Rare ALBANIAN MOUNTAIN FOOD!! Remote Mountain Village near Montenegro | Çerem, Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? MIRI:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
On the second full day of my second Albania trip, my boy Erjan and I drove north from Daias village to explore the beautiful Lake Koman area in northern Albania! Come along with us as we take a ferry ride across the lake and have some rare Albanian mountain food in a remote mountain village near the Montenegro border!
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My morning began on the Lake Koman Ferry, which operates between the towns of Koman and Fierzë. It’s known for its beautiful, scenic mountain lake views and for being pretty unpredictable, as it’s frequented by tourists, locals, and animals!
The ride takes 2.5 hours and is a must when you visit northern Albania! You can only take the ferry during the summer months, and the ride costs 800 leke/roughly $7.66 USD.
Pro tip: always bring food on the ferry! Luckily, we found a vendor selling some cevapcici hot dogs.
The cevapcici hot dog was cheap and just OK. Then, we boarded the ferry, which had three levels. The bottom level was for the cars, and the two decks were for passengers. It was packed because it was a Saturday, and it was the last week the ferry would run for the year. It was also delayed by about 30 minutes.
It got cold out, so we went back inside the car to warm up. We had an amazing view of the gorgeous, rugged mountains and trees surrounding us. The Albanian Alps are stunning! There are lots of ancient Roman settlements in these mountains. It reminded me of the ride I took down the Danube years ago!
Erjan and I slept for about an hour and arrived in Fierzë and hit the road again! We passed through the small town of Tropojë and got into an off-road vehicle down a rough and unpaved mountain road get to Çerem.
The road was rough and unpaved and led us into a mountain valley that looked almost exactly like Theth or Switzerland. The village was only a few houses and very rustic.
We stopped at the Kujtim Cocaj Guesthouse. They were drying wild apples outside. There were lots of bees and flies around them. Then, I went into the kitchen, where they were making byrek, baked beef, a pumpkin pie with corn flour, a unique lakror, and more!
I got some strong raki and explored the garden and valley to see some cows grazing. The cheese that comes from these cows is the best!
Back at our outdoor table, we had cheese, yogurt, bread, salad, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, a pepper and cheese tava, three different byreks, lakror, and more.
The cornbread-like bread was amazing, and the beans were hearty and tasty! Next was the lakror, which was sweet and herbal and contained some delicious cabbage. I loved the crispy cornmeal crust! It was a little spicy, too!
The pumpkin byrek was full of layers and nice and crispy on the outside. We also had some insane, thick yogurt, which was like a sour cream cheese. I loved it with the byrek! What a combination of sweet, sour, and creamy! The goat cheese was also thick and salty.
I also had a super juicy pepper as well as some peppers and cheese. The ones with the cheese were hot! But it was so organic and healthy. I’d never had a dish like that before! The best thing to do was to dip some bread in the cheese.
Then, we had some thick sheep milk, which had the consistency of yogurt. It was heavenly and chunky! Then, we jumped on the baked beef, which was nice and fatty. I loved it with the sheep milk!
Then, we left the village and saw an amazing waterfall in the mountains. We had wanted to hike there, but because of the delay with the ferry, we only had 2 hours there instead of the 4 we needed.
What an awesome experience!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 79 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Inside an Albanian Village Guesthouse
→ Join me for daily adventures on Instagram:
That road is NOT for the faint-hearted. But hey, I'm still here to tell the tale, so... all is well that ends well, right? ???? Albania is still one of those travel destinations where you can really go off the beaten path and dive into spontaneous adventures anywhere. This village, high in the mountains of Southern Albania, was the perfect destinations to explore the area.
I'd like to give a big THANK YOU to: Petrit and Dushe, our hosts, who welcomed us into their beautiful guesthouse, The House on Canyon ( with open arms. And of course my friends over at Drive Albania ( who showed me around Albania in their awesome Niva Lada 4x4. Can't wait to be back in 2021!
→ Excited to support my work? Sign up to my Patreon:
→ Thank you to my wonderful supporters on Patreon:
POSITIVE TRAVEL, @inspiring.positive.travel
HESSA MURAD, @hessstory
KATARZYNA, @katarzyna_photo_equine
CARLOS, @discovermaktub
FOUND & LOST
JUSTIN ANDERSON
NIKLAS PARRA
ALEXANDRE MUTRAN
FRED
CHRISTOPH APFEL
GARY DELL
MARTIN
VEE
WAYNE HUANG
CARLITOS
JAY PALFREY
JEFFRY WATSON
PATRICK MCKENNA
JUERGEN REHBEIN
Dalibor from sLOVEnia
Sara Rijaluddin
+ My anonymous Polish friend, J. :)
Albanian ALPS FOOD!! Exploring ICE COLD Waterfall & Mountain Attractions | Theth, Albania
???? TRAVEL ALBANIAN ALPS:
???? LOGU I HARUSHAVE GUEST HOUSE:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My fifth day in Albania continued in the beautiful mountain town of Theth in the Albanian Alps! Come along with me as I try some Albanian Alps food and explore an ice-cold waterfall and mountain attractions in Theth, Albania!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My morning in Theth National Park (Parku Kombëtar i Thethit) with my friends at Travel Albanian Alps was off to an amazing start.
First, I met up with my friend Andy from Travel Albania Alps at Logu i Harushave, our guesthouse in Theth. I tried some rakija and then we set out to explore the area. Along the way, we passed by the Kisha e Thethit, or the Church of Theth, which dates back to 1892!
Then, it was time to hike along a rocky path to the waterfall. I suggest wearing hiking boots, but my sneakers held up fine. Then, we crossed a bridge with some missing planks. You have to be careful crossing it!
On the other side of the bridge is an old house with lots of branches piled up outside. Nearby was a map of the park. I drank some water from a stream and continued down the path. We passed a cow and a tiny waterfall and climbed some boulders to get our first glimpse of Waterfall Theth.
The waterfall was gorgeous! I took off my shoes to wade into the pool below the falls. The water was frigid! It was so icy! I had to stand on a rock after 20 seconds because my feet were freezing! My feet were numb afterward!
Then, we headed back to town. The hike was a bit tougher because of the rocks and the steepness of parts of the trail. We passed some tourists on the way and only took 20 minutes to get back. Then, we stopped at a wooden bar with an amazing view of the mountains and valley. Their rakija was light and smooth!
Next, we visited Lock-In Tower, the defense tower of Theth. It was built on a huge boulder, so the floor is rock. Upstairs, we met a man who played a traditional instrument for us! On the third level is more carpet, a small chest, and tiny windows where archers would fire at invaders. There was also an old rifle! The tower dates back over 400 years!
Then, we headed back to the guesthouse for lunch. We had a tomato-and-cucumber salad, fried potatoes, goat cheese, homemade yogurt, grilled vegetables, cheese-spinach-and-onion byrek, baked potatoes, and local beef. I also had some rakija!
The cheese and potatoes were amazing. The beef was delicious and gelatinous and went well with the yogurt, and the cigar-shaped byrek was hot and fresh!
The roasted red pepper and eggplant was also outstanding. It was the best beef I’ve had in Albania! The byrek was also the best I’d had so far! It was crispy and the combination of cheese, onion, and spinach was next-level!
The guesthouse’s cottages have mirrored windows so you can’t see inside, but people inside can see outside. The cottages are all wood and have a king-sized bed and a spot to hang your clothes. There’s only a glass wall separating the room from the bathroom, so you can see into it! It was incredible. It was like a nice mountain cabin!
