Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz!

Europe » Macedonia » Bitola
May 22nd 2013

Published: May 23rd 2013

More Mercedes Benz or Porches than you'll ever see in your lifetime. Welcome to Albania! I knew so little about this region before cycling through this amazing country just 5 days ago, where loyalty and integrity amongst the men rules above all else. I have cycled on the motorway, handled a loaded gun given to me by a student in an internet cafe and witnessed unscrupulous amounts of money bein... Read Full Entry

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Clive Sturdy

Sturdmeister

Over 5 years have passed since I cycled around the UK and Ireland and the time has come to get back in the ol' saddle. This time I will attempt to initially make the shores of New Zealand, initially cycling through Europe to Istanbul, the gateway to Asia, before following the silk routes through Central Asia and China to the Far East. Following a flight or preferably a boat journey to Australia, I will attempt to cycle across the Nullabor from Perth to Sydney, before heading onwards to New Zealand. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.... full info

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And Pool!

Albanian President's abode

Me in front of their equivalent Number 10 Downing street

The notorious Albanian Bunkers

Together with my Albanian friends who showed me tremendous hospitality throughout my stay

Bunker in the city of Tirana

Thousands of these bunkers were located all over Albania

Albanian countryside

A larger bunker

Still left over from the old days to safeguard the nation from invasion by imperialist countries

Jimmy the Albanian who used to work in Southsea

I met Jimmy in a small town in Albania. He helped translate for me to buy some bananas and chocolate from a local store. Used to go to Costa Coffee in Southsea. Later on he excused himself as he needed to drink some beer and do some "lines"! I assume he was a street painter?

Wild camping

On waking up the following morning I saw shadows outside my tent and thought that somebody was trying to steal my bike. On unzipping the flysheet I was surprised to see a cow looking at me.

Taking the transport to work

Old style!

Former industry in Albania

Mira and I in the breakfast cafe

I met Mira whilst having breakfast in a small cafe in Albania. She spoke perfect English which she was taught by her American pastor. Her greatest wish is to visit New York. Hopefully her dream will come true.

Saying good bye to Albania prior to crossing the border into Macedonia

Bitola Clock tower

Clock mechanism given to Bitola as a present from Hitler in 1936 and still maintained by a German clock firm to this day

Mosaics

Part of the Roman ruins (Heraclea) near Bitola town centre

Heraclea Roman ruins

Amphitheatre still used for concerts nowadays

Proms in Bitola

Gypsies play the music whilst the girls and guys who have graduated from High School dance in the street

Arrival of the girls

Gypsies play music on their arrival

Giving it max

Girls and guys dancing to traditional Macedonian music

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Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz!

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