But the biggest factor was meeting two lovely Albanian girls who became good friends of mine. Erisa and Bianka joined my second Central America tour. Both of them immigrated from Albania to the US when they were teenagers and both go back to visit often.
Soon our tour days were filled with stories and anecdotes from Albania, and learning from Erisa and Bianka allowed me to get to know a culture that most people only know from watching Taken.
(Side note: Erisa was watching Taken in the theater and suddenly let out a scream. One of the Albanian mobsters in the kitchen scene was played by a friend of hers. True story.)
So I wanted to enjoy my trip to Albania, but I wanted to make my friends proud, too. I wanted to give Albania a fair chance and get to see the wonderful parts, not just the negative stereotypes.
And did I EVER have a great time! I spent my time in Albania among the ancient ruins of Butrint, the wild and wacky city of Tirana, the turquoise waters of Ksamil, the eerie city of Berat that feels like it’s watching you. There is so much to see in this country, but it’s definitely not one for beginners.