Anecdotes of a Globetrotter: Day 78 - 80 : Tirana (Wrap Up)

I've spent more time in Tirana than expected, and they were all fully packed. If I had been travelling to Tirana on my own, I would had only spent 2 days and I would not had seen some unexpected finds which I would not had found on my own.

Tirana was also used as a base to make a couple of day trips, such as to Durrës, Kavajë, Spillë and Kruja.

Arriving into the city of Tirana, I noticed the traffic lights here are extra special - they come with a long LED light along the height of the traffic signal, in the colour of the signal.

I also found these interesting mushroom heads separating the pedestrian side walk from cars.

In terms of sights

Rega Cloud Art installation

Blloku

Area is filled with different bars and pubs and restaurants. This area is also famously notorious for "fancy" cars driving around the block to show off their cars, which is bizzare since there are always massive jams around this area.

There were also a lot of hilarious take on road signs which were so fun finding and admiring them.

Bunk Art 1 Museum

Old Bazaar

Bunk Art 2

Located in the city centre which I chose to skip, as it's said to be smaller.

Kalaje E Tiranë

This has now been converted to a dining precinct.

Namazgjasë Mosque

Seems to still be under construction, but looking very impressive already

Tanner's Bridge

Oldest bridge in Tirana

Skanderburg Square

The grounds of this square is gradually sloped with the centre being the highest point in the square.

It's said to elevate the common people, so that they see the key sights around the square at eye level.

A few tiles in the centre are engraved with city names - this shows which cities the different tiles came from.

The Pyramid

Supposed to be a museum for Enver Hoxha, but later converted to a conference centre, then radio station and later a night club. It is now under construction

Air Albania Stadium

It was also where the Covid Vaccination Centre was working out from temporarily during the Covid period.

University of Tirana

Dining

There's a 11pm restriction in Albania at moment, where restaurants and bars must close by this time. But we still managed to check out a number of places that are a favourite of Clemens

Colonial Cocktail Bar

Cool music and great vibes with amazing list of cocktails.

My cocktail "Il Vulcano" served in a cute cup - Vodka, Passionfruit, Ginger, Passoa, Lemon, simple syrup and a secret ingredient.. I am guessing the secret ingredient is the flower on top?

And then we went for seconds. I had the "Jamaica Julep" - Gold Rum, Mint, White Cane Sugar, 4 different fresh fruit.

Both the cocktails I had were really amazing!

Also ordered a Straciatella Pinsa, which is basically a kind of Pizza.

Radio Bar

Blackberry Collins Cocktail - Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Mint, Blackberries, Soda

Komiteiti Bar

Specialises in cocktails made of raki, and apparently have branches in 4 other cities.

Clemen had briefly stepped away to use the washroom, while I went to find the menu in the indoor section of the bar. A guy saw me and asked what I was looking for. He then took my hand and pulled me towards the outdoor section of the bar to order my drinks. Clemens joined us shortly after.

The guy was partially drunk and was trying to tell us his life story, but was soon dragged by his friends to go to a different bar, but not before he made Clemens store his number on his phone and asked Clemens to call him the next day, so that he can continue his story. We of course didn't call him 😂

Pireu Seafood Restaurant

It's both Clemens and my first time here. We were supposed to go to another seafood restaurant on the same street but it wasn't opened on the day we went.

Pireu was a fine dining seafood restaurant, a little pricier but all the dishes we ordered was done well.

We started the meal with a fish soup, followed by raw prawns, baked cheese, stuffed squid with cheese and baked Octopus. The octopus was the most tender I have ever had.

Mullixhiu

Means “miller” in the Albanian language. Milling is among the oldest of human occupations and bread one of the oldest man-made food. In Albanian culture, bread has a significance beyond mere nutrition, being one of the fundamental elements of our hospitality

The owner of Mullixhiu used to work at Noma Restaurant, #1 on the world's best restaurant.

He then later came back and started this restaurant. Loving those pumpkins on the floor which elevates the country feel.

The chef has reinvented Albanian cuisine. From what I understand, it's not on the Michelin list of restaurants, but had received rave reviews. Our menu for the night was