As I am sitting in my usual spot at my favorite local coffee shop, I am looking out at the ocean and mountains surrounding me. Albania is absolutely breathtaking. Many of you have most likely never heard of this small country settled between Italy and Greece. However, after spending one month here, I would highly recommend you put it at the top of your bucket list.
SIGHT:
This month, we are in the city of Vlore and the view is something out of a movie. On one side of the city, mountains that challenge those found in Wyoming rise high into the sky, while the other side is a vast sea stretching as far as the eye can see. The water here is crystal clear and extremely inviting, however, seeing as it has been in the ’40s and 50’s we have steered clear of taking a dip. Sidewalks doubling the size of the road itself can be found throughout the entire city, made to accommodate the mass amounts of people that vacation here during the summer months. Very few people drive here preferring the healthier alternative of walking instead. During our month long stay, we have walked about 10 miles on average a day.
The people here are ridiculously beautiful. I have to restrain myself from staring as model-esk men and woman walk by me on the streets. They are always decked out in nice clothing, the men in suit coats or nice jackets and the women in dresses or fashionable tops and pants. According to one of the locals, many people in Albania go into debt trying to portray themselves as someone they are not. It is very common to see designer clothing and fancy cars along the streets but in reality, they are struggling to make ends meet.
SOUND:
Coffee shops are on every street and are considered “bars” here. It was extremely confusing and concerning at first when I had fifteen-year-olds asking me to go to a bar with them. Another fun fact about Albanian coffee shops, they love to blast American/EDM music over the speakers 24/7. I thought I would get used to the Justin Bieber and Skrillex playing behind me as I wrote in my journal and had my quiet time but that was of false hope. During the evenings, the high school and university students we worked with would teach us Albanian dancing. The music that went along with the traditional dance moves was fantastic and we enjoyed every second of it.
TASTE:
I, personally, have gained about 400 pounds (give or take) since I stepped into this country. The food of Albania is AMAZING and it seems like everyone is born knowing how to make a mean cappuccino. Sufllaqe (souvlaki meat, french fries, with tzatziki, garnished with tomatoes and onion, and served on grilled pita), pizza, and coffee have made up most of my diet while living here. Due to the Greek and Italian influences within the country, all of the “fast food” restaurants serve generous portions of carbs, meat, and cheese (insert deep breathing here). Dessert here is also incredible. Pastries, cheesecakes, and crepes were some of our favorite after dinner treats in which we feasted on regularly.
SMELL:
Speaking of food, the smells of the city were filled with cooking meat, homemade bread, and coffee. Saltwater and pine were also tossed into the aroma to give Vlore a gentle touch of home. The clean air was greatly welcomed after spending two months in the beautiful, but polluted areas of Asia and we enjoyed deeply breathing in the fresh air.
TOUCH:
The people of Albania will forever and always hold a special place in my heart. Many of the students are extremely intelligent individuals who work hard for a better life. It has been an honor to work alongside these people and reach the next generation. Thank you to all of the people of Albania who impacted the lives of my team and I while we lived in Vlore. We miss you desperately and hope to see you all again someday.
