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Albania is neither a member of the European Union nor of the Eurozone. The Albanian currency is the Lek (Plural: Leke) and it is divided into 100 Qindarka, although these are no longer in use.
In both 1964 and 1991 a zero was cut from the currency which led to the issue of new banknotes.
I got my Albanian Leke with a debit card from the cash point (ATM) at the Raiffaisen bank just between the hotels Rozafa and Kaduku. There are quite a few other banks with cash points in the city centre.
As Shkoder is situated very close to the border with Montenegro, where the official currency is the Euro, you will notice that many places in Shkoder will take the Euro as well, although mostly at a bad rate.
I was very surprised that during our two days in Shkoder I didn't see a single exchange office, especiallyas border towns usually have plenty of them.
Updated Nov 2, 2010
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The first photo was taken in 2005 on the main road, in Muriqan, a small village 10 km west to Shkodër. It shows how old motorcars are recycled to horse drawn carts.
One motorcar gives usually two carts as one axle is enough for a small cart such as the one shown on the second photo, taken in 1988.
The third photo, also of 1988, shows a rare brand of heavy duty, two axles and twin hoses drawn truck. Admire the clever use of half a barrel as a hood for protection against flying horse droppings.
The fourth photo was taken in Shkodra in 2007. It shows that even if this type of carriage is less common, there still remain some of them in 2007.
Updated Oct 23, 2007
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At the foot of Rozafa castle and on the side of the main road, there were three horses trying to feed on a waste ground, almost a dump. Apparently, they succeeded to feed enough as they all three looked in good condition , not fat but not skinny neither.
Written Feb 9, 2006
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Everywhere in the city, there are road works, pavement works, building works and the appearance of the country should be changing fast.
On this photo, taken in front of the new mosque, the sidewalk has been recently paved, trees are being planted and I can bet that very soon the whole city will have a ?modern? look.
Written Feb 9, 2006
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The first photo shows a good-looking building and a car. The building cannot be for “ordinary” housing and the car must be state owned and use as a job vehicle. Thus, I feel, this has to be the seat of an official office but which one, I do not know.
Written Feb 9, 2006
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The open-air market stands at the south entrance of Shkodër, on the left side of the street. However, as it was 12:30, the market was almost over. There remained only onions (first photo) and watermelons (second photo). The photos are not of good quality as they were shot from the car.
Written Feb 9, 2006
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The post office stands in the city center, on Bulevardi 13 Dhjetori (December 13th Boulevard). I went in to buy a few stamps and the lady at the desk was very kind. I got a nice fancy stamp surprisingly featuring Bugs Bunny ! The state of Albania pays royalties to Disney ! Who would have believed that before 1991 ?
Written Feb 9, 2006
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These photos were taken in 1988 on the outskirts of Shkodër. Our guide told us that the building on top of the hill (first photo) was the residency for major party leaders. I have not been able to spot this hill in 2005.
Written Feb 9, 2006
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The two previous tips showed that in 2005, the grey1988 housing buildings had been more or less improved and hade received some colors. In 2007, only two years later, the improvement is even more obvious. The photos have been taken almost at the same place. Now the buildings have been better repaired and they all have been painted in bright colors! The comparison with 1988 is striking!
Written Oct 23, 2007
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Albania has been and is a very religious tolerant society and Shkodra is perhaps the best example of that. It is the city with the highest concentration of catholic population in the country but it houses a slite muslim majority with a dash of orthodox believers thrown into the mix to make it a truly interfaith city. The atmosphere is great and people of different religions are the best of friends and neighbours. The religious festivals are observed by all inhabitants and celebrations are a unique source of togetherness.
Written Aug 26, 2002
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