{"id":11441,"date":"2026-04-26T05:00:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T09:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?p=11441"},"modified":"2026-04-06T07:15:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T11:15:37","slug":"more-of-tirana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?p=11441","title":{"rendered":"More of Tirana"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>Tirana wasn\u2019t supposed to be a standout. It was more of a \u201cthis makes sense geographically\u201d stop than a \u201cwe\u2019ve always dreamed of going here\u201d destination. No offense to Tirana\u2014it just didn\u2019t come with the same hype as some of our other stops. And yet\u2026we have enjoyed our time here.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11455'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1053\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4.jpg 1053w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4-771x1024.jpg 771w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4-768x1020.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4-320x425.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4-480x638.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f0d7fac1-a032-4f4f-a42c-b8088703bdf4-800x1063.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1053px) 100vw, 1053px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11482'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6990-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div>We had a period of rain and some illness that forced us into something we don\u2019t always allow\u2014slowing down. \u00a0It was ok because we love our Airbnb. \u00a0We read, played games, and leaned into a rhythm that felt suspiciously like normal life\u2026 just in a different country. It was cozy. Then the sun showed up, and everyone collectively decided: we are going outside immediately. Lucas, Henry, and Michael rented bikes and spent the day riding around Tirana\u2019s massive lake park with friends. It\u2019s one of those places that makes you forget you\u2019re in a city\u2014wide paths, trees everywhere, space to just go. Michael rented an e-bike and is hooked.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11446'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1201\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb-258x300.jpg 258w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb-879x1024.jpg 879w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb-768x895.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb-320x373.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb-480x559.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9111e31d-2aab-4bfa-ab72-c5721d4b6ceb-800x932.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1201px) 100vw, 1201px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11443'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1235\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333.jpg 1235w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333-265x300.jpg 265w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333-904x1024.jpg 904w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333-768x870.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333-320x362.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333-480x544.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/44a9f087-8127-49a9-b5b4-a6b184cfb333-800x906.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1235px) 100vw, 1235px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div>We took an impromptu trip to Parliament with Anya, the art teacher. The Prime Minister of Albania is an artist, and the first floor of Parliament is an art gallery. The kids explored the exhibit and then did some art of their own. \u00a0It already felt like a slightly unusual field trip, and then, in true travel fashion, it got weirder\u2014in the best way. Jake and Gabe found a piano and just started playing. In Parliament. Casually. Like this is something kids do all the time. The staff even filmed them. There\u2019s something about travel that creates these completely unplanned, slightly surreal moments where you just think, well\u2026 this is definitely going to be a story later.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11463'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4527-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11469'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6606-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11460'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4519-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11461'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4520-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11462'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4524-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11484'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4523-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>One thing we\u2019ve learned is that life doesn\u2019t pause just because you\u2019re traveling\u2014you just figure out how to do it somewhere else. One of those things is taking care of the unglamorous but important health stuff. We all got checkups. The boys had bloodwork done and saw a pediatrician, and Michael and I did the same\u2014bloodwork and EKGs. I also squeezed in a breast ultrasound and a pap exam. Not exactly bucket list activities, but necessary. We also managed to get our teeth cleaned. It\u2019s not the part of travel people post about, but staying healthy on the road matters. And honestly, there\u2019s something satisfying about figuring out how to make that happen in a completely different country.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11475'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6842-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11478'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2486\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900.jpg 2486w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6900-800x450.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2486px) 100vw, 2486px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div>One night, we went to watch some of our friends perform at a local music school where Dexter has been taking drum lessons. It wasn\u2019t a big production\u2014just kids playing music\u2014but those are often the best kinds of nights. There\u2019s something about watching kids do their thing, in a completely different country, surrounded by a mix of locals and travelers, that reminds you how small and connected the world can feel.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11486'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1205\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1.jpg 1205w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1-258x300.jpg 258w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1-882x1024.jpg 882w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1-768x892.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1-320x372.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1-480x557.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cb3261ff-c905-46b6-96d1-7507cc05ea22-1-800x929.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11453'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1290\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff.jpg 1290w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff-944x1024.jpg 944w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff-768x833.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff-320x347.