Albania

[kingfisher]

Well sort of non boaty this is. And I usually live on the raggie forum, but as you MoBo people are more worldly [oh God, brown nosing alert], I thought I'd post it here.

I've received a very interesting offer to move off to...Tirana, Albania. 15 months mission.

Who's been there? What's it like? Is it as shite as I'm hearing?

And to keep it a bit on topic: any boating/sailing there?

<hr width=100% size=1>Group of people on the pontoon: skipper is the one with the toolbox.
http://sirocco31.tripod.com

 

[byron]

Anything that isn't bolted down will be nicked. Banditry is still rife and you will need carry a pistol. Personally I would wish to see a wall built around the place.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[jhr]

Never been there. The only things I know about it are:

- Norman Wisdom is their national hero and is mobbed every time he goes there

- Large proportions of the population lost all their money in a pyramid selling scam a couple of years ago, so nobody has any money - except the sharks who started up the scam in the first place

- It borders on to the Ionian, so surely there must be some boaty action. Sailing could, potentially, be excellent.

- There was an article, I think in last week's Grauniad Saturday colour supplement, about Tirhana, saying that it's becoming more sophisticated and cosmopolitan and that some perceptions of the country are based on outmoded stereotypes. They are desparate to build up a tourist industry.

So, probably extremely dodgy all in all (and that's not to mention the alleged vice and racketeering operations that they export to the UK), but I'd guess it might be a fascinating place to go for a finite period and cold be a chance to get in on the Ground Floor in one of the last undeveloped N. Med countries.

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[gonfishing]

Hi
this may help

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1004234.stm>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1004234.stm</A>

julian

<hr width=100% size=1>WHAT??? more petrol!!!

 

[Neraida]

IMHO keep well away from Albania if you want your possesions and yourself to remain intact. Couldn't agree more with Byron's comments.

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[jhr]

One further thought

Have a look at the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618385522>FCO Travel Advice Website</A>. Sounds like Tirhana is OK but you're advised not to go out into Injun Territory..............

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