05 Aug Expat Nomads Celebrate Anniversary in Tirana

We arrived in Durres, Albania just in time for our 24th Anniversary on July 2nd. We planned a three-day getaway to Tirana. Since it was a celebration, we stayed at the Xheko Imperial Hotel in their Luigi XIV room. In researching Albania on-line, I got to know Manon Van Der Loo, owner of the Albania Tour Guide company. Manon sent us e-mails on available tours, including info and recommendations on hotels, taxis, travel tips, and restaurants.

ARRIVAL

Just around the corner from the hotel, we found a restaurant for early dinner and a barber as Bill desperately needed haircut. The Pagus Italian Steakhouse offered us a savory meat dish and a bottle of wine to start our early evening. Afterwards, the haircut took over an hour and the cost was 500 lekes…$4.40 usd. Since then, in restaurants and grocery stores we have discovered just how far the dollar will go in a Third World country. When considering locations for Expat Nomad travels don’t shy away from the Third World.

Just around the corner from the hotel, we found a restaurant for early dinner and a barber as Bill desperately needed haircut. The Pagus Italian Steakhouse offered us a savory meat dish and a bottle of wine to start our early evening. Afterwards, the haircut took over an hour and the cost was 500 lekes…$4.40 usd. Since then, in restaurants and grocery stores we have discovered just how far the dollar will go in a Third World country. When considering locations for Expat Nomad travels don’t shy away from the Third World.

TOURING

The next day started with a walking tour with Manon. First stop was to view the home of the former Dictator Enver Hoxha who had stepped down from office in 1981 and passed away in 1985. Hoxha was a strong and handsome leader and an incredible public speaker. These abilities enabled him to rise to power and rule with an iron hand. Unfortunately, he had a history of executing potential political opponents to ensure they never became a threat to his rule.

Apparently, paranoia led him to expect a global nuclear war. In the last five years of his dictatorship, he built over 177,000 bunkers (for a total of 700,000 bunkers) in preparation for a holocaust. Save from nuclear holocaust, however the money spent on this personal project left Albania short of funds for decades. The tour also included the main central square. Located there is an interesting art wall depicting the different rulers that have owned Albania including the Ottomans, Germans, and Italians. Bunker #2 was also near the square and this had been turned in to a small museum.

BUNKER MUSEUM

Enver Hoxha had secretly built an enormous bunker for the purpose of housing his key government and military leaders. That way they could continue to guide Albania in the event of nuclear war. Bunker #1 was five levels and 3000 square meters and has been turned into a museum featuring historical displays and art. We were able to see the offices and rooms of the leaders, the preparations for war. The historical displays included officer quarters, protective gear, and a typical Albanian home during this communist period. During World War II, Albania was ruled by the Germans and then by the Italians and these uniforms were also part of the history. Although Enver Hoxha initially was influenced the Russian Government, he later transferred his loyalty to Chinese communism and received their support and guidance.

The final stop of the day was the Dajti Express Cable Car to the top of the mountains above Tirana. On arrival, we discovered a large complex with hotel, restaurant, minature golf course, horseback riding, and a few amusement park games.

CONCLUSION

That evening we celebrated each other at one of the top restaurants in Tirana, Mullixhiu. Overall, the getaway was enjoyable and romantic. Exactly what a couple of expat nomads were hoping to find in their travels.