Finally – anchors
aweigh and dock lines released! Despite our
destination only being 14nm from Corfu, it seemed tough to move on from a most seductive
Greece. But, here we are at last,
dockside in Saranda, Albania’s “Riviera”,
with everyone else – ferries, mini cruise ships, fishing boats and all sorts of
(mostly Italian) pleasure craft. Oddly
enough, our dock lines were taken by Aussies (Zarafet) who had not long arrived.
Saranda sits
tucked in the base of a bay at the foot of high, parched mountains. The whole country it seems is like this. However scattered through are vast fertile valleys
with everlasting freshwater springs. Oil
and water are Albania’s natural commodities.
Like most
nations in the Med, Albania has an early history beset by strife and
turbulence. It fared no better during
the World Wars, eventually finding itself a closed country under firm Communist
rule. Since 1991, it has edged towards
democratic governance and more recently, applied for EU membership. Whilst there is limited infrastructure for
visiting yachts (and assurances that off-shore minefields really are cleared), it
seems impossible to consider where Greece ends and Albania begins. In Saranda, beaches are busy, restaurants
full and lots of people are enjoying their summer holidays. As we all do.
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| Saranda viewed from Lekursi Castle |
(Why are we
here? Well, aside from exploring countries
quite different to those in our own (Asia Pacific) region, Albania is not yet
EU. This means we have stopped the
dreaded Schengen (for us) and EU VAT (WJ3) clocks; albeit for a few days/weeks
without the madness of having to return to Turkey, make for Egypt, Tunisia or
Morocco. One of the requirements for
entry into Albania is that we must appoint an agent. For a fee, they undertake the laborious task
of completing paperwork, having it stamped off by various departments and
translating officialdom for us. Agim Zholi came highly recommended and he
became our friendly source of all things Sarande. As you can see, life is not without its
challenges, even in the marvellous Med!)
To: Sarande, Albania Lat/Long: 39:52.263N 20:00.203E Date/Time: 20/08/14: 1300
Time Taken: 21nm (3.5hrs) Distance (this year): 980.5nm (166.5hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 14313.5nm Weather: Calm; good protection in Saranda at this time of year at the town commercial dock
Fastest Speed: Averaging 6-6.5kts – under the iron horse again…
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| Lekursi Castle from our dock |
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