This very thought-provoking article from BalkanInsight.com brings to light a momentous need of better translations not only of Albanian literature, but of all sorts of languages interpretations. They are the key to greater understanding of cultural differences in the world, and, in many cases, especially in legal matters, are critical for the just outcome of whatever is being dealt with.
I not only agree with the idea proposed in the article for Albania, but especially applaud the last paragraph and hope that the knowledgeable and educated Albanian diaspora will respond to the wished-for challenge. It's a great way to contribute to your country of origin even from far away!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Differences
After a few days of walking in my neighborhood to shop, today I took a bus to go to an appointment in midtown, and for some reason my attention focused on the traveling crowds. I realized having made similar observations months ago, but now after a long stay in Albania, I couldn't help noticing greater contrasts in the population on the move between the two countries.
It was mid morning, thus the younger set supposedly was already at work in NY. These days work places and offices have flexible hours and the old "rush hour traffic" that ruled the streets of NY (in early morning and late afternoon) for decades is a way of the past. The traffic pattern now is more or less the same all day long.
The majority of people I was watching today, lined up at every stop, represented the older set, most of them meticulously well dressed and some accompanied by a care taker. Lots of them carried canes, some took more time to get on and off by themselves, others needed special help by requesting the lowering of the platform that can load and unload wheel chairs. Dealing with the continually increasing number of elderly, in addition to the never ending heavy vehicular traffic, NY buses have slowed down their traveling pace and their waiting time. Thus, if you miss one bus, you patiently have to wait for the next, and by the time it arrives the riding crowd has considerably increased in size.
Except for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when most citizens are resting or have left the city for the nearby beaches or mountains, Tirana's traffic is also heavy all day long until the wee hours of the night. Fewer are the bus lines, but the service is very frequent. Most people, young and old, walk a lot to their destination because the distances are not as great, and the public transport services only the major boulevards and not the cross streets.
The elder population that walks Tirana in mid morning consist mostly of men, also very neatly dressed, usually wearing business suits and hats. They take care daily of the family food shopping, facilitated by the availability, every couple of blocks, of local farm, extremely fresh, produce, and loads of small and large markets. Their spouses usually remain at home to take care of house chores and cooking. After the main meal of the day has been consumed by the family in mid afternoon, the couples are eventually seen together in late afternoon strolling along the avenues, or visiting friends or relatives.
Personally I know a very spry 90 year old man, who gets up every morning at 4am, prepares breakfast for the entire family, and then goes out to do the shopping. Another 80 year old professor that still teaches law at the University takes a long morning walk around the great park every day, rain or shine. Based on this kind of daily life I can understand why very few people in Albania use canes, or walkers, or wheel chairs to be mobile.
In contrast with NY is that Albania is a country with the youngest population in the world, who, to my great surprise, is extremely respectful of its elderly. Most of them, however, populate the many cafe` at every hour of the day, probably due to high unemployment rate. The seniors instead congregate in the various city parks to play chess or cards, or walk their grandchildren to whom they are very dedicated. They represent the nucleus around which the family spins!
It was mid morning, thus the younger set supposedly was already at work in NY. These days work places and offices have flexible hours and the old "rush hour traffic" that ruled the streets of NY (in early morning and late afternoon) for decades is a way of the past. The traffic pattern now is more or less the same all day long.
The majority of people I was watching today, lined up at every stop, represented the older set, most of them meticulously well dressed and some accompanied by a care taker. Lots of them carried canes, some took more time to get on and off by themselves, others needed special help by requesting the lowering of the platform that can load and unload wheel chairs. Dealing with the continually increasing number of elderly, in addition to the never ending heavy vehicular traffic, NY buses have slowed down their traveling pace and their waiting time. Thus, if you miss one bus, you patiently have to wait for the next, and by the time it arrives the riding crowd has considerably increased in size.
Except for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when most citizens are resting or have left the city for the nearby beaches or mountains, Tirana's traffic is also heavy all day long until the wee hours of the night. Fewer are the bus lines, but the service is very frequent. Most people, young and old, walk a lot to their destination because the distances are not as great, and the public transport services only the major boulevards and not the cross streets.
