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🌍 Unveiling Albania’s Secrets: From Sarandë’s Seaside Wonders to Tirana’s Urban Adventures 🏰🏞️

🇦🇱 Albania! 🌟 What a wild and wonderful travel adventure it turned out to be! 😄 Imagine this: I spontaneously hopped onto a journey with a close friend of mine, and out-of-the-blue, another crazy friend of mine surprised us both on stunning Corfu Island 🏝️ in Greece! And guess what? Our next escapade was an actual sail – yep, a ferry ride – to none other than Albania! 🚢 This was a super big deal for me – my first time crossing borders on a boat! The Albanian coastline was an absolute stunner 🌊, and you know what? Another passport stamp was added to my collection! 💼

Sarandë: Coastal Charm and Ancient Wonders 🏖️🏰

First destination: Sarandë! 📍🌅 This coastal gem greeted us with its breathtaking beaches and clear blue waters 🏖️🌊.

From the vibrant promenade to the ancient Lekursi Castle 🏰 perched on a hilltop, Sarandë was a perfect blend of history and relaxation. Exploring the historic streets and tasting the local delicacies was an absolute treat 🍴🍷.

Lëkurësi Castle(Kalaja e Lëkurësit) : A Historical Vantage Point 🏰

During our stay in Sarandë, we couldn’t resist visiting the iconic Lëkurësi Castle (Kalaja e Lëkurësit) . To reach the castle, we took a short taxi ride from the town center. The castle’s elevated location offered sweeping views of the town and the sparkling Ionian Sea 🏞️🌊. As the sun set, the landscape transformed into a stunning canvas of colors, making it an unforgettable experience.

Let me share the incredible Albanian warmth with you! 😊🇦🇱 So, picture this: We’re up in this castle, just regular tourists, when all of a sudden, it turns out to be an ‘Albanian Night’ at Lëkurësi Castle! 🏰 The group there warmly greeted us, and you won’t believe what happened next – they actually invited us to join the festivities. And get this: We had already booked a taxi to head back, and we were caught off guard! 😮🚖
But the head of the whole event didn’t let that stop us! He went over to the cab driver, worked his magic, and somehow convinced him to leave. 🎩✨ Can you believe it? We got the chance of a lifetime to experience the authentic Albanian night at Lëkurësi Castle. Isn’t that just heartwarming? We danced for Albanian Music while witnessing a beautiful sunset.
And that’s not all! After this incredible event, they even dropped us back to our hostel. But wait, there’s more: We had an impromptu after-party! 🥳 The locals took us under their wing and showed us the vibrant night life of Sarande – an unforgettable night that left us in awe. Albania truly knows how to turn strangers into friends! 🌟🎉

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): Nature’s Mystique Unveiled 💧🌀

One of the highlights of our Sarandë adventure was a trip to the mesmerizing Blue Eye. To get there from Sarandë, we shared a journey with fellow hostelmates. While coming back, we hitchhiked too 😁.

The journey itself was a feast for the eyes as we passed through charming villages and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, a short walk through a forested trail led us to the Blue Eye’s magical spring. The vivid blue water was a sight to behold, and the natural phenomenon left us in awe.

If you’re a fan of swimming and thrill in jumping into the water, the Blue Eye is an absolute must-visit! 🏊‍♂️💦 It promises a wild and unforgettable experience. And here’s a tip: Make sure to venture up close to the Blue Eye and take the plunge – it’s a crazily exhilarating adventure you won’t want to miss! 🌊🌀

Tirana: Capital Buzz and Hidden Marvels 🏙️🏞️

Next stop: Tirana! 🚗🏙️ The capital city was a vibrant tapestry of old and new. Skanderbeg Square stood proudly, surrounded by landmarks like the National History Museum 🏛️ and Et’hem Bey Mosque 🕌. But Tirana knew how to party too – the Blloku district transformed from a restricted area to a bustling hub of cafes, bars, and boutiques ☕🍹🛍️. And the Pyramid of Tirana, a unique communist-era structure, added a touch of intrigue to the city’s skyline 🏗️🔺.

BUNK’ART: Exploring Albania’s Past 🏢🕵️‍♂️

Venturing beyond Tirana, we explored BUNK’ART, a captivating museum housed within a Cold War-era bunker. To reach BUNK’ART, we utilized Tirana’s public transportation system and took a bus to the museum’s location. The museum’s exhibits provided a vivid glimpse into Albania’s history, offering insights into the nation’s tumultuous past.

Throughout our visit to this place, there was one thought that lingered in my mind—an impactful quote by the renowned Telugu poet, Sri Sri. While I may not be able to fully convey its depth, the translation goes as follows:

“Have you ever witnessed the annals of a nation?

What stands as a source of pride?

The entirety of human history,

Inclined towards subjugation.”

ఏ దేశచరిత్ర చూచినా

ఏమున్నది గర్వకారణం

నరజాతి చరిత్ర సమస్తం

పరపీడన పరాయణత్వం

శ్రీశ్రీ – శ్రీరంగం శ్రీనివాసరావు గారు

Mount Dajti: Nature’s Serenity Above the City 🏞️🚠

Our Tirana adventure also included a visit to Mount Dajti. To get there, we took the Dajti Express cable car from the outskirts of the city. The cable car ride itself was an exhilarating experience, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.

Once at the summit, we found ourselves in a serene natural environment, far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Before I wrap up, there's one more heartwarming tidbit I just have to share. Albanians have an immense affection for both Indians and Indian dramas. While journeying from Sarandë to Tirana, we crossed paths with a soul who couldn't stop raving about 'Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.' And, of course, the memory of tuning in to an Albanian FM station and hearing the soul-soothing notes of 'Tum Hi Ho' remains etched in my mind.

Albania completely caught me off guard with its spellbinding beauty, rich history, and incredibly warm hospitality – a journey I'll forever hold close to my heart! 🥰🌍 I'm confident our paths will cross again, Albania 🇦🇱 !