Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Albania, Day 19: Tirana to Durres

We are all a little weary and travel-worn, but today we enjoyed a leisurely morning to recover. We’ve decided there simply aren’t enough mealtimes and snack breaks to sample all the delicious food here, but we’re doing our best to squeeze in as many as possible!

We wandered through the city, stunned by the damage from last night’s protests. Broken windows and burned buildings were everywhere, and in places, the beautiful cobblestone streets had been torn up as protesters pulled out the stones to throw at police.

Broken windows everywhere
This cell phone business was burned.

The iconic pyramid building was built by the repressive communist leader Hoxha as a tribute to himself. After communism fell, the building fell into disrepair, but a few years ago they transformed it into a learning center for young people.

The second and fourth steps have bloodstains. 🥲

We enjoyed spectacular views of the city from the top.

Tirana from top of the pyramid

I had remembered the restaurant where I had the best tiramisu of my life. There’s no guarantee that it would still be amazing, but I wanted to try. Again, I was not disappointed. The lunch was also delicious.

John ordered a pistachio zucchini pizza that was incredible. Who knew?
My salad was also quite good.
I know you’re thinking that this tiramisu looks sort of plain, but it was incredible!

In the afternoon, we drove to Durres where we will spend the night for the celebration of the InterVarsity student group that is also celebrating its 35th anniversary. Our hotel is right on the beach.

Our pastor Jeff led the first plenary session, focusing on God’s faithfulness.

One thought on “Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Albania, Day 19: Tirana to Durres”

  1. Your stamina is amazing. Did you count the steps on the pyramid? Do you feel safe? I gotta admit that pistachio zucchini pizza looks really good and would have been something I never would have ordered. There is just no way to go wrong when your accommodations are on the sand.

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