The elder population that walks Tirana in mid morning consist mostly of men, also very neatly dressed, usually wearing business suits and hats. They take care daily of the family food shopping, facilitated by the availability, every couple of blocks, of local farm, extremely fresh, produce, and loads of small and large markets. Their spouses usually remain at home to take care of house chores and cooking. After the main meal of the day has been consumed by the family in mid afternoon, the couples are eventually seen together in late afternoon strolling along the avenues, or visiting friends or relatives.
Personally I know a very spry 90 year old man, who gets up every morning at 4am, prepares breakfast for the entire family, and then goes out to do the shopping. Another 80 year old professor that still teaches law at the University takes a long morning walk around the great park every day, rain or shine. Based on this kind of daily life I can understand why very few people in Albania use canes, or walkers, or wheel chairs to be mobile.
In contrast with NY is that Albania is a country with the youngest population in the world, who, to my great surprise, is extremely respectful of its elderly. Most of them, however, populate the many cafe` at every hour of the day, probably due to high unemployment rate. The seniors instead congregate in the various city parks to play chess or cards, or walk their grandchildren to whom they are very dedicated. They represent the nucleus around which the family spins!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day
to fathers everywhere, even though fatherhood is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June only in the majority of countries, and not around the world.
El Capitan - Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Back in NY
Thinking of what usually expects me when I return home after a long absence, I was not eager to leave Albania and get back to NY.
Sure enough I found a huge pile of mail and paperwork that took me hours to sort out. The jet lag must be dealt with, while dozen plants that always survive while I am away are thirsty and need a lot of pruning, the dust that permeates NY even when the windows are kept closed, has to be eliminated, left over bills have to be paid, the laundry attended to, the windows washed, and so on.
It's a never ending cycle that, however, this time was lightened by an unexpected coincidence. My return happened just a day before my birthday, and it turned out to be quite pleasurable because, while in the midst of the above chores, I had pleasant and surprising interruptions. I received several phone calls from local and overseas friends, online messages, regular greetings cards and even flower deliveries....Wow!
Am tired, but, overwhelmed by what's around me, onward I go, hopefully, in good health to tackle new plans and new experiences, but remain surrounded by loving people!
Sure enough I found a huge pile of mail and paperwork that took me hours to sort out. The jet lag must be dealt with, while dozen plants that always survive while I am away are thirsty and need a lot of pruning, the dust that permeates NY even when the windows are kept closed, has to be eliminated, left over bills have to be paid, the laundry attended to, the windows washed, and so on.
It's a never ending cycle that, however, this time was lightened by an unexpected coincidence. My return happened just a day before my birthday, and it turned out to be quite pleasurable because, while in the midst of the above chores, I had pleasant and surprising interruptions. I received several phone calls from local and overseas friends, online messages, regular greetings cards and even flower deliveries....Wow!
Am tired, but, overwhelmed by what's around me, onward I go, hopefully, in good health to tackle new plans and new experiences, but remain surrounded by loving people!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Switch of life style
The last week in Tirana was hectic. As usual, notwithstanding all my efforts to conclude plans and chores on time, I am affected by local circumstances, way of life, and people's habits.
When in Albania I have the distinct impression of not being in control of my time because I always have to wait for someone else, or for something else to happen before I can proceed with what I need or wish to do. Many, many times I experienced the same feeling also when in Italy. What I am referring to does not apply to vacation or pleasurable trips, when mind and body are set to relax and rest, but to ways of conducting any kind of business or related issues, which I've had to deal with for decades.
This is the exact opposite of how I live and function when in NY, where for over half a century I've grown accustomed to accomplish both personal and business plans in an organized, and efficient manner. European life is very different and more enjoyable since it includes a more even balance of work and pleasure. This is probably why many U.S. visitors cannot understand our harried daily way of living, which, by default, carries with it a greater amount of stress to which we all adapt to. Let's not underestimate that, during our daily activities, we also have the disadvantage of covering greater distances by the very nature of our geographical setting.
