I found myself with a few extra days, so I head to Kruje,, home of Albanian handmade rugs.  This is my 4th time to Albania, it’s almost a second home.  I rented a car last time and passed 40 police checks and was never pulled over.  Well they finally pulled me over, for speeding,  it’s great being an American here, we made some small talk and I was set free.

Last time I drove this road there was a river I wanted a photo of.  I realized I was near the same river again, this time I stopped and took a picture.

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When I rode my bike into Saranda, 3 years ago, I was so happy to be here.  That was some of the most challenging biking I had ever done.  I went to the neighborhood I stayed in last time and found the beautiful Apollon Hotel.  I like staying just a 10 minute walk from town, it forces me to get some exercise!  Nothing has changed, 1/2 built buildings, gravel roads, garbage, dogs & cats everywhere.  I was talking with a realtor, he was telling me how much has changed in the last couple years. I told him nice try, it looks exactly the same to me as it did 3 years ago. Continue reading →

I’m going to my little beachside apartment.  I really enjoyed staying in Dhermi 3 years ago and really look forward to returning.  Shopping in the store last time was humbling to say the least. Only Plain yougurt, meat- was to cut how much sausage you wanted, cheese-cut it off the block. The store has been remodeled and has lost a lot of it’s charm.  I bought pasta & sauce since there’s only one restaurant open.  I use to have a landscape business, so I asked the owners for some clippers and trimmed the trees and bushes around the apartments. Continue reading →

I’m most excited to visit Vlore- the birthplace of Albania.  I really loved the museums, people and best of all my favorite: HOTEL 4 STINET. I plan to revisit everything.  Albanian Independence day is coming up and there’s flags, banners and  Albanian souvenirs, everywhere. Continue reading →