Albania


Podgorican apologists are quick to point out that one of this "city's" advantages is that many desirable destinations are close by. While I would eschew the notion that being able to leave a place in any way makes that place at all more desirable, I must confess that the close proximity of mountains, sea, and neighboring country's cities is indeed a boon. Indeed, there are a number of cities one can (and indeed, to keep any vestigial sanity, must) escape to in order to forget about the limited possibilities in Podgorica that are not too far away, and one of these - and perhaps the most easily reached - is Albania's capital of Tirana.

It is a direct, if bumpy, road from Podgorica to Albania. The road can be somewhat dangerous. Cows, tractors, bicyclists, and pedestrians amble beside the international thoroughfare while hurried, careless, and often insane Albanian drivers whiz by (a situation which, sadly, resulted in the death of one tractor-riding farmer by the hands of some rather self-important and thoughtless businesspeople, as perceived by your humble blogger.) Nevertheless, the promise of an actual city - with a modern-looking downtown, movie theaters, bowling alleys, nightclubs, and international restaurants - makes the harrowing trip to Tirana more than worth it.


On the road to Tirana


Sights on the international highway

Personally, I am blessed with good friends in Tirana as well: Travis & Amy, and Dotti & Ron, teachers at the school there whom I met during curriculum writing in Seattle and Yemen. Through them I have met many other kind Albanians and international teachers. thus, whenever i am feeling down and lonely (as is oft the case in Podgorica) I recall that I have friends in a proper city close by. I rent a car, and can spend a weekend enjoying Albania.


My good friend Travis, with some of the cool graffiti of Tirana


Amy and Dotti in central Tirana

It is unfortunate that many Montenegrins themselves do not take advantage of the sights and activities to be found within the borders of their neighbor to the south. In addition to Tirana, Albania boasts fantastic mountains, wonderful lakes, and splendid beaches on the southern Ionian coast. However, there is a rift of animosity between the Montenegrins and the Albanians. Kosovo is part of the equation. Montenegrins are convinced that the Albanians have an evil, long-term ambition to spread out and consume the whole of the Balkans like a human fungus, just as they perceived happened in Kosovo. It is too bad that Montenegrins can't see past their racism. Albania is certainly a wonderful place to experience.


The old fort at Kruje


Tourist trinkets for sale in Kruje


A child at an amusement park in Tirana