Butrint National Park

This morning, a few of us took the bus out to Butrint National Park, where six members of the brass section gave a short concert in the ancient amphitheatre (built circa 300 BC). Part of the amphitheatre is underwater now (the semicircle between the steps and the stage is submerged), since the structure has been sinking about 1 cm per year.  Nonetheless, it is spectacular to see, and even more so to sit and listen-- the acoustics are amazing.

A TV camera was on hand to film the event for Albanian television.  It was sweltering hot in the sun, but there was still a small audience who got to experience the music from the incredible acoustic vantage point of the amphitheatre...

...although most of the audience enjoyed the concert from further up the hill, in the shade.

This was my second visit to Butrint (after touring the park two days ago with a smaller group), but I was glad to get the opportunity to go again.  The first time around, I took dozens of photos-- this time around, I walked around the park just taking in the incredible soundscape.  The air was thick with the sound of cicadas.

This afternoon, many of us (including me) went for a swim in the Ionian Sea, back at the beach just below our hotel, since it's our last day here at Sarande.  Tonight we have an orchestra rehearsal here at the hotel, and a long bus ride tomorrow to Macedonia.

-Elizabeth