Seeing the Sights
Things I found strolling around the city!
Tirana is a very interesting city. To be very clear, I am really enjoying my time in the city it is unlike any other capital city I have been in EVER! Yes, that means of all the places I have been, Tirana is like no other.
It’s not a ‘love at first sight’ kind of feeling. But literally all it took was 5 minutes of ‘on foot’ exploration and the love grows and grows and grows. It’s not the cultural sights, it’s not the parks, it’s not the museums, it is it’s entire collective vibe that you fall in love with. Some countries are famous for a few things, like it’s museums or it’s nightlife or it’s food or it’s outdoor adventures, but from what I can tell, Tirana is the all-in-one capital.
The best part is, they are so modest about it…Ocean Beaches? Indeed…Gastronomy? Check…Glorious Mountains? 100%…Abundance of Nature? Are your eyes open cause it’s everywhere…Deep History? Plenty of that…Cafe culture? Duh, coffee is life…
Let me explain, cosmetically it is just a city and doesn’t possess the classical aesthetic charm as some other cities in Europe. Nor would it, the country has had a very different history than many other countries in Europe. Having said that…there is charm seeping from the seams of the city, you just need to explore the nooks and crannies. In the most literal sense, with every city block you explore you will expose all the beautiful charms the city has that makes it the most unique city I have ever visited.
Like I explained earlier, it’s like a crepe cake, some people say “peel it like an onion” but I prefer to refer to exposing the layers in a sweet way. There are so many layers to this city. I am officially 70km by foot in one week and I haven’t seen the same thing twice, even though I have walked many neighbourhoods twice…but something new always catches my attention. A new statue, a new ornament, a new alley full of shops and cafes, a new alley that leads to a new neighbourhood, a new food to try. There is always something new to be found here.
The Biggest Asset: Hospitality
WOW! The Albanian People!
One thing is for sure (and I hope that I don’t offend anyone) but in this past week exploring the city on foot, I have had more conversations with strangers than any other city I have explored. All it takes is a simple smile and a good morning and people go into full conversations. Albanians are by far the friendliest people up front, the bare minimum engagement needed and you have seemingly made a new friend.
Don’t get me wrong, other countries in the Balkans are also very very friendly but the difference is that it takes a bit more to get into a conversation, at least more than a smile and a simple greeting. BUT not Albanians, they are fully on board to chat…even after I ask if they speak English because I only know a little Albanian…they keep chatting away and then smile and say “oh yes English, blah blah blah…have a nice day, welcome to Albania”. LOVE THE PEOPLE!!! 
I still have so much more to explore in the city and the country and I am so happy I have chosen to spend 3 months here. I can see this capital city being long term destination….just putting it out there! I know I am only on week 1, but I can truly seeing calling this one ‘home’. I can see that it is relatively easy living here, or easy to just live life here, or maybe a better way to say it is that it is comfortable here and feels like a place you could call home.
Pyramid of Tirana
Pyramid has had several lives in the past: originally constructed as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, it has also served as a temporary base for NATO during the War in Kosovo, a nightclub, and an event space. For many Albanians the Pyramid is now the symbol of the victory over the regime. In an attempt to reclaim the deteriorating structure, the youth of Tirana have used it as a hangout and a canvas for graffiti, and often climb it at night and then – not without risk – slide down its slopes.
Tanners’ Bridge
This old bridge dates back to the 18th-century and the period of Ottoman rule. Today, it’s a pedestrianized bridge, but it used to be used for farmers and livestock to cross the stream coming from the east into Tirana. The bridge was restored in the 1990s and while it’s not necessarily imposing enough to merit going out of your way, if you’re passing through the area certainly stop by.
Reja – The Cloud
A series of stepped terraces provide seating areas that allow the Pavilion to be used as a flexible, multi-purpose social space. The delicate structure is enhanced by its semi-transparency and creates a cloud-like form, as if it were mist rising from the undulations of the park.
Mosaic of Tirana
It is believed to date back to the 1st-century Roman house, referred to by local archeologists as the ‘Villa rustica’. Later, in the 5th and 6th centuries, a Paleo-Christian Basilica was built around this site. It was declared a cultural monument of the first category in June 1973.
Ded Gjo Luli (Dedë Gjo Luli)
Ded Gjo Luli Dedvukaj also referred to as Ded Gjon Luli was an Albanian guerrilla leader most notable for commanding the 1911 revolt against Ottoman troops. He was posthumously awarded the “Hero of Albania” title.
Adem Jashari
Adem Jashari was one of the founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, a Kosovo Albanian organization which fought for the secession of Kosovo from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the 1990s. (Wikipedia: https://bit.ly/2X8hBNB)
Bunk’Art 2
Unique Albanian history museum inside a preserved, Communist-era nuclear pit bunker.
Zogu I Zi Roundabout
It is the roundabout in the entrance to the center of Tirana from Rruga e Durresit.
Stone Mushrooms
Another Mushroom
Statue near the History Museum
A piece of the Berlin Wall
Postbllok – Checkpoint, bunkers in the city
Pig lawn ornaments?
Grand Park of Tirana
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.