Eastern Europe | Albania
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Tiranë
Quirkiest Capital of Europe
The heart and capital of Albania
Tiranë is by far one of the quirkiest capital cities I have seen. (FYI That’s a good thing) It has unconventional charm and while structurally it’s fairly new due to chaotic and turbulent history, it has hospitality embedded in its roots.
With the fall of communism just a few decades ago in the 90’s, the capital has risen at impressive speeds. The city centre has a generous mix of buildings and skyscrapers in various stages of construction while the city is also peppered with what’s left from the past. A buffet of vibrant restaurants, ice cream on every corner and options for all wallet sizes. BUT be warned, if you are most comfortable with the western style fast food, you won’t find Starbucks and McDonalds here. But truthfully, why would you even eat and drink there when there are so many local choices anyway.
The National Art Gallery, the new Post blloku memorial on the main boulevard and the Grand Park are all additional reasons to visit Tiranë. Situated between Parku Kombëtar (a public park), the Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit and the river is the once totally forbidden but now is home to the very trendy Blloku, formerly an exclusive neighbourhood for the Communist Party.
Jackelyn Approved
...and It Was Worth It. 
Into the Castle in the Sky at Petrelë
Petrelë a village perched up high just outside of the capital that is known for it’s castle sitting above all else and gives Rapunzel’s tower vibes!
Is there more to us than just an objectified experience of just existing?
If ever there were bonus points for active participation in life, I am claiming all the bonus points. Are you living externally or are you a contemplative soul?
Exploring Karaburun Peninsula & Sazan Island
A mysterious military island with secret bunkers and tunnels designed to withstand nuclear attack, just off the coast of Vlorë.
Wine, Raki & Olive Oil…OH MY!
Today I adventured to the sea, the beach, a winery and had an epic day… I am officially a ‘Lady who lunches’…even if only for one day.
Hiking at Bovilla Lake
Finding paradise just outside the city. Up, up and over to soak up the views at Bovilla lake.
Kayaking in Komani Lake Indulging in the Nature
Explore the Albanian wilderness by boat, hiking, swimming and kayaking. Two-days of serious doses of unspoiled nature in some of the most rural areas with jaw-dropping sceneries of Northern Albania.
Tirana, an undercover full-fledged charmer!
As Lionel Richie famously said….”Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” Could it be that Tirana is ‘the one’?
Learning the Best Albanian Food Secrets
Heavenly Bliss, homemade traditional Albanian dishes. In case you weren’t sure, I love food. Now you know!
Tiranë Street Food & 3 Bazaars Extravaganza
Fortune telling in Turkish coffee, bazaar extravaganza, street food and Raki and a fated watermelon incident. Buwahaha, 10km later it was a perfect day and I barely even noticed it was 41 degrees….until I climbed the stairs in my apartment building caring my 25 lb watermelon. Still, it was worth it.
Albania…the other Riviera
Albania, Go Your Own Way is their motto! Often overlooked as crowds flock to other Balkan countries, but from Albania’s quirky capital with curiosities like museums in atomic bunkers, ornate mosques and pyramids to explore, massive squares, major outdoorsy stuff from mountains to beaches….Albania is a must go country. Stop skipping over it!!
Shqip…independent and like no other
Albanian Language…adding another language to my collection!