I said yesterday that it’s a cash economy, which, of course means it’s a game. A low-stakes game but still a game and you need to know the rules.
Starting with the local currency, the Leke, which is deemed to be 100L to the €. Not sure how the international money markets view it but they are the rules. Apart from 1 shop which had a small sign saying 98L to the € but we didn’t go in but were warned to be on guard.
3 transactions yesterday:
- A decent restaurant which presented the bill, we gave a large denomination note and got the correct change.
- A bar which gave me 410L change when I was expecting 1400. But it was patiently pointed out to me that the two 5s were actually €5 notes, equating to 1000L. Oops …
- Another bar which gave me change from 1000 instead of 2000 “by mistake”.
I did, though, say it was small stakes. Dinner this evening – 2 mains plus salad plus 2 drinks each (Albanian Wine is surprisingly good) plus water came to €30. That’s what I call good value especially as the food is pretty good.
Anyway, Berat, and especially the castle is great.
Morning (early)
Morning (late)
Stopped for a coffee
Evening
Well you would want to see the sunset wouldn’t you.
