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 :-).
(so much world, so little time....) 
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