Weekend Coffee Share – Travels with Ali

~ Amazing Albania – Three nights in Tirana ~

Our journey through Albania is now coming to an end and our final destination is the capital of Albania, Tirana. I had read and been told that you only need one night here but I didn’t heed this advice much to my annoyance! One of the reasons was that we thought we would go Djati Express cable car. Sadly we didn’t get to do this for various reasons.

We were staying at Hotel Opera and after leaving the car in the carpark at the back of the hotel for the driver to pick up, we checked in to our 12th floor room. We had a fantastic room with a large verandah with no furniture though.

Also when we arrived in Tirana it was 37 degrees. At this point I was already thinking what were we going to do for three days. The first thing we did was find a restaurant for a very late lunch.

After a delicious lunch we set off exploring. Our hotel was within walking distance of Skanderberg Square. Named after the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, also known as Skanderberg. He led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, starting in 1444 and lasting for 25 years. There are some famous buildings around the Square and some seating areas, but we thought it was a bit underwhelming. We found the white tiles making up the Square to be almost blinding in the brilliant sunlight. We much preferred the tree lined boulevards providing welcome shade.

There was some amazing murals and sculptures dotted around and over the next two days we went walking to find them. Tirana is a wonderful walking city and there were so many other murals I never got to see.

Murals of Tirana

Mother's Care - Case Macleam — Mother’s Care
Artist – Case Macleam

Sculptures and Statues

**The angle of the camera makes this sculpture look bigger than it is!**

A monument donated to Albania by Kuwait to remember the friendship between the two nations. It has the flag colours of Kuwait on the canopy.

Buildings and Churches

There are some spectacular buildings in Tirana that are easily comparable to other major cities around the world, and there are many structures in the process of being built.

Resurrection of
Christ Orthodox Cathedral

Tirana — Resurrection of
Christ Orthodox Cathedral

One morning we visited Bunk’art 2 and walked smack bang into the middle of a protest. At first I thought it was a queue to get in! There were dozens of police officers and a whole crew of media. It was a protest about the Israeli war.

Anyway we managed to dodge all the crowds and made our way down into the bunker. We both had completely the wrong idea about this place thinking it was an art museum, we were soon disabused of this notion. Quite a harrowing and depressing place to visit and we were relieved to make our way back up into the sunshine.

As you can see, dozens of police waiting for trouble

Tirana, Albania — **The Media and Anthony!**

**Victims of the communist terror regime**

BUNK’ART 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. Source – Bunkart

I reminded Anthony it was a museum and not a department store and this jacket was not for sale.

The exhibits and information were quite horrific, menacing dogs and lists of torture, so I didn’t feel inclined to take many photos.

We did manage to find a department store after and Anthony wandered around for a while and I found a stool to sit and scroll!

During the day and night we wandered up and down the streets of the Blloku District, a small leafy suburb of Tirana with hip and happening bars and trendy shops. During the era of Communist rule, it was a closed-off precinct for the party elite, and the villa of long-ruling dictator Enver Hoxha still stands.

The apartments were handed back to the owners when Hoxha was ousted as the deeds were never destroyed. It looks like they haven’t been maintained at all.

There are so many good restaurants in Tirana, especially traditional ones, which we enjoyed.

All in all we filled our time well in Tirana, although on hindsight we could have condensed it down to two nights. This city did grow on me and for a weekend break from European countries it’s ideal. Tirana is great for day trips to Durres or Berat also.

Information for travelling in Albania

There are plenty of ATMs available in the area, so accessing cash is convenient and hassle-free although cash is readily accepted everywhere.

Hiring a car is not difficult as I previously read, and it was relatively easy to arrange a one way booking – of course with a fee.

Driving is on the right hand side, so can be tricky if you’re from a country that’s opposite. Albanian drivers are fearless and impatient, pull over to let them pass for a stress free trip.

The currency is Lek, although Euros are taken. If you’re using cash Lek takes up more room in your wallet!

Travel off season – before or after summer.

I hope you’ve enjoyed travelling through Albania with us on this fantastic road trip. Albania is one of the most diverse and interesting countries we’ve ever been to.

