So last week I got to spend the entire week with my Dad, who I haven't seen in over a year. He arrived in Albania, on time and I picked him up at the airport were we rented a car and headed to Tirana. I was extremely impressed about his adaptability to the roads because drivers are pretty crazy here. We stayed in the nicest hotel in Albania, in the capital, so it was really like I was on vacation too. We spent two nights at the hotel, enjoying the 5 star cuisine, overly sized white bath robes and room service. We also frequented in my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Tirana, Era.After Tirana we head to my neck of the woods in the northern part of Tirana. Once we got out of the city, it was wide open roads and for me was a completely different experience, not only because I was with my Dad in Albania but because I wasn't crammed into a furgon and we could stop whenever we wanted to! We made some pit stops in Kukes, Prizren and Gjakova, all places I pass every time I come back to my town but never get to get out and explore.. we even got to take pictures places I usually have to by pass too.
Once we get to Bajram Curri we settle in and get up the next day and take a day trip to Valbona, which was a trip because we rented an Opal (compact, tiny car). I'm so glad my dad got to see this part of the country because it is really different than the capital and I think one of the most beautiful places in this country.
We ended up getting a flat tire, we realized the next day, and got to change the tire which was an experience in itself. We then went to eat dinner with the mayor and my counterpart and Garrett. Pizza with tuna was a first for my Dad but I think he really liked it. The mayor made sure that some Valbona river fish was made. He also presented my dad a flag of the city, with the logo on it that I designed. It was such an honor for my dad and I think really made an impact. It was so good to see my dad and it didn't even feel like I was in Albania because he was here.