Overseas things get eventually done, but in a way that generate a different kind of hassle, for me actually an aggravation due to time constraints, the outcome of which, as a consequence, is less satisfying personally.
Notwithstanding all of the above, and having had to postpone again my return at the last minute, I've accomplished much of my planned undertakings also during this trip. The reentry was not uneventful, thanks to the incorrect performance by the airline employee that handled the rearrangement, but I am now back in my NY base, safe and sound.
When in Albania I have the distinct impression of not being in control of my time because I always have to wait for someone else, or for something else to happen before I can proceed with what I need or wish to do. Many, many times I experienced the same feeling also when in Italy. What I am referring to does not apply to vacation or pleasurable trips, when mind and body are set to relax and rest, but to ways of conducting any kind of business or related issues, which I've had to deal with for decades.
This is the exact opposite of how I live and function when in NY, where for over half a century I've grown accustomed to accomplish both personal and business plans in an organized, and efficient manner. European life is very different and more enjoyable since it includes a more even balance of work and pleasure. This is probably why many U.S. visitors cannot understand our harried daily way of living, which, by default, carries with it a greater amount of stress to which we all adapt to. Let's not underestimate that, during our daily activities, we also have the disadvantage of covering greater distances by the very nature of our geographical setting.
Overseas things get eventually done, but in a way that generate a different kind of hassle, for me actually an aggravation due to time constraints, the outcome of which, as a consequence, is less satisfying personally.
Notwithstanding all of the above, and having had to postpone again my return at the last minute, I've accomplished much of my planned undertakings also during this trip. The reentry was not uneventful, thanks to the incorrect performance by the airline employee that handled the rearrangement, but I am now back in my NY base, safe and sound.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
An unresolved Albanian issue
A traditional problem that still persists today in Albania is the matter of blood feuds.
This century old custom, based on the long established law known as the "Kanun", still produces untenable situations today, as described in this recent article by BalkanInsight.com.
Now, probably for the first time, a movie on this subject has also been completed in loco that depicts what afflicts several family lives especially in the northern part of the country.
This century old custom, based on the long established law known as the "Kanun", still produces untenable situations today, as described in this recent article by BalkanInsight.com.
Now, probably for the first time, a movie on this subject has also been completed in loco that depicts what afflicts several family lives especially in the northern part of the country.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Work in progress
After my Italian guests returned home, my work schedule resumed in full force last week.
While in the midst of networking, negotiations, and legal matters, which are taking quite a bit of time daily, and spill over sometimes onto the night hours, I squeezed in time, here and there, to advance as much as possible the plans for the physical setup of the offices that will be able to use a wing of my property.
Electricians, carpenters, painters, and cleaning personnel are making quite a bit of progress, which will continue throughout the summer.
Water, electrical services, windows and doors fixtures are all fixed, new venetian blinds and telephone are installed, old computer is refreshed, and online connections are fully operational.
In addition to some, just received, donated furniture for a 2nd office room, I obtained estimates for special cabinetry that can be installed for the eventual library, once the major physical work is completed inside and outside the premises.
Also made a few new purchases to add necessary furnishing and equipment for a more complete functioning by the fall.
The shipment of books of all sorts (in 3 languages), historical documents, recordings of training materials, collections of scientific and technical papers, etc. that I accumulated throughout the years of my professional work, and arranged for shipment from NY to Albania this spring, is currently crossing the Mediterranean sea and will reach the Albanian port of Durres around June 25.
These resources will be added to the publications already donated in loco and will form the library of the organization we are setting up in Tirana for educational purposes of its younger population.
What remains to be done now is to find funding sources to staff appropriately the organization so that it can function and grow in the future.
While in the midst of networking, negotiations, and legal matters, which are taking quite a bit of time daily, and spill over sometimes onto the night hours, I squeezed in time, here and there, to advance as much as possible the plans for the physical setup of the offices that will be able to use a wing of my property.
Electricians, carpenters, painters, and cleaning personnel are making quite a bit of progress, which will continue throughout the summer.
