People

The barber Romeo, who cut Thom and Jacks hair, with his wife Julia. Originally from Sicily, they considered themselves Albanian and had lived in Saranda for 40 years.
The barber Romeo, who cut Thom and Jacks hair, with his wife Julia. Originally from Sicily, they considered themselves Albanian and had lived in Saranda for 40 years.
A fisherman passes the time while waiting for someone to buy is morning catch.
A fisherman passes the time while waiting for someone to buy is morning catch.
No wild-caught fish here. This vendor raises fish in a fish tank and sells them by the side of the road.
No wild-caught fish here. This vendor raises fish in a fish tank and sells them by the side of the road.

Culture & History

Ksamil: Momument celebrating Albanian folk dancing. During Communist times, cultural celebrations were illegal.
Ksamil: Momument celebrating Albanian folk dancing. During Communist times, cultural celebrations were illegal.
Saranda: Good luck charm hanging outside an Albanian home. The tradition says that the good luck charm distracts evil spirits from wandering by your home so they will not come inside!
Saranda: Good luck charm hanging outside an Albanian home. The tradition says that the good luck charm distracts evil spirits from wandering by your home so they will not come inside!
Permet: Good luck charms hanging outside of a home.
Permet: Good luck charms hanging outside of a home.
Saranda: A modern interpretation of a scarecrow (one of the Albanian good luck charms)
Saranda: A modern interpretation of a scarecrow (one of the Albanian good luck charms)
Saranda: Garlic is also a good luck charm. Sometimes charms are placed in buildings under construction to ward off bad luck.
Saranda: Garlic is also a good luck charm. Sometimes charms are placed in buildings under construction to ward off bad luck.
Gjirokaster: The Fortress, one of many used in The Game of Thrones film production
Gjirokaster: The Fortress, one of many used in The Game of Thrones film production
Gjirokaster: The home of former Communist leader Enver Hoxha (he grew up in Gjirokaster). Hoxha did a lot of good for the people of Albania (raised adult literacy from 5% to 98%) but also established forced labor camps and many of the oppression under Communist rule.
Gjirokaster: The home of former Communist leader Enver Hoxha (he grew up in Gjirokaster). Hoxha did a lot of good for the people of Albania (raised adult literacy from 5% to 98%) but also established forced labor camps and many of the oppression under Communist rule.
Gjirokaster: Typical living room of a traditional Albanian home.
Gjirokaster: Typical living room of a traditional Albanian home.
Gjirokaster: Hand-painted chimney in a traditional Albanian home, now a bed and breakfast called Hotel Musee.
Gjirokaster: Hand-painted chimney in a traditional Albanian home, now a bed and breakfast called Hotel Musee.
Gjirokaster: Old Bazaar
Gjirokaster: Old Bazaar
A tribute to two girls who resisted the Nazi invasion during the war. Their hands were tied behind their backs and they were hanged in this location to serve as a deterrent to others.
A tribute to two girls who resisted the Nazi invasion during the war. Their hands were tied behind their backs and they were hanged in this location to serve as a deterrent to others.
Albanians are very fond of Americans because of the support we provided during the Kosovo war. This statue of Hillary Clinton sits in the city center of Saranda.
Albanians are very fond of Americans because of the support we provided during the Kosovo war. This statue of Hillary Clinton sits in the city center of Saranda.
Saranda: One of the 170,000+ bunkers the Communist Albanian government installed during its 45-year reign as a way of instilling fear in those living outside - and inside - the country.
Saranda: One of the 170,000+ bunkers the Communist Albanian government installed during its 45-year reign as a way of instilling fear in those living outside - and inside - the country.
Gjirokaster: Entrance to the Cold War Tunnel
Gjirokaster: Entrance to the Cold War Tunnel
Gjirokaster: Touring the Cold War Tunnels which stretched for miles beneath the city.
Gjirokaster: Touring the Cold War Tunnels which stretched for miles beneath the city.
Gjirokaster: Communist artifacts in the Cold War Tunnel
Gjirokaster: Communist artifacts in the Cold War Tunnel
Gjirokaster: More Communist party artifacts
Butrint: This ancient city dates back to 8th century BC and each civilization that conquered the city continued building. In this photo you can see Helenistic and Roman construction.
Butrint: This ancient city dates back to 8th century BC and each civilization that conquered the city continued building. In this photo you can see Helenistic and Roman construction.
Butrint: Ancient Greek inscriptions on a wall.
Butrint: Ancient Greek inscriptions on a wall.
Butrint: Ancient Theater build during Roman times.
Butrint: Ancient Theater build during Roman times.
Butrint: Grounds where a palace once stood.
Butrint: Grounds where a palace once stood.
Butrint: A gate to an ancient city.
Butrint: A gate to an ancient city.
Butrint: Baptistry
Butrint: Baptistry
Butrint: Just an 1800-2000-year-old Roman-made clay brick sitting on the ground.
Butrint: Just an 1800-2000-year-old Roman-made clay brick sitting on the ground.
Saranda: Ancient ruins at the city center.
Saranda: Ancient ruins at the city center.

