17.05.2011 - Montenegro -Albania

Today we went over the border of Croatia, into the borders of Montenegro and into the borders of Albania...A very long day crossing several countries and borders, but it was supurb as we had a very cloudy and wet day, perfect for travelling towards our next big destination GREECE!! We did see spectacular ocean views in Montenegro, the Lady Rock Island. We passed through 'Budva' which they call 'little Debrovnic'; as it too has city walls. We stopped off to buy lunch in the quaint town situated in the lovely bay of Kotor before continuing through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro. We also stopped to take a photo of 'Sveti Stefan' (St Stephen) ......where famous people like Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, Doris Day etc used to go for summer holidays. We crossed into the mysterious emerging country of Albania, and travelled through with a tour guide and escourt to the Albanian capital Tirana. The scenery went from spectacular to poverty and dirty 3rd world country. Totally brings one back to mother earth and see what poverty is all about, South Africn townships are not even this poor. The roads were a nightmare, as its all single pot holed lanes through high terrain. The weirdes thing is...everybody drives a MERCEDES..........Our fabulous tour director Sharron (New Zealander), told us tomorrows trip to Greece will be even worse. I have loaded some photos, they are poor quality as it was raining and water all over the windows. We were told not to drink the water in Albania, and to be very wary of the food we eat. We will be given bottled water and a packed lunch for tomorrow, as there will be minimal stops....basically we are dashing through. Fortunately we are staying the the lovely Sheraton, the best in Tirana, and its pretty flash.