This opinion rated
Useful
Travelling to Tirana in November 1999, I had
the advantage of knowing I was going to
stay with the family of my Albanian boyfriend.
Of course I was terrified by all the
scare-stories surrounding Kosovo, but as
Kosovo is a long way from Tirana, I needn't
have worried. There is a gun presence but it
is greatly reduced from a couple of years
ago, limited to kids playing about on the street. It is MUCH safer
than the USA in this respect. Although Tirana seems very
run-down round the edges, there are things to do and you can
see the effort the Albanians are making to improve the place,
including renovating a lovely bridge across the river leading to a
very basic zoo with some ill-looking lions and tigers. From Rinas airport to Tirana It costs 57$ tax (and it must be in dollars), and 10$
to leave. Then your baggage is dumped nearby, no organised
system. People wait for you outside the airport if you are being
met, if not the taxi drivers wait inside the airport. The airport
is about 40 minutes from Tirana. If you want to change money
this can be done in the main square in Tirana as there are
hundreds of men standing around with money in their hands.
Again, its better for an Albanian friend to change the money as
you will get a better deal. Phoning home is easy, buy a card
from one of the young boys or in the phone rooms. Public
transport is pretty crowded, I never worked out the bus system
but just followed my friend, I dont think the fares are very
expensive though.
I also went to a village in the mountains for a couple of days.
Totally different from Tirana, but highly recommended to get a
true feel of Albanian life, see pigs killed in the street etc. You
will stand out like a sore thumb as the only foreigner, so I
cannot stress more highly the need to have a contact there. I
recommend Albania for anyone who has friends there, or would
like to see a completely different way of life. I think the flights
are quite expensive, but I managed to get a flight with Malev for
under £300. I spent £100 in 10 days, but I had accommodation
supplied for me and most food. -
Pros: The people were extremely friendly towards the British tourists.
An English Girl 18 years old ( Thu Nov 25 '99) |