Coronavirus - this is how it started
It has been already a year since the Coronavirus has appeared. In the beginning, I remember myself thinking that the whole “thing” was going to end soon. My thought was that our world was thinking to start life on Mars so, we were more than able to find a cure in a short term. After a month in total isolation, my thoughts changed. I started to accept the fact that maybe the Coronavirus was going to stay. Yes, it was going to stay, at least for some years.
Coronavirus happens! right?
It happens that something occurs in life and changes everything. Soon internet became the “closest friend”. Chat rooms, jokes, long talks with everyone, movies, documentaries and a lot, a lot of news. The world had stopped and no more work or school for everyone. Till here it was cool if it was not for the fact that I travel for work. Like me, many others travel. People got stacked somewhere that maybe they were not planning to stay. A whole population of avid travelers were obliged to stop and me was in beneath.
and then...
I think that my memories of it are similar to yours. From the windows of my apartment I could see empty streets with no cars and people at all. It started to evoke in me a sense of exploration and curiosity. Empty, closed, desolated and beautiful in a way. My imagination brought me haveing long runs along the streets that normally would have been busy with cars. Maybe I could have gone back to my Skate Board passion. Tirana was a giant, calm urban park. The only thing that i knew was that travel was not going to start soon. It happened just like that. Travel slowly restarted and it was possible to travel only in the areas or regions that were considered Coronavirus free. In other words, could not travel much further than Tirana.
5 eXCURSIONS to do when in tirana during coronavirus pandemic...
So, I experienced some of the surroundings of Tirana and I have to say that, I had a good time. Hereunder a list of the activities that I did and hope that might inspire for some day excursions.
Hiking and Adventure
1. a long walk in Dajti Mountain
Dajti National Park is located in the outsikirts of Tirana. It was estabilished as a park in 1966 and spans an area around 29.000 km2. The park is easily accesible from the city center. The option that i choose was biking from the city to the nearest walking path and after hike to the top. Elevation rises up to 1600 m. There is a cable car as well known as Dajti Ekspres. The hiking route starts with an old road that brought me to an abandoned military base. After that, a mountain path goes to the top and it is clearly signed. All the activity, the walk up and down and biking back to the center, took me around 5-6 hours.
Hiking and Adventure
2. visit Shen Gjergj Village and hike to Lepuri Lake
Another top attraction, distant an hour of drive, is Shen Gjergj Village. It is located behind the Mountain of Dajti and i went there by car. Normally there is a Bus from Tirana. In this locality herding is the main activity thus, diary products and meat were tastefull. The locality abounds in natural attractions. There is a colourfull waterfall, a mountain lake with fresh water and a cave. The waterfall is just steps away from the national road entering the village. On the other side, i could have a very nice hike to the Lepuri lake. It went through the village and to the top of the hills surrounding it. I was lucky enough to be guided by a local as the path it was not clearly signed.
Hiking and Adventure
3. Bike to the Cave of Pellumbas
- Biking is a cool act
Hiking and Adventure
4. Have a picnic and sun bathing at Kus lake
Another great day that i spent was in Kus Lake, 10 km from Tirane. Next to the lake there is a camping site as well. This was a great option for a night outside. During the day, you can swim in the lake as it is absolutely safe and clean.
Hiking and Adventure
5. Just enjoy Tirana's parks and attractions
Last but not least, the city of Tirana. For sure i had some great walks around it. Normally, it is a bustling capital with a lot of people and cars but in those Coronavirus days, it was understanbly empty. The parks are one of the main attractions of Tirana. Here some great pics.
