Today I was taking a day trip to Kruje about an hour north of Tirana. Kruje is famous as the seat of Skanderbeg who led a revolt against the Ottomans and gave Albanians the first sense of a national identity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skanderbe g

Asking for directions in the hotel the girl said she has never been, she would have to take a day off work, she will have to stay overnight, she doesnt have the money. I wondered, why such a big deal, its only an hour away, unless this is the local practice of visiting another town?

First I exchanged some money then headed to Sheshi Karl Topia roundabout where the furgons heading north congregate. Transit in Albania is an ad hoc method of minibuses gathering in main squares and pickup up passengers along the roadside. There are no schedules and buses leave when they fill up.

All the vans were heading to Durres, where I was going tomorrow, and they pointed me the other way for Kruje. Across the street was a bus labelled Kruje. The conductor told me to sit at the front next to an old lady.

The journey became rather interesting interacting with the locals. Noticing me taking pictures the old lady who spoke no english wanted to see my pics. Then she started pointing things out along the way and wanted me to take pics. Then she wanted to check each pic and gave me a thumbs up each time!

Despite the reputation of the 'poorest country in Europe' the highways were very smooth and modern. Bus fare was 60 Lek ($0.60). We then reached a town and everyone got off. This didnt match my map and I didnt know if I had to walk the rest.

The conductor came with me and directed me to another minibus. This bus went winding up mountain roads so no way I could have walked. Tourist road signs started appearing so I wasnt sure if I should get off soon.

This minibus cost 100 Lek ($1) and ended by the Skanderbeg monument. I could see the castle so followed the hill road up. There were tourist stalls and much more touristy then anything in Tirana.

Entrance to the castle museum was 200 Lek ($2). There were lots of murals telling stories, that I didnt know anything about and all the descriptions were in Albanian.

The main feature was a grand hall. It had a giant wall mural depicting a grand battle with Skanderbeg in the centre. In front was his sword and helmet which everyone wanted to photograph themselves beside.

Outside was a terrace from where you could see the ocean. Adjacent were also the ruins of the castle. There was another Ethnographic museum but it was closed today.

Coming back there is along tourist bazaar street full of handcrafts. I was trying to find somewhere to eat to help the local economy but didnt see much.

Then I tried finding the bus back. Tourist coach groups were arriving but I didnt see any buses. Eventually I found a minivan and he told me 200 Lek ($2) which is more than what I paid coming. He was going direct instead of the stop in the town where I had to change coming here.

On the way back he went to the airport and waited. Why when the minivan was already full and we didnt pick anyone else up? On arrival at Tirana everyone paid 200 Lek so he charged me the right fare.

Still needing food I found a sandwich place for 150 Lek ($1.50).