Posted also as part of Leanne’s Lens Artist Challenge – Tourist Attractions

and Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share/Public Art Challenge

~ Postcard from Perth – 12-18 Feb 2024 ~

This February has been one of the hottest here in WA for decades, so I decided to get myself off to the beach most days. The sea is always chilly to start but you slowly get used to it, or maybe you just go a bit numb! Most days have been between 37 and 43! Everybody has the same idea so before 9am or earlier is the best time. The water has been like a mill pond and absolutely wonderful to swim, or water walk.

It’s also school swimming month and the sea fills up pretty quickly with small bodies. My own swimming lessons were a far cry from this, and if you are English and reading this you will know what I mean. Having to get on a bus for a 30 minute ride, changing in a communal room and those funny wooden pallets all over the floor. The overwhelming smell of chlorine still to this day brings back memories.

I met two of my friends on some of the days and after we treated ourselves to breakfast.

**The famous stone elephants outside Indiana Tea Rooms**

I’ve been lucky enough this week to have dinner out twice, once for a friend’s birthday and another night to our favourite restaurant.

These three are my wonderful group of friends, I can always rely on one, two or three to join me in most outings. So very blessed to have them in my life.

La Pizza is like a Woman,
you have to look after her, tend to her, check on her…

I saw this in the restaurant the other night as I watched the chef lovingly shape and pat the pizza dough.

On Saturday Elena and the munchkins came for a sleepover which Anthony and I always love. After fun and games in the pool we came in and played more games. At 3 and 5 it’s great to be able to play a proper game like memory.

Today – Sunday – we went to the beach again. I think all of Perth had the same idea. We spent around 45 minutes driving along the coastline to look for a carpark. The rangers were out in force and I saw many cars already had tickets for parking illegally. Finally we spotted one at the “dog beach”. We parked and walked down to the beach. I don’t think I’ve seen so many dogs jumping in and out of the water.

**The container port at Fremantle in the background**

I’m very fortunate that I live so close to some fabulous beaches and have changed my habits a little by getting up earlier to avoid the extreme heat later.

Well that’s my week over and done with, the next week is going to be much the same weather wise, hopefully I can get down to the beach on a few days.

Posted also for Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share and Sue’s Weekend Traffic Jam

Going Places with Girlfriends {Dunsborough, Western Australia}

It was time for our annual trip to Dunsborough and we set off on Tuesday for a three hour drive down south. As usual Cheryl and Lisa took over the driving, while Viv and I sat like queens in the back. Although only for three days the boot and back of the car were jam packed with cases, holdalls and cool bags.

We stopped for coffee at the same place as last year, Midway Farm Stall.

This is a wonderful little spot for a quick break. There are animals and a playground, great for families.

We decided to have lunch before checking in so stopped an hour or so before we arrived in Dunsborough. A fantastic cafe called The Crooked Carrot, again ideal for families and so much nicer than a service station.

I love having the girls pose and am always coming up with suggestions.

Nothing goes to waste here, truck and pickup graveyard.

There was a wonderful vegetable and herb garden and hopefully all the ingredients could be found in the lunches being served.

**Filling the frame with this artichoke flower**

Popping to the ladies I noticed a sign on the wall (I must remember this!)

Arriving in Dunsborough around 3pm, we checked in and headed straight to the beach. Geographe Bay has a spectacular coast line but not great for swimming but perfect for a shallow dip and for small children to splash and play.

Viv and I opted to walk out to the sand bank, we did get wetter than intended, but could have walked for miles.

The water is like looking through glass, so perfectly clear.

Stromalites in the middle of the bay

Walking along the beach we came upon this marvellous creation – manmade or natural? We decided it had to be manmade, like the crop circles! Just beautiful though.

Our first evening was spent in our accommodation (four bedroom house) and enjoying a takeaway from the curry van.

After dinner it was wine, cards and chocolate. We are serious card players and can play for hours, although it’s a good job we don’t play for money – I would be seriously poor.

More adventures tomorrow!

Linking to Lens-Artist, Weekend Coffee Share, Sunday Stills and
Water, Water Everywhere.

Sunday Drives – Masonmill Cafe and Beer Garden {Carmel, Western Australia}

Sunday seems to roll around far too quickly as the weeks just fly by. As usual Anthony suggested a drive out to the hills, his job to drive and mine to find somewhere. There’s not many wineries we haven’t tried and a few of them are now just cellar doors with no restaurants or have just closed completely. So on opening up google maps I spotted Masonmill Cafe. It said it was reopening on Sunday 5 November and I managed to book a table for 4. We had definitely not visited here before.

