Trafalgar Square commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar and the British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. It took place off the coast of, where else, but, Cape Trafalgar.
In the centre of the square is Nelson’s Column in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson, shot and killed in action in the battle of Trafalgar.
Ummmm..... NOT!
It had more to do with a need to reintegrate into society. After spending so much time with just the two of us, we suspected that our social skills might have become a bit rusty. We figured that it would be good for us to get together with friends to practise social etiquette again.
It also had to do with the fact that London puts on a great show in December.
On Jermyn St in London you can find all kinds of shops selling men's shoes (and some for the ladies).
Most of these are made in Northampton in the UK where they have been crafting shoes there for more than 100 years.
There is always something that brings us back.
Some say its the sunny and balmy weather.
But anyone that has spent much time in London will know that it is definitely not the reason!
I had to head back to the old 'hood for a walk down Memory Lane.
As always, it makes me smile reminding me of the great times we had living in London.
Humour me as I walk you around my old stomping grounds.
After WWII it was a communist country and ruled by a dictator, Enver Hoxha, from 1946 to 1985.
It can easily be said that under his rule the country went backwards instead of forwards.
The country is now a Republic and it would appear that there is a building boom of new high rises with interesting architecture contrasted with the old communist buildings.
Not only is the coast gorgeous, but inland from the coast are steep green mountains, quaint villages, crystal clear water, and ruins from Greek and Roman settlements.
We were looking to tick the boxes: "relatively close" to Morocco, a warm climate on the Mediterranean, not a Schengen country, and, "close" to our next planned destination.
Sarande on the Albanian Riviera became our destination.
We scrambled to book flights and find accommodation.
As it turned out, it was an excellent choice!
We thought this would be a great solid immersion in North African history and culture. (Who knew I would become such a History and Culture Geek?)
But, as they say, life doesn't always go according to plan.
The relationship between Palestine and Israel erupted on October 7th, 2023.
We were due to leave Morocco for Jordan on Oct 30th.
We performed a lot of mental gymnastics over what we should do.
One side said "We have a great plan! We should continue as planned!"
The other side said "Are you CRAZY?!?!? That is NOT a good plan!"