I loved the guesthouse. I also saw one of their rooms, which has a king-sized bed and a twin bed. Further upstairs were more rooms with two twin-sized beds and a king-sized bed. The bathrooms were all really clean and nice. But the best part about the guesthouse was the amazing view of Theth and the sound of the mountain wilderness!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Theth #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Albanian MOUNTAIN FOOD in Krujë Castle!! BAZAAR Shopping for Qeleshe | Krujë, Albania
???? RESTORANT BARDHI:
???? NDRICIM:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My third day in Albania continued in the mountain village of Krujë in north central Albania. Come along with me as I try some amazing Albanian mountain food in Krujë Castle and shop for a traditional qeleshe hat in the local bazaar in Krujë, Albania!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
Krujë is located just 35 minutes north of Tirana. It’s absolutely gorgeous and is home to lots of ruins, restaurants, and more! My friend and guide Ani from Balkan Pearls Tour Operator and I started at Restorant Bardhi, which opened in 1994. In the kitchen, I watched them make some yufka with chicken, a kebab, a rack of lamb, salads, cheeses, a unique-looking lamb byrek, and more!
Then, I went upstairs with the owner, Bardhi, to try some rakija made of a mix of cabernet franc, merlot, and syrah grapes. It was strong and has so much flavor!
At our table, I started with a potato-and-lamb fritter, which was so moist and contained onion. Next was the blueberry cheese, which was like manchego but had hints of blueberry flavor. The pepper cheese was like a spicy manchego. Then, I jumped on the squash pie, which had a flaky phyllo dough crust. It was the best pie I tried in Albania!
I also loved the lamb byrek with onion, the little samosa-like lamb pies, the goat cheese pies, the tzatziki-like yogurt, and mozzarella-like goat cheese. The juicy, fatty baked lamb leg was unreal, and the lamb ribs were super tender!
Dessert was a traditional Albanian dish called kabuni, which is made from rice, lamb neck, cinnamon, and raisins! It like an exotic, meaty, and sweet rice pudding.
Next, we headed to Skenderbeg Museum, where you can learn about the national hero, Skenderbeg, and the history of medieval Albania. You can see a map of the settlements in medieval Albania, paintings, and his helmet. Atop the museum, you get gorgeous views of Krujë, the river, the surrounding mountains, and more!
Then, we followed the main road leading from the castle, toward the bazaar. Along it are bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The Bazaar of Krujë is so beautiful and authentic! The paths are set with stones and have such an authentic feel. It was like stepping back in time! There, I met a shop owner named Ndricim, who invited me inside to show me how to make a qeleshe, which is a traditional Albanian hat!
He showed me how to make the qeleshe hat in his factory, where he also had dozens of wool hats in different shapes, as well as wool shoes. I learned that each qeleshe shape represents a different county in Albania.
I bought the hat for 1,2oo lekës. I bought some slippers for my daughters and then visited another souvenir shop. There are about 60 of them! This one sold tea sets, shirts, coffee sets, mugs, scarves, antiques, and more! There’s a 120-year-old tool that threads wool that only costs 30,000 lekës, or about $30 USD.
Next was a shop that focuses on clothing with the flag of Albania. I bought an Albanian flag sweater for 25,000 lekës (about $25 USD). Then, I visited a shop where they made Albanian carpets. Everything is handmade by the woman who works there! It took her 7 days to make one of the carpets! I was loving this amazing medieval town! Everyone was so friendly and the town was so unique!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Krujë #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Exploring an ANCIENT ALBANIAN CITY!! Mountain Guesthouse Food & Raki | Shkodër, Albania
???? TRAVEL ALBANIAN ALPS:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
After arriving in Shkodër, I kicked off day four bright and early! Come with me as I explore this ancient city and enjoy some mountain guesthouse food and rakija in Shkodër, Albania!
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
I began my day with a tour of Kevin Homes, the guesthouse I was staying at in Shkodër! It’s owned by my guide Andy from Travel Albania Alps, who lives on the first floor with his family. The four guest rooms are upstairs!
There are three simple but comfortable rooms with three beds each. One has a terrace. There’s also a room with a queen-sized bed. My room had two beds (it usually has three, but they removed one for my luggage). Next to it is a nice, clean bathroom. Outside are some beautiful grape vines!
My simple Albanian breakfast consisted of eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, butter, jam, espresso, tea, bread, and apricot juice. The apricot juice was so pure and the food was simple and homey and came from the farm and garden. The cheese was the best! After some rakija made my Andy’s father, we headed out to explore Shkodër!
We followed Boulevard Skanderbeg toward the main square. The center of town was full of life and had lots of vendors in an open-air bazaar. They were selling everything from cevap to vegetables to children’s toys!
We exited the city and headed east to Mesi Bridge, the oldest Ottoman bridge in the country. It dates back 500 years and is a must-see site in the area. It was built in 1770 and is stunning. These Ottoman bridges are always beautiful, especially with the arches! It’s 108 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and 12.5 meters high. It has 13 arches and is one of the longest examples of an Ottoman bridge in the Balkans. It reminded me of the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge I visited in Visegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina!
The river below the bridge was dry. I suggest heading down to the bottom to view it from the bedrock below. There, you get the best view of the bridge. It’s such a beautiful piece of history!
Then, we headed to the old center of the city. It’s very colorful and Italian-looking with lots of cafes. We headed over to Rruga Kole Idromeno, the local pedestrian street, which is the perfect place to have a drink at night and relax. At the end of the street on the right is the Ebu Bekër Mosque, and on the left is a Catholic church.
I had another rakija outside along the street, and then I visited a souvenir shop. I saw lots of lanterns and woodwork, as well as mugs and other items. From there, we saw the mosque, and then headed to an ancient castle! On the way, we saw a bazaar, which is spread out throughout the city! They sell lots of fresh vegetables!
Then, we took a narrow lane up to Rozafa Castle. It’s a huge stronghold that overlooks the city. It costs 300 lekës to go inside. I climbed up to the top. I could see the lake, Shkodër, lots of farmland, the river, and more from the top. The castle still had its original stone floor. To the left and right were arches that I guessed were stables. Through the gate was a souvenir shop. There was a main path and lots of walls along it.
The castle is huge! The first courtyard has ruins of the Venetian neighbor and three towers. The second courtyard has more ruins and walls, as well as a storage space, a prison, and a church that was later converted into a mosque! There are also some wells that hold water! The views from there are unreal!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Shkodër #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
100 Hours in Tirana, Albania! (Full Documentary) Albanian Food and Attraction Tour!
???? Buy David’s Been Here Hot Sauce:
???? Visit my Website:
???? Subscribe to my Newsletter:
After six long months of not being able to travel in 2020, one of the first countries in the world to open back up to international travelers was Albania. I had been itching to travel and explore again, so I flew to this relatively unknown Balkan nation for a two-week road trip unlike any other. My first stop was the capital city, Tirana.
???????? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???????? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
Tirana is a unique, funky, and modern city that dates back to at least the 15th century and still shows signs of its days under Communism rule. The people are welcoming and friendly, and eager to share a glass of rakija with a stranger from half a world away.
????SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER:
???? MY LINKTREE:
Sites like Tirana Castle show off the city’s history, as it’s a beautiful Byzantine-era structure built before the 14th century. But it’s also a show of Tirana’s progress, as the interior is filled with modern stores and restaurants.
Elsewhere in and around Tirana, you can learn about local culture from meeting local potters, exploring the ancient amphitheatre and tower in nearby Durrës, and visiting the site of one of the most impressive military stands in history in Krujë to the north.
