Istanbul, Turkiye

Istanbul is a very chaotic city. Istabul is a very populated city. I stayed at a hotel about 50 minutes away from Sultanahmet Square, where the Haggia Sophia is located. This required extra preparation for the intineraries each day.

Pristina, Kosovo

One of the best, if not THE best, meal I had on this trip was at a traditional spot in Pristina, Liburnia. Dad and I each had a lamb dish. Lamb, when done right, has the taste of really good roast beef. The lamb at Liburnia is impeccable.

Dad and I came away from Pristina with such a warm feeling as we saw how the people of Kosovo appreciate the US. I hope the country continues to see strength and freedom.

Budva, Montenegro

Budva is one of my favortie cities. The culture is very Venetian. The city is so accessible and hospitable. I felt so relaxed and peaceful in Budva.

We were only there for 24 hours. Planning a Balkan intinerary, Budva deserves so much more time. Do not have a hurried pace in Budva. Wander around! One of my favorite activities I did on this trip was taking an evening walking tour.

Please let me be able to return to Budva one day!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In Dubrivnik, stairs are the name of the game, especially if you are staying to the the left of the main plaza, the Stradun. The picture below is a look at the steep street leading up to my hotel. If one is going to Dubrovnk, the biggest piece of advice I would give is try to stay to the right of the Stradun. This can really have an impact on your view and your time in the city.

Here's a picture of my dad navigating the many, many stairs going from our hotel to the Stradun.

I love how empty streets can be early in the morning, usually before 8 AM. You truly feel you have the space to yourself. It's so comfortable.

Below is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. We had just gone through a very difficult couple of days in the U.S. This cathedral was the perfect place to sit and reflect. I certainly offered prayers in the cathedral.

Cafe culture is alive and well in Europe. The cafe beside the cathedral was such a nice place to sit and people watch.

Reflecting back on my time in Dubrovnik, the city, although crowded by people from the cruise ship at times, Dubrovnik can be a manageable city with a little planning. Here are some views of Dubrovnik at night.

Split, Croatia

My dad and I took an international trip to the Balkans this year. We started off in Split, Croatia. The promenade is a very beautiful area of the city.

One of the best activities we did during our time in Split was taking an afternoon cruise.

In order for us to get to our next location, we had to take a ferry. This was the scene in Split as we were leaving.

Crete

 The food in Greece is exceptional. While I was in Crete, my breakfast was bougatsa, which contains cheese made on the island: 

We toured Knossos Palace from the Minoans:

 

 

 

 

While we were in Crete, we rented a car and travelled from Heraklion to Chania. The roads were well marked and paved. Here is a picture of the port of Chania: 

 

                  

Santorini

Dad and I were up very, very early for our flight from Athens to Santorini.

Once we saw a little bit of the area near our hotel, we decided to visit the prehistoric city of Akrotiri on the island:

 

Later on, one of the best activities we did in Santorini was a wine tasting. We were able to go to three different wineries. It is hard to believe that grapes are cultivated in the volcanic ash and from vineyards like this:

This is the first winery we went to:

We went to two more wineries. The wine, food, and company was truly a highlight of the trip. Throughout my time in Santorini, I could not have asked for more beautiful views: