Sarande - Αλβανική Ριβιέρα

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Saranda (Sarande) is located on the Albanian Riviera, on the coastline of the Ionian Sea.  Albania is old Eastern Block country, and in many ways, it still has that appearance. Especially when driving through the rural areas. It's not uncommon to see herders with their sheep and goats or a donkey walking along the roads.  Saranda appears to be a giant rock.  Yes, there is some natural vegetation but it's like scrub brush.  How they've built a country on this is beyond me.

Again, think old world for the greater part of Albania.  For Saranda, think French Riviera.  Beautiful views and honestly some of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen.  The food is mostly seafood, but there's a nice choice of alternatives and largely mediterranean in style.  Walking along the promenade, day or night, is good for the soul. Albania has to be one of the least expensive places in Europe.  Really, I could buy groceries for several days for a few dollars. The restaurants are also super affordable.  And Albania has a one-year visitors rule before you have to get a visa.  A beautiful, affordable place for digital nomads or retirees.

I went to Saranda at a difficult time in my life.  I was dealing with a lot emotionally and wasn't really up to doing much socializing or exploring.  I took a lot of walks, had some meals, but overall, Saranda was a respite for me from heartbreak.  So, rather than tell you about the things I did, I'll tell you what I had planned to do.

1. First up (and one of the few things I did), stroll the promenade, also known as The Hasan Tahsini Boulevard.  It's a beautiful stretch of walkway along the Ionian Sea, with restaurants and shopping. I went off season so it was quiet, but I've heard it can be very lively.

2. Visit the 40 Saints Monastery and catch the breathtaking views.

3. Hit the beach in Kasmil. Just south of Saranda, Kasmil is one of the most popular destinations in the Albanian Riviera.

4. Take a swim on the longest beach on the Albanian Coast, Borsch Beach. It's so long there is plenty of room for privacy.

5/ Spend the day at Butrint National Park and its fantastic collection of ruins, some dating back to the 4th century BC.

6. See the "Blue Eye", a famous freshwater spring with water so blue it looks like an iris.  Hence, Blue Eye.

7. Take a 30-minute ride to the island of Corfu, Greece.  I did - and it was wonderful!

8. And don't forget to stuff yourself of plenty of fresh seafood!

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Not a shoutout, but a dedication to my dear friend, Vonet.  I knew it would be difficult being away from home while her life journey was coming to an end, but I fooled myself about just how difficult. Sadly, her journey came to an end while I was in Saranda. Vonet was kind, caring, and generous to a fault. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a small business owner, endlessly donating time and resources to the community. She was a friend to everyone who crossed her path. Honestly, she is one of the best people I've ever known. She and I have been dearest of friends for 46 years. We didn't see each other frequently but we talked and texted almost daily. Our souls have been intertwined from the day we met. We've shared joys and sorrows, new loves and broken hearts. She is my memory bank, my keeper of secrets, my person.  After 46 years, how am I supposed to live the rest of this life without her?  Vonet answered that herself when she said, "You'll have to live for both of us now."  So that is how I will honor her and our lifelong friendship, by dedicating my journey to happiness, friendship and love. I'll not waste time with regrets, nor be afraid to try something new. I'll meet interesting new people, try delicious new foods, flirt with handsome new men, make new memories, laugh and love. I can do that; what choice do I have?  I'm living for both of us now.