We stayed at one of the most modern and comfortable Airbnbs we've ever stayed in.
We drank coffee that rivals that of the best coffee shops in SF and NY.
We ate a pre-fixe dinner at Mullixhiu, whose chef used to work at the #1 restaurant in the world. All within a budget of ~$100/day total.
However, more than the value, what impressed us most was the progress. A little over 30 years ago, Albania was entirely isolated from the outside world. Our walking tour guide told us how his father would ask him to buy "Bananas" in '92. Bananas, to him, meant any number of things from actual Bananas to Coca-Cola. Since the father had never heard of non-Albanian products, he referred to everything as "Bananas." I couldn't help but wonder if we would see North Korea go through a similar transition in our lifetime; perhaps our children will visit North Korea in their 30s.
Along with isolationism, the former communist government of Albania was also extremely paranoid. They built over 170,000 bunkers throughout the country. During our time in Tirana, we toured one of the largest which had over 300 rooms underground.
If you want to learn more about Albania's past, check out Free: A Child and a Country at the End of History. If you want to visit Albania, don't wait long.
Reading:
- Kyle: Sampling Several Books
- Kelsey: The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Listening To: