Friday August the 13th
Total distance driven: 6.449 Km
Today’s distance: 110 Km in 1:56h
Walked distance: 5,9 Km

I’m exhausted. Almost 40 days on the run. If I had a companion, it would probably feel differently. My wife and the boys landed in Rome yesterday and I would like to see them.

It’s a weird feeling: I love to travel, see other places and meet new people. This journey feels like the trip of a lifetime and so far, I had a fantastic time. On the other hand there is an urgency inside of me to reach Rome. Albania would easily deserve at least other 4 days with places like Gjirokastër, Benja, Syri i Kalter, Krujë and Bovilla lake just to name a few.

But it‘s time for me to complete the first leg of this tour. Yesterday I booked a Ferry to Bari and had to get a COVID test. Albania does not belong to the European Communion yet and therefore Italy requires a test and some additional papers even if you are vaccinated.

In the morning I drove from Tirana to Durres/Durazzo and in less than an hour I was there, doing the check-in.

While waiting for boarding I met another biker from Italy with a Harley. We were the only two passengers with motorcycles.

The Ferry left with 2.5h delay and took 8h to cross the Adriatic sea. Aboard I met Albert, Albanian living in Italy for 30 years. He works in Basilicata picking fruit and vegetables on farms. We talked for hours and he provided many insights about Albania.

Around 11pm we arrived in Bari. A night in the cheapest hotel was 173€. It‘s August. Luckily I checked before leaving Albania and found a much cheaper option in the town of Barletta. A short night ride and around midnight I fell asleep. I’m in Italy 🇮🇹