But, in my opinion, you can’t truly understand a destination without diving into its cuisine, and Tirana is full of excellent, mouthwatering food. Dishes like trahana, fërgesë, lakror, qofte, yufka, and roasted lamb are rich and hearty and stick to your ribs, while in nearby Durrës, you’ll find some of the tastiest seafood and pasta I’ve ever eaten in my life!
Visiting Tirana and its surrounding area is a true treat for your taste buds, but don’t take my word for it! Let me show you. So come with me as I take you on an epic adenture as I explore Tirana, Albania for 72 amazing hours!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Tirana #Albania #AlbanianFood #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,300 destinations in 93 countries to experience and document unique cultures on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media.
I highlight culture and historical sites, but my passion is food! I love to experience and showcase the different flavors each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Luxurious ALBANIAN FOOD on a MOUNTAINTOP!! Driving to Gjirokastër | Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? HOTEL ARGJIRO:
???? KERCULLA RESORT:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My tenth day in Albania pressed on as I continued my epic road trip from Korçë to Gjirokastër. Join me as I enjoy some luxurious Albanian food on a mountaintop in Gjirokastër, Albania!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My afternoon began on the road leading to Gjirokastër in southeastern Albania with my boy Erjan from Travel Media EU.
Gjirokastër is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes the city of Berat, which I visited earlier in my trip. Both cities are known as rare examples of typical Ottoman architecture.
We passed lots of farmland on the way. Along the route is a freshwater spring and see a waterfall. I stuck my head under the running water. It was like ice!
Then, we arrived in Gjirokastër. We headed uphill past the Old Town, where I could see lots of Ottoman buildings. Finally, we arrived at Hotel Argjiro. The building dates back to 1891.
Inside the lobby, we were served some delicious gliko, and then we went to our rooms on the first floor. My room, 119, had a queen-sized bed, a TV, a couch, a table with coffee and water, a modern bathroom, and a terrace with a view!
Then, Erjan and I headed out to explore the Old Bazaar. It was cross-shaped with lots of souvenir shops. One of the shops has an old well in its floor! It’s 400 years old, 17 meters deep, and covered by glass.
Gjirokastër has a lot of artists and artisans, so there are tons of shops in town. From there, we drove through the new town. We drove up a steep hill until we were high above the city. What an incredible view! At the top is Kerculla Resort, where we’d have dinner.
There, you can get epic views from their two outdoor terraces. I met Sena from Kerculla Resort. There, we’d eat lots of local traditional dishes like lamb, soups, vegetables, and traditional pies. I started with some super strong raki and then headed to the kitchen!
Inside, they were making a soup with veal meatballs; a garden salad with two types of greens, parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, and a balsamic glaze; rice-and-herb fritters called qifqi; and pizza! The soup is made from corn flour and veal stock. I was told it would be the best meal I’ve had in Albania so far!
At our table, I started with the soup, which was thick and creamy with a bit of oil and paprika on top. The veal meatballs were herbal, slightly fried, and phenomenal! It was a nice combination of creamy, sweet, and salty! We toasted with some delicious house wine and then grabbed a bit of everything. We also had spinach pie, tomato pie, baked lamb, and a yogurt paste that was almost like a thick tzatziki. The lamb smelled insane!
The spinach pie contained onions and contained a nice dough. The rice-and-herb fritter was also tasty. It was dense and tasty, especially with the yogurt paste. The salad was refreshing and cleansed my palate! Next was a veal meatball with herbs, which was excellent with the yogurt. The byrek with red pepper, green pepper, and onion was unreal.
Then, we jumped on the lamb! It was double baked in an oven and then the forno. The skin, fat, juices, and meat, were all exceptional. It’s one of my favorite lamb dishes in the Balkans. It practically fell apart in my mouth!
For dessert, we moved to the outdoor terrace to have some oshaf, which is made with sheep milk and figs. We also had some raki as we listened to some live music! Next to it, we had some gliko. It was creamy, almost like a thick panna cotta or flan. What a meal!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Gjirokastër #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
ALBANIAN FOOD in the CITY OF STONE!! Gjirokastër Tava + UNESCO Attractions | Gjirokastër, Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? HOTEL ARGJIRO:
???? HOTEL KODRA:
???? SKENDULI HOUSE:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My eleventh day in the beautiful Balkan country of Albania began in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër. Come along with me as I try Albanian food and visit UNESCO attractions in Gjirokastër, Albania!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My day began at Hotel Argjiro in Gjirokastër. My boy Erjan from Travel Media EU and I started with a massive breakfast on the second-floor terrace. The pispili (a spinach and corn pie casserole was fluffy, like a quiche! I also had eggs and some phenomenal bacon and a doughy byrek with goat cheese inside. The sweet fig marmalade was perfect with the crispy, hollow petulla.
Next, we headed through the bazaar, uphill toward the castle. Along the way, we checked out a Cold War bunker and saw several vendors, including a woman selling fresh figs, blackberries, and mountain tea!
Then, we arrived at the castle. Inside is a map of the castle. There are Italian and German cannons from WWII along the corridor and an Italian Fiat L6/40 tank!
Further along is a garden terrace where you can see stunning views of Gjirokastër.
There’s also a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star U.S. Air Force plane.
Then, we headed to the clock tower. On the way is a big square and stage where a traditional festival is held. At the end of the castle is the 18th-century clock tower and a plaque telling the story of Princess Argjiro, who jumped from the top of the castle with her baby so they wouldn’t be captured by Ottoman invaders in the 15th century.
In the bazaar, we stopped at a handicraft shop where a man makes beautiful stone carvings with a hammer and chisel. I bought two: one of the eagle on the Albanian flag for my office and a square one for my assistant for 20 Euros/$23.45 USD.
Next, we visited a woodcarving shop, which is another specialty in Gjirokastër. I bought two name plates for my daughters. They’re beautiful gifts! I also bought the double Albanian eagle for 3,000 lekes total, or about $30 USD.
Further on is Edua, another shop, where they sell artisanal goods including mountain tea, oil, liquors, and more! I tried some strong rakija and bought some honey and artisanal soap for 1,000 lekes/roughly $10 USD.
Next, we visited a traditional building that was being renovated and then walked to Bar Restorant Hotel Kodra. In the kitchen, they prepared a Gjirokastër chicken tava dish with green peppers, tomatoes, goat cheese, herbs, cream, and onions.
On the terrace, Erjan and I toasted with some smoky rakija and then started on the tava! We also had a huge salad with parmesan cheese, mushrooms, cucumbers, spinach, balsamic vinegar, oil, and raisins. The salad was crunchy and fresh and perfect for a hot day!
The tava was super creamy and full of yummy herbs. It was my first chicken tava in Albania. The herbs brought out so much flavor! It was even better with some crunchy focaccia bread.
We ended with a creamy dessert called oshaf, which is made with sheep milk and fig juice. It’s super thick and creamy and reminded me of panna cotta. I loved the cinnamon in it!
Our final stop was an 18th century home to see how life used to be in Gjirokastër. It’s called Skenduli House. There’s a courtyard and a first level where the family would cook for themselves and their animal. The second level was their winter room and the top room was for the summer. It’s a beautiful, amazing house. What a stunning piece of history that’s still alive today!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Gjirokastër #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Albanian Riviera SEAFOOD & PASTA!! Ancient Orik & Byzantine Monastery | Vlore, Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? RESTORANT JONI:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
On the afternoon and evening of my epic 13th day in Albania, I continued my exploration of the southern part of the country. Come with me as I explore more of the Albanian Riviera!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My afternoon began on the road just outside of Vlorë, one of the prettiest cities along the Albanian Riviera. I was looking forward to touring some attractions and historical sites!
