March 2018 - Page 2 of 4 - The Balkanista

Who is Fan Noli?

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018The Balkanista

If you spend enough time in Albania, you will most definitely come across Fan Noli at some point. In my case, it was last night on Travel Radio, where one of the presenters had a tattoo of him on his forearm. It sparked my interest as the mention of his name started a heated debate […]

Quality picks

Tattoo time at Golden Hands, Tirana

March 19, 2018March 19, 2018The Balkanista

I love tattoos, I always have, and much to my mothers disdain I currently have nine and no intention of stopping. I tend to get them at pivotal moments in my life or after a period of big change. They don’t have meanings as such but rather they represent moments in time that I mark […]

The Balkanista on Radio Travel 106.4fm

March 19, 2018March 19, 2018The Balkanista

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending two hours on air at Radio Travel 106.4 fm. I had the opportunity to talk about my blog, my thoughts on Albania, and some of my plans for the future. They also let me loose with the playlist so I chose a selection of cheese, rock, and a […]

Only in Albania…

March 18, 2018March 18, 2018The Balkanista

Now I realise that as a foreigner I am on dangerous ground posting these jokes. But please remember that I LOVE this country and the Albanian people, and that this is only meant to be a bit of fun! Will you see Christmas decorations still up and the odd Christmas song on bar/café playlists…in […]

Dorina Mema- a fierce and unstoppable force of feminism.

March 17, 2018March 17, 2018The Balkanista

“She’s a bit feisty,” said my friend Nick, as we sat waiting for the subject of my next interview. A successful businesswoman, fitness expert, prize-winning fitness model, mother, and Albania’s only female bodybuilder, Dorina Mema is an unstoppable force of fierce femininity, determination, and confidence. Sitting down next to me, she asks the usual […]

Leand Kalaja- visual artist, film maker, painter, videographer and photographer.

March 16, 2018March 16, 2018The Balkanista

During the course of this blog, I have come across many interesting and talented people. One such individual is Leand Kalaja- a filmmaker and editor based in Tirana. We will be collaborating on a few projects in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here is a bit about him and a couple of examples […]

A letter I received from a proud Albanian.

March 15, 2018The Balkanista

I received this letter in my inbox today, and I must say I am truly touched that my work has made even just one person happy. Reading these words and these memories of Tirana, I really felt like I could imagine it, smell it, feel it, hear it, and taste it. Amazing, and thank you […]

Dita e Veres 2018

March 15, 2018March 15, 2018The Balkanista

Dita e Veres, or Summer day is a pagan holiday celebrated on the 14th of March in Albania. The idea is to celebrate the beauty of nature, rebirth, and the beginning of new life. A public holiday across the country, it sees thousands of Albanians take to the streets to celebrate with music, food, parties […]

Moving to Albania? Here are some things you need to know.

March 13, 2018March 14, 2018The Balkanista

As an EU Citizen (until Brexit at least), I have been used to moving from EU country to EU country without any hassle or excessive paperwork. Getting legal residence in Albania was a little trickier. As well as the formalities you need to prepare for, these are some other things I discovered that I think […]

My Interview on “My Living” on Tring.

March 13, 2018April 4, 2018The Balkanista

This afternoon was spent being interviewed on my life in Albania, what I think of the country, my plans for The Balkanista, and of course- my favourite dish. I prepared Tave Kose, washed down with some delicious local red wine. These are the pics and it will be on Tring next Saturday. I will post […]

Month: March 2018

Who is Fan Noli?

Quality picks

Tattoo time at Golden Hands, Tirana

The Balkanista on Radio Travel 106.4fm

Only in Albania…

Dorina Mema- a fierce and unstoppable force of feminism.

Leand Kalaja- visual artist, film maker, painter, videographer and photographer.

A letter I received from a proud Albanian.

Dita e Veres 2018

Moving to Albania? Here are some things you need to know.

My Interview on “My Living” on Tring.

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