Bus stations in Albania are non-existent, if one would like to catch a bus, one must know where the bus passes and at what time. Sunday morning we spent about three hours trying to find a branch of the church to attend. We could not find it and nobody seemed to recognize the address we had. Eventually we gave up, knowing that even if we found it, the meetings would be over. Some locals were kind enough to help us find the “bus stop,” where we waited for its departure to Dhermi, a small beach town in southern Albania.
A 1970’s era “short bus,” packed with more people than seats, was driven by a short obese man who was dropped off by the bus on an ancient proper moped. Albania, while lacking in many of niceties that we are accustomed too, does not lack beauty. The coastline is lines by tall shear mountains that tower over the sea, as if to protect it from people invading its natural beauty. Our bus puttered up the mountain pass from Vlore, storming around switchback corners, while jovially and confidently chatting on his cell phone. Beginning our descent down the mountain roads we witnessed the most breathtaking views of green/blue water lapping against rocks directly and at least 1000 feet below us. Our stomachs reacted no differently than if we were on “A grade” roller coaster. The beauty of it all certainly quieted our fears of the drive.
Early in the afternoon we were dropped off beside a small road that descended down to the beached of Dermhi. At the bottom of the road we found a series of small bare “hotels,” newly built to accommodate mostly eastern European tourists who take extended vacations there. For three relaxing days we lounged by the beautiful beaches, ate excellent food, and marveled at the pristine beauty of Albania’s southern coast.
Our little room in Albania, ocean breezes and simplicity
View from our room in Dhermi
The moon lit up the water that night in such a beautiful way. We sat out for while just admiring the beauty of it all.
We had a three hour storm roll through, it was the perfect time to take a nap.
On a cigarette break during our bus ride down to the southern Albanian coast. People smoke so much in the countries we have visited, we have inhaled at least a pack a day in second hand smoke. We can't stand it!
Sunset behind our hotel
Chelsea braving the waters
These mushroom shaped bunkers dot the Albanian landscape. They are almost everywhere from the cold war times.
1 comments:
Looks like you guys are having a blast! I'm really enjoying reading about it!
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