Afloat in Albania

Today began with a drive south through the Llogara National Park …

… where we stopped for coffee …

… catching a glimpse of the coast through the clouds.

Construction has begun on a direct road through the mountains to link the new airport being built in Vlorë with the Albanian Riviera.

Meanwhile, our route wound up and down through the mountains and villages …

… until we returned to the coast …

… and stopped at the very picturesque seaside village of Ksamil for lunch right on the beach.

Today is our 12th wedding anniversary and having held our reception on a boat on The Thames, we have managed to celebrate with a boat trip every year since. When we booked the trip we knew we would be by the sea today and just had our fingers crossed. Chris was quick to spot an opportunity, and as our group were placing their orders, he waved me over to a small boat tied up to the jetty!

He explained why we only had time for a very short trip round the bay but how important it was and the captain grinned and waved us aboard. It was perfect. He took us round the small island in the bay and back to shore and even recorded the moment! Meanwhile, Chris had messaged our lunch order to the group, and it was awaiting our return.

… with enough time to paddle and have a quick lunch!

The late afternoon was spent exploring the ruins of Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological UNESCO site which began as a Greek settlement in the C7th BC and then became an important Roman colony. Later it fell under the sway of the Venetians and Turks.

The most recognisable remains are those of the theatre…