The roar of lions carries across our neighborhood in Tirana almost every morning. Curious to meet the animals responsible, Jess and I spent an afternoon exploring the Tirana Zoo — an experience filled with wildlife encounters, muddy misadventures, and a few unexpected lessons about conservation.
For $22 round trip, we expected a simple day trip. Instead, Albania delivered roaring waterfalls, brutal climbs, surreal turquoise water, and two deeply skeptical construction-site puppies. Lake Bovilla and Gamti Mountain proved that the best adventures often begin with mild suffering and end with unforgettable views.
In Tirana, a deeply rooted idea called Besa shapes daily life — a quiet understanding that honor, integrity, and kindness are not optional. The result is a city that feels remarkably at ease.
