Albania – Europe’s Forgotten Country (Part 2)

Contents     Part 1     Part 2

R0011870

Apollonia
From the hill, one can see the undisturbed ruin of Apollonia. Being in Albania, there was no danger of being overrun by tourists. In fact, there was just myself and the guide!

 

 

R0011875

Apollonia
Inside the courtyard.

 

 

R0011878

Apollonia
Church in the middle of the courtyard.

 

 

R0011879

Apollonia
Stone relief of eagle.

 

 

R0011880

Apollonia
Silent portal

 

 

R0011883

Apollonia
Inside the church

 

 

R0011885

Apollonia
Column head in courtyard.

 

 

R0011893

Driving back to Fier
On our way from Apollonia to Fier, we passed endless miles of houses under redevelopment. The street was just one construction site.

 

 

R0011907

Girl with kitten
Just south of Vlorë on the coastline, we met up with some of the guide’s family.

 

 

R0011908

Eating watermelon
It is customary in Albania to offer guests, food and drink. In my case, it was watermelon.

 

 

R0011909

Saying goodbye
After saying goodbye to his family, we set off south over the coastal mountain pass to the seaside village of Dhërmi.

 

 

R0011914

The mountain pass
Much of the road was like this.

 

 

R0011923

Summit of mountain pass
At about 6,000 feet, we get to the summit of the mountain pass. From here on south, a few daytrippers from Corfu sometimes make it this far.

 

 

R0011927

The mountain pass
We wend our way south down the mountain pass towards the city of Sarandë. Although we never got to Sarandë, this city is often visited by visitors from Corfu as it is only just a few miles by ferry. This part of Albania is better for the tourist trade and much safer.

 

 

R0011928

Looking down the mountain pass
In the distance, is the picturesque seaside town of Dhërmi.

 

 

R0011934

Inviting sea at Dhërmi
Clear beautiful sea near the town of Dhërmi.

 

 

R0011937

Beach at Dhërmi
One of the nicest spots I know for a seaside swim. Still unspoiled by progress.

 

 

R0011942a

Outdoor dining at Dhërmi
What a place to enjoy lunch!

 

 

R0011947

Colourful bricks in Dhërmi
More prolific use of garish colours!

 

 

R0011952

Good food in Dhërmi
Sitting outside looking at the blue sea and golden beaches while enjoying this meal was quite idyllic.

 

 

R0011972

Mosaic on National Historical Museum
This impressive large mosaic on the façade shows ancient Illyrians, Albanian nationalists and anti-Axis guerillas fighting for Albanian freedom. The communist red star in the centre was removed in 1994.

 

 

R0011973

National Historical Museum
Dominating Skanderbeg Square, is the National Historical Museum.

 

 

R0011976

The train timetable
Making sure I don’t miss the last train from Durrës!

 

 

R0011977

Tirana train station
I wanted to travel to Durrës by train from Tirana, which was an experience in its own right. This is the very plain-looking train station in Tirana.

 

 

R0011982

Inside Tirana train station
Worringly empty

 

 

R0011983

Tirana train station
This is it! Tirana’s rolling stock. I was going to travel in this?

 

 

R0011988

Second class?
Fancy a long train journey from Tirana to Vlorë? You might never make it! And yes, this is actual running rolling stock.

 

 

R0011989

Inside the train
Although very badly in a state of dilapidation, the seats were surprisingly comfy!

 

 

R0011990

The concrete bunkers
From the train window departing Tirana for Durrës, you can spot some of Albania’s infamous concrete bunkers. These were placed during Enver Hoxha’s reign to protect Albania from outside forces. Apparently, they were so well built, that they cost far too much to have them removed!

 

 

R0011992

Railway station halt
There were several little station halts between Tirana and Durrës, all in terribly bad condition. The train never managed to exceed more than 25 mph due to the badly maintained trackwork.

 

 

R0011996

Approaching Durrës
Overgrown track beds and scattered rubbish made me forget why I decided to take the 40km long train journey.

 

 

R0012001

Satellite-cluttered street in Durrës
Bland-looking buildings complete with satellite dishes along a street in Durrës.

 

 

R0012010

Lunch near the beach
I enjoyed salad, fish and squid in an outside café just next to the beach in Durrës.

 

 

R0012011

Beach in Durrës
Not a very good example of an Albanian beach, this is the easiest to get to for Tirana and Durrës residents. Litter is a constant problem in urban areas in Albania.

 

 

R0012026

Elegant avenue in Tirana
Looking down a wide separated street leading from the train station to the university in Tirana.

 

 

R0012029

Parliament Building, Tirana
Attractive modern building where the legislation of Albania meets.

 

 

R0012030

Tirana University
Sitting on the end of the wide avenue, lies one of the university buildings.

 

 

R0012048

Another corn-on-the-cob vendor
I was a little peckish, so I purchased one of these corn-on-the-cobs. It was a little dry, but quite tasty.

 

 

R0012049

Nightlife in Tirana
Tirana, surprisingly, has a number of nice little bars.

 

 

R0012053

Guide posing with Policeman
On the last day at the airport, my guide posed with this Albanian police officer.

 

 

R0012054

Rinas International Airport
Albania’s only international airport.

 

 

R0012058

Greek businessmen
Before setting off back to the UK, this man was trying to translate the lunch menu for me.

 

 

R0012060

An Albanian restaurant menu
Here’s an example of an Albanian menu. Much of the food was very much Greek in style.

 

 

R0012069

 Albania from the air
Here’s the view just after taking off.

 

Contents     Part 1     Part 2

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!