Patrick Leigh Fermor spent time among the transhumance shepherds of the lower Balkans in the 1950's and 60's and wrote about them quite engagingly - anyone interested in this subject should pick up his book 'Roumeli.'
Wonderful comment, thank you. The state of mind up there is so different. I just read about a shepherd from Australia who won an ultramarathon a few decades ago, and became famous. He came with no preparation whatsoever, run days and nights non stop, eventually beating professional athletes. He later explained that he had already run non stop days and nights in the mountain with his sheep, to protect them from storm.
Ahhh the traveling journeymen, I wrote about these guys on my Stack as well, it's great to see traditions like this stand the test of time even in such a digital age!
You’re kind… but please do! I don’t yet know how to organize it, but I’m all for real meetings for us, substack writers. Fellow substackers meet for coffees in Warsaw and it works. I have my base in a village between Krakow and Katowice (when I am not elsewhere). Please come.
Patrick Leigh Fermor spent time among the transhumance shepherds of the lower Balkans in the 1950's and 60's and wrote about them quite engagingly - anyone interested in this subject should pick up his book 'Roumeli.'
Wonderful comment, thank you. The state of mind up there is so different. I just read about a shepherd from Australia who won an ultramarathon a few decades ago, and became famous. He came with no preparation whatsoever, run days and nights non stop, eventually beating professional athletes. He later explained that he had already run non stop days and nights in the mountain with his sheep, to protect them from storm.
I will read it. thanks
Ahhh the traveling journeymen, I wrote about these guys on my Stack as well, it's great to see traditions like this stand the test of time even in such a digital age!
Good story! This could be the thread of bigger book on the Shepherds? I would find it interesting anyway.
Wish I could have met Elias and Joe! And joined you on this journey.
You’re kind… but please do! I don’t yet know how to organize it, but I’m all for real meetings for us, substack writers. Fellow substackers meet for coffees in Warsaw and it works. I have my base in a village between Krakow and Katowice (when I am not elsewhere). Please come.
When I’m heading to Poland, I will let you know! I’ve met Substack writers in Amsterdam and in San Miguel: it’s a good idea!
Terrific travel writing, brings back many happy and some not so happy memories.
You are being very kind