Difference between revisions of "Albania"

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'''Albania''' is a country in [[Europe]].
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{{infobox Country
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|country = of Albania
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|map= <map lat='41.72623044860001' lng='19.3853759765625' zoom='8' view='0' float='right' />
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|language = Albanian
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|capital = [[Tirana]]
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|pop = 3,600,523
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|currency = Lek (ALL)
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|hitch = from {{good}} to {{very good}}
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}}
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'''Albania''' is a country in [[Europe]]. The capital is [[Tirana]].
  
The capital is [[Tirana]].
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===Hitch-hiking===
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Hitch-hiking in Albania can go surprisingly well. Even though Albania is still one of the poorest countries in Europe, the country's living conditions has improved greatly in the past years. The government financial trust in police force has lifted up the safety level in most areas of the country; however, it is paramount to remain cautious, and hitching by night as well as in some areas might not be too wise. Beware of the poorest area and hitching next to slums since you will be quickly dragging the attention of dozens of children lurking at your bags, and would make almost impossible for you to get out of there, so if you find yourself around such place just walk away and ignore the people until you are in a better area.
  
Hitch-hiking in Albania is pretty much feasible, the country's living condition has improved greatly in the past years and it is gradually reaching the same standard than it neighbours. The government investment in the police force also raised the safety issue in most of the country, however it is paramount to remain cautious and hitching by night or in some area might not reveal too wise. Beware  of the poorest area and hitching next to a slum will not help you both ways, as you will be quickly dragging the attention of dozens of children lurking at your bags and also cancel your chance to get a lift out of there. If you find yourself around such place, just walk away and ignore the people until you are in a better area.
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People are usually friendly and ready to help, although most car drivers will not understand the concept of hitch-hiking, considering also that a private taxi is a major form of public transport. Therefore, make sure that before you board a vehicle the driver is not an informal cab-driver. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the road - if the driver makes sudden turns and other similar actions while driving it is likely that he is either a taxi driver or that he thinks he is doing good by bringing you to the local bus station, and would expect some money from you. You therefore will have to be reiterative on stating that you travel by '''autostop'''. This kind of driver behavior usually is not valid for the company car or truck drivers': they are already salaried and won't be offering a taxi service to you.
  
People are usually friendly and ready to help, although most car driver will not understand the concept of hitch-hiking and private taxi is a major form of public transport. Therefore, make sure before you board a vehicle that the driver is not an informal taxi. Also make sure to keep an eye on the road you are going, if the driver make a sudden turn around, changes his natural path or take another direction, it is likely that he is either a taxi driver or that he thinks he is doing good by bringing you to the local bus station. You therefore will have to be reiterative on stating that you do 'autostop' all the way. You usually won't have to worry if the vehicle stopping is a company car or a truck driver. They are already salaried, and won't be doing taxi.
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===Eating in Albania===
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In Tirana (and probably in other cities, too) you can find very cheap local food markets with really good and fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, olives, etc. Local olive oil and freshly baked bread is something everyone has to taste! 
  
{{stub}}
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===Accomodation===
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In Tirana one can easily get accommodated in so called private sector: these are people who have their apartments arranged to accepts occasional tourists. It is safe, quite cheap (you can talk about how much you can pay), you get friendly company (if needed) and tips how and where. To find these kind of places just ask some more tidily looking folks on the street, or in Internet cafes and other similar places.
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{{Template:Europe/countries}}
  
 
[[Category:Albania| ]]
 
[[Category:Albania| ]]

Revision as of 03:04, 9 November 2008

Flag of Albania Albania
Information
Language: Albanian
Capital: Tirana
Population: 3,600,523
Currency: Lek (ALL)
Hitchability: from Good.png (good) to Verygood.png (very good)
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots
<map lat='41.72623044860001' lng='19.3853759765625' zoom='8' view='0' float='right' />

Albania is a country in Europe. The capital is Tirana.

Hitch-hiking

Hitch-hiking in Albania can go surprisingly well. Even though Albania is still one of the poorest countries in Europe, the country's living conditions has improved greatly in the past years. The government financial trust in police force has lifted up the safety level in most areas of the country; however, it is paramount to remain cautious, and hitching by night as well as in some areas might not be too wise. Beware of the poorest area and hitching next to slums since you will be quickly dragging the attention of dozens of children lurking at your bags, and would make almost impossible for you to get out of there, so if you find yourself around such place just walk away and ignore the people until you are in a better area.

People are usually friendly and ready to help, although most car drivers will not understand the concept of hitch-hiking, considering also that a private taxi is a major form of public transport. Therefore, make sure that before you board a vehicle the driver is not an informal cab-driver. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the road - if the driver makes sudden turns and other similar actions while driving it is likely that he is either a taxi driver or that he thinks he is doing good by bringing you to the local bus station, and would expect some money from you. You therefore will have to be reiterative on stating that you travel by autostop. This kind of driver behavior usually is not valid for the company car or truck drivers': they are already salaried and won't be offering a taxi service to you.

Eating in Albania

In Tirana (and probably in other cities, too) you can find very cheap local food markets with really good and fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, olives, etc. Local olive oil and freshly baked bread is something everyone has to taste!

Accomodation

In Tirana one can easily get accommodated in so called private sector: these are people who have their apartments arranged to accepts occasional tourists. It is safe, quite cheap (you can talk about how much you can pay), you get friendly company (if needed) and tips how and where. To find these kind of places just ask some more tidily looking folks on the street, or in Internet cafes and other similar places.