Our first destination was Orik Archaeological Park, which is in the middle of a military zone. Orik played an important role in the civil war that took place between Julius Caesar and the city of Pompeii between 49-48 BC. Archaeologists have unearthed a number of ruins there.
I got to see the fountain and the ancient steps, which are still intact. Parts of the park have been excavated, but there’s still a lot that hasn’t been unearthed. There’s a northern gate that’s in ruins, and pottery has been found there as well.
Next, we saw some houses that had been carved into the rock of a hill. They date back to the 3rd century BC! The houses are paved with bricks, and all of them contain a well. The roofs of the houses had a system where the rainwater would drain down into the well.
The well was dry when I visited in August. In the middle of the city is a huge, wide stairway that’s bordered by houses.
Next, we left Orik passed through Vlorë on our way to St. Mary’s Monastery, which is located on Zvërnec Island. It’s a typical Byzantine church. There’s a lot of red, and the monastery has a rotunda and lots of beautiful paintings. They’re depictions from the Bible.
Then, we drove 20 minutes through an oak forest back to Vlorë. We parked at our hotel, the Bologna Hotel, which is next to the port and sea. The meeting point of the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, with the mountains in the background, is so gorgeous! There’s a super long boardwalk all along the shore.
After walking for 20 minutes, we made it to the public beach. There are also private parts for hotels and restaurants. Then, we made it to Restorant Joni, a beautiful restaurant on the beach.
We ate outside, where there were lots of white tables. We started with some white wine and bruschetta. I loved the fresh , moist tomatoes and the olive oil on it! Then, we had infinite fish on a huge seafood platter. We had quiches with shrimp, tuna, crudo shrimp, sardines, figs, and more. The crudo with the lime and oil sauce was unreal!
The fresh crudo was too good. It’s rare in most places, but is common in Albania. Next were the sardines, which were super spicy and full of flavor. I loved the lemon and oil.
The shrimp quiche was creamy, crispy, and golden brown on the outside. The shrimp took it to the next level! The grilled tuna had a little salt and lots of pepper, and was so flavorful. The blackened salmon was also super good. I loved the mix of flavors in this platter. Some were spicy, some were zesty, some were salty. The prawns were super salty! What a meal!
Back in the kitchen, I got to see how Chef Joni makes a seafood pasta made with salted fish eggs! He showed me a huge monkfish and told me that they only use fresh fish, nothing frozen.
Back at the table, I tried the gnocchi with vegetables with more white wine. The wine was tasty and the gnocchi was super creamy. I loved the carrots and asparagus in it. There was also some cured meat shaved on top. Then, we toasted to my final night in Albania.
Then, we walked along the boulevard, which was packed. What an incredible day in southern Albania!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Vlore #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
48 HOURS IN ALBANIA'S MOST EPIC MOUNTAIN VILLAGE! you won't believe this place! #thealbanianalps
The Albanian Alps are INCREDIBLE! Not sure why more people don't come here, but if you like nature and hikes, Theth Albania is the right place for you!
We knew we would see beautiful mountains, but we had no idea it was going to be this dramatic... the nature in Northern Albanian really is breathtaking.
All the locals told us we had to come to Theth... that we had to go north where not a lot of people bother to go.. and they were right! And now we are telling you!!! Make northern Albania part of your itinerary!
Are you planning a trip to Albania already? You know if you have questions, you can always ask us!
Thanks so much for watching our videos and for supporting our channel!
We will see you next time!
XO
Aimara & Gordon
★ VIDEO CHAPTERS:
Intro 00:00
Theth, Albania 01:32
The Blue Eye 04:46
Hike #2 (Theth's Waterfall) 08:27
What's Next? 10:40
★ SIGN UP TO OUR 'FRIENDS OF THE WORLD' NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! (it's a good one!)
- Other Useful Links:
★ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR LIVE UPDATES!
★ OUR EQUIPMENT & PACKING ESSENTIALS:
★ LEARN MORE ABOUT US ON THE BLOG:
★ For more outfit ideas, girl stuff and capsule wardrobes you can check out my personal blog:
★ To shop ALL my updated travel outfits, check out this page:
★ Direct Links To MY FAVORITE TRAVEL PIECES:
* BEST White Sneakers: (I have the OCA Low in White Leather)
* Favorite & Most Flattering Swimsuits:
* Cutest Sustainable Headbands:
* Go-to Linen Shirt: (similar one here in case it's OOS
* Travel Waterproof Birkenstocks: (they run large)
* Pearl Earrings:
* Best T-Shirts For Traveling & For Life:
* My Favorite & ONLY Sunnies:
PS: These are affiliate links. Which means we receive a small commission if you shop for anything at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance for helping us stay on the road so we can keep creating useful content for you!
PS: Still not sure if anyone would be interested in G's outfits, so please ask us if you need any details ;) We're happy to share!
If you need any other questions answered, ask in the comments below or email either of us:
aimara@waysoftheworldblog.com
gordon@waysoftheworldblog.com
Traditional NORTHERN ALBANIAN FOOD!! First Impressions of Shkodër | Albania
???? TRAVEL ALBANIAN ALPS:
???? HOTEL RESTORANT TRADITA GEGË & TOSKË:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
The afternoon and evening of my third day in Albania continued as I made my way even further north from Krujë to the city of Shkodër. Come along with me as I try some traditional northern Albanian food there and share my first impressions of Shkodër!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My afternoon began in the village of Krujë! From there, I’d drive one hour north to Shkodër, the cultural capital of Albania! It’s also the center of Christianity in the country and is located on Lake Shkodër, near the Albanian Alps. I couldn’t wait to get there and explore the town!
Along the way, the four-lane highway changed to a two-lane highway. To my right were amazing mountains, while there were flatlands to my left. I also passed farmland and vineyards. It’s so beautiful! The landscapes were stunning and reminded me of Umbria, Italy.
The Balkans is one of the first regions I visited in my career as a travel content creator. Visiting Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro early on changed my life!
I arrived in Shkodër and passed the bridge and mosque along the main street. In the city center, I met up with Andy from Travel Albanian Alps, who would be showing me around for the next couple of days. I’d be staying at his guest house in Shkodër!
It was starting to rain, which makes it harder to film, but it was fine. We passed through the Old Town and passed a pedestrian street with restaurants, bars, a museum, and nightclubs. It’s the heart of the city!
We arrived at Hotel Restorant Tradita Gegë & Toskë. It’s a hotel and restaurant that serves traditional northern Albanian food. There’s also a souvenir shop inside! You can buy local clothing, traditional qeleshe hats, pillows, musical instruments, and more!
In the back of the property is a huge terrace, which is how traditional houses were built. There’s a main dining hall with stone walls with wine hanging from them. There are instruments there as well.
I watched the cook grill up a traditional flatbread called kulaç that’s similar to a roti, as well as some pork. Up a narrow wooden staircase is the second level, where you can visit the bar and listed to live music. It was my type of restaurant!
John, the owner of Hotel Tradita showed me lots of mannequins wearing traditional clothing! In the back of the kitchen, they were preparing vegetables, pasta, seafood, meat with mushrooms, beans with tomatoes and pork, and more!
