Wandering the Streets of Tirana
Finally, we were able to sleep through the night and wake up at a normal hour. After showering, we headed across the street to try a new coffee spot. Drinking coffee seems to be the Albanian national past time! The cost is generally about the same no matter where we've gone. One spot, only 300 ALL ($2.85) for two Cappuccino, was okay but luke warm. Another spot, same size but a tiny bit more (360 ALL / $3.42 USD). It was a stronger cup, therefore appealing. I decided to look up “Best Coffee in Tirana”... lo and behold, right across the street! This morning we ordered two Cappuccino... 340 ALL for two ($3.23 USD). They were three times as big as the other shops... basically the size we are used to. Seems we've found our “home” for the duration of our stay!
A quick stop by the New Bazaar, we picked up a snack (bananas) to carry with us while exploring. I will have to go back AGAIN because the plums, grapes, olives, cheeses and pomegranates looked SO good! Just didn’t want to carry it all day…
The Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral of Tirana, sits just off Skanderbeg Square. Less than a decade old, this work of art is the third largest in the Balkans. Churches are popping up around the country now that they are freed from Communism. On the left, Chapel of the Nativity… a quaint, intimate house of worship. The main church is in the middle photo. On the right, the clock and bell tower. While sitting outside, we were able to hear the beautiful ringing bells.
Strolling away from the church, I looked up to see laundry hanging from the window on the upper floor of a neighborhood building. Not sure why… but I love that scene! I love laundry blowing in the breeze, sometimes colorful, sometimes light and airy materials. Just had to add this to the photos of my day!
Continuing down Rruga Ibrahim Rugova, we stopped to check out the River Lana. Sourced in the mountains to the East, the “river” runs through Tirana. Large boulevards run on both sides, lined with grassy areas and quaint lamp posts.
Bordering the Lana River, we walked passed Park Rinia. This is considered an open space with a fountain. Not your typical park, the green grass is full of mounds. It includes a small lake and has a walkway through the middle… a nice peaceful respite in the midst of a busy city.
Still heading toward our destination, we enjoyed street art… graffiti! So colorful, such talent. In our travels, we see this type of street art and I just can’t control myself, I can never have enough photos. Each work of art is unique…
Couldn’t resist photographing this stylish dresser. He was across the street but his attire so flashy, it caught my eye!
The Grand Park of Tirana! What a gem in this city. Five hundred sixty eight acres of greenery and lake… winding paths, trees, benches and an outdoor entertainment venue. This well-kept green space was very active with bikers, families walking and couples enjoying picnics.
While taking a short break on a bench, we noticed a World War II Memorial through the trees behind us. Interestingly, there are many memorials to WWI and WWII.. this is a history laden area, much to Barry’s surprise. After eating a banana and bag of gluten-free pretzels, we continued down the tree lined path.
A peaceful lake with a wild city in the background…
Not just families and couples enjoy this area… the vastness allows for moments of solitude in the midst of this crazy world. We had a great time just relaxing by the water… warm weather, clear skies (we expected rain) and gentle breezes. A perfect day!
Calm waters, a bench full of graffiti (some okay, some… questionable) and clouds reflecting on the lake. We could have sat there for HOURS. But… time to move on!
New growth on the tree… beautiful red leaves… fall colors just beginning (hopefully by the end of the week we can get some of the fall leaves) and a butterfly on this purple flower. Love, love, love!
Well… my computer battery is running out. Unfortunately, I can’t charge it because the new converter I bought from Best Buy is already broken (only three days!). Tomorrow we will be on a mission to get a new converter… and then I can share what else we saw today. Until tomorrow… be safe!!!
