Shkodra is a very special place to be during the holiday season. Not only because of my family and its location, at the foothills of the Albanian Alps, but because, in my opinion, you won’t find kinder, friendlier or more helpful people anywhere in the world. Albanians have lived through an imaginable 50 years in the 20th century, yet they are, for the most part, extremely affable, social, gregarious and kind. After all they went through I am amazed every day at their dispositions, vitality and willingness to help. Perhaps it is because of all they suffered that makes them so sensitive to others’ needs and so willing to help anytime, anywhere.

During the holiday season I walked the streets of Shkodra and immersed myself in their lives. I went to the bazaar where you can find everything under the sun, from live chickens to all kinds of meat and fish; vegetables; clothes; housewares, you name it. Every day the markets are flooded with people buying their goods, but even more so during Christmas and New Year’s. Stores around the city are filled with fireworks for sale. A big tradition on New Year’s Eve is for everyone to fire up and the city literally lights up with beautiful fireworks. They are also filled with artificial Christmas trees and lights for sale. One thing that stood out for me was the non-commercialism of the holiday, this was a welcome change from the over-commercialism we see in the USA and other parts of Europe. It was a stark contrast. Where we, again, in my opinion, give way too many gifts, here the children may get one gift, and not an extravagant one at that, maybe a new scarf or hat and the adults don’t have exchanges. I had to refrain myself from buying too much since I was still in that mindset and it was a little bit hard not to spend any money, but I managed. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent with family and we all had a great time together along with great food!

Which brings me to New Year 2013!

This video was taken from the top floor of my family’s home in Shkoder on New Year’s Eve. The city was lit on fire by fireworks, which started about 10:00 pm and didn’t stop until well after 1:00 am. It was a spectacular show. We were so engrossed in it that we almost missed midnight! Luckily we made it downstairs just in time to pop the cork on the champagne bottle. New Year’s Day was spent with family once more, and once more a lot of good food (I am definitely starting my New Year’s resolution tonight). Happy New Year everyone! Gezuar Vitin e Ri!!!

Tonight we decided to go out for pizza! We could have gone to a fast food pizza place but I was in the mood for a nicer restaurant, one with atmosphere and good prices, thus our choice to go to San Francisco Bar & Restaurant. We had been here before, in the summer, with my sister and some friends and found it very good for the value. The restaurant is situated on the main walking path, the “pedonale”, a stone’s throw from the Colosseo Hotel. It is owned by an Albanian gentleman who lived in San Francisco, hence the name. The fare is Italian along with brick oven pizzas, desserts and good house wines. The music is 1950’s Italian-American, mostly Dean Martin and very relaxing, if you like that type of ambiance. The prices vary but, for two pizzas, one appetizer and half a liter of house wine we paid 1,700 Lek, that’s the equivalent of about $17.00, you can’t beat that!!! Try them out if you’re in town, you won’t be disappointed.

Today was a great day in Shkoder. It started out with the sun shining, which I knew would be a good sign of things to come. First order of business at 10:00 was the all important appointment with a new hairstylist, Nanse Naroci, owner of Parukeri Estetike Lule Bore. The salon is located on Rr. Bulevardi Skenderbeu, next to Kinema Millenium. It was a very pleasant experience. The salon was clean and welcoming, with heat and music in the background. I was offered something to drink; coffee, and Nanse was very gracious. The price was comparable to other salons in the city: color was 1,200 leke; cut 500 leke; blow-dry 500 leke.  It’s a full service salon also offering manicures, pedicures and massages. Nanse did a great job on my hair and I will be back.

After the salon Vince met me and we headed to a new restaurant, Serenata. The restaurant is off the beaten path and a little hard to find if you’re new to the city, it’s located at Rr. At Gjergi Fishta. We were sent there by a friend and it was worth it. The ambiance was pure European, although new, the service was friendly, and the food very good for the price. We had Risotto di Mare (Seafood Risotto) and Grilled Pork Chop with the house wine, ending with cappuccino. Delicious!

As we left the restaurant we head north on Rr. Berdicej a Gjuhadol and came upon the loveliest Christmas bazaar! Mary Poppins by Women Creativity.  The owner/designer is as talented as she is lovely and gracious. All items are hand crafted and from her own designs. I purchased this lovely Christmas Tree all made of felt fabric! If you get a chance to stop by I recommend it, all items are original and unique! Til next time…

    

Today we strolled around Shkoder in the late afternoon. I always enjoy that time of day in the city for its quietness and calmness. It’s as though everyone is resting, well not as though, it is when everyone is resting from their lunch but, not being used to napping ourselves, we enjoy taking advantage of other people’s reposes from the hustle and bustle.

We made a big loop. Strolled up toward the Bashkia (Municipality) and right to the Migjieni Theater, then behind the theater to a small shopping area where we picked up a few household items. Came back around the Theater and up on Rruga Martin Camaj to a very nice supermarket where we picked up even more goodies. After that we came back toward the Bashkia and went to Bar Restorant Oaz on Rruga Dhjetori Piace. This spot is lovely. The decor is modern and trendy and the location perfect as it overlooks the Bashkia and the new “pedonale”. We sat by the window and enjoyed the glittery view of the lighted Bashkia and palm trees. It was a quiet and lovely spot to have the usual cappuccino, which by the way was delicious!