I had originally planned to fly from Istanbul to Malta and then onto Madrid and home but changed my plans for various reasons and decided to go to Tirana, Albania and then Budapest and then home from there. So I spent a day and a half in Albania which had the advantages of being warm, not expensive (unlike Malta) and small. I like small
You know a country is a little short on iconic sights, however, when this is one of the more popular tourist spots in Tirana-
It is actually a nuclear bunker built during the murderous communist regime of Enver Hoxa and his successors and is now dedicated to tortured and murdered victims of the communists. It is a somber experience to visit but worthwhile.
I rented a car and drove into the mountains to see one of Albania’s scenic lakes-
The roads in Albania are among the worst I have driven on. When they are not dirt or broken up- just when you think you can roar up to about 30mph- there is a speed bump in the middle of Albanian nowhere (which is a new kind of nowhere). Must be the speed bump capital of the world which maybe is the point. If you are little Albania you need some claim to fame and someone evidently hit upon speed bumps. Add to that the aggressive Albanian drivers and you have an exciting day on the roads.
But the unquestioned highlight of my short stay in Albania was… the breakfast at my small hotel in Tirana. Pictures don’t properly capture it, but it was like a 5 star 5 course Michelin rated meal. All the food was made from scratch The preparation itself was superb. I have had anything like it (the reviews of this hotel all mention this extraordinary breakfast).
Who would have thought?
Apparently trying to make up for lost time, It also has some avant guard buildings -
In any case, I left the friendly country of Albania and flew to my last stop on my RTW trip- Budapest.
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