Last days in Albania

Communist era bunkers everywhere

We have enjoyed the tour of Albania, particularly for the opportunity to see how people live now, how that varies from place to place, how difficult that is for many of them. And we have been given so much information about its difficult and complex history that we won't remember it all. There have been so many Icon Museums, Ethnographic Museums, Archeological sites, Castles, that we have been opting out of some towards the end of the tour! Partly because all of these places seem to be near the top of a big hill and it has been really hot and humid.

Ottoman house - our hotel in Berat

Our impression of Albanians is that they are very proud of their country and keen to share it with vistors. Most have been really hospitable. And apart from two disasters the hotels have been very good or excellent.

Half of a seafood platter for 3 in Vlore

The last two days have been spent in Vlore (an uninspiring town that gave us the best and freshest grilled seafood that we have had in 7 weeks) and Berat - a very attractive Ottoman town, known as "The White City" and "City of a Thousand Windows" because of the white and brown houses with lots of windows. We visited the port, Durres and are now in Kruge, a hill town very close to Tirana and even closer to the airport. We have the final dinner with the group tonight - they have been pleasant company.

Lots of chances for hole in the wall shots

Courtyard in Ottoman house/hotel

Berat