The drive is around 40 minutes from where we live, it’s a beautiful drive as well. As we approached I couldn’t believe how massive this place was, covering ten acres and already from the car I could see fantastic landscaped gardens.

We walked up to the restaurant only to find out that I had booked the cafe instead! Who knew there was a difference? Disappointingly there were no spare tables so we trekked back down again to the cafe. On hindsight this was the better option as we heard there were 90 minute delays for food. Although the cafe was not without problems too, as the owners had changed the food and wine menu, leaving staff confused!

After lunch we had a walk around the gardens. We couldn’t believe the many different types of roses on display and other flowers, tantalising the air with their floral perfume. The waitress in the cafe made us laugh as she spotted a lady with a bag and secateurs cutting herself a few blooms to take home – the cheek!

This place is ideal for a wedding, the bride wouldn’t even need a bouquet, just stand behind a rose bush or the abundant flowering jasmine.

There were many places to just sit and relax and enjoy a picnic, which is something you can order also instead of eating in the restaurant or cafe.

Tree canopied walkways and rose lined paths, a wonderful way to while away a Sunday afternoon.

**Cheeky mosaic mural on the wall of one of the courtyards**

We had a glorious afternoon here and I think we will go back and try the restaurant next time.

Have a great week and don’t forget to wake up and smell the roses!

Linking to
Weekend Coffee Share/PPAC
Pull Up a Seat

~ Postcard from Perth ~

It’s been a wonderful week here in Perth with the arrival of the newly engaged couple, Laurence and Maddy. We’ve had family lunches and dinners and days out with them. There’s nothing like having all your family around.

My featured photo is the golf course that I live opposite, I have to say though I’ve never been tempted to take up golf. My Dad used to love coming to visit for their annual three months, where he would take up a temporary membership. Just recently I have been walking to Bridge which is the other side of the golf course. I could walk straight across, but I’m not keen on dodging the balls and also don’t think the players would appreciate a random walker suddenly appearing between holes.

Walking around the golf course is like walking through an aviary. There are so many birds flying around now it’s become warmer. I can hear parrots squawking, kookaburras laughing, crows cawing, cockatoos screeching and magpies trilling.

The red Bottlebrush trees are in full bloom along my street. As you can see there are many trees, so not quite sure why our council has seen fit to plant 1,500 more trees along our street and the surrounding suburbs. Maybe to stop the many golfballs that come flying into our driveway. Only last month Anthony’s back windscreen was smashed. The Golf Club do pay for repairs, but it’s the inconvenience of getting it repaired.

These birds are all very tame and quite happy to pose and then fly on their way.

I saw a wonderful mural walking back from Zumba the other day and had to stop and take a couple of shots.

**“A Single Act of Kindness, Creates Endless Ripples”**

I loved the quote to go with it.

Also last week I went to watch my 5yr old grandson during his swimming lessons. I felt a bit sorry for the teacher trying to stop these little guys jumping up and down, they looked like tadpoles, such excitement. It’s amazing what was achieved in two weeks with the majority now water smart and being able to swim. I remember going for swimming lessons but around aged 8 or 9, not as young as 5. I came away being able to doggy paddle.

Now the house is quiet again as the happy couple have left for Melbourne, so we will have to start planning a trip over to see them.

**Laurence and Rufus watching the footy**

We had one last family BBQ before they left.

Linking up with Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share

~ Postcard from Perth – July 2023 ~ Museums, Movies and Meanderings

This week was the last of the school holidays and I went with Elena and the munchkins to the WA Museum, Boola Bardip. I’ve never been before so was interested to see what was there.

Boola Bardip means many stories in Whadjuk Nyoongar;
the Country on which the Museum sits.

A fantastic museum for all ages and takes visitors on an enchanting journey through the ages. There are many exhibits to see and also interactive displays and games for the kids to enjoy.

We all had the best time, especially as naughty Ninny said yes to a stop in the gift shop!

The rest of my week was spent shopping, a zumba class, dinner with friends and of course Bridge.

I was surprised that Anthony agreed to accompany me to see Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning. What a hectic ride of a film, so many car chases and implausible stunts, I read Tom Cruise does his own! Anyway I enjoyed it especially the scenery, set in Venice and the Austrian Alps. By hook or by crook, I will visit Venice one day. The film went for so long that we missed our restaurant booking but managed to get a table at the next door Indian, Bollywood which was delicious.