Water, electrical services, windows and doors fixtures are all fixed, new venetian blinds and telephone are installed, old computer is refreshed, and online connections are fully operational.
In addition to some, just received, donated furniture for a 2nd office room, I obtained estimates for special cabinetry that can be installed for the eventual library, once the major physical work is completed inside and outside the premises.
Also made a few new purchases to add necessary furnishing and equipment for a more complete functioning by the fall.
The shipment of books of all sorts (in 3 languages), historical documents, recordings of training materials, collections of scientific and technical papers, etc. that I accumulated throughout the years of my professional work, and arranged for shipment from NY to Albania this spring, is currently crossing the Mediterranean sea and will reach the Albanian port of Durres around June 25.
These resources will be added to the publications already donated in loco and will form the library of the organization we are setting up in Tirana for educational purposes of its younger population.
What remains to be done now is to find funding sources to staff appropriately the organization so that it can function and grow in the future.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Farewell dinner
The last evening in Albania of my Italian visitors was spent with my associates, who invited us all for a dinner in the country.
They picked us up at 7pm and drove us to a lovely and excellent restaurant named 'Reka' I've been to a few times, which is on the way to the city of Elbasan (south of Tirana).
It's located in the middle of the countryside, near the village of Bërxhite, and is known for specialty dishes from Dibra (an area NW of the capital, near the Macedonian border).
It was a beautiful and pleasant evening that allowed us to eat outdoors, under a rectangular gazebo, completely covered by flowering topiaries and in the midst of beds of roses.
All dishes were delicious.
After the usual antipastos of cheeses, such as 'gjizë, and miscellaneous salads, we tasted grilled dishes of liver, thin beef steaks, and the baked Dibra specialty of 'jufka me ragu'. Slightly crispy, home, freshly made tagliatelle, are baked with chunks of veal that melts in your mouth.
Noone could resists the 2 types of desserts, extremely sweet, followed by sliced fresh fruits, and, to close the meal a shot of local strong 'raki' (grappa) was in order.
When we left I was presented with a care package of the specialty dish, which was baked extra for me to take home.
At midnight, back in Tirana, safe and sound, we all said goodbye and retired to our respective lodgings.
They picked us up at 7pm and drove us to a lovely and excellent restaurant named 'Reka' I've been to a few times, which is on the way to the city of Elbasan (south of Tirana).
It's located in the middle of the countryside, near the village of Bërxhite, and is known for specialty dishes from Dibra (an area NW of the capital, near the Macedonian border).
It was a beautiful and pleasant evening that allowed us to eat outdoors, under a rectangular gazebo, completely covered by flowering topiaries and in the midst of beds of roses.
All dishes were delicious.
After the usual antipastos of cheeses, such as 'gjizë, and miscellaneous salads, we tasted grilled dishes of liver, thin beef steaks, and the baked Dibra specialty of 'jufka me ragu'. Slightly crispy, home, freshly made tagliatelle, are baked with chunks of veal that melts in your mouth.
Noone could resists the 2 types of desserts, extremely sweet, followed by sliced fresh fruits, and, to close the meal a shot of local strong 'raki' (grappa) was in order.
When we left I was presented with a care package of the specialty dish, which was baked extra for me to take home.
At midnight, back in Tirana, safe and sound, we all said goodbye and retired to our respective lodgings.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Additional sightseeing and tasting experiences
On Monday morning my Italian trio came to my place after breakfast at their hotel, and had their first taste of freshly baked Albanian byrek.
The wife of one of my associates rang my bell at 9:30am and delivered a stack of these hot phillo dough wrappings filled with cheese that she knew could purchase in a specialty shop, along with individual cups of a yogurt drink.
In another bag she had more than 2 kgs (4 lbs) of gorgeous ripe cherries, and a couple of pints of local strawberrries that emanated an incredible aroma. Their taste was also incredible!
While I got busy with my own work during the day my guests spent their remaining days sightseeing Tirana and surroundings on their own. One day, I arranged for them a tour by taxi to the town of Kruja. The old citadel and the modern museum are a must to see in this habitat perched up in the mountains, about 35 km north of Tirana. I visited the place several times and have described it with pictures in previous entries of this blog in the past.
