Ka Pai Kiwis

Well that was an intersting ferry ride. Was supposed to sail at 10 but didn’t leave till after 12. We were tucked up in bed by then. It rattled and banged the whole way and had more vibrations than an Australian hired Harley.  Getting into Albania could not have been easier, customs similar to an airport and picked up 3rd party insurance from a kiosk just before exiting the port. Rode into Durres which is nice enough for a port city. Found an ATM and a nice cafe overlooking the sea for coffee then set off for a leisurely 100km ride to Berat. The city apartment blocks slowly gave way to farmland and very pretty countryside. We arrived at our accommodation for the night which is a bed and breakfast type place with a very friendly host. Sent on my way sightseeing with a large helping of Raki and a toast to Albania. This is very picturesque town with an old castle come settlement on the top of a big hill. The town is at valley level and is possibly the nicest and most fertile pla...

A very short day on the bike today. Up the coast. Passed some lovely little villages and inlets along the bay with scenes of colourful fishing boats set against a backdrop of historic churches and monasteries. Spent most of the afternoon wandering the tourist city of Bari which is a very picturesque city and very clean compared to some of the smaller places where litter is unfortunately a feature. Spot the prettiest flower.  Had a wander around the press photography awards exhibition. Wonderful photography but the things some people must endure in their lives is just so wrong. We are now waiting for the ferry to Albania which leaves at 10 tonight, check in latest is 6! I didn't realise how long it can take to leave a country. Polizzia at customs took our passports and bike docs away and was gone for ages. Passports checked at check in, then customs, then before we left the vehicle deck and at reception they have kept mine! Arivederci Itallia it has been a blas...