When it's hotter than hell, try the remote Albanian Alps

This past weekend we packed our sun screen and headed to the northern most corner of Albania in what are called the "Accursed Mountains" or Albanian Alps. These are rugged mountains to be sure.  We stayed in 2 rustic guest houses, each with a family of 3 generations. In the first stop, the eldest man, of 97, was very animated and spry. The surrounding farmlands, back drop of high rock mountains and that cool fresh air was amazing. Add to that the abundant food all produced on the farm. Top that off with people who take pride and joy at hosting you....and you have a very special weekend.

Highway up the "Accursed" mountain range

Small settlements with no obvious roads to the houses

It is said that once the dictator ventured up to this northern most point in Albania. He got half way up the steep road to this point and said he had seen enough.

Do you see the small "men working" sign. I hope they are working on guard rails.

Yes, the 97 year old!

Our host picking the lettuce for our dinner above and hay for the winter just cut

We hiked up a mountain toward the end of the day with our visiting American friends

Look closely and find the woman and her cow. How would you like to live in this remote mountain top dwelling for 5 months in the summer? No distractions!

Of course we needed the Albanian coffee stop

In the trees!

On to the Rugova Valley in Kosovo

Again, multi generational family to welcome us and bestow food, stories and friendship

This gentleman told us stories of the war in 1999 when the Serbs came down from the mountains intending to kill his family and burn the house

His wife was delighted to sell us her handmade stocks for 2 Euros

Beautiful 3 hour hike to this alpine lake

Stopping at this 14th century monastery protected by NATO forces as you enter

And finally, remember that the tension between the Serbian Kosovars and Albanian Kosovars is just below the surface. All street signs are in Albanian first and Serbian second. Often you see the latter blacked out. 

Yes, we beat the heat of the city but received much more in the wash of hospitality that the simple folks of this region bestow on their guests.