This historic place was the home of the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, who lived there in the 1400's. Also known as the 'Dragon of Albania', with his armies he not only ousted the Ottomans from Albanian territory, but kept Albania free from foreign occupation throughout his lifetime.
He also helped King Alfons of Aragon fight the barons that had rebelled against him in Italy, and later on was rewarded with land in Italy's south that became populated by Albanians, known to today as 'Arberesh'.
Every evening, around 6:30pm, my Italian visitors came to my apartment for snacks and drinks, and then we would go out for a late dinner. We tried different restaurants every day, tasted their specialties, and drank their local wines, which were very good everywhere.
The wife of one of my associates rang my bell at 9:30am and delivered a stack of these hot phillo dough wrappings filled with cheese that she knew could purchase in a specialty shop, along with individual cups of a yogurt drink.
In another bag she had more than 2 kgs (4 lbs) of gorgeous ripe cherries, and a couple of pints of local strawberrries that emanated an incredible aroma. Their taste was also incredible!
While I got busy with my own work during the day my guests spent their remaining days sightseeing Tirana and surroundings on their own. One day, I arranged for them a tour by taxi to the town of Kruja. The old citadel and the modern museum are a must to see in this habitat perched up in the mountains, about 35 km north of Tirana. I visited the place several times and have described it with pictures in previous entries of this blog in the past.
This historic place was the home of the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, who lived there in the 1400's. Also known as the 'Dragon of Albania', with his armies he not only ousted the Ottomans from Albanian territory, but kept Albania free from foreign occupation throughout his lifetime.
He also helped King Alfons of Aragon fight the barons that had rebelled against him in Italy, and later on was rewarded with land in Italy's south that became populated by Albanians, known to today as 'Arberesh'.
Every evening, around 6:30pm, my Italian visitors came to my apartment for snacks and drinks, and then we would go out for a late dinner. We tried different restaurants every day, tasted their specialties, and drank their local wines, which were very good everywhere.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Returning north
On Sunday, after a good, hearty breakfast at our hotel, included in the price of room, we left Saranda with its chaotic construction environment, and headed northward.
We planned our return via inland, instead of along the coast. Although this road northward is not as good as the one we took coming down, the route change would allow us to see other interesting areas of Albania.
Before reaching the Delvina area, we deviated toward the lake of Bistricë to visit a great source of water from the surrounding mountains, the name of which escapes me now.
Buses full of graduating students were encountered along the road and at this tourist place, full of lush greens and extremely clear, cristalline, rushing water.
Our trip then continued toward the city of Gjirokastër, where we stopped for refreshments and visited its huge, medieval castle, perched up on top of the old and new city.
This city is spreadout on different levels, and a modern section has been added in recent years, but the most interesting part of it is the old town with its stone houses, slated roofs, and many windows.
We were surprised by what we found inside the old castle: all remnants of the 2nd World War, abandoned by the Italians and Germans forces when they had to retreat from the Balkans.
Cannons of all sorts, long and short range, including anti-aircraft, and even a small Italian tank.
Outdoors were older type of ammunitions, and an American war plane that was shut down by Albanians during the communist era.
Continuing our trip northward, we went through oil fields (where some old pumps seemed to be functioning), the town of Tepelenë (historically famous for its ruthless ruler Ali Pasha), Memaliaj (a town completely built to house the miners needed in that area), and all along the road we were traveling we were accompanied by the large, and mature Vjosa river with its sandy, white shores.
After the towns of Ballsh and Patos, we returned to Fier, and Lushnjë, but never stopped until we reached Kavajë, where we wanted to have a late lunch. I have been there before. The place is known for its excellent fish cuisine, but almost did not recognize it. It has tripled in size, and, as usual, it was packed with customers.
At sunset, after a brief visit at my beach in Durres, we had dessert in the busy waterfront area of that city, where there is a cafe` known for its scrumptious, specialty cake.
By 8:30pm we were back in Tirana, tired from the long ride, but happy about this wonderful experience.
