Banja Luka, Bosnia

Banja Luka is a lovely little city in Bosnia. It is the capital of the Serbian part of the country. There is not a great deal there, but the military museum had this terrific little tank out the front. hard to imagine such a cute machine was built to kill people - it even looks like it has a little Pinocchio face.

Communist-era public art

Those communists certainly knew a thing or two about public art. They put it everywhere, including some very impressive (retro) pieces at the airports. This one is from Kiev, and even though it is a littel out of focus, it gives the idea. Sort of sad it has all gone.

Kiev

Kiev is 1) goregous and 2) very expensive. The city is full of wonderful old buildings, churches, parks. It is clean and easy to get around, and the locals must be the friendliest in the former Soviet Union. Things are expensive though, but I have not had much time to shop. It is a bit chilly, but otherwise gorgeous weather.

Destination: southern Albania

Southern Albania has some wonderful coast, with enormous mountains right next to the sea. That also means it is a hilly place to live as this shot shows.

High-level official government business

Official meetings in Albania are decidely relaxed. Here are some shots of me with the head of one village (subject to some extension demolitions that they blame on the World Bank) and our driver Freddy (photo below), and the head of another village and his charming wife (right), who entertained me in their garden with their own rakia plus some chocolates and coffee. Sometimes I have to pinch myself at the good fortune to meet these people.

What am I?

I am small, isolated, mysterious. I am very old and beautiful, and full of friendly people. What am I?

Answer: I am an Albania!

You can see it is just around the corner from Greece. Very nice place.