I’ve started in Tirana, Albania. The country has about 3 million people, 1 million live here in Tirana! Plenty of road construction and traffic, but I found quieter pedestrian-only walkways. I visited the Mosque of Namazgah, where women enter at one doorway, shoes off and head covered. Beautiful interior. I attended a mass at Saint Paul’s Cathedral. I did not realize Mother Teresa was of Albanian descent. Within and outside of the cathedral are statues of her.

My taxi driver yesterday told me Albanians are tolerant of each one’s religion and celebrate all the important dates. I do hear the call to prayer some of the 5 times per day. I appreciate the freedom of religion here.

Another day I walked 35 minutes to Tirana Lake Park to see some birds! I was successful and hope to sketch some since a few flitted away before I could photograph them! Here is a little grebe:

Everyone was walking at the park and the pedestrian walkways in this city are wonderful. Another stop was at the “Pyramid”. After many steps up, you get a 360 degree view of the city.

The Pyramid served as a museum for the dictator from 1988-1991, but now is an exhibition hall and a viewpoint for the public atop the pyramid! The steps were added on the outside of the pyramid to provide a public space and attempt to erase its history with the dictator.

Today’s post will be followed by two more posts these next 2 days as I visit Albania.