It’s been almost a year now since we visited Israel & The Palestinian Territories and I’m still struggling to get through my blogs on it. Mainly because this was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to and I feel I’ll struggle to do it justice.
But press-on I shall. Plus, it’ll keep Jimmy off my back for a few weeks and as it’s his birthday today, why send a card when instead I can give him a shout out on a blog that features distinguished readers in Uganda, Colombia and Armenia?
2018 was a busy old year. After starting it with four months travelling around South East Asia, we then managed to make our way to Europe for the end of summer, spending a great month or two in the Balkans before settling down in our new home in London.
Before the year was out though there was still time for one more trip; a whistle-stop nine day adventure through Israel & The Palestinian territories, starting with a few days in Jerusalem.
Despite being surrounded by the well-trodden Balkan countries, Albania is missed off the majority of the backpacking itineraries of this region for some reason. I can only presume that this is because people have watched too many Liam Neeson films.
Whilst it is still one of the final frontiers of Europe, the landscape is beautiful, getting around is easy, and the people are friendly and welcoming. With a rapidly expanding tourism sector and a potential EU membership on the horizon, Albania is now very much open for business.
As I don’t know anyone who’s been to Albania, I really didn’t know what to expect from our visit here. However, as there was a direct bus from Ulcinj in Montenegro down to Shkoder, it seemed as good a place as any to start and get a feel for the country.
Shkoder is used by a lot of people as a base before going on organised hikes up to Theth or Valbona National Park in the Albanian Alps. However, as a town itself there was plenty for us to see and do during our stay. Here is our top five:
I Remember My First Gap Year 