Ask me how much I knew about Albania before coming here and my list would be a short one: Enver Hoxha, bunkers and Sir Norman Wisdom. I have no idea when or how I acquired this extensive body of knowledge, but the association of Norman Wisdom with Albania was by far the most interesting part of it. I remember watching Norman Wisdom's old films on British television. My parents were fans of his wholesome, slapstick comedy, but apparently missed the ideological significance of Pitkin's relationship with Mr Grimsdale. Pitkin, the downtrodden and oppressed representative of the workers, triumphed every time over his capitalist oppressor, Mr Grimsdale - and he got the girl. It took a theorist of Hoxha's insight and profundity to discern this deeper political message. It always seemed tremendously unlikely, yet the story of Sir Norman's fame in Albania has been reported in worthy sources like the BBC , the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph . According to the Guardian, when Wi...
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Maybe he set out for Albania with unrealistic expectations, which is the quickest way to disappointment.
Anyway, I will be there first and third week of September. You up for a beer and a talk on how to solve the Middle East conflict?
Then everything seems natural and normal, even the noisy and dusty streets, and the trash everywhere.
You just get used to it.
People like the article writer go to places like this, without high different expectations, and thinking that they can have a good time and guide themseves in the country.
You can't really enjoy albania if you don't have somebody local with you. There are no street signs, no good guides, nothing to direct a normal toursits.
Welcome Klea and Ardit. I did hear somewhere that there was a scheme funded by USAID or some similar agency to train tour guides for Tirana. Not sure whether it is up and running yet, but it could be fun. Perhaps I should apply for a job.