Most of us have to think twice before we can actually calculate where the little country of Montenegro fits into the Balkans. I had planned my escape to Montenegro from the town of Skodra,Albania, less than 30 km from the Montenegrin border. Wondering why a friend had put this place on my must see list,Skodra […]
Albania, twelve years later
The first time I explored Albania was in the fall of 1996. The country had not changed much from the previous forty years under Enver Hoxha,the tyrannical dictator that had closed Albania to the outside world. It was definitely a depressing week I spent traveling around alone but the one positive memory was how hospitable […]
Albania,between two worlds
I arrived at the ferry terminal in Corfu Tuesday morning to catch the hydrofoil to Albania. This was my second visit since 1996,when Albania was recovering from forty years of a tolitarian communist regime. At that time there were four passengers, including myself,making the journey.This time there were tour groups,American missionaries,independent travelers and returning Albanians […]
Beached in Corfu
Returning to Corfu after a five year lapse in time,I was amazed to find more cars in the main town than people. Finding a parking place was one of the most challenging daily tasks for the locals. Another shock were the prices at the outdoor cafes. Is it possible that a cappucino can cost 3.5 […]