Hurry to Albania, before the Russians discover it

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If you have not been to Albania, I think you should hurry there. The people are friendly and hospitable. In addition, it has many fascinating historic sights to discover—hopefully, no Russian tourists in Europe for a while. My experience is that Russians manage to change a tourist destination for the worse if they find it.

Tirana, view from my hotel room

I have wanted to go to Albania for a long time. I have always been fascinated by secrets and forbidden places. Ever since I was on Inter-rail in 1988, crossing with the ferry between Brindisi in Italy and Patras in Greece. I was standing on the boat, looking if I could see something “forbidden” inside Albania.

View of Gjirokaster

I visited these places during my two weeks in Albania

  • Tirana
  • Berat
  • Saranda
  • Butrint
  • Gjirokaster
  • Korca
  • Pogradeci by Ohrid lake

I will divide my experiences in Albania into several blogs.

Ali Pasha Bridjge, Gjirokaster

The Russians

I wrote this remark because I am so upset with the Russian war in Ukraine. I have visited Kyiv and Odesa, and I find it unbearable if these cities should be demolished. The Russians create an unpleasant atmosphere in the place they stay with their rudeness and distastefulness. Most Russians are interested in their own culture, so they do not pasteurize historical and cultural sites when traveling. Besides, I think my “family” and I are just as unpopular in Russia.

St. Michael's Church, Berat

From Tirana to the countryside

I arrived in Tirana and stayed there for a few days before I started to travel around the country. It is pretty easy to get around in Albania when you first learn how the bus system works. Since Albania is primarily a mountain country with many valleys, the journey from one place to another might take more time than you expect.

Ohrid Lake, North Macedonia in the background

The Albanians

The Albanians are so friendly and hospitable. I have had hosts that picked me up from the bus and drove me back in the morning. Even been offered to borrow the Hotel manager’s car for use in the village. All young people speak English, and they are eager to do so, unlike many other places around the Mediterranean sea.

Berat at night

The rubbish

There is one downside to Albania that I can not avoid mentioning: the rubbish. For years they have not had a good system for collecting waste. Therefore, you might find skip points where they have thrown their rubbish on the outskirts of town. Also, there is plastic and bottles all over. The rivers are a sad sight. But, according to a hotel manager I talked to, improvement is on its way. We have to hope they will manage to tackle this problem.

The rubbish heap

Even though there is room for improvement, I will still recommend Albania. I will write about the different places in my following blogs.

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