This is the day I thought I would never leave Thessaloniki. Not because of falling in love with the city but because I kept going round in circles trying to find the road to Kavala. It took me about 5 hours to be on my way. I stopped in a cafe for a coffee and … Continue reading Big Trip Day 19 – Thessaloniki to a bit closer to Kavala
Author: Derek Lee
I was born in Croydon, South London and eventually settled in Northamptonshire. After more than 30 years as a clinical psychologist in the NHS, my welcome retirement finds me dabbling in bits and pieces - e.g., writing, running, martial arts and photography.
Big Trip Day 18 – bit before Ivanograd to Thessaloniki
The day began with stiff limbs after my sleep in the front seats of the camper van. But the sun was shining in a beautiful blue sky. The brightly painted camper van attracted a group of farm kids, quickly followed by their parents. Soon a breakfast party was in full swing. An old woman with … Continue reading Big Trip Day 18 – bit before Ivanograd to Thessaloniki
Big Trip Day 17 – Dubrovnik to a bit before Ivangrad.
Geography was not one of my best subjects at school, perhaps only marginally better than my barely competent efforts in woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing. The journey recounted for this day in 1973 did not see me cross any national borders, but that would not be the case now. My knowledge of the changing political … Continue reading Big Trip Day 17 – Dubrovnik to a bit before Ivangrad.
Big Trip Day 16 – Dubrovnik
Also known as “Queen of the Adriatic”, the city derived its name from “Dub”, the Slavic word for oak. The mountain slopes behind the city were once covered with oak trees. I spent most of the day with Paul and Hugh from Leicester and Oxford respectively. Both spoke openly about their struggles with mental health … Continue reading Big Trip Day 16 – Dubrovnik
Big Trip Day 15 – Makarska to Dubrovnik
The entries over the next few days may be a bit sparser in content than usual because I am away from my laptop and have to rely on posting with my phone. Normal service will be resumed after 7th May. Back into my time machine and this day in 1973 sees me heading out of … Continue reading Big Trip Day 15 – Makarska to Dubrovnik
Big Trip Day 14 – Senj to Makarska
My first lift of the day took me about 7km along the coast. I found myself in a small farming and fishing village, with oxen working the fields, donkeys carrying things, and sheep with bells being tended by their shepherds. I felt as though I was miles from anywhere, and traffic was very light. But … Continue reading Big Trip Day 14 – Senj to Makarska
Big Trip Day 13 – Postojna to Senj
The day began with packing, collecting my passport from reception, and saying farewell to Mario. I thanked him for his company and kind hospitality, and then headed to the town centre. It was a very wet and windy morning. I bought 5 postcards and sat in a cafe to write them. I ventured to the … Continue reading Big Trip Day 13 – Postojna to Senj
Big Trip Day 12 – Near Trieste to Postojna
My notebook entries for today's trip appear to be a bit sparse. I was a couple of days behind with writing up my notes, so they are not exactly contemporaneous. We drove to Trieste and then decided to head into what is now Slovenia, but back in 1973 was still Yugoslavia under the rule of … Continue reading Big Trip Day 12 – Near Trieste to Postojna
Big Trip Day 11 – Peshiera to beyond Venezia
Well, not the most comfortable of nights. I woke up feeling very cold. My sleeping bag and groundsheet were wet with dew, and there was even a light frost on my backpack. I let my things dry for about an hour in the sunshine and then headed back to the autostrada. I did not realise … Continue reading Big Trip Day 11 – Peshiera to beyond Venezia
Big Trip Day 10 – Montreux to Peschiera del Garda
It was farewell to Ornella this morning as I set off along the lakeside road. It was snowing gently but the air felt warm. I got a series of short lifts via Martigny and Sion to Brig. This sits at the foot of the Simplon Pass. I was advised by the last person who gave … Continue reading Big Trip Day 10 – Montreux to Peschiera del Garda
Psychologist on the Move 