I started with some strong but amazing rakija with a grassy flavor. Then, we got kulaç, cheese still sizzling in the tava, wild pork sausage, pork, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh goat cheese, beef with mushrooms in a tava, and more rakija!
The sausage had a different flavor and texture and was gamy and really tasty! The best sausage I’ve had in the Balkans! The green peppers were super juicy and exploded in my mouth! The roasted vegetables were so unique!
The regular pork was fatty and had a nice, smoky flavor. It wasn’t gamy like the sausage. I liked having pork here, as I had none in Tirana, where we mostly had lamb. The kulaç reminded me of naan and was amazing with the cheese from the tava. The cheese had some yummy herbs in it!
Next was the fresh goat cheese, which was amazing with the juicy, flavorful tomatoes. The cheese was so similar to feta! Finally, I had the beef and mushrooms, which blew my taste buds away! It was juicy with a delicious wild mushroom sauce. Cooking it on a tava changed the flavor completely! My favorite tava dish in Albania so far!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Shkodër #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Unique ALBANIAN FOOD!! Albanian Villa & 15+ Raki's in OLD BAZAAR | Korçë, Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? IN GALLERY HOTEL & SPA:
???? VILA COFIEL:
???? CAFÉ-MUZEUM KOMITETI:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My awesome eighth day in Albania ended with a dinner of unique Albanian food at an Albanian villa and a flight of 15+ rakis at Old Bazaar in Korçë, Albania! Come along with me on my latest Albanian food & drink experience!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My evening started in the car with Erjan from Travel Media EU. We were driving to Korçë, the sixth-largest city in Albania, which is deep in the mountains.
First, we checked into the IN Gallery Hotel & Spa, which is right in front of the gorgeous Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral of Korçë.
Inside the hotel is a restaurant and bar, a lounge, 18 rooms, and a spa. room was super chic and sleek with a king-sized bed, hardwood floors, wooden wardrobe, a little fridge, and a little balcony overlooking some houses. There was also a small workstation and a sleek and unique bathroom.
After I took a quick shower, I met with Irvi, the manager of IN Gallery Hotel & Spa, at the rooftop restaurant. Their spa is insane and includes a modern, colorfully lit pool; two single massage rooms; a salt room; two saunas; a double massage room; a shower room with 12 settings; a steam room; and my favorite, the hammam, or Turkish bath!
Then, Erjan and I headed to dinner! We walked past the cathedral and lots of cafes and restaurants to Vila Cofiel. They have a beautiful terrace with lots of tables and lots of plants and greenery. I started with their house raki, which is sweet and lighter than others I’d had so far. It tastes like Jägermeister!
Next was the house reserve wine, a 4-year-old smooth and full-bodied blend of cabernet and merlot.
Then, our feast arrived! Many of the dishes were exclusive to this restaurant, so you won’t find them anywhere else. They included pork with plum marmalade, red peppers stuffed with cheese, beans, a cheese byrek topped with honey, meatballs, and dips. The pork and marmalade was purple!
The byrek was crispy and phenomenal, and so sweet! I loved the rich, fatty, and sweet pork! The beans were fire and the stuffed pepper had cream cheese inside. The meatballs with yogurt were full of herbs and the creamy yogurt was the perfect addition.
Then I put each of the dips on some pita. They represent the four seasons and are a little spicy! As we left, the owner, Gjergji, gave me a gift: a bottle of his raki!
From there, we walked to Café-Museum Komiteti for some raki! We continued down Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, the local pedestrian street, which is very wide and full of bars, restaurants, and markets.
We entered the Old Bazaar, which has cobblestone streets. At Komiteti, they gave me a marker to tag “Davidsbeenhere” inside their toilet, which is inside a raki distillery!
The building is nice and cozy with lots of plates and decorations on the walls. My first raki was super sweet and syrupy. The second was nice and fruity, and the third was like strong ouzo! The next was spicy! Next was some passionfruit, which acted as a palate cleanser.
Then, we started the next round with 8 more rakis! The first was easier and the second was smooth and herbal. The next was fruity, strong, and flavorful. It burns but it feels good! My final one was strong! Then, we had some rose water as a palate cleanser. It helps you to not get drunk!
Next were more! I started with a coffee flavored one, followed by a wild berry one. Erjan only went for the clear ones, while I took the coloreds! They were so good!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Korçë #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Making ALBANIAN RAKI in the Albanian Alps & Attractions | Valbona, Albania
???? GUESTHOUSE KOLGJONI:
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
As my second full day back in Albania continued, I ventured even further north to the town of Valbonë! Join me as I enjoy some amazing raki in the Albanian Alps and visit attractions in Valbonë!
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My adventure began with my boy Erjan from Travel Media EU in beautiful Valbonë. It’s located in the heart of the Albanian Alps in the northern part of the country, close to the border with Montenegro. On the other side of the mountain is Theth, an alpine village I visited two months earlier. The hike from Theth to Valbonë is eight hours!
This area is popular for hiking and seeing the lake. The Valbonë River is gorgeous, and since it was becoming winter, it was more swollen than usual. Across a bridge, we saw some stone houses, which were built a few hundred years ago. One of them is used as a corn mill!
We hiked around the river. The water is super fresh and the air quality is incredible. From there, we hopped back in the car and drove to the lake. We were getting close to sunset. We hopped back out and set out on a 15-minute hike past huge stones. And lots of trees. The path there is marked by red markers on the stones.
The path was a little slippery from rain or snow, but overall, it was easy to navigate. It’s a beginners’ hike, so anyone can do it, even children. About 220 meters from the main road are the crystal blue waters of Xhemes’ Lake. It’s a small, natural lake framed by the mountains and is so beautiful! It’s surrounded by stones and is so peaceful!
Then, Erjan found a large mushroom. I’d never seen one that big! It smelled amazing. Valbonë is famous for relaxation and has lots of guesthouses. The town is similar to Theth, with massive peaks everywhere.
We stopped at a small local souvenir shop, which sells high-quality mountain tea, traditional handmade goods (scarves, socks, hats), and local honey. No one was at the stand, so I took a few things and left the money there.
Then, we headed to Guesthouse Kolgjoni! We had to cross the bedrock of the river to get there. If the river is flowing, you have to cross by boat.
The guesthouse is made up of stone and wooden housing. There are two dining areas, a place where you can make a fire, and the Stone House Hotel. There, we met Kola and Bledar, who showed us the rooms. There are 11 rooms and 10 bathrooms in total.
I loved the stonework! The building was built in 1960 and was restored four years ago. The biggest room is at the top. There are four beds in that room and cabinets. There’s also an incredible view from the balcony.
Then, we went to see how they make some plum raki! It was good but very strong! I thought it would be weaker than grape raki! I saw where they ferment the plums for up to three week and then got to see the entire raki-making process!
In the kitchen, they were making cheese, potatoes with cheese, a pie with noodles and cheese called pasticho, stuffed peppers with cream, cabbage salad, beef, yogurt, and more!
The dining room was warm and cozy. I couldn’t wait to eat some dairy! The pasticho was like a cheesy lasagna. I also loved the crunchy cabbage and cheesy potatoes. The beef was nice and fatty, and the creamy peppers were like peppers with sour cream. The crumbly cheese was also fantastic! Everything was farm-to-table and so good!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #[CITY] #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 79 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Traditional ALBANIAN TRAHANA!! Exploring Korçë Attractions | Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? IN GALLERY HOTEL & SPA:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
Day 9 of my adventures around Albania began in the beautiful city of Korçë. Join me as I enjoy some traditional Albanian trahana and explore Korçë and its attractions!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My day began at the beautiful IN Gallery Hotel & Spa, one of the top boutique hotels in Korçë. I couldn’t wait to explore it. But first, I had to have some breakfast!
