Sunday to Gjirokastra

A rainy Saturday morning, not uncommon here, we decided to leave early and venture "the better road" to Gjirokastra. Given the rain and the ruts, it was a bumpy ride, but worth the trip. The city is known for it's many slate roofed buildings, each with many windows, stacked on top of each other.

windows of Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra

The castle is amazing, full of old cannons and artillery, leftover from WW II. It's dark and damp, and not well lit. Of course, we had all kinds of marketing ideas for this place, but alas it was fairly empty and we had a private tour of the museum housing more artifacts and pictures from "the revolutions".  There's also a prison upstairs that was used by whomever occupied the castle at the time. We were told that the little rooms sometimes held up to 10 people. Given my tendency for claustrophobia, I didn't stay long, and was totally freaked out when some birds flew across the doorway.
Mike and I decided to enter into a door that was previously locked. Behold an incredible area, light for an art gallery, who's exhibit will start next week.  Of course, Mark joined us and wanted to buy a painting NOW.  The son of the painter, a well spoken Greek Albanian young(er) man, told us he could accommodate us..Thus we are the proud owners of a beautiful poppy painting by Mr. Pico

Mark and Mr. Pico with the Poppy Painting

Mike thought about a rooster painting for his wife, but chose to not take the plunge!
It was lunch time and still raining, so instead of walking around the town, with slippery stones, we went to eat and drink, what else. A great restaurant overlooking the city, good food, and Gracie was allowed at the table. Mark and I hope to stay at the hotel below for a night and really explore the streets

Lunch with Beer anal

The drive home was just as bumpy as the coastal road down along the coast, but somehow it didn't seem to take as long. We passed some beautiful scenery in the valley, dotted by old little towns, oil derricks and a  canal who's water wouldn't pass any EPA standards. Home by 7, happy to be out of the car, but worth the ride.
Oh, forgot, here's a pic of me and Gracie, modeling the beautiful scarf that Mark's assistant, Ariola, gave me on my first visit.  It's the windows of Gjirokastra in hand painted silk..

Me and my girlie