2.9.22
We both slept so well, the bed was super comfy.
We set off to explore Tirana with me adamant that it was 10.30, John adamant it was 9.30, I stopped a man to ask in the end and I was correct.
We decided to walk to the cable car as it’s a must do while here. In theory it should have taken just over an hour but that didn’t include time to change some sterling into Lek and explore bakeries for breakfast inspiration.
In the end we settled on creme caramel ice creams which were divine.
In light of many recent posts in Turkey where ice cream scams seem to be rife, we wanted to know the price. 5 the lady was saying. Euros? No lek. She meant 50, a mere 37p or 7 lira. Wonderful.

As we got nearer to the mountain the clouds got bigger, so we stopped for an excellent freshly ground coffee and a beer, which was equivalent of 35tl for both. In Turkey at the moment many places are charging 25 to 35tl just for a coffee and average 50 to 60tl for a beer.

There will be lots of comparisons in this blog as there are plenty of disgruntled expats in Turkey wondering when inflation will drop as its currently over 100% and are starting to consider other countries.

Food prices in the supermarket and fresh fruit and veg are a little higher than in Türkiye, but seems to be a much wider choice.

Onwards to the cable car, on the final stretch we stopped with several other people to shelter from the heavy rain.
We’ve been praying for rain since May, and whilst it was wonderful it wasn’t quite what we wanted today.
While waiting a lovely American couple started to chat to us, Kim and Julian, from Ohio.
We ended up sharing the cable car experience and strolling back towards town with them. She was so funny, taking the P out of Julian something rotten as he hates travelling and feels that there’s no need to leave Ohio.
We laughed lots.

The cable car was almost identical to our new one in Fethiye, not as high at just 1100 m opposed to nearly 2000m, not as steep and not scary at all.
Fab views.

It was interesting to see the contrast in activities at the top. In Fethiye its beautifully landscaped, glass bridges, koi carp and restaurants, Tirana is a much more family orientated set up with something for everyone.
I love both, wouldn’t like to choose between them.

Kim and Julian were getting a bus, much to Julians dismay as he loves walking, we said our goodbyes and continued our walk to find some late lunch.

John opted for hamburger meatballs in a long roll with chips and salad, I had delicious round flat bread with lovely mayo, lettuce, onion and chips with meat from a grilled skewer.

Unsure what meat it was I used google translate and it said blow. Lung suggested John.
It was a bit chewy and I couldn’t face it after that and gave the meat to him.
With beer we spent a total of 57tl, less than £2 it was very good with lovely friendly staff who genuinely cared whether we enjoyed it or not.

We continued walking until we reached an18th century restored stone bridge landmark, a bit more drizzly rain and really quite cool before the sun came out again and it got really hot.

As I’m writing this the rain is hammering down, the neighbourhood kids have all gone in and I feel like I’ve gone deaf.

Then onto Tirana castle, which isn’t actually a castle at all, just a stone wall entrance into smart restaurants, bars and exclusive shops, along near Skanderbeg square to see an old war bunker and then to a tall clocktower.

We almost went into the spy museum but didn’t want to pay the high entrance fee to see stories of execution and torture during the communist regime. Sometimes you just feel it would be too sad and we were enjoying the happy spirit that exists today.

From there we decided to head back towards the apartment as our feet were starting to burn and the clouds were building again.

We stopped once more, I had a very good moccachino freddo frappe and John had a terrible chemically tasting chocolate milkshake.

At 6pm it felt too early for dinner so we decided to venture out later after buying drinks and trilece desert to have after wherever we go.
Restaurants are in limited numbers nearby, it’s certainly a grotty area where we are staying.

The Meridian Hotel nearby might be our best option. We feel sorry for anyone that is staying there. The main focal point is 4 large smelly bins, with a lot of rubbish on the floor from where the bin raiders sort through it and the smell is grim.

Our first impressions are how much it reminds us of Türkiye.
Run down rickety pavements with lamposts in the middle, shabby buildings on one street, smart trendy coffee shops on the other, places where you can get your curtains made or your shoes fixed.
Old men sitting on street corners watching the world go buy, busy little local market shops selling all sorts of everything.
We love it.
It feels like home in many ways, but so different in so many others.
So.. . Johns finished researching curry and seems to have fallen asleep.
Meanwhile I’ve researched La Fortuna pizza.
The rain continued, John woke up and we ordered our pizzas. They were excellent and we’d have only got one for this price in Fethiye.

They must have run out of mushrooms and replaced them with olives, hoping that I wouldn’t notice. I definitely did. Johns mixed meat had a tuna section.
We just hope we haven’t eaten someone else’s pizzas.

Somehow we found room for the very divine trilece – a desert we always thought was Turkish. I think its origins are Albanian, sorry Türkiye but this was better than yours.

This could be a very fattening holiday.

Tomorrow we get our hire car from Rent from Locals and have a route in mind.
The Golf we ordered is poorly so Ilir is going to bring a newer model, which is automatic instead.
I’ve messaged to say we’ll meet him at Hotel Meridian as we can’t face another taxi driver type tantrum. The chances of finding this place are slim, we can only imagine the pizza guy is a regular as there are leaflets here!

Tomorrow the real adventure begins. We have no more accomodation booked, we’re just going to play it by ear, slightly unnerving but sure all will be well.
Tirana has been fab, not beautiful, not amazing architecture, just a great feel good place,with excellent food.

We’ll be back here for a day before going back to the airport. I’m sure we won’t struggle to find things to do.