Except for my visiting trio, who had some drinks to view the night life in the now fashionable Tirana e Re, everyone else retired for the evening to get ready to face another work week on Monday morning.
We planned our return via inland, instead of along the coast. Although this road northward is not as good as the one we took coming down, the route change would allow us to see other interesting areas of Albania.
Before reaching the Delvina area, we deviated toward the lake of Bistricë to visit a great source of water from the surrounding mountains, the name of which escapes me now.
Buses full of graduating students were encountered along the road and at this tourist place, full of lush greens and extremely clear, cristalline, rushing water.
Our trip then continued toward the city of Gjirokastër, where we stopped for refreshments and visited its huge, medieval castle, perched up on top of the old and new city.
This city is spreadout on different levels, and a modern section has been added in recent years, but the most interesting part of it is the old town with its stone houses, slated roofs, and many windows.
We were surprised by what we found inside the old castle: all remnants of the 2nd World War, abandoned by the Italians and Germans forces when they had to retreat from the Balkans.
Cannons of all sorts, long and short range, including anti-aircraft, and even a small Italian tank.
Outdoors were older type of ammunitions, and an American war plane that was shut down by Albanians during the communist era.
Continuing our trip northward, we went through oil fields (where some old pumps seemed to be functioning), the town of Tepelenë (historically famous for its ruthless ruler Ali Pasha), Memaliaj (a town completely built to house the miners needed in that area), and all along the road we were traveling we were accompanied by the large, and mature Vjosa river with its sandy, white shores.
After the towns of Ballsh and Patos, we returned to Fier, and Lushnjë, but never stopped until we reached Kavajë, where we wanted to have a late lunch. I have been there before. The place is known for its excellent fish cuisine, but almost did not recognize it. It has tripled in size, and, as usual, it was packed with customers.
At sunset, after a brief visit at my beach in Durres, we had dessert in the busy waterfront area of that city, where there is a cafe` known for its scrumptious, specialty cake.
By 8:30pm we were back in Tirana, tired from the long ride, but happy about this wonderful experience.
Except for my visiting trio, who had some drinks to view the night life in the now fashionable Tirana e Re, everyone else retired for the evening to get ready to face another work week on Monday morning.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Travel southward
Early Saturday morning my trio and I were picked up by one of my associates, who owns a beautiful and powerful BMW, and drove toward the beaches of Durres. There we met the other couple I know, who also has a very comfortable Nissan car, purchased in the U.S. We came from different directions, but met for a coffee stop that is 'the norm here' before embarking on a longer trip.
The sun was shining, the weather perfect, the fresh air blowing in from the Adriatic rinvigorating, and everyone was in a good mood and looking forward to spending the weekend out of the city.
With map in hand that I brought along, my guests could follow our ride southward. Our final destination was Saranda and the Albanian riviera, close to Greece, by following the road that runs along Albania's coastline.
We traveled through the cities of Kavajë, Lushnjë, Fier, and reached the 2nd largest port city of Vlore that offers quite a sight with its large gulf, the Karaburun peninsula on one side, and island of Sazan in front.
Past Orikum, we deviated inland to have a late lunch in the mountainous, national park of Llogara. This was the place to taste the traditional roasted lamb. Everyone was famished and devoured more than one plate of extremely fresh, crunchy salads, to which we added the typical, yummy yogurt dressing. Here we also tasted the local, highly rich, creamy goat yogurt that is served with the lamb dish. It's impossibile to make a comparison of these local yogurts with the commercial ones sold around the world.
On the peaks of these rugged mountains the wind blows fiercely. It was difficult to stand up to take pictures without holding on to each other.
From above the view of the beach of Dhermi, on the Ionian sea, is breathtaking.
I had seen it previously from the park of Llogara, but this time I also enjoyed very much walking on it, with its broken down bunkers, and fine sand covered by loads of small white stones.
From here we drove upward again and had a coffee break in a lovely bar overlooking this long beach area.
Afterwards we reached the town of Himarë, followed by the gulf of Porto Palermo, a fishing area with an old fortification.
