Albania... An Unexpected Day!
As I mentioned yesterday, there were a few photos on my camera. Kruja Castle was really magnificent. While taking the photo, I had NO idea how the day would change course and we would see so much more of Albania than ever imagined. But while here, I took photo after photo because the rock and the surrounding mountains were stunning
Views, views, views for days! The photo on the right shows how close people live to this historical gem. The photo on the right is looking across the valley toward the second castle we visited. Our wish was to use my new drone at the castle but there are many limitations. We were (as usual) in a restricted area.
So far from home… we could use this to get our bearings! Kind of a cute conversation piece… of course I had to see how many of the countries I’ve visited. Wondered if all the signs were pointed in the correct directions… all the things that drive an OCD person a teeny bit crazy!
The beauty of the castle and its setting, tends to make me forget that this was actually a war zone. A few reminders… like this cannon… serve to remind visitors of the purpose of the architectural wonder. Cobbled stones, rock walls, the building itself, all so beautiful. Set in the hillside with lovely homes surrounding… amazing… the Old Bazaar leading up to the castle… it’s just such a serene experience. However, the history of the castle is basically the safety zone from invaders. This little country has been through quite a struggle to get to where they are today. The people are strong so I have no doubt that they will continue to thrive now that they are liberated from communism.
Leaving the castle, we passed back through the Old Bazaar. Noticing a shot glass, we headed in one little shop to make a purchase. While inside, I noticed a Christmas ornament to add to my travel collection. At one point, I had many but since “the flood”, I am starting over and have about a dozen… the photo on the right… the lady in the store was really trying to get us to buy anything/everything. We had to explain that this trip, we only have backpacks so we have no room for extras. She basically ignored us and began describing the coffee mugs… “hero Mother Teresa”… no surprise… “my favorite dictator”… kind of a surprise, not gonna lie. I didn’t think Dictators were anyone’s favorite but… okay!?!
As I explained yesterday, we traveled across the valley and visited a second castle. It was completely different… though it served the same service, it was now a mosque. There are speakers on posts around the area so that at the prayer times of day, they can spread the chants everywhere. Very loud. With wide open grass areas, we thought we had found our perfect drone launch. Adnan (our friend) was anxious to see how the technology worked. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize that we were on the perimeter of the airport. We took it out, hooked it up, prepared to launch and got the warning that we were in restricted air space. No!!!!
Again looking back across the valley to Kruje, it’s quite a view. While wandering and admiring the view, we realized there have been pomegranate growing everywhere. We often pay a ridiculous amounts of money for pomegranate juice, but here it is plentiful…
Our next special place is this… imagine gladiators fighting here in the seventh century! Actually, the gladiators fought each other or BEASTS! This area was buried and a town built around it. Archeologists figured where the amphitheater must be… the dig found the remnants of this historical gem. Much of it is in pretty good shape!
Great perspective of how this relic sits amidst the modern. The homes around the perimeter are to eventually torn down to make this a more complete historical monument.
There is so much more to see but it is late… I didn’t even get to finish this day! Big plans for tomorrow and then we will take a couple of days to regroup. At that time, I will be able to complete our adventures so far. Suffice it to say… we adore Albania. We adore our new friend, Adnan. The people of Albania are welcoming and there is so much to see! We are happy to be discovering this new gem…
