“Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will --whatever we may think.”

-   Lawrence Durrell 1912-1990, British Author 

Durres, Albania. It is a surprise to us who were expecting so much less. The sea always helps the view and atmosphere of almost any place- accept New Mexico or Kansas- those places are unfortunately hopeless : )

What we came to love was strolling down the board walk, especially at night where they did this ritual walkabout after 7 or 7:30 it seemed. The women we found were unbelievably fit and beautiful. Our necks hurt as we attempted all we could to not stare at them. The girls here in Albanian do not look at you, the men though stare at you without apology. Coming from Texas this always had me on my guard as I kept thinking these guys wanted to throw down. Really being twice their size and weight they were just amazed by me- and the fact we were foreigners walking around their city with them, eating at their restraints amazed them.

What I loved was the hotel we stayed at which I do not have the name on me- though it is HIGHLY recommended as we were taken very good care of and rooms were only $25 a night for both of us, not a piece. We had a great view of the sea and the small, but most popular beach in Durres. Their restaurant was situated right on the beach and near the water’s edge. I enjoyed bottles of wine for only $6 or (600 Lek) and Cartier smokes for only $1.50 (or 150 Lek.) The internet café we found was perfect as well, a nice little walk and it was quick and the ppl working usually spoke English. We attempted to pick up some of the language there- but really you must learn their alphabet and write out what words you want to say to have any idea what you are pronouncing. Otherwise you just mumble what you think sounds like the word you were taught or say it quickly and flippantly like you’re a natural or local- neither really works that well, but like all cultures they appreciate the effort. Albanians we found, though they appreciate your attempts at your language, are like the French, quick to correct you, but more than that- amazed you even try. We thought this was just a fluke thing- just a Durres thing- but we would find this would be throughout every city and especially towns, the only exception was the capital city of Tirana.

We chilled in Durres, being spoiled by killer sunsets, 50 cent espressos or $1 macchiato(s) and the opportunities to soak up the sun. Word to the wise- they can pick out foreigners like women can pick out gay guys in a crowd. This being said (I wish more eloquent, but I am limited by a shortened IQ- thank you very much God… sigh…) so anyways, that being said if you do visit Albania and head to the beach, do not expect to chill there in peace. Usually it is a kid or an old man who will come and try to talk to you- when everyone around who is paying attention- finds out you speak English or German or Italian, but mainly English then the English speakers start to approach you. Again, curiosity fills the people here and western manners are something you must abandon hope of the second you begin to travel here. They have no problem yelling at you in the street- or staring without any shame as you walk by or eat a meal near them.

Such is the adjustments to any cultures- we all have our quirks- you either adjust and learn to accept it or embrace it, or take the other approach and become annoyed- in which case you probably should just move on or give up traveling all together.

“Of journeying the benefits are many: the freshness it bringeth to the heart, the seeing and hearing of marvelous things, the delight of beholding new cities, the meeting of unknown friends, and the learning of high manners.”

-   Sadi Gulistan