Today (Sunday) Anthony suggested a winery in Bickley Valley. About a 45 minute drive from our house and it has been a beautiful sunny day. I chose Plume Winery which has amazing views over the hills and vineyards.

Vista and Views

Inside the restaurant

Posted for Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share, Weekend Sky for Hammad and Pull up a Seat for XingfuMama

Greetings from Perth, Western Australia – May 2023

💌 Post from Perth 💌 – Dinner Dates and Lunch Liaisons

Who receives post in the mail these days? We never get anything exciting just bills and junk mail. I remember when I first moved to Hong Kong and I wrote to my mum and dad and friends once a week, and my return address was “Poste Restante”, Hong Kong. I used to go often with my passport to the General Post Office and wait with excitement to see who had written .. or who had not! Poste Restante is a general mail service worldwide where letters are sent to the General Post Office awaiting collection by the recipient. Has anybody ever used this service?

A Glimpse of My Week

Starting with our dinner date last Saturday, I had booked a table at a restaurant that was also a music venue. When we arrived we were seated right at the back but on a high table. This turned out to be a good thing as the music was so loud. The menu was fairly limited so I treated myself to a dessert, Lime Cheesecake with a Gin and Lime syrup. There was a gluten free option so I went for this. The keyword being “option”! How hard would it be to use gluten free biscuits. It was a wonderful venue though and the band were great.

Play at low volume!

Monday and Friday were also dinner dates, Monday a girls’ night and Friday with friends.

**A birthday celebration for Vivita!**
**Enjoying cocktails on the terrace of a newly renovated hotel in our local town of Claremont**

On Friday there was a special dining night at the golf club (I don’t play golf, just a social member!) a Latin American themed menu with tables on the terrace. We enjoyed the temperature and the wonderful evening sky.

Also on Friday I finally caught up with a very good friend for lunch, and when we checked our diaries couldn’t believe that it had been five months since our last lunch. Where does the time go? We had more than enough to talk about in the short time we had.

Every other Wednesday I play bridge socially at the golf club which is followed by a lunch with the ladies who are playing. I’ve just joined this group so I’m gradually finding out about all these new friends.

Well not much else to report, Anthony’s passport finally turned up three months later! I did return to my “dancing in a line” on a Wednesday evening – a year later… I hope the steps come back to me eventually! They have learnt an awful lot of new dances, it was hard to keep up.

**Have a fun filled weekend and thanks for reading!**

Posted as part of Weekend Coffee Share hosted by Natalie the Explorer and Terri’s Sunday Stills for Sweet – my no cake cheese cake!

~ Post from Perth – Weekly Catch up ~

It’s been almost a week now since I returned from the UK. The jet lag this time has taken longer than usual, and I’m in danger of getting in a loop, going to bed early and having a nap in the day! It has to stop. For the first few days I generally take a sleeping tablet, but that’s something I don’t want to get used to. Hopefully I will return to normal soon.

So where has the week gone? I took it easy on Monday and was supposed to unpack, I will finish it soon just a case (no pun intended) of putting the clothes away.

Tuesday I was back at the Bridge table and after drove straight to my daughter’s for a spot of babysitting. Wednesday I had Rosie again for a few hours, Lachie has started school and I will miss my munchkin Mondays.

Thursday and Friday more Bridge, no wonder I haven’t fully unpacked!

View from the terrace where I play Bridge

Being back in Perth is wonderful, my dear hubby has missed me and is glad to have me back. I have missed the sun and the warm weather, I can’t cope with English winters anymore.

Photos for Natalie’s Public Art Challenge

On my last day in Dublin I went for a walk near the hotel to have a look at the murals located on the walls of The Icon Walk.

Left – Gabriel Byrne – hosted The Late Late Show on a Saturday night, known as The Housewife’s Choice and a gentle shepherd.
Middle – Thomas Crean (1877 – 1938) – Explored the Antarctic three times with Scott and Shackleton. Awarded the Albert Medal for bravery
Right – “Priests on a remote island off the coast of Ireland managed to encapsulate Ireland’s changing consciousness about the church and that delicate matter, that, the anoited ones might be as imperfect as the rest of us; only funnier”

This was a lovely walk and I wish I had had more time to properly look at all the descriptions of the various artists. Ireland has produced so many famous authors over the decades and continue to do so. My favourites are Dervla McTiernan, Claire Keegan and Marian Keyes.