9.00 a.m.: I came down to the reception at 8.20 a.m. There was no one. A Taiwan-Chinese group of 7-8 persons mostly women as the guests were there.
1.45 p.m.: I am sitting in a restaurant of the centre of Pritzen town.
Bus journey was good. In fact from the Hostel in Pritzen I met three Swiss young person who were also going to the Bus Stand. We hired a taxi for 4 Euros and I paid 1 Euro as my share. There was a mini bus standing at the Bus stand going to Pritzen in 4 Euros. The bus started at 9.15 a.m. and we reached Pritzen at 10.45 p.m. The journey was good through low hills and some villages with red tile houses which are all over in Yugoslovian countries. The Bus stop at the Pritzen is good and normal. Mini Bus dropped outside the stand. There was a tourist agency office and I got good information from there. The person did not approve of my going to Tirana via Lake Koman. It could be dangerous for person travelling alone.
I hired a taxi to city hostel for 2 Euros which is near. It is a small town and nothing is far away. The receptionist showed me the dormitory for 10 E a bed or a room with 3 single beds for 15 E. There is AC also. Bathroom is just outside and I chose this one. Later I got it for E13.5 as they did not pay 10% to booking engines. Receptionists prepared a cup of coffee from the machine and gave it to me. Meanwhile I checked my e-mail. Martin from Albanian Association has sent e-mail. He is on holidays but gave a link to someone else to get my booking. Later I sent a request to the same mail. I will check his reply in the evening. Then I went to the room and took some rest. At 12.45 p.m. came down to walk to the city centre. Maps of the city centre and walking tour were available at the reception.
I walked and now sitting in an open restaurant and finished my lunch for 4 Euros. There are some Italian soldiers coming out of the restaurant. Earlier I saw American soldiers. The bearer gave me some important information. 70% of the people in Pritzen observe Ramazan, 98% don’t observe in Albania and a few in Pristina. They believe more in German Army who is here as a peace keeping force.
I have paid the money and should go to the room and come back after 6 p.m. It is quite hot now.
7.10 p.m.: I am sitting outside in the lawns of Mohd. Pasha’s mosque. I came back to the room and switched on A.C. and slept for 2 hrs. It was too hot outside. I had lunch of grilled meat with salad. A plate of grilled green chillies and one capsicum, Bread and Tirana Beer and a plate of citrus fruit was on the house. It was overall a good meal.
Sun is setting now and I can see many Minarets of old mosque here. Ramazan does not have any special activity here. I have walked all of the old town and there is nothing new to see. Tomorrow morning I will try to go to fortress if get up early and after my breakfast (which is free in the hostel). I will leave for Tirana. I have got a mail from Albania to book the hostel but did not give name of the hostel. I have sent back e-mail.
10.30 p.m.: As I walked out and crossed the bridge, I saw some tented restaurant type sitting and on one side, food was kept in big utensils and steel plates or Thalis. I took some pictures and went down the stairs and asked the main person who directing. He told me that two Turkish people sponsor Iftar dinner every day in Ramadan or Ramzan days. He is also Turkish among some others. He insisted me to join and gave me a chair. This was the table where all organizers sat but before that food was served by volunteers to about 150 persons sitting. Plates were given to everyone sitting on chairs and tables. Exactly at 8.10 p.m. there was an ‘azaan’ in the mosque and everyone started eating. It was chicken soup, Rajmah (Beans) and a piece of meat, salad and a sweet made of figs, bread was already in the baskets which were decorated on the tables. I ate very little as my lunch was heavy. I was enjoying sitting there.
After some time I got up, thanked the Turkish organizers and walked to the city hostel. I checked the mail and got the information regarding Hostel Albania. I noted the details. Iftar party was a new experience for me as I’ve heard much about it.
I will go to Tirana Capital of Albania tomorrow at 4.30 p.m. for bus because other buses are at 6, 7 and 8 a.m. which is too early. Sudhanshu telephoned at 11 p.m. He is in London now.
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