Skanderbeg Square in Tirana

Skanderbeg Square in Tirana

Berat, view from the hostel

University of Berat

The air is getting crisper, but frost hasn’t reared its anti-summer face yet. That’ll soon change in a couple weeks, so I’m gonna sip on some Korcula and pop fresh pomegranate seeds until then. Albania has been so welcoming and Berat has been a real highlight. Got schooled in Albanian rules pool but a few beers later and it levelled the playing field. Its a smaller town but its beautiful with a lot of character. Did a solid hike up to a ruined fortress and I’m surprised my heart hung in there despite all the burek and pastries I’ve been attacking it with. I’m starting to plan a little more rigidly since I can see the end of my journey is drawing closer and I want to give myself enough time to see errrthing I want to, but I still have a couple days of leeway.

Albania. Where the people are friendly and Mercedes rule the roads. Spent a couple nights in a lovely guesthouse outside of Shkodër where chickens and kittens live in peaceful harmony. But man do roosters ruin a good sleep. Didn’t spend too much time in the city but biking in Albania is a good way to feel alive, hoo boy.

Took a minibus (called furgon) to Tirana and it was 100x more comfortable than some of my other rides *cough*zabljak-kotor. As soon as I crossed the border, much like Bosnia, you can feel the difference. Many of the locals don’t speak much english but they are so incredibly warm and friendly. You hear many people from other parts of the Balkans and even the world who say how hostile and dangerous it is. Not from what I’ve seen.

Also mediocre fun fact! This past September was the first September I haven’t been in school since I started many years ago. Feels weird maaan.

Going to Kruje today and then debating if I’ll stay tomorrow night in Tirana. Enjoy the photos!