We left the apartment at 8.50am, and quickly checked a couple more beaches in Ksamil.
We then made our way into Sarande with a couple more stops, starting with the 40 Saints monastery, which is now in ruins after it was bombed by the British allies in 1944 during WWII.
The monastery was built in the 6th century AD as an important Byzantine pilgrimage site. It was named after the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, which is also why it included 40 rooms, one for each of the martyrs. The legend tells that a group of Roman soldiers were asked to renounce their Christian religion in exchange for shelter. They kept loyal to their faith and refused upon which they were killed as martyrs near the city of Sebaste in Armenia.
One of the biggest reason why we came was to see the panoramic views of the city of Sarande.
We then drove to Lëkursi Castle which also has an amazing panoramic view.
The monastery was built in the 6th century AD as an important Byzantine pilgrimage site. It was named after the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, which is also why it included 40 rooms, one for each of the martyrs. The legend tells that a group of Roman soldiers were asked to renounce their Christian religion in exchange for shelter. They kept loyal to their faith and refused upon which they were killed as martyrs near the city of Sebaste in Armenia.
One of the biggest reason why we came was to see the panoramic views of the city of Sarande.
We then drove to Lëkursi Castle which also has an amazing panoramic view.
The castle has now been converted to a restaurant, and we noticed that they had power running. We were told by the staff at the restaurant that the power cuts did not affect the upper Sarande and those living at the back of the hill.
It wouldn't had been easy hiking up to these 2 panoramic viewpoints and so I was glad Clemens offered to do it together.
We drove into Sarande city to check into my apartment with a fantastic location in the city.
It wouldn't had been easy hiking up to these 2 panoramic viewpoints and so I was glad Clemens offered to do it together.
We drove into Sarande city to check into my apartment with a fantastic location in the city.
After exploring a nearby market together, Clemens and I parted ways as he make his drive back to Tirana, while I continue on my travels.
The first course of business was to find out more details of the antigen rapid test I need to take to enter Greece. There were a couple places which offered it for LEK 2,000, but as I was leaving on Sunday noon, I had to make sure I get the right closing times of the clinic for Saturday, especially since the antigen test is only valid for 24 hours, and I didn't want to leave it till the morning of my departure to get the test done, along with some of the test centres being closed on Sunday.
And then I took a walk around the Boulevard along the water to find a place to catch sunset.
I finally ended up at Opal Club, and ordered a Pina Colada. Unfortunately the clouds were too heavy at the bottom, so a proper sunset could not be seen.
I decided to have an early dinner and found a place called Haxhi, which was nicely decorated, and ordered a Grilled Dorada with a glass of wine.
I was given a generous pour of white wine and was pleasantly surprised with a complimentary Tzatziki.
Even the fish tasted really good and was later also given a complimentary vodka with peach drink, along with some cakes and apple slices.
The first course of business was to find out more details of the antigen rapid test I need to take to enter Greece. There were a couple places which offered it for LEK 2,000, but as I was leaving on Sunday noon, I had to make sure I get the right closing times of the clinic for Saturday, especially since the antigen test is only valid for 24 hours, and I didn't want to leave it till the morning of my departure to get the test done, along with some of the test centres being closed on Sunday.
And then I took a walk around the Boulevard along the water to find a place to catch sunset.
I finally ended up at Opal Club, and ordered a Pina Colada. Unfortunately the clouds were too heavy at the bottom, so a proper sunset could not be seen.
I decided to have an early dinner and found a place called Haxhi, which was nicely decorated, and ordered a Grilled Dorada with a glass of wine.
I was given a generous pour of white wine and was pleasantly surprised with a complimentary Tzatziki.
Even the fish tasted really good and was later also given a complimentary vodka with peach drink, along with some cakes and apple slices.
Service was also impeccable and probably one of the better meals I've had in Saranda.
Having not slept very well last night, I was exhausted by 9pm and had an early rest. I've also noticed I had started developing a cough since yesterday and am hoping it isn't covid.
I did also notice that while I was seated right in front of the heater at the restaurant, I haven't coughed at all, so I am hoping it's just a normal cough that's triggered more when in the cold.
I'll find out tomorrow in my test!
Having not slept very well last night, I was exhausted by 9pm and had an early rest. I've also noticed I had started developing a cough since yesterday and am hoping it isn't covid.
I did also notice that while I was seated right in front of the heater at the restaurant, I haven't coughed at all, so I am hoping it's just a normal cough that's triggered more when in the cold.
I'll find out tomorrow in my test!
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