First Visit

[pg32]

Sandy what does it involve then do you know?

[vivian]

Hi pg32, Pete and I went in October 2005, along day and a great trip. Havent got time at the moment to write about it but will post tomorrow. In the meantime there are some pics of Albania on our website if you open Corfu oct 2005 and go to first thumbprint Viv

[vivian]

Hi, Our trip to Albania remeber it was in 2005 so it may have alterd some what.
We had to be outside Arillas Travel by 0730hrs to get the coach into Corfu harbour, we were hustled into a little room where we gave our passports for inspection and finally boarded the boat at 0900hrs. It was a nice trip taking approx 1 hour. We then were met by our guide who was a retired school headmaster, very well spoken and very knowlegable our driver was an x Albanian goalkeeper and kept saying "your in save hands" which he seemed to find very amusing We were on the bus for about30 mins and arrived at a lovely little tavena (if thats what they call them there) anyway we had a coffee and then had a chance to change our money. There was a chap sat at the table with so many notes I could hardly believe it. We were told not to change more then 20euro's as we didnt need it and it would attract undesirable's. We changed exactly 20 euro and got about 2000 (forgotten what their currancy is) As soon as we had our money kids seem to come from no where selling braclets necklaces ect.
We then boarded the coach again and went to Butrint which I enjoyed but then I like history and loved all the ruins (think a few people were a bit bored) We then were taken back to where we had changed our money and had a very nice lunch (all in the price) this was about 1500hrs. After lunch we went into the town itself, it seemed really spooky in some parts and yet it was fasinating at the same time, we had time to buy gifts and souvoniers and yet another coffee. I enjoyed it but dont think I would have wanted to walk round by myself. The kids just kept coming from out of nowhere to see you little oddments, some were very nice and some you just bought because you felt you shouldnt buy from one and not the other. We arrived back at the port about 1800hrs straight onto the boat and back to Corfu. When we got there if felt as if we were being debriefed (maybe im a bit over sensetive) anyway we got back to Arillas about 2000hrs and went straight for a meal and then to bed.
One thing I must tell you is that when we went we still had to pey a harbour master's bribe, dont know if you still have to,cant remember exactly what it was but think it was about 5 euros each. Anyway all in all it was a very nice day out all though we were shatterd when we got back. We would like to do it again in a few years time to see how it has changed. Viv & Pete