New Albanian hostels

I had written about this subject a while back, but, lately the news about an innovative use of the infamous communist-era Albanian bunkers that permeate the entire country is reappearing from various sources, such as this one. This is probably due to the fact that  Albania has been touted since last year as an interesting new tourist experience that appeals especially to young travelers. 

What is, however, interesting to me is that the project currently described in the above and also this article, involves German students.  What is not mentioned is that these bunkers, ordered by Enver Hoxha during Albania's long isolationist period  of his dictatorship, were built, at a very high price, by the then East German government .   

It's nice to see now that the younger generations, and not only the German ones,  are effectively and fervently changing the wrongs of the past in more than one country. 

Northern Albania

The very scenic, but impervious region of Northern Albania is well described in this enjoyable article by an English instructor, who spent this summer "Teaching among the peaks" in those mountainous areas.

(Vermosh - photo from Trekearth)

(Valbona - photo from Outdoor Albania)

Latest assessment on Albania

What I tried to describe several times to American friends and acquaintances interested about Albania and its religious context, here is a confirmation of the religious harmony that exists within the country's borders, as reported by IRD.

Travel plans....

If I was younger......would love to travel outside our planet, to the moon like Neil Armstrong, or to Mars like NASA's Curiosity..... notwithstanding their naked landscape and uninviting appearance.....

 
Instead, next month, I can just hop across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, to happily however spend some useful time in Albania!

This tiny nation, a speck on the surface of our earth, offers so much not only for its beautiful scenery, along its coastline all the way up to its mountain tops, but for the great warmth and hospitality of its population, touted by anyone that was or is able to experience it.
 
Its handsome youth is willing and able to compete with their equal generations anywhere in the world, and our work there is to help them accomplish that and beyond.