First, I headed into the kitchen to watch the cooks, prepare the trahana. It’s a type of porridge made from fermented grains. They add bits of freshly bread, sun-dried tomatoes, fish oil, browned butter with paprika, seeds, and edible flowers. Goat cheese is served on the side.
Back at my table, I had my trahana and goat cheese with fresh orange juice. The trahana was very good and similar to watery grits. I loved the clumpy bread, which absorbs the trahana. The smokiness from the tomato was also excellent. Adding the goat cheese made it even better!
After breakfast, my boy Erjan from Travel Media EU and I walked one minute to The Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. It reminded me of a Byzantine church, but it was actually built in 1995. It replaced St. John Church, which had been destroyed during the Communist era.
Inside, the walls are covered in paintings of kings and religious figures. There were no benches, but there were individual chairs. If you want to make a prayer, you can get a candle for 5-20 lekes. I bought 5 larger candles to say a prayer for my grandmother.
Back outside, we headed down the local pedestrian street, Bulevard Shen Gjergji, which is lined with restaurants and bars. It’s a popular spot to congregate. At the end of the street is an observation tower.
We passed a telephone booth on the way. On the ground are outlines of a church that was destroyed during the Communist era. Albania became an atheist country during that time. Priests and imams were jailed and people were forbidden to practice. On the site is a library.
Further on is a miniature square and a curious-looking tower called the Red Tower. Nearby is a display of the nearby villages you can visit. It costs 50 lekes to go up to the top. It offers an amazing view of the entire city and the mountains!
Next, we walked two minutes to the Old Bazaar, which is over 400 years old. Along the way, we passed lots of vendors. The bazaar’s streets are cobblestone, very Ottoman-style. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. Our first stop was Haniipazarit, an old-school guesthouse for the Ottoman army.
It’s now a boutique hotel. It’s two stories with a courtyard and an old well in the middle. It’s beautiful! It was built with original stones from the Ottoman period. The room inside is sick—stone walls, a comfy bed, and clean accommodations.
Outside in the bazaar, there were mostly bars and a few restaurants and souvenir shops. We stopped at a café for some strong coffee and headed down a small side street where there were shops selling grains, cloth, and more.
At a shop near the entrance of the square, I found a pink hand-knitted bag for girls for my oldest daughter. The shop owner knit me a blue one for my youngest daughter. It would only take her two hours!
We continued back down the boulevard, where we passed a Romanian building from 1936 and the Museum of Education, Mësonjëtorja. During the Ottoman period, they spoke Turkish here, and this is the first school to teach in Albanian after the Ottoman period ended. It dates back to 1887!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Korçë #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Authentic ALBANIAN FARM EXPERIENCE!! Farm to Table at Nano Resort & BioFood | Daias, Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? NANO RESORT & BIOFOOD:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
Day 7 of my epic trip through Albania began in the village of Daias, where I visited an incredible farm outside of the capital, Tirana. Join me as I have an authentic Albanian farm experience, complete with farm-to-table food, at Nano Resort & BioFood in Daias, Albania!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My day began with a drive from Lezhë to the village of Daias, which is located just 25 minutes southeast of Tirana. I was on my way to Berat, but stopped by to visit Nano Resort & BioFood and meet up with my guide for the rest of my trip, Erjan from Travel Media EU!
This area is gorgeous! There are lots of green hills there. I couldn’t wait to check it out! The walkway leading to the resort is lined with vines, trees, and plants, and the entryway is a heart-shaped shrub. As soon as you enter, there is a huge terrace with lots of wooden tables. They make homemade wines, jams, and rakijas there!
They produce everything they serve at Nano Resort & BioFood. You can eat right in the garden, on little cushions and rugs set up at tables right on the ground. It’s a very relaxing and cozy setting!
As we explored the grounds, I saw a deer as well as some of their ducks. Then, we headed into the chicken and turkey pen to get some eggs. They had only laid one egg so far! Then, we visited the goat and cow stable. They have some baby goats there as well. I got to watch one of the workers milk one of the goats! The goats were a little nervous that I was there, so I kept my distance.
Next are more goats, some juvenile goats, and five cows. One of the cows was a calf, so I didn’t want to get too close since cow moms can get aggressive. I watched a woman milking a cow. This is how they get their amazing milk, cream, and cheese! Everything is produced fresh daily.
Next, we saw the grape vines and the duck enclosure. The surrounding landscape reminded me of Tuscany, Italy! From there, we went to pick some oblong-shaped tomatoes for our breakfast!
Inside the kitchen, we watched a cook make our eggs. Back at our table, we had the eggs and a beautiful wooden board with tomatoes, salami, cheese, butter, marmalades, olives, bread, and an 18-year-old smooth and smoky rakija. It was strong and almost tasted like bourbon. I also had some hot milk!
The eggs were super fresh. I loved the olive oil in them, which also is made on the farm. The bread was nice and fluffy, and we also had some petula, which is an Albanian donut. I loved it with the peach jam! The crispy, fried dough paired so well with the sweet, fruity jam.
The salty goat cheese was nice, as were the fresh olives. I also tried the petula with some sweet pomodorini jam made from tomatoes! It was nice, simple, but filling breakfast! We ended with more rakija and some watermelon. The watermelon was sweet and moist and the rakija woke me up!
I met Miti from the resort and then we began our two-hour drive to the medieval town of Berat! Along the way, the highway goes through valleys, mountains, and farmland. We passed through a tunnel and the city of Elbasan and stopped in Belsh, where there are 84 natural lakes. Along this one is a small boardwalk and pier. There are also restaurants and bars nearby. We also saw vendors selling produce including pears, onions, peaches, and watermelons.
Belsh was a nice surprise! It’s a great place to stop and relax. Then, we continued on to Berat! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage City that is known for its old Ottoman village, which is said to have 1,000 windows!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Tirana #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Spicy KOSOVO MOUNTAIN FOOD!! Exploring Prizren Attractions | Kosovo
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE KOSOVO & ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My fourth day in Albania and Kosovo continued that afternoon in the gorgeous city of Prizren, Kosovo! Join me as I try some amazing and spicy Kosovo mountain food and explore some Prizren attractions!
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My adventure began in Prizren, which is an ancient city that dates back to Roman times.
My boy Erjan from Travel Media EU and I kicked off our adventure at Ura e Gurit, which is a stone Ottoman bridge. I love Ottoman bridges! They’re architectural marvels.
Across the bridge is the Old Town, where you can find the fountain I saw earlier. We arrived at the Sinan Pasha Mosque. I took off my shoes before I entered. If you’re a woman, you must cover your head.
Sinan Pasha Mosque is the most important mosque in Prizren. The mosque is beautiful and is huge! It’s very colorful and has super high ceilings that must have been at least 100 feet high!
From there, we headed to the League of Prizren, which is very important to Kosovar Albanians. On the way, we walked along the river and saw lots of shops. At the League of Prizren, 300 Albanians met in 1878 to defend Albania from outside forces.
We also saw the mosque and two museums, which was closed because it was Monday (all museums in Kosovo are closed on Mondays). There’s also a statue a statue of the first Albanian leaders.
Then, we crossed back into the Old Town. We stopped for some water at a fountain and continued on to a stop selling handcrafted items. We hiked up to Prizren Fortress, which is beautiful, but you should be in shape to do it!
