Tirana, Albania Street Scenes

Chimara_Bazaar.jpg

Tirana_Office_Max.jpg

Waiting_to..the_Pyramid.jpg

Courthouse_and_jail.jpg

Ancient_little_bridge.jpg

castle footprint

At_the_end..h_of_lights.jpg

Albanian_light_rail.jpg

Horsecart pulling cement mixer by the Tirana airport

LaLa's Place

During the communist era, all buildings were gray concrete. After the people's liberation, the Mayor of Tirana began a project to make the city more colorful. All government buildings were painted the same colors, apartments were painted cheerful colors - some with designs such as trees, flowers, and climbing vines.

Colorful apartments

Albanian American Embassy

At least 25% of the buildings around the city have been abondonded before they are finished. There are single family homes, apartment complexes, and even industrial buildings. Apparently for the past 40 years, construction would start and funding would disappear so the buildings are just left unfinished. In some cases 2-3 level homes are finished on the lower levels, but the top levels remain unfinished. I think this is why you seldom see homeless living on the streets as you do in Denver - there are many places in which to set up a permanent camp.

Abandoned construction

Typical_scene.jpg

Rode the red bus at least twice a day

tirana_square_at_night.jpg