Beautiful riding today as I left Montenegro. Two brief climbs and then a glorious cruise through a mountain valley put me right into Albania. And man....when you get into Albania, you get IN to Albania. Im trying not to be judgmental yet, but from the get-go there were pillboxes in front yards, people walking various livestock in places one should not walk livestock, shantytowns and children asking me for 1 euro per high-five. Anyways, since my confidence wasnt quite at fullspeed with this country and its people yet, I opted to stay in a hotel in the relatively - still saw an old lady shepherding a pig on the main draw - civilized town of Lezhe. Set me back a pretty penny, but the peace of mind is worth it on my first night here. Already starting to feel at home...just got to figure out this whole old leks/ new leks thing and maybe learn a word or two. Traveling becomes REALLY intense when you know ZERO local language. No guidebook? No problems! Shyeah...right!
Spent a good part of today chasing the potential phantoms of a guy/girl duo that was reported to be ahead of me. Saw no sign of them, so I dont know whether I passed them back in Bar or what. Hoping to sync up with them soon though...would be the first bike tourers Ive met in 13 countries and 4 months! Would be stellar to have some partners for southward adventures. Maybe they have some spare warm clothes?
Tomorrow I will try to crank out about 90km to either Durres or Tirane. Durres is the better direction for riding ease, Tirane is the better direction for sightseeing and finding a hostel. Decisions decisions. The hostel thing would be nice, but I saw some pretty keen looking vacant buildings today. It seems like the modus operandi here is to get something about 75-90% built, then just abandon it.
Okay, out to rub elbows with the locals. Or just sit in my hotel room watching crappy American movies on pirated cable television. You know its a classy joint when the scrambler cuts out every 20 minutes. Take care out there and here's to the good weather holding out! Cheers!
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Rob, letme know if your cellphone is still working and if I can help you connect to the other 2 cyclists. Also get some warmer clothes. Remember...Safety Foist!!
ReplyDeleteLove ya man,
Dad
I think the number should still be working, but I imagine it is extremely expensive since Im roaming like a madman. Ill look into buying a SIM card when I get to the "big city" today. No word from the other two...Ill keep trying though!
ReplyDeleteRob,
ReplyDeleteThis is crazy! We were told Albania only has two degrees of seperation, but never thought word would spread so fast. You probably did pass us (we had a late start yesterday due to some rakia for breakfast in montenegro. we're in shkodra and it's already 11am. we're hoping to get to tirana tomorrow (saturday). Will you still be around or are you moving ahead? I just got an albanian number, so try calling us at: (within Albanian) 067 286 4086. Would be great to meet you!
Christmas is going to come to you as a donation.
ReplyDeleteLove Mom