Kat & Mat's big bike trip
Albania
8
Days
261 km
km ridden
12 Jun – 19
Dates
Albania really feels like a different country. Up to now there's been a common Europe vibe going on in all the places we've been. Albania is... different. People nod their heads no and shake them to mean yes. There are mosques everywhere. The power and phone cabling in the street is out of control. There are no traffic regulations, you can seemingly do whatever you like as long as you don't hurt anyone. But it's fun and everyone is super friendly!
Unlike Croatia and Montenegro, there are fruit and veg sellers everywhere: along the highway, on the streets in city centres, outside supermarkets (which don't sell fruit and veg). A lot of older women wear white scarves over their heads, sometimes pinched into a bonnet. A minority of motorcyclists wear helmets (although apparently it's mandatory). They love German cars - most of the vehicles we saw were Mercedes, VW, Audi and some top end Porsches. We also saw lots of British number plates; our transfer driver told us they were visiting from Britain (his family who live in south London have made the journey before) but it could be a kudos thing. Sooo many car washes (lavazh).
One third of the population has left since the fall of Communism and the majority of the remaining 2.4 million live in Tirana, which has sprawling and unplanned slum neighbourhoods next to some crazy modern high-rises. The language is pretty much an isolate, but they've absorbed lots of English and Italian words. The currency is Lek and many small sellers will only accept cash, but lots accept Euro as an alternative. We've received more warmth, hospitality and kindness than in any other country so far.
There are So0mbras! We haven't got to the bottom of why.
Unlike Croatia and Montenegro, there are fruit and veg sellers everywhere: along the highway, on the streets in city centres, outside supermarkets (which don't sell fruit and veg). A lot of older women wear white scarves over their heads, sometimes pinched into a bonnet. A minority of motorcyclists wear helmets (although apparently it's mandatory). They love German cars - most of the vehicles we saw were Mercedes, VW, Audi and some top end Porsches. We also saw lots of British number plates; our transfer driver told us they were visiting from Britain (his family who live in south London have made the journey before) but it could be a kudos thing. Sooo many car washes (lavazh).
One third of the population has left since the fall of Communism and the majority of the remaining 2.4 million live in Tirana, which has sprawling and unplanned slum neighbourhoods next to some crazy modern high-rises. The language is pretty much an isolate, but they've absorbed lots of English and Italian words. The currency is Lek and many small sellers will only accept cash, but lots accept Euro as an alternative. We've received more warmth, hospitality and kindness than in any other country so far.
There are So0mbras! We haven't got to the bottom of why.