Just arrived back from three weeks in Albania. It's of
course not a holiday destination at this moment, but there
isn't a war going on in the country either. Some basic
information:
Travel:
Albania can be reached trough the air, by boat and
overland. Airtravel is not very relaible. Swiss Air,
Austrian, ADA Air and some east-european airlines are
flying to Tirana, but cannot always land. The Americans
have taken over Rinas Airport and they decide whether
civilian airlines get landingrights. Rinas is overfull with
humanitarian reliefflights, military supply flights and
lots of helicopteroperations. As there are also cruise-
missiles flying in the region it is wise to follow American
Guidlines in relation to civilian flights.
Boat; at the moment there are two boats each day from Bari
Italy to Durres Albania. It seems that there is always
space for travellers without cars. make a reservation if
you take your own transport.
Over land: Albania can be reached form Macedonia (FYROM)
and Greece. Make sure that all your car-papers are in
perfect order or be prepared to stay at the border (or in
the port of Durres) indefenitely.
Accomodation
As all the relief-workers, journalists, military and the
better off refugees are competing for accomodation prices
are skyrocketing in Tirana and Durres. The two
international standard hotels (Rogner and Tirana
International) charge US$ 250 for a room/night. All the
other hotels charge whatever they can get. Expect to pay
around US$ 50 for a simple room with bath in Tirana or
Durres. It's wise to look around for accomodation in
private houses. Ask around; lots of Albanians are willing
to rent out rooms, esspecially for longer periods (a week
or more). Complete appartments can be rented form US$ 1000
a month.
Food
Downtown Tirana has numerous restaurants and terraces. An
absolute favourite of ours is Arthur's in a little park
opposite the Rogner hotel.
Security
Albania is not safe. Even in Tirana it may be allright to
walk around during the day, but at night there are hold-ups
almost daily. Outside Tirana it's even worse. Lots of
Journalists an relief workers have had money, cars or
belongings stolen. Esspecially the north, near the KOSOVO-
border should be avoided, as in addition to the criminal
elements, there is also occasional shelling.
Local Transport
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hans-
thanks for the information.
any word on what the situation in the south of the country
is? i'm thinking particularly of the trio of gjirokastra,
saranda and butrint.
todd
I am contemplating accepting a post with a relief agency
there in Albania. I am curious of a few things:
Is there anything to do there at night?
Are the women decent/friendly?
Is it overrun with American Soldiers?
Is it ridiculously expensive? Should I ask for higher
wages?
Can you drink there?
Thanks,
Doug the Yank
Some answers:
- The south is more relaxed than the north, you shouldn't
have difficulties there (other than the ones mentioned.
- Not much nightlife restaurants are the place to go to.
(some bars en disco's though). Watch out at night!!
- The women are decent friendly and in majority muslim, so
take care and behave yourself.
- The country is overrun with sooldiers, but they are
working and if not mostly kept in their own camps. You'll
see the occasional staffofficer in Tirana, butnot much.
- Except for accomodation, Albania is still cheap. So have
the organisation pay for your accomodation! It's always
wise to ask for higher wages!
Hans
To Doug the Yank: From your post only, it sounds like you
are concerned with partying. Taking a job with a relief
organization might not be the best thing for you if those
are big concerns for you. Working in crisis situations is
very difficult and draining emotionally, and secondary post
traumatic stress disorder is a real concern. Any increase
in your salary means less money that can be used to help
people that do not have life basics. You might want to
consider that as well.