Sea with smears of white beach in between.
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Something for the weekend - Beirut
Tell people you are heading to Beirut for the weekend and they look at you curiously - “is it safe?” In many people’s minds Beirut is still a bombed-out, war torn city but all that ended in 2005 when the Syrian Army left (the war ended in 1990) and Lebanon is enjoying a period of peace and prosperity and returning to its former glory.
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Memories of Myanmar
Myanmar (or Burma as it used to be known) is one of my favourite countries in South East Asia. Bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand and with more than 100 ethnic groups, it is a melting pot of cultures and stunning landscapes from pristine beaches to sparkling lakes and plateaus sprinkled with gleaming gold spired temples. But what makes Myanmar even more special is the warmth of its people. They are gentle, welcoming and inquisitive and genuinely want to engage with you.
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Pootling around in Puglia
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia (with its silent “g”) is a wonderful place. It’s bordered by miles and miles of coastline with stunning beaches, whilst inland you can find picturesque hilltop towns, Baroque churches and rambling Roman ruins.
The landscape is wild and rugged unlike the soft undulating terrain of Tuscany, but it’s got charm. Fields of knarly ancient olive trees are interspersed with vineyards, the ground beneath a mass of scarlet poppies or grey, green cabbages depending on the season.
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