Well, you can end up in Skoder, Albania. That's traveling. There's nothing really wrong with Skoder, but it's poor. It lacks jobs for dentists. The people hardly ever get tourists, so the whole place is insular and a little weird. There's a slight feeling of aggressiveness in the air--something we both noticed. Nothing major, but it was there. Still I'm glad we went. Also glad we left without spending the night. Some interesting photos coming up...
Yeah. You can buy em'. And it's also like 75 Fahrenheit outside, and it's late afternoon. And there are flies.
This is pretty much in the city center. A few blocks from where the bus deposited us from Ulcinj. Notice how people are looking at me taking the photo. It's not a tourist destination, so the meaning of this is "Why are you photographing us?" It's not the Louvre. They are trying to figure out what the occasion is.
What is a fishmonger? He's a fishmonger. I wanted to buy some fish, but really, not enough to buy some fish.
The smell too. I'm like "Dude, I can't. I'm sorry man."
The city is just dirt poor. But then they slap a brand new mosque in the center, complete with expensive (by Skoder standards) automobiles. The more you travel, the more confusing and quixotic the connection between religion and culture can seem. It's a huge force all over the world, but sometimes (as with here) it seems downright bizarre. Why is this mosque all shiny and expensive and modern looking? There's a fishmonger who looks just terrible and depressed a half a kilometer away. How is this helping him? I dunno. Not trying to proselytize. Just something about Albania or at least Skoder rubbed me the wrong way.
The epicenter of the city was a big traffic circle. Like peeling away an onion, things went downhill as you repaired from the circle by foot or by hook or crook (I don't even know if this is good wording. See. Albania.)
You there! Step away from the traffic circle...
Nice shot here.
Still okay.
Honey? Let's get the flock out of here. (That's just like, your opinion man.)