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'A Capital Full of Contradictions'

In the New York Times the 'Frugal Traveler', Matt Gross, writes about his recent visit to Albania taking in Tirana and Gjirokaster.

Comments

ITS said…
Yeah, I read that article too. I think the writer sounds rather bitter.

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?
4:19 pm
Anonymous said…
It's interesting to read visitors' first impressions about Tirana. I found the article was showing a true and fair picture of our beloved capital. Yes, it is confusing, depressing and more but somehow it manages to make so many wanting to return.
4:22 pm
Anonymous said…
Everytime I go back home, it takes about 24-48 hrs to get used to the place.
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.
9:56 pm
olli said…
ITS - I will be away the third week but around the first week - shouldn't take more that a week to sort out the ME anyway. Keep me posted and we will sort something out.

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.
3:40 pm
Anonymous said…
Sounds interesting. I have been guiding foreign friends through Tirana and sourrounding towns a few times. Imagine what I can do if I was trained :) Let me know if you get any details please.
2:43 pm
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