The fortress has massive walls. It has been restored, but they kept it very authentic and reinforced it. The view of Prizren from the fortress is incredible. It’s free to enter and you can walk around the walls to get 360-degree views of the city.
On our way down, we passed by the 13th-century Church of the Holy Saviour. We saw some jewelry shops in an area with lots of gold shops. Right across from them is the Mahmet Pasha Hamam. It’s a bathhouse or spa! We also visited a dress shop along a shopping street.
There are lots of minarets in Prizren, which are all a part of mosques. Another of them is Emin Pasha Mosque. Pasha was an important title during Ottoman periods. This mosque was so colorful, with lots of blue and white decorations.
Then, we stopped at Halveti Teqe, which is a house of worship for believers in Halveti, which is a branch of Islam. There was a courtyard and fountain, a kitchen, and more. I loved the architecture and the original stone. Just outside the teqe is the stone bridge!
Next, we stopped at Te Kinezi, a local bar whose name translates to “The Chinese.” There, we enjoyed some beer. Erjan had a pilsner, while I had a citrusy amber ale. It was like a sour! The fresh water in Kosovo makes for amazing beer!
Finally, we stopped at Besimi Beska, a restaurant that focuses on meats and vegetables.
I started with another amazing but strong raki. Then we had cheese, peppers with cheese, bread, mixed salads, liver, ribs, sujuk, and much more. I started with a spicy cevapcici! I loved it!
The bread was massive! It was so different from Albanian bread. The cheesy peppers had a thick, yogurt cheese and was so tasty. The sujuk was spicy, but not as spicy as the cevapcici. I also loved the gamy liver, as well as the beef-and-lamb sausage.
The lamb ribs were super fatty and tender and full of smoky flavor. The cevapcici with bread is the best combination, especially mixed with some of the cheese!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Prizren #Kosovo #DavidInKosovo
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 79 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Wild ALBANIAN FISH!! The Most UNIQUE Restaurant Experience + Ancient Apollonia | Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? BOLOGNA HOTEL:
???? RESTORANT ALI KALI:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My 14th and final day in Albania kicked off in the beautiful seaside city of Vlore! Join me as I finish up my epic road trip through Albania with some incredible Albanian fish at a unique restaurant and explore ancient Apollonia!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My day started at Bologna Hotel, a boutique hotel by the water on the boardwalk. They have 40 rooms and offer an amazing breakfast. Most of the rooms overlook the sea.
We started with a simple buffet-style breakfast of cheese, sausage, eggs, and some cake.
Then, I headed up to my room, where I had an open space with a king-sized bed, a desk, a nice bathroom, and a stunning view of the water. Downstairs, they also have an amazing lobby and a relaxing area where you can chill and lounge.
Then, we headed to Independence Square, where Albania’s independence was declared on November 28, 1912, and Rruga Justin Godard, or Museum Road. The buildings are new, but they have recreated the style of Old Vlore.
Then, we drove on toward Apollonia, a massive ancient city that used to be home to 60,000 people. Only parts of it have been unearthed. There, you’ll find a theatre, a temple, the bouleuterion, an odeon, housing, columns, shops, and more.
After finding and moving a Hermann’s tortoise from the ancient storehouse, we headed to the monastery. The stones from the floor are from the city in the 3rd century.
St. Mary’s Church was built in the 17th century with stones from archaeological sites. There’s a well and beautifully sculpted columns inside. I could also see some 17th-century frescoes, which were fading.
Inside the church is a large calendar on the floor. The statues here were found in the archaeological park. Some were part of tombs. There’s also some beautiful, massive pottery and Roman statues from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, which are all missing their heads.
Next, we hit the road again and drove to a monastery at the top of a hill. It was built in 282. It’s the wedding place of the national hero, Skanderbeg! Inside are original frescoes and icons. Monks still live there. Mass was taking place while we visited, so we had to be quiet.
Then, we arrived at Restorant Ali Kali. There, we met the owner, Ali, who took me to the kitchen, where I could see fish and prawns grilling over coals.
Ali and the staff are super welcoming. You can eat on a huge terrace outside that gets packed. The thing that makes this place so unique is that Ali serves his customers from horseback!
First, we had some smooth and cold blackberry raki, followed by yogurt sauce with salad, cheese with pickled peppers, fërgesë, and French fries. The cheese with peppers was spicy and super tasty!
Next, Ali served some toasted white bread, which I piled with cheese and peppers and fërgesë. It’s a perfect combination! Then, we had some cheese that had been grilled and some tomatoes.
Then, I saw Ali riding the horse with the clamper full of fish! He served us a monster-sized wild sea bass, which is over 1 kilo! It’s so tasty and the skin is crunchy. After a while, I just dug in with my hands.
Then, they brought us more fish and some grilled shrimp. The meat was like butter. I had to go through it slowly to be careful of the spines. But the meal was so incredible, the restaurant is one of my favorites of all time!
We finished up with fresh yogurt with honey, which was more honey than yogurt! This dish is a staple in the Balkans and one of my favorites.
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Vlore #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Amazing ALBANIAN STREET FOOD!! Watermelon & Souvlaki | Albania to Miami
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
My 14th and final day in Albania continued with some amazing Albanian street food as I made my way back to the airport in Tirana, Albania. Join me on my final Albanian adventure as I visit my friend’s farm in Daias, return to Tirana, and travel back home to Miami!
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
With my time in Albania winding down, my boy Erjan from Travel Media EU took me to his family’s farm in Daias, a beautiful farming village south of Tirana. It’s full of nature and is reached via a one-lane highway going up a mountain!
There, I got to see their incredible fields where they grow lots of fruits, including melons and grapes. They have some beautiful watermelons growing on the vines there. On the farm, they also have never-ending grape vines. They grow the grapes to make rakia and wine! It’s a massive farm!
I tried some grapes, which were sweet and about 15 days away from harvest. They grow cabernet, merlot, and shesh i zi grapes! As I saw the property, we began brainstorming ideas for a tortoise sanctuary, which is now Turtle Farm Albania! It’s such a spectacular place.
Up at Erjan’s house, there is a rakija distillation set-up. There, I met Erjan’s mother and father and the guest area inside the house. Erjan told me that they also grow tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers on the property, as well as basil, which I tried. It was so fresh and delicious!
Erjan’s mom gave me some candy as a welcoming gift, and then he cut open the cantaloupe, which was absolutely delicious. Then, he sliced up the watermelon we had grabbed earlier, which was incredibly juicy and sweet!
Then, we drove through the town and headed back to Tirana. We passed by some very luxurious villas that cost up to a million Euros. Politicians, musicians, actors, and influencers live in this area!
We drove through the residential and touristic part of Tirana, and passed a faculty where Erjan studied English and French. We also saw the U.S. Embassy and arrived at Opa to eat some souvlaki. They had pork and chicken and stuffed the pitas with meat, tomatoes, onions, fries, and more. They also serve gyros, falafel, schnitzel, kebabs, calamari, and a lot more!
I put on my mask in the car and arrived at the airport. It’s the only airport in Albania and dropped off my car at Rental Car Albania. I couldn’t enter the airport until 2 hours before my boarding time, 8:45 p.m.
I started on my souvlaki, which was fantastic. The chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and French fries was excellent. It’s quick, affordable, and super tasty!
I said goodbye to Erjan and headed to my gate for my flight back to London. Inside the airport, they had social distancing measures in place. I would have a 12-hour connection in London and then fly straight to Miami the next morning.
