This was an excellent day that almost didn't happen. They had said that there were a limited number of people who would be able to take the trip to an organic farm and a boat ride through some wetlands. I dashed from the briefing room, mid presentation and managed to secure the 7th and 8th last seats. Rebellion broke out and in the end two buses and 70+ people booked and with 24 hours notice, the hosts did an amazing job of catering. This was only the second grou...

Unfortunately Belgrade didn't have a lot going for it. It was Sunday and except for the main street; closed for business. What it did have was a very interesting Palace and the best tour guide of the trip. Well, the best sense of humour with magnificent comedic timing. I remember saying at the time that I didn't understand how a people who has seemed to be so cohesive under Tito throughout the cold war period could then set about killing each other. One of our g...

Today was spent on board, cruising the Iron Gates. It was the first day of overcast and cool weather and standing out on deck to photograph was a challenge. This is a 134 km stretch of the Danube that passes through a gorge that used to be the most dangerous before they built two dams in the 1960's. There isn't much to talk about because it is primarily a scenic day. Despite the cold and occasional wind driven drizzle, it was still quite stunning in sections. ...

This was not a good day for Ches. When we arrived at the rock formations she realised that she wouldn't be able to climb them and that her thighs had deteriorated to the point where she is looking at rehab starting where she was at two years ago. It was really upsetting for her that she has been set back and that she wouldn't be able to climb to the top. It took a lot of the enjoyment out of the day. The drive out to the snow capped mountains was as enjoyable as...

We woke in Rousse however there is nothing of note there except as a landing stage for a day trip to Veliko Tamovo and Arbanassi. An hour and a half drive into the mountains on very narrow roads and little traffic took us to the old capital of Bulgaria , Veliko Tamovo. Youknow that the grass is greener on the other side of the street but did you know that the farmland is more productive on the other side of the river? Here in Bulgaria, much of the farmland is no...