Description
“Did you know, Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe?” I call ahead to Sarah, filled with facts after my morning read.
We keep pedalling along as I ponder the lake beside us. It had transcended all civilisations, with communities gathering around its banks for almost 8,000 years.
As we cycle its perimeter, passing from Albania to Macedonia and back, we spy weather-beaten fishermen, casting lines into crystal clear waters. Beside them, flights of cormorants dry their wings perched atop rocks, with a chorus of reeds swaying beside them. Rolling on, orthodox monasteries, prehistoric silt villages and Byzantine churches pass by. It is a journey through dynasties, empires and generations.
Eventually, we feel the buzz of Ohrid Town come to meet us. Pushing bikes past an ancient Roman amphitheatre, the crowds begin.
Sarah is ahead, weaving through throngs of people, glancing back to check I’m following. We skirt between tables, lavishly filled with trout and eel, hungry hands moving mouthfuls to eager mouths. The sound of woodwind instruments play in the background as market traders hawk their wares, bartering vegetable prices with sharp-eyed locals. I can smell the freshly sliced citrus spraying from cut oranges. The whole scene is alive with motion. Then, as we break through the final human barrier, it stops.
Immediately, the music and hubbub slip away. I’m pulled forward by a cool breeze on my face, the light swash of gentle bobbing boats, small waves against the pontoon and the subtle smell of coconut suntan lotion. The world slows. We rest, and let the pace sink in, enjoying the view.
On the banks of this historic lake, people sit musingly, chatting about life in perfect view of the translucent waters. Life thrives by water. And here, it seems to slow too.
Print details
• Printed on premium Fuji Matt photographic paper
• Available in multiple sizes
• Made to order
• Carefully packaged for delivery
• Photograph taken during our cycle journey from England to India
Thank you for supporting our work and helping us continue to tell stories from the road.
— Josh & Sarah
