A typical view of Berat and my accommodation. I've got one of four rooms in this renovated ancient house. Only fault is that it's about 100 mtrs to the bottom where the restaurants are.
Sunday, July 6
The minibus
Next I am off to Berat. I've been waiting for the last 45 mins but the driver is reluctant to set off because he has only got two passengers so far. He's walking up and down the pavement shouting Berat at people as though this might suddenly persuade someone, who had not previously considered the idea, to go there.
The whole town is a UNESCO site so I am expecting something quite magnificent.
Apolonia
Whilst in Fiore I've been to the archeological remains at Apolonia dating from 6th century BC. It's 6 miles from the town centre but I got a lift both ways with the first vehicle that I tried hitching with. The people are so friendly and helpful.
Pick your own fresh chicken
She gave them a poke when she saw me taking a photograph to make them stand up. You pay for the chicken and then with a quick tug she breaks it's neck and sticks it still flapping into a carrier bag. Can't get fresher than that!
Tobacco
I'm in Fiore and wandering around the streets I came across a place where they sell tobacco in bulk. £18 gets you 500g, I suspect that this is somewhat cheaper than the UK! He said it was Albanian, I wasn't sure if he meant it was grown in Albania.
Morning coffee.
I got up at about seven and saw these old men from my balcony drinking coffee. I am sure they were sitting there last night when I went to bed. Everywhere there are these little cafés and an espresso cost 50 lek (30p) and all day there are men sitting at the tables, the women don't seem to have caught on to the idea.