I sleep well even though the bed sinks in the middle and wake up with the sun at 5 so draw the curtains and sleep in until 8. I get up and wash my hair which was overdue and then head out for an explore before breakfast. I run into a woman on the reception desk who introduces herself as the owner and asks me if I’m looking fir breakfast. I’d forgotten about it so I’m happy to accept. It’s pastries, Fruit, cheese, meats, bread and spreads and I make an instant coffee before she comes and offers me a machiato I spend an hour at breakfast then head out fur a 30 minute walk before I have to log on for work. It is a small city and we are in a great location. I ... read more

I sleep pretty well but I wake up tired and my back is sore from the too soft bed. I get dressed and head down. I find the hostel owner on the sofa, it looks like he slept there and I wonder if I’m in his room and he gives it up when guests book? It definitely feels more like an air bnb than a hostel. I tell him I’m too tired for hiking today and just going to see the city he says no problem. I head out walking to the bus centre which I do think is further away then the 400 metres he advertises. I continue walking looking for the street we drove through last night. I find the bazaar which is essentially lots of shopping streets with shops selling trainers, sports gear, ... read more

DAY 6 – Valbone to Shkoder I wake up when my alarm goes off from a dream where someone had gone mad with a broken bottle threatening to kill people in the staff bathroom of Tesco. Obviously there was something in that wine. I have left it literally until 8 to get up so I jump up and go out in my pyjamas. It is pouring down and there is a power cut. I head to the breakfast building and breakfast is laid out, Bread, butter, jam, cheese and a plate of tomatoes and Cucumber. I still feel a bit sick and can’t face cheese and salad for breakfast so I have bread, jam and butter. She comes in with an omelette and a turkey sausage and asks if I want coffee or tea. I go ... read more

DAY 4 Theth It was a quiet room. I needed the toilet three times in the night but other than that I slept well. Fitbit says 8 hours and an 86 sleep score. Must be the mountain air. Everyone but me is leaving here today so one by one they get up as I chill. Rosa comes in to get one boy for breakfast and the Aussie girl accidentally turns the light on. Still I stay in bed until its nearly 9. I see the Aussie girl drinking water from the tap and she says its good to drink here so I fill my bottle up to take my tablets. My clothes are still wet so I put them on the fence outside to dry. I sit outside beside the Cheshire girl who has left most ... read more

I wake up a few times in the night but on the whole I sleep pretty well. I wake up with a headache through and my back is sore. I’m up earlier than my alarm so I take some migraine tablets, jump in the shower using the free shower gel and my swan towels. I accidentally spill water over my power bar and plug adaptor so I unplug and dry off as best I can hoping I don’t get electrocuted. Then I repack my bag, reorganising it as I know I’ll be leaving my big bag in Shkoder. After a few stretches for pain relief I feel a bit better so I head to breakfast which is a free buffet. I can’t risk milk or yoghurt and coffee is extra so I opt for toast with ... read more