The unremarkable market town of Fushë-Kruje on the approach to Kruja, locally known for its mafia connections, hosts the only statue to US president George W. Bush in Europe on its main crossroads, with the plaque describing him as a "great friend of the Albanians". This may have been torn down in any other country, but here goes to show Albania's long fascination with the land of the bald eagle, and its gratitude for US help during the Kosovo conflict. Bush is depicted with his sleeves rolled up during his visit to Albania in 2007, and legend goes that he lost his wristwatch while greeting enthusiastic crowds in this town, something later denied by US officials. Just around the corner there's also a great byrek bakery and a bar named after the former statesman.
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