Taken a couple of pictures pictures, we proceeded southward toward Saranda, which we reached in late afternoon.
After an hour rest at the Hotel Brilant where my associates had made reservations, we took another car ride in an area of Ksamil, which took us practically to the Greek border. Its was too late to visit the archaeological ruins of Butrint. Here we found the roads unpaved and rough, but under reconstruction. They'll probably be completed before the summer rush of tourists.
By 9pm we were back at the hotel and had dinner at a nearby restaurant, which was quite crowded. Saturday night was the date for the European Soccer Champion match between the Italian and Spanish teams. It was watched by everyone throughout Europe on TV.
This was the place to have excellent fish, and, between outbursts of joy and yells from the soccer fans, we all enjoyed another very good meal and local wines.
After dinner we took a stroll on the promenade along the water, where bars and discos were quite lively and busy. This area during the summer gets jam-packed with tourists that come from Greece, and all the way from up north, especially Kosovars, who now flock into Albania to enjoy the seashores which they lack.
Unfortunately, Saranda is overbuilt and constructions do not follow any rule or urbanistic plan. The result is an overcrowded place that is ruining the beauty of this entire area.
Our Saturady was a long, but interesting day that ended
around 1:30am, when we all hit our respective beds.
The sun was shining, the weather perfect, the fresh air blowing in from the Adriatic rinvigorating, and everyone was in a good mood and looking forward to spending the weekend out of the city.
With map in hand that I brought along, my guests could follow our ride southward. Our final destination was Saranda and the Albanian riviera, close to Greece, by following the road that runs along Albania's coastline.
We traveled through the cities of Kavajë, Lushnjë, Fier, and reached the 2nd largest port city of Vlore that offers quite a sight with its large gulf, the Karaburun peninsula on one side, and island of Sazan in front.
Past Orikum, we deviated inland to have a late lunch in the mountainous, national park of Llogara. This was the place to taste the traditional roasted lamb. Everyone was famished and devoured more than one plate of extremely fresh, crunchy salads, to which we added the typical, yummy yogurt dressing. Here we also tasted the local, highly rich, creamy goat yogurt that is served with the lamb dish. It's impossibile to make a comparison of these local yogurts with the commercial ones sold around the world.
On the peaks of these rugged mountains the wind blows fiercely. It was difficult to stand up to take pictures without holding on to each other.
From above the view of the beach of Dhermi, on the Ionian sea, is breathtaking.
I had seen it previously from the park of Llogara, but this time I also enjoyed very much walking on it, with its broken down bunkers, and fine sand covered by loads of small white stones.
From here we drove upward again and had a coffee break in a lovely bar overlooking this long beach area.
Afterwards we reached the town of Himarë, followed by the gulf of Porto Palermo, a fishing area with an old fortification.
Taken a couple of pictures pictures, we proceeded southward toward Saranda, which we reached in late afternoon.
After an hour rest at the Hotel Brilant where my associates had made reservations, we took another car ride in an area of Ksamil, which took us practically to the Greek border. Its was too late to visit the archaeological ruins of Butrint. Here we found the roads unpaved and rough, but under reconstruction. They'll probably be completed before the summer rush of tourists.
By 9pm we were back at the hotel and had dinner at a nearby restaurant, which was quite crowded. Saturday night was the date for the European Soccer Champion match between the Italian and Spanish teams. It was watched by everyone throughout Europe on TV.
This was the place to have excellent fish, and, between outbursts of joy and yells from the soccer fans, we all enjoyed another very good meal and local wines.
After dinner we took a stroll on the promenade along the water, where bars and discos were quite lively and busy. This area during the summer gets jam-packed with tourists that come from Greece, and all the way from up north, especially Kosovars, who now flock into Albania to enjoy the seashores which they lack.
Unfortunately, Saranda is overbuilt and constructions do not follow any rule or urbanistic plan. The result is an overcrowded place that is ruining the beauty of this entire area.
Our Saturady was a long, but interesting day that ended
around 1:30am, when we all hit our respective beds.
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