Food

In Berat, we ate at a restaurant recommended to us by everyone we told we were visiting Berat. It was actually the *home* (outdoor seating for 12 only) of a man, Lili, and his wife who prepare and serve the food themselves. Chatting with Lili was as good as the food itself!
In Berat, we ate at a restaurant recommended to us by everyone we told we were visiting Berat. It was actually the *home* (outdoor seating for 12 only) of a man, Lili, and his wife who prepare and serve the food themselves. Chatting with Lili was as good as the food itself!
Slouvaki, the traditional fast food in Albania.
Slouvaki, the traditional fast food in Albania.
Wild boar we cooked ourselves to celebrate American Thanksgiving. There are a lot of boar in the mountains of Albania, and a friend\'s restaurant regularly served it. Gratefully, we were able to ask for his support in procuring some for ourselves.
Wild boar we cooked ourselves to celebrate American Thanksgiving. There are a lot of boar in the mountains of Albania, and a friend\'s restaurant regularly served it. Gratefully, we were able to ask for his support in procuring some for ourselves.
Emma discovers Cokollatë e Nxehtë (hot chocolate) Part Një (1): Emma discovers European hot chocolate so thick you eat it with a spoon.
Emma discovers Cokollatë e Nxehtë (hot chocolate) Part Një (1): Emma discovers European hot chocolate so thick you eat it with a spoon.
Emma discovers Cokollatë e Nxehtë (hot chocolate) Part Dy (2): The white chocolate version is a little sweeter than what we are used to, but we still managed to finish it.
Emma discovers Cokollatë e Nxehtë (hot chocolate) Part Dy (2): The white chocolate version is a little sweeter than what we are used to, but we still managed to finish it.
A breakfast feast in Gjirokaster.
A breakfast feast in Gjirokaster.
Crepes will make any homesick girl smile.
Crepes will make any homesick girl smile.
When the croissants are as big as your head, you know it\'s going to be a good day.
When the croissants are as big as your head, you know it\'s going to be a good day.
A candy bar given to the kids by a local shop owner.
A candy bar given to the kids by a local shop owner.
Saranda, Albania borders Greece. Olive oil is made locally (very cheaply) and is also imported from Greece. Clearly, deciding which one is best takes time (and practice!).
Saranda, Albania borders Greece. Olive oil is made locally (very cheaply) and is also imported from Greece. Clearly, deciding which one is best takes time (and practice!).
We had no idea there were so many options for buying hazelnut creme! Nutella isn\'t even the best one!
We had no idea there were so many options for buying hazelnut creme! Nutella isn\'t even the best one!
Niki invented this game for the kids: look up the words on Google Translate to practice recognizing Albanian words. (She might have been the one to place the heart next to the wine.)
Niki invented this game for the kids: look up the words on Google Translate to practice recognizing Albanian words. (She might have been the one to place the heart next to the wine.)
Albanian Costco (Yes Cash & Carry): While most markets are very small, the Yes Cash & Carry is quite large, and you can buy goods either in bulk or broken down.
Albanian Costco (Yes Cash & Carry): While most markets are very small, the Yes Cash & Carry is quite large, and you can buy goods either in bulk or broken down.
Raki 1/4: Grapes grown at a local Albanian\'s home. Everyone grows their own grapes to make raki, the national drink of Albania.
Raki 1/4: Grapes grown at a local Albanian\'s home. Everyone grows their own grapes to make raki, the national drink of Albania.
Raki 2/4: Even the barber who cut Thom and Jack\'s hair made his own raki and offered Niki some while she waited. \"Of course!\" she said. \"Why not?!\" she said...
Raki 2/4: Even the barber who cut Thom and Jack\'s hair made his own raki and offered Niki some while she waited. \"Of course!\" she said. \"Why not?!\" she said...
Raki 3/4: Someone once said, \"A picture is worth 1000 words.\"
Raki 3/4: Someone once said, \"A picture is worth 1000 words.\"
Raki 4/4: It does come in handy.
Raki 4/4: It does come in handy.

