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yes it's relatively poor but its natural beauty, the friendliness of its people, the stunning beaches, towns void of hordes of spoiled western tourists demanding and nagging so that everything gets be their way, makes it a place to remember!
I think there are worse places in Europe, some northern and western European countries come to mind.
Since joining CD and in 28 or so posts you have managed to introduce us to a large number of countries, cities, people and a variety of subjects. You obviously have seen and experienced a great deal.
Rather than generalizing, could you be more specific with some of your comments.
I went through there about a month ago - Tirana, Berat, and Sarande.
Tirana - Big city but not much substance. I found it to be all quantity and no quality, and by quality, I wasn't expecting Paris or Barcelona, it just did not seem to have much character compared to other Balkan cities. While the city was quite massive, there didn't seem to be many main streets with cafes, bars, or outdoor life. Everything just seemed sort of strewn about.
Berat - We caught a bus down to Berat from Tirana. It's only about two hours and it cost about 3-4€. The thing with taking busses out of Tirana, is that there is no bus station. Busses for various destinations will be sitting in parking lots around the city, and you've got to know which parking lot to go to depending on your destination. Most people can probably tell you where to go, but it's one of those things that, once you do once, it's fine, but trying to organize a trip can be a bit frustrating. Absolutely loved this little city. Very quaint, very very cheap (all of Albania is). Very picturesque little town up in the mountains. If you really want a place to get away, this might be it.
Sarande: Pretty standard southern Mediterranean beach town with a pretty upbeat promenade, pebble beaches, plenty of eating and drinking. Essentially it is the same type of beaches you'll find in Corfu or Northern Greece at a fraction of the price and tourism.
I had heard that Albania has the worst roads in Europe. Sure there are paved highways, but the majority of roads you see on the map are not that luxurious. In Berat, my friend (who I was traveling with) and I ended up meeting a German girl traveling the Balkans in her VW bus. She decided to go to Sarande with us, and of course Google defaulted to the route that was the least number of km (SH74 south of Berat if anyone is interested). About 5km outside of Berat, the road turned to stone and we thought, "surely this can't go on for too long, let's just keep going." The kms passed and the road got worse, no longer a proper gravel path it was more a boulder-strewn rutted out mess. Now, a VW bus is not exactly an SUV, and while we got stuck a few times, we finally managed to make it out to the paved highway junction in Memaliaj, but it took us about 6 hours to go 70km. I have some pics of the road that I can post, but will have to later since they're at home on an SD card. On the upside, the Albanian Alps and countryside are stunning. Reminded me A LOT of the Sierras in Northern California.
Overall, I found Albanians to be extremely friendly. Did have a few issues with waiters at restaurants trying to give me back incorrect change, or up sell me (ordered something small and they would bring a massive portion) but this was nothing more than I had encountered in other countries. Most people were very happy that I came to see their country. The country is still very poor and tourism is really down, but all-in-all, definitely would go back, and I would definitely recommend.
Albania: One of the few last places in Europe that hasn't been destroyed with American style multiculturalism, political correctness, consume consume consume don't think, everything on this world must have a rule and law and a vigilante looking after it type of 21st century trash!!!
Notice how the Australian "Mrcricket" on the second post of this thread said it's one of the worst places in Europe.
If an Anglo says that, that is an indication to go there because their crappy sense of morality and values hasn't gotten there via American cultural influence!!
So yes... ALBANIA IS PARADISE FOR THOSE ESCAPING WESTERN WORLD GARBAGE!
Albania: One of the few last places in Europe that hasn't been destroyed with American style multiculturalism, political correctness, consume consume consume don't think, everything on this world must have a rule and law and a vigilante looking after it type of 21st century trash!!!
Notice how the Australian "Mrcricket" on the second post of this thread said it's one of the worst places in Europe.
If an Anglo says that, that is an indication to go there because their crappy sense of morality and values hasn't gotten there via American cultural influence!!
So yes... ALBANIA IS PARADISE FOR THOSE ESCAPING WESTERN WORLD GARBAGE!
It's ok - no white coats here.
We were directed by Albanian Coast Guard boats to enter an Albanian harbor after a Sirocco caused damage to sails and we ended up in Albanian waters. A couple of interesting hours but those are family stories. I have never seen such poverty and neglect.
Albania: One of the few last places in Europe that hasn't been destroyed with American style multiculturalism, political correctness, consume consume consume don't think, everything on this world must have a rule and law and a vigilante looking after it type of 21st century trash!!!
Notice how the Australian "Mrcricket" on the second post of this thread said it's one of the worst places in Europe.
If an Anglo says that, that is an indication to go there because their crappy sense of morality and values hasn't gotten there via American cultural influence!!
So yes... ALBANIA IS PARADISE FOR THOSE ESCAPING WESTERN WORLD GARBAGE!
Yes on a day trip from Corfu to Saranda.Took over an hour to do the journey,so thankfully the sea was very calm.Had a few hours there,it was very hot.Got to say the Albanians were nice people,they have a bit of a bad reputation in western Europe,much of which is due to the Albanian mafia.
i imagine about 12 years later,its more commercialised.I certainly didnt think it was a bad place
Albania: One of the few last places in Europe that hasn't been destroyed with American style multiculturalism, political correctness, consume consume consume don't think, everything on this world must have a rule and law and a vigilante looking after it type of 21st century trash!!!
Notice how the Australian "Mrcricket" on the second post of this thread said it's one of the worst places in Europe.
If an Anglo says that, that is an indication to go there because their crappy sense of morality and values hasn't gotten there via American cultural influence!!
So yes... ALBANIA IS PARADISE FOR THOSE ESCAPING WESTERN WORLD GARBAGE!
+1, it's a poor country sure. But at least they have their own culture and customs. Can't be the "worst place".
Something people don't know about Albania, there is
0 Mcdonalds
0 Starbucks
0 Burger King
0 KFC
0 Western MegaCorporation Franchise with the exception of Coca Cola.
1 Sheraton Hotel
Total: you decide
Instead they have Kolonat Burger and Albanian Fried Chicken. Makes it a whole different story, hm?
I have been to Tirana a couple of years ago. It wasn't bad, just that I noticed a high level of corruption and illegal activities going on, poor workers waiting on the streets with their tools to get hired. The normal taxi driver scam as well. But at the same time there seemed to be some incredibly rich people, driving around with luxury cars and ruling the place. For a visitor, not bad overall. Very low prices, delicious beer and food, affordable hotels. Do I want to live in that place? Absolutely not.
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