Surprising Albania

Sitting in Tirana on a terrace watching people. Such a fascinating city on all levels. The history of the country, the ongoing developments (many constructions) in the city, the vibes, lots of young people, and the beautiful mix between east and west, you find it here.

For me, it feels very familiar. Lived in Morocco, Turkey and Tunisia, and in different countries in Europa, this is the city where you find it all. Not the hassle of the men (sorry) and walk and eat peacefully here without being disturbed or feeling uncomfortable. For example, taking a bus in the evening here is relaxed, the guy who’s checking the tickets didn’t even want to receive my payment. And asking twice if I am ok? Wow, I am impressed.

Definitely a highlight on my journey. Don’t ask about the food in the city because when I have the opportunity to eat something different , like Asian or Thai, (I am like Ashley and Hippie) , I take it. But plenty of nice restaurants for a very affordable price.

If you’re looking for a citytrip destination, Tirana is great!

Hitchhikers

It’s incredible what all can happen in one day. Driving away from Tirana and my GPS didn’t really work. So I had to watch carefully where I’m driving. Tirana and signs are not something that goes well together. Luckily it was quiet on a Sunday morning.

Suddenly I see two young people dressed like they came from the Oktoberfest along the highway, hitchhiking. I stopped and they got in. I thought it was a joke travelling in clothes like this. But they have a story, a deeper meaning. Wow, I am impressed that you have the courage to travel for 3 years non stop. Only a funeral allows you to go back. No cell phone, no computer… and wearing traditional clothes and bag. And you have to fulfil 3 years. Anna, the lady, told me that her brother is getting married today but she was not allowed to go. She’s allowed to have visitors. You always rely on people where to sleep or to stay. They sometimes sleep in the open air. But they are not equipped! No tent! What courage. I’m impressed and you have to do this before you are 30 years old.

I took them across the border to Macedonia and apparently the Albanian douanier found us a bit funny or strange. They wanted to check my camper and had to drive on the bridge. But they were friendly and I think they noticed we were just harmless people. But it was an experience pulled over by the Albanian police.

Working and traveling for 3 years in Europe following an old tradition called Wanderschaft

Luckily the crossing with the Macedonia border went smoothly.

A closing picnic together along the lake and I let my two hitchhikers out in Ohrid. What an experience. And I almost hit another car parking in front of the police station…. I was still overwhelmed by their story. Never a dull moment in my life. My head was turning from information. And had to sit down on the terrace in Ohrid to think it all over what can happen in just a few hours.

That these people follow a tradition of 200 or 300 years, wow. And you think I’m courageous or brave to travel alone in my camper?

Taking one step at the time

A French man married to a Swiss lady told me this during a fabulous culinary dinner in Albania, Mrizi I Zanave. Just 1 hour above Tirana. If you like homemade food, fresh high quality, a must to go. An entire village works here, around 100 persons making homemade wine (bought some bottles of rose) cheese and using local vegetables. The farm has 200 gooses and lots of other animals (which makes a lot of noise!) . The camping is free in exchange for eating in the restaurant. No problem! And I even had breakfast the next day, I couldn't resist :-)

Camping at restaurant Mrizi i Zanave, Albania

The formula of staying for free is used more often here in Albania, a formula I can easily adapt. If I am alone, which I also enjoy, I don’t spend much time in my camper kitchen. It needs to be simple, healthy and nice. Yes, pasta and salads are often on the menu. Or bread, eggs and avocado. Therefore it’s nice to eat outside and to taste the local food. And to meet people and exchange experiences. And who thought that I would play Yenga with a German man, a Swiss lady and an Albanian young lady? And accompanied by a few glasses of good red Albanian wine, it all goes smoothly and getting more creative.

The end is getting slowly in sight… 5th of December I need to be back home for medical appointments, dentist and other stuff.

The first event is officially ‘live’

There's another important reason why I want to be home…. My first official event is launched for people who are going through a grieving process. I am proud on this milestone. Created together with Lianne, we are going to walk along the beach, through the dunes and of course having lunch together. A moment for people to meet, to laugh, to cry and exchange experiences in a beautiful setting. The nature, the sea are doing me very well in this process and I want to give this particular group of people a bit of joy in this incredibly tough process. Lifting a bit of weight from their shoulders.

The first dates are booked in my region, Zeeland. Saturday 17th December, Saturday 14th January, Monday 16th January and Monday 23rd of January. But more international events and retreats are in the pipeline. Stay tuned! Book your spot for the walk here!

It’s been 5 months that I am on the road, and I love it. From twisting my ankle (still not fully healed but my first run is completed) to emotional challenges, technical challenges and physical obstacles. My creative brain is stimulated in all ways. Next, meeting every person has given me something. A message, a source of inspiration or just a funny incident.

Anyway, the next destination is on the map for 2023, la douce France. Even better, the coastline, Cote d’Azur. Sometimes it’s meant to be because this was the destination of my first holiday together with Christophe, before taking the ferry to Corsica. And my first internship abroad was in this region. Lots of nice memories and eager to go back and to explore and support the destination.

No garage needed for my camper, I’m considering leaving in February, after my birthday.

I will enjoy my last days here in Albania before heading back to Montenegro for scouting locations for my retreats :-)