The island of Thassos, Greece

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The island of Thassos is the furthermost northern island of Greece. It is no coincidence that Greeks call it The Green Pearl as most of it is covered by old and natural pine forests. The mountains of the island rise to more than 1200m above the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. This natural beauty has changed hands many times through history and has accumulated a rich historical and cultural heritage.

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Ancient olive trees._DSC1864e

A small orthodox chapel on a cliff in an isolated location.

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The Archangel Michael Monastery on the steep cliffs in the distance.

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Scala Potamia village and Golden Beach in the distance.

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The highest mountain peaks are within the borders of one of the two natural parks on the island._DSC2438e

The crystal clear waters of Paradise Beach are rich in different types of fish.

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This rock lagoon is a natural formation and is called Giola by the locals._DSC3110e

Ripe olives._DSC3171

Welsh fairy tale

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In the summer of 2010 I visited a number of alternative building projects in Wales. Built out of simple natural materials and covered with green roofs, these houses blend into the lush landscape. The beauty and tranquility of the Welsh countryside, along with the hobbit-like buildings, created an enchanting atmosphere and made me believe that is possible to live in a fairy tale, even in our modern world.

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The bay of New Quay._8010273e

One of the many amazing buildings made out of natural materials at the Cae Mabon Eco Retreat Centre in the North of Wales._8010281e P7255576e P8015622e

Llyn Padarn lake in the foothills of Snowdonia National Park.

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Dolen village in the Rhodopi mountains, Bulgaria

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This is the village of Dolen, which means “lower”. It is situated in the western part of the Rhodope region and is an architectural reserve.

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Beglika dam on the way to Dolen.

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Heavy summer rain.IMGP4333

The green plants in the wheelbarrow are tobacco leaves, which are still a traditional means of livelihood in the Rhodope mountains.

IMGP4335 IMGP4338 IMGP4349 IMGP4353The entrance to a small old orthodox church.