Albania had long been one of the countries I wanted to visit - and I finally made it.

For about forty years, the country was ruled by a paranoid communist dictator named Enver Hoxha. That legacy still shapes Albania today: people are largely poor, yet incredibly resilient. At first glance, they may seem weary, but every time I asked for help, they responded with warmth - reserved, yet genuinely kind. Under Hoxha’s regime, speaking against the state meant death or torture, and it’s said that listening devices were hidden everywhere except in toilets. Living under such fear taught people solidarity - helping others became a quiet form of dignity.

I visited Tirana and Berat, which represent almost two opposite sides of the country. Although Albania is small, there are striking cultural differences between the north, south, east, and west. The north is more religious and patriarchal; the south feels Mediterranean and art-oriented; the west is cosmopolitan and mixed; while the east carries a stronger Balkan influence. I learned this from a sweet elderly woman I met while walking in Tirana Park. Even though her country faces serious problems, the older generation - shaped by decades of silence under Hoxha - never shows it. They try to give off an image of strength and composure.

There’s an incredible warmth toward Turkish people - I didn’t know that, and I was welcomed so kindly. On my last evening, walking by the river in Tirana Park was lovely. I tried Korça beer and one of the heaviest local dishes, tavë balte - people were genuinely surprised and respectful that I did, haha.

In short, even though I feel sad about their situation, I’m glad to see how resilient they are. I truly believe that, at their core, people are good.