Byllis, 2nd time

so here's the set up to the story
We had rented a car for a Sunday drive to Byllis, an old Roman city 400BC..The car was to be delivered at 9:30a... by 10a, both of us were very disappointed they never called, didn't answer the phone, or respond to emails.. soo off we went on our day, walked in the park, bar hopped for beers, and generally wasted the day away... A call came at noon telling us they had some "problems".. no more explanation than that, but again, that's Albania...
Much to our surprise, this email came the next morning...Read and get a laugh... we did

A client rented the Astra that we reserved for you for today and was supposed to return it at 08:00.
He not only did not come to return the car but he also wouldn’t return our calls.
At 08:30 Erjon and I went to his business at Kavaja street to repossess the car with our spare key.
The client came out cursed at us, pushed Erjon, and tried to hit me.
I pushed him back and at that time a police car that was driving came to us and arrested us all.
Erjon was not involved at the fight so he was released immediately.
I told him to call you and tell you that we had technical problems.
The client and I were kept for verification and police procedures until about one hour ago.

We really apologize for letting you down.

To make it up to you we would like to offer you the vehicle for free this coming weekend.

Sooo, 2nd time around, the following weekend, we take off for Byllis!!

About 3 hour drive south and east of Tirana.. A little known archeaological site, but in the most beautiful setting and a very important place between mountains and the Vjosa River...The road wasn't the best and of course we should have had a 4 x 4, but the car was free, so we didn't complain too much.

Here's Mark's blog for more info  http://www.kickedinthebalkans.blogspot.com/
He describes the area a lot better than I do.  Most of the time I'm the guide, reading the books and trying to figure out what little bit of information is available on a map. Byllis could be so much more of a tourist  site if people knew how to get here.. We were lucky, someone told us to go past the oil derricks, and turn right up the hill...

View from the top of the fortress

Gracie among the ruins

My favs... too bad it wasn't a clear day, the water supposedly looks like a glacier

of course, everyone wants their pic taken with Gracie.. some Albanians from Gyrokostra

We had a really great time wandering the ruins..and definitely will go back in the Spring, with a 4 x 4 and a lunch!

More Fun and Food in February

There's always an excuse for Food in Tirana.. This just happened to be Valentine's Day!  We decided to have an international dinner, with traditional foods from each of our countries. There were Faggots from Wales,Curry from the UK, Fish Pie from Ireland, Rolladen from Germany, Elk and Reindeer from Sweden, a Romanian dish, and Cheesecake from Israel (?)...(shula makes the BEST).. and of course Hamburger sliders, and Mark's fabulous Macaroni and Cheese.. Check out some of the pics!

Faggots and Peas

Mouse and Reindeer Sausage

My plate!

And as if we didn't have enough fun eating it all, our hosts had games prepared!

First was a poem rhyming game ( we all failed), then a round of "Newlywed Game".

Mark started out thinking I liked dinner better than flowers, then proceeded to forget what we did on our

anniversary last year, but redeemed himself with what I wear to bed.. His response of "nada, nothing, zilch" got applause from the crowd!

Gracie had fun too!

Next up was another silly game of pass the Orange..

Jay getting ready

Kirt and Luisa ready to go at it!





We all had a really fun night, ate and drank way too much.. but already made plans to do it again!