Possibly no horse meat, a photo from Pogradec, South

Photographer's Note

I cannot, of course, guarantee the contents of the food served in this restaurant in Pogradec, Albania. Chances are that local maffias could be involved in dirty meat business and mix some horse or donkey meat with the beef or lamb to make a quick profit.

On the other hand Albania is not a member of the EU and therefore not part of the free movement of junk food across the continent, which has made it possible to confuse consumers and distributors.

Also, since Albania still happens to be less "modern" than the EU countries, it's my impression that Albanian food is more genuine than the European average. So chances are that the hamburgers and kebabs sold here are actually the "real thing".

If you want to see some ecological Albanian meat production you can have a look at the WS.

tyro, Kofman, daddo, Sonata11, Sonata11, annjackman, notrap, ourania, mirosu, fabbs99, siolaw, photographer_sg, Glint, raszid62, Kielia, kasianowak, macjake, bayno, jacquest, PiotrF, ikeharel, aliabazari, mcmtanyel ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

tyro (30513) 2013-02-17 12:43

Hello Gert,

This picture reminds me of so many ones which Aleks uploads - although he lives in England, he is from Albania and many of his pictures from there seem to include groups of middle aged or elderly men standing around talking - this must be a favourite pastime of men in Albania!

But I wonder if they are talking about the possiblitity of horsemeat being found in hamburgers? Probably not. The recent controversy doesn't worry me too much from the point of view of health but I hate dishonesty and the whole affair smells strongly of fraud.

A fine "candid" group shot with good light, perfect exposure and excellent true colours. A fascinating note too.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

P.S. A very nice workshop photograph too with excellent depth and lovely lighting - it would make a perfect upload in its own right.

saxo042 (38078) 2013-02-17 12:59

Hej Gert,
En gång i tiden, när man fick ett smörgåspålägg som kallades hamburgerkött, så var det garanterat hästkött. Inget fel i det... Detta är en snygg bild med ett aktuellt inslag, men här vågar jag påstå att den bilagda extrabilden är synnerligen bra, för att inte säga bättre. Men den har ju inte samma aktuella anknytning.
Hälsningar
Gunnar

daddo (28748) 2013-02-17 14:08

Hi Gert. The note accompanying the photo is a pleasure to read for its guarded tone and a touch of humour. I love your workshop photo which brings to mind the kind of Albania the travelers of the early 20th century would have encountered throughout the country- green, mountainous and forested where the kanun ensured the safety of strangers. Regards. Klaudio.

emka (158826) 2013-02-17 16:19

Hi Gert, nice photo of this group of men chatting. I like the expressions of the one on the left. Insted of red jacket, like on the photos of Gunnar we have here red plastic bag.
As to horse and donkey meat, horse meat was and maybe even still is eaten in Poland. They said that the best beefsteak was from horsemeat. I have never tried though. And i remember that many years ago the real Hungarian salami was made from donkey meat, anyway, the people said so.
Excellent quality of the shot - natural colours, sharpness and composition are superb. Warm regards
Malgo

Nicou (193814) 2013-02-17 19:38

Hello

Très belle compo et scène de ce groupe de trois homme qui papotent merveilleuses attitudes et captage avec les inscriptions colorées en fond superbe.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

Sonata11 (34119) 2013-02-17 20:07

Hello Gert,
wonderful capture of daily life scene. Great executed those men talking. Perfectly well done.
Thanks for sharing.
Warm regards,
Barbara

dkmurphys (79209) 2013-02-17 22:38

Hi Gert,
Another simple but attractive street scene. I like the atmosphere, I wonder if they all about politics, football or grandchildren.
Have a good week.

Daniel

annjackman (23019) 2013-02-17 23:42

Hello Gert,
This trio certainly seems deep in conversation about something. A very good daily life picture from Albania with good splashes of colour to lift the picture from the rather dull greys and browns of their clothes.
The horsemeat crisis is certainly a hot topic just now in many countries and a reminder to us that there is no such thing as cheap meat-based prodcts that are of good quality.
Love the WS as well.
Best wishes, Ann

agjika (3177) 2013-02-18 1:55

Hi Gert,
Fantastic street shot, it is full of colour and the "subjects" are well placed. They are clearly paying a lot of attention to what the speaker is saying!. I am more interested in the "new menu items" when I was a kid there were just Byrek-s and Shishkebabs now you see Gjiro, Hamburgs and "Doner -s"!

As for the quality of meat you are probably right, most of shops in Albania are small family owned they buy meet according to their daily sales expectation which are not usually that great to justify buying large amounts from abroad. Do not be fooled though that all meat in Albania is local as Albanian traders these days roam the world in search of cheaper meat, freezers are available everywhere and the blackouts are becoming a thing of the past!

It is very simple really - small is expensive - better quality - when it goes wrong it affects a few people; big is industrial - cheap - when it goes wrong it affects millions!

I agree with John about the WS photo, it is good enough to be a separate post.

