Didn’t expect to get all the way through Albania today, but somehow we did! There were a couple of surprise motorways which made all the difference and the roads were good over all.
The towns and cities however, were a big challenge. We encountered Skhodër first…My God, there was stuff happening everywhere, we needed eyes in the back of our heads! Most notable, was the man walking his goat and fish in tanks for sale at the roadside. We think they were carp but looked half dead anyway so not sure if they were for eating or keeping! 😬
The driving was diabolical at times – it made Palermo look like an organised dream!
Dreading the capital, Tiranä, but it wasn’t too bad on the ring road, and looked quite modern in places.
Stopped for lunch in a lay-by soon after Elbasan then carried on through some great scenery up towards Lake Ohrid. At this point, on quite a fast road, a couple just ran out in front of us to catch a mini bus on the other side. It was almost point blank range and we still don’t know how we managed to miss them. Both felt sick for about an hour afterwards.
Everything looked quite different as we came over the hills and down to Lake Ohrid. It was quite beautiful and reminded me of Garda. Although we were going to stay here, we decided we were so close to Greece that we’d carry on, and I think we both felt a sense of relief as we crossed the border.
As for Albania, it’s ok…definitely on the up and construction everywhere. There is almost an epidemic of rubbish by the roadside but everyone drives flash cars ..Audi, BMW and Mercs, sometimes with English number plates, sometimes right hand drive – odd??
The national obsession would seem to be car washing – in fact, it is the land of garages, mechanics and car wash places. All this with a backdrop of beautiful mountains and an extremely hot climate. 42°C today at one point – we had lunch with the engine running for air con!
Landed at the Prespa National Park – we’ve never been to this area before and it is beautiful. Also quite a bit cooler at 21°at 10pm.
Parked by a little church, walked 5 minutes and found a perfect little meze place overlooking the lake, so all’s well that ends well!
