Archive for Februar 9th, 2010

Amphitheater in Ohrid, Macedonia

Dienstag, Februar 9th, 2010



Amphitheater in Ohrid, Macedonia

Originally uploaded by plepe

Later that day (January 3rd, 2009) we met a CouchSurfer from Skopje with her friends, at whose place we wanted to surf, but she herself spent new year in Ohrid. We used the opportunity to learn from some locals about Ohrid’s long history and see some places, like the the Ancient amphitheatre you can see in the picture.
And a long history it is, a first town was Lychnidos, founded in the 7th century BC. It’s nationality changed several times (Illyrinans, Ancient Macedonians, Romans) until it was destroyed in 526 AC by an earthquake. Later refounded as Ohrid, it continued to be conquered every couple of centuries (Bulgarians, Albanians, Serbs and the Ottoman Empire). Independence of the Ottoman Empire came in 1912 by Serbs, during the world wars it was ruled by Bulgarians and finally it became part of Yugoslavia. After independence in 1991 it is now part of Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Interview with Mikael, the promoter of “Slow Bicycling”

Dienstag, Februar 9th, 2010

Diesen Blogpost gibt es auch auf Deutsch.

For quite some time now I enjoy reading the blog “Copenhagenize” of Mikael Colville-Andersen, dedicated to promote cycling as a safe and healthy way of transportation. Copenhagen has a very high modal split for cycling, more than 30% of all ways are done by cycling. Vienna has about 5% and is already proud about it (no way to be proud about 5%). If you are interested what he has to say about cycling, you might want to check out this interview.

Check out his blogs:

  • Copenhagenize, dedicated to promoting Cycling internationally, with many examples and discussions how and how not cycling is promoted in Denmark and elsewhere
  • Copenhagen Cycle Chic, a blog about Cycling and Fashion
  • Slow Bicycle Movement, a blog to promote cycling as a enjoyable way of transportation

Ohrid in Wintertime, January 2009

Dienstag, Februar 9th, 2010



Ohrid in Wintertime, January 2009

Originally uploaded by plepe

Again a picture taken in Ohrid, Macedonia (FYROM). This time from the pier of the harbor. It started snowing the night before, and the town was covered with fresh snow. The harbor was sleeping, just some snow-covered ships were slowly shaking with the waves.