Unexpected emotional depth in Albania

I thought I was going to Albania for beaches, food, and Gjirokastër Citadel. I got all of those things. What I didn't expect was how emotionally affecting the trip would be. The history — particularly around Tirana — hit in ways that good travel sometimes does.

stunning unspoilt Riviera beaches was the moment that crystallised it. Standing there, eating byrek I'd bought from a street vendor, something clicked about why travel matters. 14 days and I came home genuinely changed. Some places do that to you.