One Night in Shkodra — Albania’s Most Underrated City Woke Up
An unplanned night in Shkodra — a sold-out play at the Migjeni Theatre, a packed boulevard, the old bazaar after dark, and why Albania’s most underrated city is about to get much bigger.
The Albanians Who Have Lived in Sicily for 500 Years — And Are Now Calling Us Home
Five Sicilian villages have spoken Albanian since 1488. Now their mayors want a direct flight from Tirana. Here’s the story of the Arbëreshë — and why I think you should put one of their towns on your travel list.
The Albanian Plis: History, Meaning, and the Fight for UNESCO Recognition
The white felt plis cap is Albania’s most iconic headwear. After 12+ years of campaigning, here’s why it deserves UNESCO recognition — and what you need to know.
Albania’s Growing Tech and AI Scene: A Local’s Perspective (2026)
Key Takeaways Albania’s tech sector is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Europe, with IT outsourcing revenue growing double digits
Lavazh in Albania: Why Car Washes Are Everywhere (A Local’s Explanation)
Key Takeaways A lavazh is Albania’s ubiquitous hand car wash — affordable, thorough, and deeply cultural Dust, construction, and car-proud
Albania’s Path to the EU: Where Things Stand in 2026
Key Takeaways Albania applied for EU membership in 2009, gained candidate status in 2014, and opened accession negotiations in 2022
12 Famous People You Didn’t Know Were Albanian
From Danny DeVito to a Nobel Prize winner, 12 famous people with Albanian roots. Discover the heritage they share with 10 million Albanians worldwide.