* I was having trouble getting the photos to fit properly, so to see the full picture on your phone, you'll have to swipe to the right.
On May 15, 2023, our family came here to Shkoder. It is a small city in northern Albania.
This is one of a few streets in the city that cars aren't allowed on. These few streets are very nice and draw any tourists that might be around.
The very next day after arriving was our son, Isaac's, birthday. After eating out in Tirana for a week, we were excited to be able to cook. I knew that baking a cake would be a challenge, as I was doubtful that I would be able to find all of the necessary ingredients. I was right. It was a bit of a flop, but it tasted really good.
For some things, like this package of baking soda, I took a picture of the item, then used Google Lens in my photo editing. I can choose to have it translated, and it does it within a second!
We have booked two rooms in a hostel for one month so that we can find a place to live. It has a kitchenette.
I was happy to find oats at the store and be able to make oatmeal, which we had daily in the US.
I love the ease of cleaning up a compact kitchen. I am so impressed by this cabinet with an open bottom that has built-in dish racks! The utensils don't need their own drawer, they stay in this utensil holder with drains.
My kids, who were used to country life, are getting accustomed to the ways of the city.
This sign on a gate to a house means, "For Rent." If the kids and I spot a sign like this while we're out walking, I take some photos and send them to Edward. This particular house pictured below, was already rented by the time we contacted them. Some things here are surprisingly overpriced. Rent is one thing that is very cheap!
A common sight that we see both here and that we also saw in Tirana, is stray/wild dogs like this one hanging out in front of stores. Occasionally they're in packs.
They are usually very mellow and quiet, but we are cautious.
In Tirana, I was surprised by how many shops there were all over the city. They were all very clean and shiny. They usually specialize in something. This particular shop is in Shkoder.
There are shops for everything all over the city.
Apparently Shkoder is known by Albanians as, "The City of Bikes."
Most shops in Shkoder are selling used items. It's almost like a citywide yard sale or flea market!
Most of the shops put things out on the sidewalk. Many do not even allow people inside, it's almost like their storage or garage area.
They have produce stores all over the place! Most of it comes from Shkoder or areas close by and is very inexpensive.
We go shopping daily and load up on fresh fruits and veggies. We are enjoying it!
This good bread costs about $1.00 per loaf. We go through several a day.
This isn't the greatest representation or photo of their ice cream options, but they have so many creative varieties and it is so good! You can get ice cream (akullore) for about $.40 per scoop with a cone! They also offer this at many pastry shops (patiçeri) which are also all over the place. It is a common sight to see people with a cone even in the morning! We have taken advantage of this special treat several times seeing it was out of reach for us as a family in the US.
The treats at these patiç(ch)eris (pastry shops) are usually between. $.50 and $1.50!
This is Shkoder's idea of Tractor Supply. I couldn't enlarge this photo, but they were selling their chickens from cages on the street. I noticed that the dogs and chickens are so beyond one breed, they don't look so good. It is such a contrast to the US, where people tend to value breeding certain kinds of animals.
We are enjoying exploring the city, getting to learn the language, meeting people, and learning their customs and ways of living.
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