Italian friend's visit

An old school friend of mine (from elementary times in Italy more than half a century ago!) is an adventurous petite grandma, who has traveled a lot in her lifetime, but has never been to Albania. When I invited her to join me for a visit during one of my stays in Tirana, she readily accepted, and planned to spend a week in the country, unfortunately well known in Italy mostly for its ‘troublesome exports’ ….With her usual verve, and armed with great curiosity, she informed me of her arrival from Milan and I met her at Tirana’s airport a couple of days after I reached Albania.

We spent a wonderful week together, and I am delighted that she enjoyed very much learning a bit of Albanian history and getting to know the ‘real’ Albanians, the ones that have struggled to remain in their country, notwithstanding the hard times, that have maintained their self-respect in the face of poverty, tribulations, and violence, but still live with dignity, and teach their children the old values of honesty, gentleness, dependability, loyalty, in addition to be known for their traditional hospitality!

Her stay was too short to be able to travel long distances, but we (old timers after all!) still managed, in the brief time available, quite a bit of touring around and took a lot of pictures. We were joined by some personal Albanian friends of mine, who took care of suggesting also some visits to Catholic Institutions, knowing that this would please my visitor, and she was.

Petrele castle

an old olive tree along the road

One day we went to the town of Petrele and visited the old castle on top of the mountain, which I had seen for the first time in 1995. Now, after pushing and puffing our way up the long stony road (with no safety railing) that offers, however, a great panorama, one can find a café’ and restaurant right on the summit, with comfortable tables under beach umbrellas perched up among the ruins of the ancient fortress. We chose, however, to eat elsewhere.

ready to climb?

a bit more effort....


On the way back to Tirana, we stopped for a late, but relaxing lunch, at a huge and beautiful restaurant, on a hill, named ‘King’s Table’. We enjoyed good food in a lovely garden, overlooking a mature river, way below us, while being caressed by a gentle and warm breeze. It was a gorgeously sunny day, and so was the rest of the week.

European Tower

Tirana's Twin Towers

in front of the Pyramid (Expo)

Completely oblivious of normal daily business, and relaxed in good company, I never checked my cell phone until I got home. Unfortunately, I managed to loose it. I believe it slipped out of my pocket while getting in and out of the car, and thus, I had to spend time and money to replace it, another day, when we walked around Tirana, and stopped for drinks at the large Café’ Taiwan, centrally located in one of the city parks.

Cafe's fountains

Cafe's rear access

This structure includes more than one café’ (indoors and outdoors), restaurants, a casino, billiards halls, and bowling alleys on 2 floors.

a moment of relax

(more to come on our sightseeing and pictures in another installment)