Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Balkans Tour - Albania

Another country, another currency, and another border crossing.

First impressions of Albania... It reminds us of some places in South America. What we have seen so far is not very modern. There are lots roadside market stalls selling all sorts of wares. We've seen several horse drawn wagons loaded with kids and other stuff, and heavily laden donkeys.

Albania suffered more than most during Communist rule, with no-one allowed in or out (across borders) for thirty years.

The country side has been quite mountainous, and dotted with small concrete bunkers - a legacy of years of conflict. Apparently these bunkers which were specifically designed to withstand bombs, are proving impossible to destroy and remove. And there's thousands of them.

Have learnt one word of Albanian.... Shitet .... means For Sale.

We only have one night in Albania, travelling to the capital Tirana for an overnight stop, and then onto somewhere else. Living one day at a time!

Tirana is a bustling, busy, chaotic city. Lots of high rise residential buildings, lots of people and cars. And another place where drivers like to use the horn!! Traffic lights, apparently red and green mean the same thing! Interesting, and dangerous.

Driving into the city along a newish freeway..... When suddenly we ran out of road! Down narrow side roads which turned out to be one way streets.... And we were going the wrong way. Narrow one way streets, multiple sagging power lines.... Brings back memories of a certain South American city!

As we did our city orientation walk, noticed many beggars - mostly children, but this was the youngest! Sad.

Strange things to see here in Tirana...

More bunkers

A section of the Berlin Wall

And a strange, dilapidated concrete construction in the shape of a pyramid. Crazy and in really bad shape for something that's less than 25 years old. But it appears to be the centre of a political impasse. On one side it is a symbol of communism, and some want it gone. Others see it as part of their history, and deserves a place. Definitely needs improvement - it's an eyesore.

But nearby, was a temporary stage and bar set up for a concert/ and beer festival... Maybe. But the interesting thing was the banner behind the area, depicting many beer jokes. Interesting.

Yes. We took lots of photos of these, for you Zac. Others in the slideshow. There were very trendy areas with lots of bars, with lush outdoor areas, and lots of casinos.

On to Kruja, to see the castle and home of Skanderberg and Ottoman market place. The Sanderberg Museum was very interesting especially with an English speaking guide. Very interesting, but complex history in all of Europe - if only I could remember it all. ;-(

Great views from up there too.

A quick walk through the old Ottoman Bazaar, beautiful things, like similar markets everywhere. Really loved the lace and embroidery tablecloths, and beautiful bags. Even watched some people making carpets on the loom.

Lunch was a real treat. Some sort of kebab.... with French fries in it. It was really very tasty. Had to eat it in the street as they would stink the bus out. Mmmmmm

 

 

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