Having charmed the locals of Berat Castle after breakfast, I needed a nap after lunch. Here are some photos of our walkabout. This citadel had at some stage of its history 35 (or 44) churches (and two mosques). Apparently there are now 10 churches. We found only one (no one was searching all that hard), but we did find a doer-upper building that looks as though it may once have been a church related dwelling.
We also encountered Jujube fruit for the first time. Mr B bought it, F tried it and didn't immediately die, so Mr B nibbled one. They both agreed they taste like apples.
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| Inside the castle from near the gate - our stay is on the right. Spot the 'tyke'. |
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| Bits of old castle |
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| From the terrace - my wee van is down there |
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| Konstantine/clever hedge/local carver (and wannabe singing star)/collection point for plastic bottles/artwork outside a cafe/jujube fruit for sale |
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| Artwork by the carver in the collage above |
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| Old Town seen from our citadel |
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| How the roof tiles are laid/Mr B thinks the mooring rings are for moving cannons (they look like modern reinforcing rods to us)/cafe furniture/these overhangs are called jetties on English old houses. |
The singing carver was working in the doorway beside our lunch venue; we got a real grove on to what we assumed was Albanian pop music....
Mr B might build us some patio furniture like this cafe. I have tested and approved the design.He also bought F an ink drawing of a local scene. We had been watching the artist at work and F wanted the electric street lamp with the really really old houses.Finally - we saw what we think is 'for sale' (shitet) on a few buildings that need some TLC. On crossing the yard this morning we had encountered a young tyke testing his skill with a catapault. The TLC needed to replace broken window panes may have been related to his practice sessions 🙄🤔. This possibly ex-monastic housing needed a little bit more than just glass.
He also bought F an ink drawing of a local scene. We had been watching the artist at work and F wanted the electric street lamp with the really really old houses.
Finally - we saw what we think is 'for sale' (shitet) on a few buildings that need some TLC. On crossing the yard this morning we had encountered a young tyke testing his skill with a catapault. The TLC needed to replace broken window panes may have been related to his practice sessions 🙄🤔. This possibly ex-monastic housing needed a little bit more than just glass.
Oh but how wonderful would it be to live in that old place.
ReplyDeleteThe art is beautiful. I especially like the carvings.
The carver worked very fast, but his singing was awful!
DeleteI like your ink drawing. Very evocative.
ReplyDeleteIt was almost meditative watching the artist work.
Deletebeautiful stone always draws me in. I like every thing you showed us and would love to fix up that old house and live in it. here it cost more to fix up old buildings than to build a new one. that means they tear down the good stuff and build junk most of the time. Beaus dad built our 4 tables they year we got married, we had no dollars to buy them, and they were the design you have approved. we don't have them now but they were perfect. he put water proof sealer on them that for the life of me I can't remember the name. Just came to me it was polyurethane
ReplyDeleteF also likes the idea of fixing up old houses. She has done a few over the years. None as serious as that one, but wouldn't (or couldn't) it look stunning? It really grabs the imzgination. xxx Mr T
DeleteWell that’s another use for pallets (if you can get hold of them) and odd bits of wood you might have lying around. Might need a cushion or two to soften the seat a bit though.
ReplyDeleteI’m now off to look through our Black Sea cruise photos - each port had a castle that overlooked the town.
We know where to get pallets by the trailer load. You are right about cushions. No sea near here I am afraid Cathy. xxx Mr T
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteMy word, Tigger, F and Mr B - there is something a little mystical and magical about that place! The stonework is stunning and I do very much like the wood carvings - and, indeed, that ink sketch. What a wee gem of a place. Hugs and whiskeries, YAM-aunty xxx
It is a 'fun to explore' place YAM-aunty. xxx Mr T
DeleteLove that ink drawing :)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Jujube fruit, I'd try it too but I think Bruno would prefer fish
ReplyDelete