Eastern Europe
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Albania
That Ionian Sea…
Go your own way!
Those that know me, know that Albania has been a destination on my bucket list for a very long time and finally I am finding my way to this little known country.
Visiting Albania you can experience nature beyond the mountains and the sea, experience and understand local habits and tradition and most importantly, create a memory built on emotions. After all, it is how we feel that leaves the lasting memories.
From Tirana, the dynamic capital city, to the Albanian Alps, to the Ionian Sea and the many port cities, it is much like Vancouver, BC in this respect that you can adventure in all seasons, it’s where the snow meets the sea.
Albania is a destination that, for now, has more locals than tourists and is the perfect destination for a new and authentic as you can get, experience and you must visit to live it and enjoy it and feel the emotion of the Albanian people.
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!
Berat, The City of the Thousand Windows
A 2400 year old living museum city…Who wants to live in a castle? A landscape freckled with white Ottoman Houses, famously known for having people currently live inside, yes inside the castle compound on top of the hill.
Gjirokaster, The City of a Thousand of Steps
Gjirokastër, Albania, a stone city known as the City of a Thousand Steps. Located in Southern Albania at 300 metres above sea level. This place is a different calibre of most Magical Enchanting Cities…a step above the rest…1000 steps to be exact.
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.
Learning Secrets of the Artisan Craft in Krujë
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Krujë’s medieval old bazaar you get a sense of as though you are walking through a passage steeped in history. A day in Krujë, learning the artisan crafts from the masters who have been there for generations upon generations.
Visit to the Albanian North: Exploring Shkodra
Shkodra is the doorway to the country (from the North of course) for the magical natural landscapes in almost every direction. East down the Drin River through canyons, west to the Adriatic Sea and beautiful beaches, northeast are the Albanian Alps.
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!