ALBANIA
Country Overview:
"Tirana may not be a top 10 travel destination, but it's a vibrant and intriguing European capital with a unique character."
I had a wonderful time in Tirana. It's a funky little city with colorful buildings, striking murals, and a palpable desire to progress while grappling with its complex history. While traditional Albanian cuisine might be a bit elusive, the abundance of gyros and sweets kept me satisfied. The prevalence of Italian speakers and bilingual menus was a pleasant surprise, reflecting Albania's cultural connections. While I might not rush back to Tirana, I'm genuinely glad I experienced its charm. Celebrating my 31st birthday here made it an unforgettable trip.
Piramida
Piramida is an unforgettable and culturally-significant building from 1987, completed not long before the fall of communism. It was intended as a museum to honor the country’s despotic dictator Enver Hoxha who ruled from 1944-85, but naturally, these plans were torn up after 1990. Now it’s at the crux of a debate on how to deal with the period after the Second World War when Albania suffered 45 years of isolation.
The white “thing” is an ultra-modern installation located in front of the National Art Gallery. It was designed by Suo Fujimoto and dedicated to Albania by the Luma Foundation to promote art in the country.