Well, its time to move to my next destination. I’ve had an interesting time in Tirana, stayed in a beautiful Airbnb and I’m ready to move on. My travel day Tirana to Seville on Lufthansa should be simple and easy. Let’s see how it goes.
Tirana
I had my alarm set for 2:30am and left for the airport at 3:30. My flight leaves at 6:25 but I like to give myself lots of time to explore after dropping off my suitcase as early as I can. The airport was busy, much more than I expected. My favourite Albanian coffee chain, Mulliri Vjeter, has a café at the terminal, so I indulged with a final chocolate croissant and cappuccino before going through security. Yum.
The line for security and passport control was long but moved quite fast. Just like arriving, the passport control is completely automated. Simply scan your passport and move through the gate. No stamps given, no officials spoken to.
TIA Departure Gates
Once through and into the departure lounge, there are numerous shops, restaurants and bakeries to pass the time. Even a high tech looking arcade and gaming area is available. Prices of food and drink are high, just like most airports, the best deals seemed to be at the small bakery, where a burnt hot dog will set you back 500 LEK or $7.70 CAD.
TIA is relatively small, all gates are along one side of the large open lounge. There are no jet-ways, so a short walk to your plane on the tarmac, will have you boarding.
TIA to MUN
This day I am flying on Lufthansa to Seville with a short layover in Munich. The Airbus A320 is clean, the staff friendly and I have a window seat, perfect. Its dawn and the views of sunrise are breathtaking.
Lufthansa provides a free small bottle of water and a single chocolate. Lovely. The flight is uneventful and about 2 hours in duration.
Munich MUN
Arriving into Munich is somewhat overcast. I have my sights set upon a German sandwich and a clean toilet. The food here is exceptionally expensive, so even though I walk around and check out every single sandwich place, I was not willing to pay $20 for a bunwhich. I’ll have to resort to eating my protein bar on the next flight.
MUN to SVQ
Once again, I’m flying Lufthansa on an Airbus A321neo this time. Same friendly and processional service as before. This flight is a little longer at almost three hours duration. Besides writing a few draft blog posts, I am able to look at the changing scenery below. From deep red earth to yellow and finally beautiful Seville.
Seville Airport Arrivals
Wow, I was not expecting such a run down airport. Its old, crowded and terribly chaotic. Passport control is slow, but eventually I’m stamped into the EU and head for baggage and the exit.
The screen says my suitcase should arrive on belt 6. I stand there for 20 minutes or so and no luggage emerges. Then the screen goes blank. I find the larger info board and it now says carousel 7. I head on over there and although there is now luggage coming out, there is no sign of my suitcase.
After waiting another 25 minutes, I find an info desk, then I’m directed to another and then another. Finally a woman tells me that my suitcase will be at 6, 7 or 8. I head back and look at all three carousels which are now empty of people and luggage. Except for a lonely bag or two none of which are mine.
I’m devastated. This is my brand new suitcase that I had to purchase less than a month ago in Budva after my old one was damaged beyond repair while flying SAS Airlines.
Baggage Dilemma
I find the Lufthansa baggage claim desk and file a report. I’m terribly upset and begin to cry. I’m so embarrassed, but my life’s belongings are in that case. After receiving a report number I linger in the baggage area for over an hour, hoping that my case will magically appear. It does not.
Uber
While at the baggage counter filing my report, I had checked the price of a ride into town. The app quoted me €44! Wowza, that is shockingly high. Yes the airport is crowded and surge pricing is in effect but I’m still shocked and deflated.
I check again, once I’m actually ready to leave, and the price has dropped to €15! Wahoo! Now I just have to find where to meet it. I have no data and the Airport WiFi doesn’t work once outside the exit doors. I have to locate where to get the ride, as I wont be in contact with the driver anymore one I begin to walk away.
After another 15 minutes of searching and asking, I finally locate ‘Parking Express P5’. Future visitors, walk out an exit door and go to the left. Once you have passed all exit doors the sidewalk begins to curve to the right. Where this happens, enter the parcade and you will find the vehicle pick up space here.
I’m in my Uber, my driver is a lovely Carmelina and she is taking me to my Airbnb. I’m deflated, defeated and still need to find a SIM card and food. Wish me luck.
