Albania was closed to outsiders for much of the 20th century. Until recently its mountains, fortress towns and the sparkling beaches were merely rumor on most travel maps. Communism ended in1991 Albania open the door for visitors. The first curious tourist to arrive discovered a land where ancient codes of conduct still held sway and where the wind blew thru Greek and Roman Sites.
Albania is a country located in the Southeastern Europe, on the Adriatic Sea and is a Balkan country that borders Montenegro to the northwest, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south and Kosovo to the northeast. It is very easy to get to the nearby country by jumping on a bus in one of the many bus depots around the country. When I was visiting for five months, I found the bus system to be very easy to use. Most buses run on the hour and the buses that went out of the country ran twice a day.
I spent five months visiting this country. When I first arrived, it was a
culture shock. I thought the people looked mad all the time. Over time I
learned that is country has been thru several wars and times have not been easy
for many of the people.
The capital is Tirana and when you walk the streets of Tirana it reminds me
of the 1950's in the US. The buildings are worn down, there are fruit and
vegetable stands on most street corners. If you want to purchase meat you must
go visit the butcher and if you want bread you must go to the bakery. It is
really like they are stuck in time but, the simplicity of it was also so
relieving and I enjoyed getting to know the merchants because,
they were all so friendly.
The main cities that make up Albania is the capital of Tirana, Vlore, Saranda,
Durres, Shkoder , Gjrokaster, Pogradec and Beret. The public transportation
is good and consist of many buses and taxis’. I would not recommend
driving because, parking is a nightmare and often there is nowhere to
park or your car gets damaged by a car trying to park.
Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild and humid winters followed
by hot and dry summers. I spent time in both climates. When it is hot you head
to the beach or hike in the mountains. When it is cold the capital and the
mountains are enjoyable.
Albania offers many beautiful beaches along its coastline. Ksamil Beach has
white sand beach and sea turquoise water that would make any trip enjoyable.
Karaburun Beach is within Karaburun Sazan National park. Which is the
the only marine park in the country. The reserve is two kilometers near the
bay of Vlora. Inside the park, there are Roman ruins and wrecks from War
World II. This is great for scuba diving die to the cliffs and underwater
caves.
Albania has many fortresses and castles thru out the country. Gjirokaster
castle was my favorite. The castle itself is very massive. It stands above
the " Stone City’s “well preserved old town, it's full of amazing sights.
The castles clock tower that lights up at night, there are left
over war remnants such as cannons, and planes. This visit would not be
complete with a visit to the medieval town of Gjiroksater which is built of
stone.
Many expats from many countries are choosing to live in Albania to escape the rising living cost in their own country. There are a few draw backs to this decision, however. When its cold outside many of the buildings are not well insulated so its cold. Healthcare is very basic. I was in a motorbike accident broke two ribs and my hand and they had no pain medicine to give me. I was told to go to pharmacy and by a wrap for my hand.
Overall the country as a whole so many great things to do and explore that I would encourage everyone to visit.
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