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff-480x521.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e8b64398-336e-456e-9db5-5d0af03ad7ff-800x868.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div>Not everything in Tirana was light and easy. Lucas, Henry, and I went with Jake and Vicki to visit the House of Leaves, and it left an impression. It\u2019s a museum that walks you through Albania\u2019s communist past\u2014specifically the surveillance and control people lived under for decades. It\u2019s not abstract when you\u2019re there. It\u2019s personal. You hear real stories, see how closely people were watched, how quickly things could turn. Those are the lessons that don\u2019t get forgotten.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11459'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4518-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11447'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6-787x1024.jpg 787w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6-768x999.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6-320x416.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6-480x625.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/47540bbe-2018-41c4-8cc8-1396a55c29e6-800x1041.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11474'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1178\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788.jpg 1178w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788-862x1024.jpg 862w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788-768x912.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788-320x380.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788-480x570.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6788-800x950.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1178px) 100vw, 1178px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11457'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1049\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516.jpg 1049w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4516-800x1067.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1049px) 100vw, 1049px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11450'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1049\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44.jpg 1049w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b03a788e-b532-49ad-be35-e8280f315f44-800x1067.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1049px) 100vw, 1049px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11442'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1132\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d.jpg 1132w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d-243x300.jpg 243w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d-829x1024.jpg 829w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d-768x949.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d-320x395.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d-480x593.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6cede5-4b5d-4d58-81f9-735183764a0d-800x989.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1132px) 100vw, 1132px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11458'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4517-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div>There were a lot of cool and unique moments of connection sprinkled throughout our stay. Michael went to a cooking class with some nomad friends and, at another point, found himself playing pool with Kristian\u2014it\u2019s one of their favorite hangout activities. Lucas even joined in one night and they were out until 3 am. The last week in Tirana was jam packed with an easter hunt at the park, tracking the Artemis space flight, last-minute ping pong, art lessons, gym, and physiotherapy, and walks around the Lake. We also checked out the rotating bar in Tirana for some great sunset views. There was also a small taste of home: Michael, Lucas, and Henry found a barbecue spot owned by a man from Georgia in the U.S. Somehow, halfway across the world, they ended up eating food that felt very familiar. Travel is funny like that.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-11441 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11467'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6589-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11471'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1865\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6750-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11480'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2486\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6961.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6961.jpg 2486w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6961-300x169.jpg 300w, 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class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967.jpg 1865w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6967-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1865px) 100vw, 1865px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11477'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" 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href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11445'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1271\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b-1024x636.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b-768x477.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b-1536x953.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/466d2477-9c27-4430-af9b-ff0702d2e21b-320x199.jpg 320w, 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https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6623-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_6623-800x1067.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1049px) 100vw, 1049px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?attachment_id=11452'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1055\" height=\"1399\" src=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82.jpg 1055w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82-772x1024.jpg 772w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82-768x1018.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82-320x424.jpg 320w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82-480x637.jpg 480w, https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c0b41088-674b-48c5-ae70-34740a40ed82-800x1061.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1055px) 100vw, 1055px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\u00a0Tirana was good to us.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tirana wasn\u2019t supposed to be a standout. It was more of a \u201cthis makes sense geographically\u201d stop than a \u201cwe\u2019ve always dreamed of going here\u201d destination. No offense to Tirana\u2014it just didn\u2019t come with the same hype as some of our other stops. And yet\u2026we have enjoyed our time here. We had a period of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11452,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[166],"tags":[377,378,7,151,105,15],"class_list":["post-11441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","tag-albania","tag-tirana","tag-world-travel","tag-worldschool","tag-worldschoolers","tag-worldschooling"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11441"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11488,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11441\/revisions\/11488"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}