Regards

Aleks

marabu61 (11587) 2013-02-18 2:01

Hej Gert
such a charming and so typical scene for the Balkans. Three old men gossiping the time away on the street.
Regarding your note, did you know, that hores meat is acctually healthier than beef, containing less fat but much iron.
Anyway being a professional chef, I never by these kind of convenience food, I still prefer to cook my Lasange fresh with meet from the local butcher.
hejda
Daniel

Kamilutka (8107) 2013-02-18 2:21

Hello Gert,
nice note with a bit of humor ;-) I enjoyed the photo too, the scene almost looks like from my village. The every day disputes seem to be very important part of life here in Balkans. Very nice composition and colors, and what I like the most is so well captured facial expressions.
Thanks for sharing
Kamila

abmdsudi (95869) 2013-02-18 7:03

Hi Gert
Good street and people photography filled with specks of vibrant colors with so much detail around to view while keeping those three wise men as central focal of interest. Indeed lots of storie or perhaps gossiping going on there that catches your attention, interesting colourful characters too - in particular the spokesman who possibly does all the talking while the rest are good listeners. This is an attractive daily life depicting the local going about their daily lives and a good spot to shoot unaware and make them tell the story. Great work with the camera, focus and dof are just spot on. Well done
Kind regards

BennyV (34780) 2013-02-18 9:34

Hej Gert

A simple street shot. Nothing special in itself, but I love how it comes alive in combination with your note.

Greetings from one of those countries that wonder what on earth the fuss is about.

Benny

PS: There's no ham in hamburger neither.

rbassin (27472) 2013-02-18 10:35

hello Gert
Une très belle scène de ce trio en discussion, accompagné d'un texte intéressant et d'actualité.
Bonne soirée
Roland

mohammad_H (10178) 2013-02-18 13:47

Hello my friend
The best and most healthy food, white meat, fish and chicken
Meat is usually (can not be healthy and high risk species)
Good notes
Good resolution
Good luck

eldancer1 (36343) 2013-02-18 20:13

I think those gentlemen are exchanging war stories instead of talking about the hamburger from that restaurant. Although one look very serious. Nice capture of the daily life with good lighting and dof with sharp details. Wonderful colors. Well done, tfs.

wolf38 (30) 2013-02-18 22:48

Hello Gert. Hamburger, Döner, ... - and old men in animated conversation. What a beautiful and lively scene. Everything in this photo fit together ideally. Something special are the various colors. In particular, I must smile at the title. Total outstanding.
Rgds wolfgang.

notrap (7812) 2013-02-19 1:24

Hallo Gert,
schöne Szene, der Mann auf der rechten Seite ein städtischer Geschäftsmann, der links ein Bauer. Ob Pferdefleisch oder nicht - das ist ja unwichtig, wenn es in Albanien gern gegessen wird. Wir hier in Deutschland vergessen, dass nicht die Herkunft vom Pferd skandalös ist, sondern die Deklaration als Rindfleisch und der völlig unbekannte Ursprung.
Viele Grüße
Elvira

ourania (51103) 2013-02-19 7:39

Hello Gert,
the question of food quality is often haunting in our days... This is a readily and aptly captured daily life scene that's pleasing to the eyes and full of information. The composition is stable and well balanced, the postures and expressions of the gentlemen are eloquent and interesting and the facades make a great full backdrop. There's a delightful sense of depth and the absolutely natural light and colours make the scene easy and lovely to watch. The workshop photo is soothing and idyllic. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely evening,
Ourania

mesutilgim (0) 2013-02-19 11:59

Hello dear Gert,
Nice capure from Albany with even nicer message and title !
I like the way how you have combined a daily life scenery with a actuell theme. WS is the guarantee for this Doner shop !
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

batalay (41261) 2013-02-19 16:25

Hello Gert,

An engaging not accompanies another of your street slice of daily life scenes, and this is from inaccessible world of Albania (or so it is in my world). I too would be a bit leery of the meat in that sidewalk restaurant. My father was born in 1910 in Ohrid, when it was a part of the Ottoman Empire, and his father was posted there as a young military officer.

Warm regards,

Bulent

pajaran (117063) 2013-02-19 23:06

Dobar dan.
Dobar tekst sa datim podacima ...
Gospoda razgovara, imaju puno vremena ...
Dobra trenutak snimka, ostrina i kontrast, lepe boje.
Dobra kompozicija, lepo pokazano.
Imajte lep dan, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good day.
Good text with the given data ...
Lord speak, they have a lot of time ...
A good time recording, sharpness and contrast, beautiful color.
Good composition, nice revealed.
Have a nice day, all the best.
Paja.

mirosu (16313) 2013-02-20 2:05

Hi Gert,
You have chosen a very actual title. I like your street snapshot. The men are in deep discussion and I don't think that they saw uour camera. Good to see the hamburger shop in BG. Excellent shot.

fabbs99 (17179) 2013-02-20 6:40

Hello Gert,

You did raise the burning issue of horse meat. i just hope that the old guys are not talking about who among them had it or not.Excellent composition, good presentation too. Very well done, TFS.

