Prizerin in Kosovo

I arrived Prizerin in Kosovo after 3 hrs bus rides with 2 transfers, and really enjoyed touring this city of mosques and monasteries dating to the 14th century, which reminds me of Sarajevo in Bosnia. Kosovo is a disputed territory and de facto independent country in South Eastern Europe, in central Balkans. I checked in the hostel from which window I can see the castle, and then had a wonder Turkish lunch ( 2.5€) before touring the city. The Prizren cooks are widely recognized as the masters of grilling – their barbecued dishes are top-notch. — checked in to Prizeren.

The Prizren medieval castle dated back to Roman era has a wonderful view over the town. I visited several mosques including the largest, dominating the town center: the Mosque of Sinan Pasha dated back to 17th century as a wonderful example of Ottoman style. — checked in to Kalaja e Prizrenit.

Prizren has diverse religious architectures, Catholic and orthodox churches, monasteries, cathedrals and chapels stand next to Muslim mosques. Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in XIV century and represents Serbian architecture. — checked in to Our Lady of Ljeviš.

I ran into my fellow Virginian in the hostel who has traveled several months and taking a break in Prizren. He kindly introduced me a local fish restaurant and a cafe, and his experience in Balkens. I like the food in Balkans, except the chewy bread. — checked in to City Hostel, Prizren, Kosovo.

Kosova

Bajram Curri, Northern Albania

I woke up 6:15 am to catch a bus to Bajram Curri in order to connect to Kosovo. It was a pity that I did not find other hikers to hike one more day in the gorgeous Valbona valley. The bus were mainly for taking kids to schools in this major town. I walked around during the one hour bus transfer. In Albania, animals have the right is way, and drivers will horn to hurry up their movement across roads.— checked in to Bajram Curri Boulevard.

Valbona valley: Albania Alps

We checked in this amazing Guesthouse Kol Gjoni in the middle of Valbona valley which was once an isolated and forgotten little land on the South of Balkans has shown in the last couple of decades that openness brings hidden beauty. The guesthouse is nice, clean, new, and with magnificent views that reminds me of Nepal yet having 5 star facility (25€ per day including my own bath and three delicious meals. I took one hour walk around the valley before dinner to check out other guest houses and campgrounds, and concluded I made the best choice. — checked in to Valbonë 

I and my Italian friends set out for the beautiful Albanian Alps: Hiking from Valbona to Thethi at 8 am, and reached around the pass about 11:30 am. They continued to Thethi, and I turned back to Valbona in order to go to Kosovo. We said goodbye and wished the best after our wonderful 24 HR friendship. The trail is popular for its amazing views accessible to everybody, yet I saw only 9 people during the hike. The rocky peaks are covered with some snow and green vegetation. The steep way up is easier than the way down for me due to the loss rocks. There are many dramatic panoramas along the hike. — checked in to Valbonë Valley National Park.

My last night at Valboba ran into a strong bike who travelled more towns in 9 days on a touring bike than me. We all enjoyed the guesthouse organic and delicious food produced in the family farm. I had grill lamb and Chichen stick for dinners, goat cheese, salad, potato soup, bean soup, honey, Browne, fig pie, etc. — checked in to Valbonë.

Komani Lake Northern Albania

I woke up 5:40 am this morning, to take a shuttle from Shkoder to Koman, Koman to Fierze (boat), and then Fierze to Valbona (taxi) at 1:00 pm. The Fierzë-Komani ferry on lake Komani. All my hostel mates turned back to town since they only do a day tour. I grouped with two Italian travelers to taxi to Valbona and checked in an amazing hostel. — checked in to Komani Lake.

Shkodra Albania

I survived 2 long bus rides from Berat via the capital Tirana to Shkoder (8:30 am to 2 pm). I was planning to take a taxi to move between the two bus terminals in Tirana, but two taxi drivers overpriced me, one local girl told me only 10 minutes walk, yet one local car owner gave me a ride when I asked him at a gas station how to walk to the 2nd bus terminal.
I took a break at the hostel from the hot sun then started 3 km walk along commercial street to Kalaja/Rozafa Fortress, which was rebuilt by the Venitians and the Ottomans. Rozafa is a woman buried in the ramparts, who supports the structure. There were amazing views from the highest point over the city, river, mountains, and Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. I guess there were few Asians visited the town so I attracted some attentions. BTW, it was almost 7 pm when I reached the castle gate but the fee collected was still on duty so I planned to walked away since I already saw quite a few castle, yet the collector called me back and I offered half of the admission to get in. Everything is negotiable.

 — checked in to Shkodra City.

I walked along the Pjaca/Kol Idromeno St., (In the Center of Shkodra), which is the main pedestrian street of the city full of cafes and locals promenading in the evening hours.— checked in to Shkodra City.

Berat Albania

Finally reached the town Berat over 4 hrs ride, then rested in the hostel to avoid the hot sun. Berat was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town. It is one of the country's most beautiful towns, and is known as the "town of a thousand windows". I had dinner at a restaurant with the town views then ventured out with two basketball player height hostel mates from Finland and felt extremely safe. Lol We hiked up the free entrance of the castle which was mostly built in the 13th Century, but with origins going back to the 4th Century BC. A very beautiful place with great views of the surrounding area. The citadel is still inhabited, which remained me the Rodes Island of Greece. We then took a walk on the peculiar Footpaths of The Old Town featuring sunset crowds bars and restaurants, to find ATMs and supermarket. I got fruit, vege, and 1.5 liter local beer.

 — checked in to Berat Castle.

Gjirokastër walks & food

Our hostel host took us on a walking tour around town to see cool spots, such as fancies made of the residual metal sheet for spoons and knifes, abandoned Turkish bathhouse, a view point, etc. I and two other backpackers took another walk via steep hills to see an Ottoman Bridge "Ira Ali Pasha". — checked in to Gjirokastër.

Gjirokastër has good food and very reasonably price. I went back to the same restaurant for dinner, after the lunch. I had Qifqi (baked dish made of rice, egg, and seasonings) and grill yellow cheese plus a shot of hard alcoholic drink raki for lunch, then mussels and minced beef for dinner. I cook vegetable at this nice, clean 6-week old hostel too. All the food together cost $8. — checked in to Bar Restaurant Kujtimi.

Love this place. Everything was nice, clean, and welcoming. I had a small party with a group of 4 young German travelers and had fun. They were so kind to give me a ride north to Fier, and helped me to find the bus stop to Berat where I finally arrived after 4 hours in vehicle. — at Stone City Hostel.