Ideal vacation spots

As per trend that is now ongoing for almost two decades, Albania continues its ascent as an ideal country to visit and spend time in, since it offers a great deal of natural beauties in its inland areas, including archeological sites, an attractive coast line, spanning over two seas (Adriatic and Ionian), a Mediterranean climate, and now even an eclectic cuisine. 

Aside from foreign tourist agencies that include Albania in their tours, cruise lines that now begin to make stops in Albanian ports, and blog recounts of adventurous travelers that dare climb even the least accessible mountain areas, the world press is also touting this country's new status as an excellent vacation spot.  

This past week the NY Times Travel Section ranks the Albanian Coast as number 4 among 52 places to explore in the world in 2014, and another article and video by the WorldBank appears today online, indicating what motivates some natives to open small bed and breakfast even in remote areas.   

All of this, coupled with renown Albanian hospitality, it’s no wonder why many wish to return to this tiny, friendly country. You'll be welcomed: 'Mire se vini!' 

   

An odd vegetable?

I just came across a well written article about ‘okra’ , the’ strange to some’ vegetable that is native of tropical and warm countries.  

This article is written (in Italian) by an Albanian, who recalls not liking it as a child, but admitting that it is an excellent accompaniment to some dishes. I am sharing it, since I believe it can be enjoyed by my Italian speaking friends and relatives.  

I happen to like okra and have enjoyed it since I was introduced to it decades ago when I was a guest at a friend’s family homestead in South Carolina.  There it was served with the famous southern grits, even for breakfast.  It is, however, a vegetable that was not easily available up north or for that matter in NYC until recent times.  The same can be said about its availability even in northern Italy where I don’t recall ever seen it during my youth there. 

To my great surprise I rediscovered it during my more recent trips to Albania, where it is called 'bamja' , and I can validate its great taste especially when added to a veal stew. I am stealing this picture from the above article to make the point:  A real yummy dish!  
 “Buon appetito!”

Back Home

My spring trip to Tirana has ended, and I am now back in NY, trying to readjust to home life and environment.  The journey was excellent, as usual, thanks to Austrian Air, and I was also fortunate to be met, upon arrival, by a young dear friend, who drove me home in no time.  At this point, reality sets in. 

Goodbye pleasant, Mediterranean climate, more suitable for my aching joints!  Hello NY with its wind, its heat waves, and very high humidity!!  Found, as usual, a ‘mountain’ of snail mail to sort out and dispose of, and a dirty apartment (only God knows where all this dust comes from, notwithstanding the shut windows)!  Jetlag is par for the course, and it will take me a few days to return to normal hours of eating and sleeping. 

Although my time abroad was a busy one and mostly dedicated to work, European life, even with all its frustrating hassles, annoying circumstances, and ineffective use of time, is interspersed, daily, by relaxing moments, especially when one is surrounded by a large network of loyal, sociable, caring, and supporting friends such as I am blessed with.