Experience Albania: Travel, Pictures, History, Culture

I made the 5+ hour journey down to Gjirokaster twice this month. Meetings and trainings are a great reason to travel, and it’s definitely nice to get out and change your routine during these winter months. Not much to complain about weather wise, but winter is winter and little adventures here and there do a volunteer much good.

Other volunteers - and my camera - kept me company throughout both visits. It is an incredibly hilly town, with near vertical streets that are lined with interesting houses (characteristic architecture that is specific to Gjirokaster):

There are millions of scenes to capture if you give yourself some time to explore. Here are som of my favorite finds:

 To the left: an open courtyard, which accomodates to families and neighbors spending time together.

Gjirokaster is surrounded by beautiful, snow covered mountains. While we have a stunning view of Mount Tomori here in Berat, Gjirokaster has mountains that create a ‘walled-around’ effect. That said, it reminds me of my home (Berat) in that it is a beautiful, antique city with excellent architecture and a great atmosphere, but it so different at the same time.

To end with a similarity: good people in Berat, good people in Gjirokaster. From small shop owners who gave me a banana for free to due my Albanian language skills …

… to a great group of volunteers in the area who are hospitable and fun to visit!