So I am Albania. It seems like a place from perhaps the 1800s (except for things such as electricity, cars etc.). It is extremely rural. In the large towns I have been in there have been goats, cows, chickens and mules walking the streets. Due to the communist history, the roads are in poor condition, although improvements are being made. The biggest reason for the roads is during the communist reign, only about 150 people owned cars, mainly political people. So why would they invest in roads. In the times of democracy the roading infrastructure had been slow due to the government pocketing money dedicated to roading projects.
Another strange sight is hundreds of concrete shells of apartments, malls, houses. Some falling apart, some in rubble. At this stage they look like they will never be finished. Such a blight on the landscape. This is a massive problem in the sea side resort of Saranda. There are three reasons for this. One, no money left. Two, a law change required building permits, so many of the shells did not have this so were blown up by the government or left untouched. Thirdly, land is still a bit of a free for all, so they were build to claim the land.
Berat was the first place I went to. Amongst the mountains, only one road in and out. Another UNESCO town like Ohrid. Was a pretty old town with a castle up a massively steep hill. Great views, although the castle itself was forgettable. Plus it was forty degrees. It is only a small town so only one night was spent here. But I did get my first cut throat shave.
Next day I moved to the Saranda. Not really a great town, but it is on the Adriatic. Sadly, due to the poor rubbish policies of Albania, there is a little trash littered around the place. The hostel was great though and provided views of the sea.
First day I went on a day trip to Butrint.An old settlement from thousands of years ago. Its attraction is all the ancient ruins, which were really great. An amphitheatre, a baptistery with a beautifully preserved mosaic and a Castle (from a much more modern time). Definitely worth a view and an excellent warm up for Greece.
Evenings were quiet. Involving eating and relaxing as things were pretty hectic before Albania and with Greek Islands coming, things will get hectic again.
Today i went to the blue eyed spring. A natural fresh water steam, with the eye being where the water was coming from deep down, so far divers have only managed to get fifty metres down, and is thought to be much deeper. The great thing about this is it is a great spot to jump into!!! This was done on a number of occasions, and the water was beautifully cool. Probably ten degrees. A stunning spot and a must see in Albania. One of the trip highlights so far.
Up at six tomorrow, headed for Greece! For stop, Meteora. Check it out, I'm excited.
Joshua
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