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Border Crossing: Albania to North Macedonia at Tushemisht/Saint Naum

Posted: October 1 2020 | Tagged: The Balkans, Border Crossings

​From Pogradec to the Albanian border at Tushemisht is about 7km. And from Sveti Naum on the North Macedonia side to Ohrid is about 40km. I crossed on foot.
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
​I made myself a 3in1 at the Guest House Pogradeci where I stayed 2 nights. Packed my gear up, left the key in the door and let myself out. No one around to say adieu to.

A beautiful day. A bit fresh. Pogradec is 690m asl and it's now October 1. 2 weeks ago it was 35deg C. This morning I could see my breath.

I love border crossings where I can walk! 7km. An easy stroll on an empty stomach. And travelling light is an essential 'thing' on roads like these with little to no traffic. Such flexibility.
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
​On the road to the border, an endless stream of bunkers courtesy of paranoid dictator, Enver Hoxha:
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
1 hour 20 to the border. Arrival time 10:00.
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
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Good bye Albania. It was a blast!
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
Welcome to North Macedonia. Country 97.
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
The road less travelled. Walking and hitching saved me about 3$. Lol.
Albania North Macedonia border crossing
​I hadn't researched the Macedonia side but I met an English tourist who had taken the bus to the Saint Naum Monastery but informed me that while there was a bus, the schedule was a bit sparse and he didn't know when the return bus was.

I started walking for want of something better to do.

A lady in a Lada stopped after 90 minutes of black top since the border. She explained that people weren't picking up hitchhikers this year. She gave me the low down on mask wearing: Always in shops but not on the streets, but many do as I later saw. Police stop cars if they are carrying passengers and not masking up.

I hiked across town to Ivanovi Apartments where I had booked a room. A single room, no breakfast included was 950 Albania. A dorm at one of the hostels still open, also no breakfast, 1248 Albanian. Go figure which one I chose! 7.65€ 470MD a night. Freaking awesome. Have a kettle, a small camping stove for Turkish coffees, some cups and use of a fridge with my own private shelf. I'm in Room 2. The fridge shelf is clearly marked which one is mine, as is the shelf in the shoe cupboard!
​Notes regarding travelling during Covid Pandemic:

Crossing borders may seem reckless but this is how it is: In the 7km from the private room in my guesthouse, to the border no one was within 10m of me. At the border I kept more than the 2 meters away from the border guards. This was the Albanian one. No one wears a mask but I was! At the Macedonia one, all officials and people transiting the border were masked up.
​
I then walked a further 2 hours.  A Macedonian born Austrian (she lives in Austria now but was here visiting) picked me up. Windows down, masks on.

I walked through the streets to my guest house.
​
Masks required in all parts of the house except my room.

On walk about, went into 4 shops and 1 money exchange. Masked up and social distancing.

Travelling is less reckless than it would be living back home unless you stay locked in your room. My dad says people don't social distance nor wear masks. I'm safer here!

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Next Post:

Zastava Automobiles in Ohrid North Macedonia

Previous Post:

Taking the Komani Lake Ferry | Albania


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  • HOME
  • About
    • ABOUT Me
    • About the Blog
  • Sitemap
  • ADVERTISE
  • BORDER CROSSINGS
  • DONATE
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  • destinations
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    • El Salvador
    • Guatemala
    • Mexico
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    • Turkey
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​