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Exploring Albanian Gems by motorcycle

What awaited us in Berat was a delightful surprise – a city that revealed its beauty not only by day but also under the enchanting cloak of night. Berat truly lived up to its reputation as the city of a thousand windows, a sight that left us in awe.

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Welcome back, 2wheeler ladies and Gents! Dia 7 marked a new chapter in our Albanian escapade, one filled with challenges, surprises, and the ever-present thrill of exploration. With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius, our sights were set on four of the many Albanian gems. The mesmerizing Blue Eyes lagoon, the enchanting stone city of Gjirokaster, the renowned city of a thousand windows – Berat, and the capital, Tirana. However, as we embarked on this ambitious journey, we quickly learned that even the best-laid plans can take unexpected turns.

Exploring Albanian Gems by motorcycle

The Quest for Albanian Gems and a Blue Lagoon Bliss

Under the scorching sun, we set out from Ksamil with the goal of reaching the coveted Blue Eyes lagoon. A 50-meter-deep paradise of crystal blue waters, that beckoned us with its allure. But as we approached, the reality of a 2-kilometer walk through the heat and throngs of tourists dampened our initial enthusiasm. The pursuit of this natural wonder turned into a test of endurance, as we joined the crowds that stood between us and its breathtaking beauty, so we decided that the road ahead was far more desirable than spending a couple of hours, loaded with luggage and navigating through tourists.

Parking Predicaments in Gjirokaster

Our next destination was Gjirokaster, a stone city boasting UNESCO World Heritage status. Yet, fate had other plans in store. The city’s steep and narrow streets posed a daunting challenge in finding a parking spot for our motorcycles. In fact, the city is almost closed to any kind of parking. Faced with this predicament, we made the tough decision to forgo exploring on foot, avoiding the arduous task of lugging our belongings up and down the hills. Despite this setback, the charm of Gjirokaster still managed to leave an impression.

One of Gjirokaster’s many steep streets
You know you have to call it a day when you see a forecast shaped like this

Berat’s Stormy Surprise and Unexpected Delights

Continuing our journey to Berat, a sudden storm greeted us with rain and thunderstorms. The Albanian weather gods had their own plans, prompting us to reconsider our route. The initial plan to ride from Berat to Tirana was set aside, as we opted to stay in Berat instead. What awaited us in Berat was a delightful surprise – a city that revealed its beauty not only by day but also under the enchanting cloak of night. Berat truly lived up to its reputation as the city of a thousand windows, a sight that left us in awe. Nevertheless, Berat is one of those places that deserved more time than we could spare.

Berat the city of the thousand windows
Berat by night

As our riding day adventure unfolded, we discovered the intricate dance between our aspirations and the unpredictable nature of the road. You can’t always get the outcome you planned. In fact, most of the time, the real pleasure taken from motorcycle adventure touring is the sweet taste of overcoming challenges. Once you immerse yourself in the reality and unpredictability of the adventure, you are free to enjoy what surrounds you with much more clarity and enjoyment. This was one of those days, and I’m pretty sure many more like this will come.

Our quest to explore this beautiful country continues, as we ride tomorrow to the capital – Tirana. Stay tuned as we continue our ride through Albania’s captivating landscapes and share with you the stories of each new day.

From the challenges of reaching the Blue Eyes lagoon to the parking puzzle in Gjirokastra and the stormy twist in Berat, each moment painted a vivid picture of the unpredictability and excitement that define our motorcycle journey through Albania. Our quest to explore the country’s treasures continues, as we ride forward with open hearts, eager to uncover more of its hidden delights. Stay tuned as we continue our ride through Albania’s captivating landscapes and unravel the stories of each new day.

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