15 June, Taking a Sabbath in Albania

 Still not feeling 100% we slept in a bit and then Bruce and I and Selah went for a wander  up to the market and bought an icecream. Then we bought some fresh fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and cherries. Fruit here is really cheap. I think the cherries were 250 Lek per kg which is about $NZ 4.30. 

I saw a guy with his freshly killed chicken slung over his shoulder and a bunch of goats lying hobbled on the footpath. Then Xaku said it was Eid, and they were getting ready to be sacrificed. 

There was a stray horse and a stray donkey eating grass in a random plot of land. There are dogs everywhere, and no one seems to be looking after them. 

In the afternoon Bruce and I went for a walk back up to the castle as that is the closest ATM and got out some money for a gift for Xaku. When we returned he wanted us to go to visit his friend, but there was one catch - Bruce had to drive. 

So, off we went with not a little trepidation. The traffic can be quite erratic, and the roads are frequently only one lane with no marking. We ate watermelon and the host offered Raki. It's not something women are expected to drink, thanks be to God. 

When we got back it was time to go to the  most spectacular restaurant in Kruje, perched at the top of the mountain. The views are spectacular  and the food was amazing.  We finished with a desert made with walnuts, rice, and dried shredded lamb, all in a sweet sauce. It was really delicious, but after the kofta, cheese, schnitzels, more cheese, bread, pasta ... well, we really couldn't finish it. 

I told Ana some stories from my life and she translated for her mum and sister, and then at ten we clambered into the car and came back to the house. 

A wonderful last day in Albania. Tomorrow we leave for Athens. 



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