Southeastern Europe Travel Diary Part Five

19.11. 21:11
It’s amazing how much happens in one day. How long one day truly can be. As I’m laying in bed writing these lines, today felt like at least a week long. First of all, I had such a bad night. It’s been a very long time since I had something as bad as this. I woke up at 2.30 a.m. and felt very anxious so I couldn’t go back to sleep. I tried to distract myself, but nothing worked. All my usual tricks to help me sleep had no effect whatsoever. I felt my pulse being high. I didn’t look on my watch, which monitors the pulse, because I was afraid of what I would see. I have no idea why I felt this way, but I was awake till about 5.30 a.m. Even though I didn’t have to work, I still had to get up at 7.45 a.m. to catch my ferry to Corfu, which would leave at 1.30 p.m. I checked the previous day that it would take me about four hours to drive to the port, so I planned my departure at 8.30 a.m. just to be safe. I actually left at 8.45 a.m. and couldn’t believe my eyes when Google Maps showed the ETA would be 1.45 p.m.! Turned out, I didn’t think that I would travel through different time zones. Greece is an hour ahead. I immediately became anxious again and wrecked my brain about what I would do. I mean, I didn’t panic or anything, I thought that hopefully they would let me on the next one, as ferrys leave every hour. Nevertheless, I drove super fast. The drive took me to more lonesome streets through Albania’s forests and mountains, which was a lot more beautiful and quiet than Durres or Tirana. I noticed many shepherds and like in old movies, often a herd of sheeps or cows would cross the street. Kinda reminded me on the series Game of Thrones a little bit. One time, I even drove behind a pick-up that transported goats.

The street was also in a lot better condition than in the urban area, which is hard for me to understand because isn’t it usually the other way around? Anyway, long story short, I was able to make it on time, I arrived at 1.13 p.m. and wasn’t even the last one. Then the adventure began, and for the first time in my life, I would use a car ferry (my family might have when I was a kid though, but I can’t remember). Still, it was the first time I did it with my car all by myself.

As gas in Albania was the most expensive so far, I avoided refuelling there, and now I had no choice but to do it in Greece. Gas prices in Greece were only slightly lower, though. So before I refuelled, I googled what the prices in Macedonia would be. They’re supposed to be way lower, so I’ll try to only use as much gas in Greece as I really need (usually I always make it full). After I topped up my gas, I parked my car and started to discover the centre of Corfu, because my accommodation would be 30 minutes away and I didn’t want to drive back and forth, obviously. So I started to wander around and once again had many beautiful views across the ocean. I noticed that the colour of the water was much more beautiful than in Albania, which was quite interesting to me, seeing that they’re neighbour countries. I also wanted to hike up the old fortress, but unfortunately, it was closed. Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow, I’ll see.

As it was getting dark I headed to my accommodation and I have to say that I was very surprised that I still wasn’t tired. Thinking about back home, I would often be tired even when I did nothing. It amazes me how much energy I have after such an exhausting night. But for now, I’m going to rest and look forward to what tomorrow will hold for me.


20.11. 15:44
This morning, I wanted to go hiking as I saw a nearby trail on Google Maps. Before that, I went to the beach and threw some rocks.

I noticed fire and heavy smoke nearby. I saw a local collecting garbage at the beach and asked her if that smoke was normal. She told me that many locals do their gardening and therefore burn the yard waste now, as in Summer, it’s not allowed to do that. I drove to the trail, but it turned out there was no street leading there. Once again, I asked a local, but she didn’t know anything about it. So, I opened Google Maps again to look for other options. But the second stop was even worse. It led to a way I wouldn’t even call a street. I didn’t feel comfortable to continue, so I tried a third place, but no luck there either. Now I was already annoyed so I decided to go back to the centre and walk up to the top of the old fortress, which was closed yesterday. At the entrance, the guy asked me how old I was because the entrance was free if you’re under 18. Loved that he thought I might be that young when I’m actually 29. When I arrived with the ferry yesterday, I saw many people up there, so it was surprising to me that now there was absolutely nobody here. I had the whole place to myself again.

I spent a good quality time at the old fortress, before going to a museum I wanted to see. Unfortunately, it was closed and is closed all winter season. Seems like a day with bad luck for me. I wandered through the streets, checked out the local market, and then decided to call the ferry service line to ask for an earlier departure. They told me that I have to check at the local office. It was a few minutes before 2 p.m. when I arrived there and I was hoping to catch the 2.30 ferry. They told me that they couldn’t change it because I booked online through a third party and I’d have to contact them. I told them that I’ve already done that and they sent me here. So she called someone and told me I’d have to email them. I tried several times but always got a Mailer Daemon. I called the service line again, and after many backs and forths, I managed to send the email. It was already past 2.30, so I was now hoping for the 3.30 ferry. Finally the lady called me back just to tell me that I have to go to the local ticket office again because my tickets were already printed. LOL. So I went back and now they changed it. I guess I wasn’t meant to be on the 2.30 one. Now, I’m currently on the ferry and will soon be arriving in Igoumenitsa. I’ve snacked a little, but I’m looking forward to settle in to my accommodation and being able to cook some noodles.

Things I noticed so far:

• The further I travelled, the more cars without catalysers I’ve seen and smelled. I always try to overtake them because the smell is pretty unbearable.
• In every country except Greece, the sidewalks are very narrow or non-existent, and people walk in the middle of the streets.
• In Albania, there were hardly any marked lines on the street, even on the motorway. Yet people had no problem driving in two lanes.
  
• In all four countries, plastic bags are still normal in daily life. Whether it’s in supermarkets, bakeries, or other stores, you’ll get a plastic bag (very often for free), and they usually pack your stuff for you.
• The streets are often very narrow, especially in Corfu. I would not recommend going with a big car. In fact, if I lived there, I would switch to two wheels.
• In every country, it seems to be normal that they serve you at gas stations. You can often even pay right outside with the person who puts your gas in. My grandma would love that, but I personally prefer to do it myself.
• Plastic cups and straws are normal everywhere.
• Smoking is allowed everywhere, which I find very annoying as a non-smoker.
  
• Just because there’s a zebra crossing doesn’t mean cars will be stopping for you to cross.