Nature

Every sunset view from Saranda, Albania is unique and gorgeous!
Every sunset view from Saranda, Albania is unique and gorgeous!
Sunset over Saranda, Albania
Sunset over Saranda, Albania
Sunset view from Saranda, Albani
Sunset view from Saranda, Albani
Sunset at Saranda, Albania
Sunset at Saranda, Albania
No you can never have too many sunsets over Saranda, Albania
No you can never have too many sunsets over Saranda, Albania
Sunset port view of Saranda, Albania.
Sunset port view of Saranda, Albania.
Alabanian mountains.
Alabanian mountains.
Albanian mountains.
Albanian mountains.
Moonrise over the Albanian mountainside.
Moonrise over the Albanian mountainside.
The Blue Eye, a natural spring-fed diving hole and tourist attraction near Saranda, Albania.
The Blue Eye, a natural spring-fed diving hole and tourist attraction near Saranda, Albania.
Selfie in front of The Blue Eye near Saranda, Albania
Selfie in front of The Blue Eye near Saranda, Albania
Mountain streams near The Blue Eye in Albania.
Mountain streams near The Blue Eye in Albania.
Scenic views in Gjirokaster, Albania
Scenic views in Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster, Albania: Mountain air makes siblings more lovable.
Gjirokaster, Albania: Mountain air makes siblings more lovable.
Waking up in the clouds at the Kerculla Resort in Gjirokaster, Albania.
Waking up in the clouds at the Kerculla Resort in Gjirokaster, Albania.
Beaches in Saranda, Albania are the pebbly kind, and they have the cutest little huts as beach umbrellas.
Beaches in Saranda, Albania are the pebbly kind, and they have the cutest little huts as beach umbrellas.
The waters of Ksamil, Albania on the Ionian sea.
The waters of Ksamil, Albania on the Ionian sea.
Another amazing sunset over Corfu (view from Saranda, Albania)
Another amazing sunset over Corfu (view from Saranda, Albania)
One more sunset view from Saranda, Albania
One more sunset view from Saranda, Albania

