Phespirit goes to Albania
Shkodër     September 2005

SHKODËR ON SEA - OR NOT This broad, blue horizon is not the sea. It is Skadar Lake. The River Buna flows from it. The bridge is just one vehicle's width. There are no lights or controllers to regulate traffic flow. Cars, carts and coaches continuously rumble across in one direction until, at last, there is a wide-enough opening for vehicles to start the other way. Somehow it works.
SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR Albania is no longer the 'poorest country' in Europe (Moldova has the title) but its basic infrastructure still needs much investment. For example, this is one of Shkodër's main streets, yet see how its pavements have as many slabs missing as are in place.
PHESPIRIT GOES TO ALBANIA At the top of Rozafa Castle, ruins of the 3rd century Church of St. Stephan down below, Shkodër away in the background, Phespirit smiles, thinking how strange it is ..... ..... to be in Albania, in the summertime.