Best Regards
Farhat

siolaw (38294) 2013-02-20 6:47

Hi Gert
In France, horse meat is very common and there are butchers who sell only that... There are also saussages made from donkey meat..!
Interesting note about junk food, luckily as I live in Asia, i am not too exposed to it!
Well captured daily life scene to support your point!
Greetings
Laurent

photographer_sg (6059) 2013-02-20 7:37

Hello Gert
As good a street shot as it gets (for me) with the three old men beautifully captured. Composition, colour, clarity everything is great here. Thanks for sharing Sir!
Kind regards
Satya

Glint (6171) 2013-02-20 11:48

Hello Gert,
first of all I must say your note made me smile.If nothing else the horse meat fiasco has provided lots of jokes.Another interesting daily life scene and one that your title fits very well.I wonder what they are discussing? I guess it won't be the horse meat scandal.
Bev

nikkitta (17070) 2013-02-20 14:04

Hola Gert,
Interesting note to introduce a very good street scene, love this kind of capture
And if you are doubts about horse meat, I t try it sometimes ( to worry my parents) and it taste a little more sweet that beef
Cant understand why people do such a mes about it and eat sweet little sheep as the ones in the WS

Maria

raszid62 (18457) 2013-02-21 0:17

God middag.
Stora gatan scen som visar tre generiska nedsänkt i diskussionen om äldre män. Förmodligen har viktiga frågor att diskutera. på politik, kultur och andra tunga frågor. Kvinnor skulle nog diskuteras om matlagning eller barn, Ot en mansgris mig. Utmärkt kvalitet fotografier.
Din.
Joseph

Kielia (24077) 2013-02-21 8:40

Dear Gert,
horse meat is certainly a hot topic these days! This is another wonderful impression of daily life and living conditions! You have captured the three gentlemen very well –with fascinating expressions on their faces. I guess that the discussion of this topic will last. Thanks for sharing!
Warm regards
Harriet

jhm (211738) 2013-02-22 3:46

Hello Gert,

What a drama this horses meat, the last days see we also a Dutchman a Belgian sellers on these market.
Albania a country with a great arrears as bonafide country, but when is money than is everyone active!
A lovely picture made with high quality and sharpness.
Excellent captured, good presentation too.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John

kasianowak (17676) 2013-02-22 9:55

Hi Gert
Quintessential Albanian street scene! As soon as I saw these three characters in your image, I thought: "this must be in the Balkans". :)
I hope that byrek in this outlet is still free of any dodgy ingredients...
Best wishes
Kasia

macjake (98544) 2013-02-22 10:47

Hi Gert
I know when i visit your gallery i'm going to get a cultural lesson or two :)
I have to say, i've never ever eaten horse meat, or at least knowingly eaten horse meat.
ya gotta love the look of the mans face on the left, its priceless! reminds me of the movie grumpy old men!
this is a cool and unique peak into Albania.
cheers
craig

boa (8039) 2013-02-22 14:32

Hej Gert,
ett fint foto med ett aktuellt tema! Inget tvivel om vem som leder samtalet i den här gruppen om man ser på kroppspsråket. F.ö gillar jag verkligen ansiktsuttrycket på mannen till vänster i bilden, en blandning av skeptisk och svagt intresse. Jag tvivlar förresten på att han äter hamburgare, men jag kan ju ha fel.
En härlig vardagssituation från ett land som jag vill se mer av.
Hälsningar.
Boa

bayno (18348) 2013-02-23 4:07

Ciao Gert,
nice scene, well framed and with good sharp, i agree with you for the food, the EU or MEC or CEE is a only business, and there is any garanzy for us...
i like so much the WS..
best regards,
Valter

jcpix (14030) 2013-02-28 18:40

Hi Gert,

A very interesting note to accompany this photo, informative and thought provoking...what really is in the meat?? Scary to wonder sometimes what goes on behind closed doors. I've always enjoyed local settings and the daily life scenes played out such as this, it gives a peek into a different culture. Well collected moment of these three gentleman in the middle of their conversation and the interesting background of storefronts. Nicely managed for exposure and focus. Thanks for sharing this brief moment on the streets.

Cheers,

Jason

jacquest (19269) 2013-03-17 13:01

Hello Gert,

A candid street scene with this trio seemingly engaged in serious conversation. The expressions are well caught and the facade of the restaurant makes an interesting background scene.

Best regards

Jacques

Miguel82 (47110) 2013-05-16 4:44

Hello Gert,
Excellent document and photo note, these guys are taliking about serious topic, good action shot
Fine colors, good sharpness and exposition
Bye

PiotrF (56012) 2017-08-19 15:12

Hello Gert,
An interesting post about Albanian food. I ate tasty dishes there, but also terrible.
Superb photo in workshop!
Regards
Piotr

ikeharel (114605) 2021-04-06 5:52

Hello Gert,
A daily life street scene par-excellence.
Those elderly guys met and having a chatt about local matters.
A nice moment cptured. I like the WS picture, you may post as main.
Good afternoon,
Ike

aliabazari (23259) 2022-01-08 1:37

Hello Gert
A beautiful view of these three men talking. A shot from everyday life. Good sharpness and exposure. Thanks for sharing

mcmtanyel (69227) 2022-02-10 19:32

Hello Gert,
Look they are impartial and have both the Greek and Turkish names for the same food: gyro and döner. This goes in my Small Talk collection.
Regards,
MT