Entertainment

We have never had to wear wet suits before. The Mediterranean sea is quite cold to those who are used to swimming in heated pools and warm lakes in the Southern US.
We have never had to wear wet suits before. The Mediterranean sea is quite cold to those who are used to swimming in heated pools and warm lakes in the Southern US.
Can you see their teeth chattering?
Can you see their teeth chattering?
Building a sand castle on the sandy beaches of Ksamil, Albania.
Building a sand castle on the sandy beaches of Ksamil, Albania.
Yacht-watching is a passtime in any Mediterranean city (Saranda, Albania)
Yacht-watching is a passtime in any Mediterranean city (Saranda, Albania)
Interacting with ancient ruins
Interacting with ancient ruins
Eleven-year-olds still like to climb. Is it ok if they climb on a ruin approximately 3000 years old?
Eleven-year-olds still like to climb. Is it ok if they climb on a ruin approximately 3000 years old?
Hanging out at a park in Saranda, Albania
Hanging out at a park in Saranda, Albania
If you listened to our World School Wonders podcasts, you\'ll know Niki and Emma lobbied Jack to allow her to bring her tiny sewing machine. Thank goodness! She spent many an afternoon and weekend with it.
If you listened to our World School Wonders podcasts, you\'ll know Niki and Emma lobbied Jack to allow her to bring her tiny sewing machine. Thank goodness! She spent many an afternoon and weekend with it.
Emma sewed an apron for Arfie during our first World School stop of Saranda, Albania.
Emma sewed an apron for Arfie during our first World School stop of Saranda, Albania.
Dogs are entertainment worldwide, and the stray dogs next to our apartment in Saranda, Albania did not disappoint. They were eager to see us (and be fed) and we affectionately gave them all names. (Blondie Bear, Baby, Snickers, and Oatmeal)
Dogs are entertainment worldwide, and the stray dogs next to our apartment in Saranda, Albania did not disappoint. They were eager to see us (and be fed) and we affectionately gave them all names. (Blondie Bear, Baby, Snickers, and Oatmeal)
Our favorite dogs from the pack near our apartment in Saranda, Albania: Baby and Snickers.
Our favorite dogs from the pack near our apartment in Saranda, Albania: Baby and Snickers.
Thom with Snickers at our apartment in Saranda, Albania.
Thom with Snickers at our apartment in Saranda, Albania.
Emma\'s favorite street dog in Saranda, Albania. She named him Waffle.
Emma\'s favorite street dog in Saranda, Albania. She named him Waffle.
Waffle and his trusty companion, \"Tiny Dog,\" in Saranda, Albania. Tiny Dog would eventually get adopted by an expat family in Tirana.
Waffle and his trusty companion, \"Tiny Dog,\" in Saranda, Albania. Tiny Dog would eventually get adopted by an expat family in Tirana.
Happy days were spent looking for Waffle and giving him love and treats.
Happy days were spent looking for Waffle and giving him love and treats.
The owners of the Gjirokaster bed and breakfast we stayed in had a husky named Ice who was the star of the weekend.
The owners of the Gjirokaster bed and breakfast we stayed in had a husky named Ice who was the star of the weekend.
Dining al fresco in any port town is a great time.
Dining al fresco in any port town is a great time.

Technology

A bus stop in rural Albania.
A bus stop in rural Albania.
An American plane that mysteriously landed in Communist Albania in the 1950s is now on display at the Gjirokaster fortress. According to Albanian records, it was a spy plane that was \"coaxed\" out of the sky. According to US records, the pilot took off from Naples, but got lost in foggy weather and had to make an emergency landing.
An American plane that mysteriously landed in Communist Albania in the 1950s is now on display at the Gjirokaster fortress. According to Albanian records, it was a spy plane that was \"coaxed\" out of the sky. According to US records, the pilot took off from Naples, but got lost in foggy weather and had to make an emergency landing.
A damned up waterfall down the side of a mountain powers a hydro electric plant.
A damned up waterfall down the side of a mountain powers a hydro electric plant.
Houses in Saranda don\'t have addresses. Here\'s how you get mail in Saranda (and other small towns in Albania). Simply write the recipient\'s name and phone number on the envelope to this address, and they will call the person to let them know they have mail (or the recipient, if not Albanian, should go to the post office to enquire!).
Houses in Saranda don\'t have addresses. Here\'s how you get mail in Saranda (and other small towns in Albania). Simply write the recipient\'s name and phone number on the envelope to this address, and they will call the person to let them know they have mail (or the recipient, if not Albanian, should go to the post office to enquire!).
Outside of Tirana, the Albanian Capital, you won\'t see any stoplights except near road construction.
Outside of Tirana, the Albanian Capital, you won\'t see any stoplights except near road construction.