After 3 hours, I landed in London-Heathrow at 11:05 p.m. I stayed in the airport and posted up at a power bank at the bottom of the escalator to enjoy another souvlaki. The airport was mostly empty, so it was safe.
I slept on a chair and woke back up at 5 a.m. with 3 hours to go before my flight. Then, I headed to my gate. There would only be 14 people onboard. I had never seen London-Heathrow so empty. I had a row to myself for my 9-hour-and-10-minute flight and finally landed at my second home, Miami International Airport. I couldn’t wait to see my family again!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Tirana #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Albania's MOST POPULAR Food!! Trying Flija + Kukës Attractions | Albania
???? TRAVEL MEDIA EU:
???? ERMAL:
???? EDISON:
???? BLERON:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA & KOSOVO SHIRTS:
The fifth day of my epic trip through Albania and Kosovo began in the city of Kukës, Albania. Come join me as I explore Kukës attractions and try Albania’s most popular food, flija!
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
My day began in the beautiful, underrated city of Kukës, about 30 minutes from the Albania/Kosovo border. It’s located about 2.5 hours from Valbona and 3 hours from the capital city, Tirana.
My boy Erjan from Travel Media EU and I were going to kick off our day by visiting the tunnels that were built to keep Albanians safe during the Communism era. They weren’t discovered until 1992, after the Communist regime fell.
The tunnels are pitch dark and can be dangerous, so we wore hard hats for safety. There are no lights in the tunnels, so you need to bring flashlights with you. About 6,000 people can fit inside them at a time. There are rooms inside with unfinished electrical sockets and even toilets. They were constructed but never used.
From there, we took stairs 30 meters further down. The former Albanian leader built similar tunnels in every city! Some of the stairs are slippery, so you have to be careful. Water has entered parts of the lower tunnels.
At the bottom, there’s lots of piling and construction materials, as well as loose wires. There are also unfinished areas and lots of dirt and rocks. No one has explored this area! It’s a little scary but very cool. The hard hat was a savior, as I kept hitting my head on the low ceilings!
Every building from the Communist time has entrances leading down to the tunnels. We came across one of them as we explored. As we got deeper into the tunnels, it got colder and colder.
We put plastic bags over our shoes because the rest of the tunnels are flooded. It’s super wet and muddy.
Once we reached the end of the tunnel, we turned around. The exit was very muddy and impossible to get through, so we looked for another exit. Then, we had to climb up for five minutes to get back outside!
We emerged on a boulevard in the center of Kukës near Memorial Tower. Kukës helped the people of Kosovo by accommodating over 450,000 Kosovar people seeking refuge from the war in 1999.
Then, we headed to Hotel Bar Restaurant America, a beautiful restaurant with rooftop terrace, where you get stunning views of the city, the lake, and the mountains. The views are epic!
We had some raki with the owner. It was smooth and a lot easier to drink than the ones I had the previous night! They say it’s the best raki in the north!
Then, we drove to an unassuming building 5 minutes outside the city to try flija, the most traditional dish in Kukës. It’s a type of layered, savory pie. They have cows, chickens, and roosters there and it smells like a farm.
In the back was a woman preparing the flija by mixing 15 eggs, butter, milk, and water. While she cooked, we tried some lala, which is like a sour, chunky yogurt.
The flija was crunchy and crispy. It was like a combination of an omelet and a pancake. Our friend Edison has a business where he delivers the flija anywhere in Albania!
Next, we headed to Kantina Dogjani, a cantina winery two minutes away. They make wine, raki, and Albania’s first dry gin. They make many different types of wines and rakis!
I watched the distilling process and then we tried some blackberry raki. It’s 40% alcohol by volume but is super smooth. The gin was smooth and generally isn’t my favorite. Then, we had some light, fruity wine made from indigenous grapes.
And that’s it for Kukës!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Kukes #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 79 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!
Traditional ALBANIAN BREAKFAST in Tirana & Rakija Flight | Tirana, Albania
???? BALKAN PEARLS TOUR OPERATOR:
???? RENTAL CAR ALBANIA:
???????? DAVID’S BEEN HERE ALBANIA SHIRTS:
After arriving in Tirana the previous night, I was so stoked to start exploring my 78th country, Albania! Over the next 14 days, I’d go on an epic road trip through the entire country, but for now, it was time to explore the capital city! Come along with me as I have a traditional Albanian breakfast and a rakija flight in Tirana, Albania!
My morning began in Skanderbeg Square! The square is dedicated to Skanderbeg, the national hero, who has a statue in his honor there.
I met up with my guide Ani from Balkan Pearls Tour Operator. She explained that the square represents the unity of Albania and that the marble squares on the ground, the plants, and trees in the square are from cities and areas all over the country.
We headed to the 18th-century Tirana Castle for breakfast. We saw some colorful, Italian-style buildings in the city center along the way. It felt very European! Inside are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor seating. There, we went to Ceren Ismet Shehu, a rustic restaurant with a farm-like feel.
I started with a strong double espresso and some strong rakija, the national drink. In the kitchen, I watched them make trahana, petulla, and more!
Back at the table, we had eggs, tomato, goat cheese, cucumbers, fig jam, blueberry jam, and more!
I started with the over easy eggs with goat cheese. I loved the salty, feta-like cheese! The kofta was soft and smoky. I also really enjoyed the hearty, grits-like tarhana.
It’s a hearty dish that people eat on farms. It was stellar and so filling. I loved the bread in it!
Then, I tried the fërgesë (an Albanian pepper and tomato dish with ricotta cheese, meat, and olive oil) with bread. I loved the stew-like consistency and the gooey cheese!
Next was the savory French toast, which was great with the honey. Then, I tried the petulla with fig jam. It’s basically an Albanian pancake and is super fluffy.
Then, I tried the beef salami, which was smoky and similar to Armenian basturma before I dug into the yogurt with oats and honey. It was like Greek yogurt and had a nice sweetness from the honey and thickness from the oats. Lastly was a fruit yogurt with pomegranate seeds and nuts.
Then, we headed to the New Bazaar, the largest market in Tirana. This open-air market sells fish, vegetables, meat, dried fruits, wine, and more. It dates back to 1931! I tried some Greek and Albanian olives and bought a spoon for my wife for 300 lekes. Further on were antiques and other items.
Then, we headed into the fish, meat, and dairy market. I could see lots of fresh organ meat, goat legs, and more. There was also lots of seafood!
We visited a souvenir shop where I tried on an Albanian World Cup jersey and played a traditional instrument called a çifteli. The jersey cost me $12 USD! Then, we drove through a trendy neighborhood to Mother Teresa Square, the 2nd-biggest square in Tirana. Then, we went to have some rakija at Komiteti Kafe – Muzeum, where you can see glasses from the Communist era, wood items, and more.
There is an open-air bar in the back, where I tried a flight of 10 different rakijas! The honey and cinnamon was strong and cinnamon-y! The clear one from a tree tasted like bark and was very strong! The spicy one tasted like black pepper, while the saffron was very floral and light. The kumquat was tangy and citrusy. The anise was good and I loved the blackberry. The passion seven sensations was floral and berry-like!
Where have you been?
Subscribe Here!
Top videos!
Follow Me:
+ INSTAGRAM ►
+ FACEBOOK ►
+ TWITTER ►
+ MY BLOG! ►
Contact Me:
+BUSINESS EMAIL ► david@godandbeauty.com
#Davidsbeenhere #Tirana #Albania #DavidInAlbania
About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 78 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!