I loved Tirana, much as I loved the views of green wooded steep mountains two weeks ago as we drove from Tirana’s aiport down to the Macedonian border and on to our 10 days in Trepjeca. Those who know history are aware that Albania’s seen a great deal of change in the past 40 or so years. One thing we both sensed was pride and happiness in an economy that’s growing, a government that seems fairly functional, and a sense of a future that may have promise. And while they’re not yet a fully fledged EU member, they’re clearly proud to have reached the final stage of negotiations to become a full member, which happened last December, according to this report. While shallow populist politicians appeal to the lowest common denominator by framing “regulations” as always bad, one thing that Albania’s recent history can teach us all is that, for example, when individuals in government are profiting from pyramid schemes, it’s not good for anyone other than the members of government themselves. So regulations that create better oversight in such things can in fact be very good for longer-term stability and growth. Just sayin’. What you see above is Skanderberg Square, with the statue of the man himself visible between the “I” and the heart. Below, more EU love and green areas in the city. More on Skanderberg later, or read up online :-).
This is where the underground springs noted in a prior post emerge to feed the short streams carrying water from Lake Prespa into Lake Ohrid, here at its southern end.
Just on the Macedonian side of the border with Albania lies the beloved monastery and church of St Naum. The island just above (with restaurant, far side of the bridge) sits where streams fed by natural springs which flow downhill from Lake Prespa, south and east of Lake Ohrid and higher in the mountains, flow into Lake Ohrid. These springs are remarkably clear and beautiful, running a short distance south (“inland,” as it were) to where they emerge from underground at a location where there’s another lovely little church which we’ll show in a future post. For now, views of the streams fed by the springs, and the two islands that sit at the south end. It’s all fairly protected as part of Gallicica National Park, as I understand.
Shots as our plane approached Tirane 1-1/2 weeks ago, to begin our current vacation. With clear weather almost the entire flight, and a perfect window seat, my eyes were glued to the landcape the entire flight down from A’dam. Today we’ll head back up to spend three nights there before flying home: more to come later!
As regular readers know, I’ve lived for nearly five years now in a location quite devoid of mountains. So I’ll hope you understand in the delight I feel each time I walk out the door here in Trpejca and see this, our local 2200-meter mountain framing the horizon :-). In the gallery below, I’ve also included a shot of the village as seen from the water, with mountain backdrop. We’re staying to the right, out of the frame of that photo.
(so much world, so little time....) 