DISCOVERING ALBANIA
I had no idea what to expect when I first travelled to Albania in 2019…
Krujë, Albania
Looking out of the plane window as we cruised over scatters of brightly coloured homes that decorated the rural landscape; the view was so humbly spectacular as the sun ascended from behind the ragged peaks of the mountains. I knew instantly, Albania was going to be far from what I had expected.
In the best way possible, this incredible country has proven me right with every visit.
Syri I Kalter, Albania
Albania, with it’s wild blend between tradition and development, the natural and the engineered, is somewhere that needs to be experienced to be understood. It’s a place of nothing and everything, where the most bewildering scenery isn’t a building or a landmark but the untouched, natural landscape. The journey to these areas is often long and at times, hair-raising (anyone who has travelled through rural Albania will know what I mean). At the time, you may wonder what could have possessed you to endure such a venture but then, as a stone-studded track or viciously winding road opens up into the mountains, the lakes, the beach, the forests… you realise you could persevere with a lifetime more journeys of this discomfort, for rare moments like this.
Ksamil, Albania
Albania has really become a second home for me now and every time I return, I discover something new.
This country has helped define me as a cook and person; through the adventures I have experienced, to the incredible people I’ve met and of course, the food I’ve eaten.
Shkopet Bridge, Albania
I can’t wait to share these adventures with you and I hope this will inspire you to head out on your own Albanian adventure too!
Come with me as we delve into mysterious mountains, breathtaking sunsets, long summer days by the coast and of course, and perhaps most importantly, the amazing dishes that all of these places have inspired me to create!
Sailing in Ksamil, Albania