Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
4th July
Woke up in an average state after the fun of last night. Managed to shower and get my bag packed then off to the post office which was finally open. Grabbed a quick breakfast sandwich and headed out to the bus. We drove for a couple of hours before making one last stop in Greece. Enjoyed a free cup of tea as I think the cafe owner was feeling sorry for me. Drove out of Greece and into Albania. The guide, i think slipped a few notes to the boarder officers as we got through in minutes. Once in Albania the vibe changed. The road conditions became very poor, they are very narrow with large pot holes and large sections are gravel. The buildings are mostly in a poor state with many half finished or looking very run down. We also drove past many concrete bunkers. The larger concrete bunkers were built to be used as shelters for families during a nuclear attack and the small domes were to be uses by one or two soliders to defend the country during a land invasion. The communist rule in Albania was harsh. There was close to importing of good, this meant that country had to try and become self sufficient. Lines often formed outside stores and food was also in limited supply. Very few foreigners were allowed in and news from outside Albania was almost non- excitant. The language of Albania is difficult and have only found one or two people that speak a small amount of English. The stores accept euros but often give change in local liack. You can see they are trying to improve the overall state of their country but they still have a long way to go. We are staying in a beach side resort in the town of durres. I use the term resort loosely as it is an ex- military base. There is large amounts of garbage on the beach and even walking around the town. The people also still seem a little weary, maybe thAt isn't the best word but all i can think of right now, of western tourists. There seems to be a few tourists at this beach town but I think they are other Albanians.
We spent the afternoon walking in the small town and then by the pool. Enjoyed a dinner at the hotel restaurant watching the sun set. The food here is very simple. Meat with some salad or vegetables and chips. After dinner sat outside enjoying a quiet drink and trying not to get eaten alive by the thousands of insects.
- comments