Albania Pic Scam 1

[debris4spike]

Dad and I were stunned when we went to see the rep the morning we arrived. As I said in my last post, we love to do a local tour - see something of the area we have travelled to - but to also get a chance to visit Albania was something that hadn't occured to us.

For those who don't realise it, from the end of WWII until 1991, Albania was a sealed country - totally Athiestic, fully Communist. It may be part of Europe, but that is all we knew. It is a couple of miles from Corfu, and the occasional fit person managed to escape via the island ... after a long swim.

It is now open to visitors - and we went over. Half the trip was to a World Heritage Site - more about that next - but this has some general views of what is a very poor country.

 

The Albanian National Dress - the flag was already shown in my 366 MEME, here

 

During the Communist rule there were more bunkers made than houses - these were everywhere, and manned by 3 people at all times during those years.

 

You can even see them on the cliff edge here -



 

A mussel farm

 

Now they are no longer Atheist, Churches and Mosques could be seen.  During the time of repression, to mention God by name meant instant imprisonment.

 

This is the absolute main road, as it comes out of the port town of Sarabanda.








 

 

Comments

[jerusha]

It seems like a beautiful land. I'm glad you got a chance to go.

[debris4spike]

It is beautiful - just needs a lot of love and support. I am so pleased I was able to visit.

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

The best thing about travel is see the world from a different view. We tend to understand the world by the place we grew up. Visiting other countries opens us up to how others have suffered or rejoiced in life. Lovely country.

[debris4spike]

It was amazing to visit such a country - to hear a little about their life - and on-going struggles. Makes me even more thankful for what I have.

[auntiero.livejournal.com]

What an awesome opportunity. I'm glad you got a chance to go!

The terrain reminds me of parts of Mexico, minus the bunkers.

[debris4spike]

It was a really amazing day - great to see another land - another way of life.

[mountainheather.livejournal.com]

I am lame, I just had to look up where Albania was. :( So pretty though! Were you on a boat for some of the pictures?

[debris4spike]

Well, I knew it was part of Europe - but until I went to Corfu, hadn't thought where it .... or mainland Greece was! I have less excuse, being European!

Great to get to visit, though.

[missus-grace.livejournal.com]

Wow. The landscape looks A LOT like California. I wonder if they're at the same latitude?

[debris4spike]

Oh I must find out - one day I will get to California, then I can compare.

[sarian71]

I know next to nothing about Albania, so I'm very interested to see these pictures! It looks a bit, what's the word..., dreary there. It must have been quite an experience to go there!

[debris4spike]

Yes, it is certainly a country that very few of us know about - more to come!

I love your new icon, btw.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Fascinating! It looks beautiful but backward - but how amazing to be able to actually go there.

[debris4spike]

It seemed completely surreal to be there.

Very poor country - more pics to follow.

[cordykitten]

Thanks for the reminder, I totally forgot that Albania is near Corfu.

[debris4spike]

Yes, I have had to re-look at my European map!

[louise39.livejournal.com]

Albania was ruled by rigid Communists for many years. I'm surprised any churches or mosques survived. Are these newer constructions?

[debris4spike]

Any Churches/Mosques are since 1991 - Everything else was totally destroed - except in the archeological sites. God's name was totally forbidden - a prison sentence to even blaspheme.