2018 has been a whirlwind and these are my best, proudest, and most memorable moments and memories.
TedXTalks
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn1bGVNnC5_/
September of this year saw me give my very first TedXTalks in Tirana. With the topic of “Connectivity” I spoke about how it has given me the power to be self employed, travel, and be completely independent. I also spoke about my blog and how I have created an online community that spans five continents. To say I was nervous to give this walk would be an understatement, luckily the organisers were on hand before to give me a shot of raki!
Meeting my Partner
https://www.instagram.com/p/BowfOKYhEbM/After suffering from Influenza and not leaving the house in two weeks, my at the time housemate convinced me to go for a drink. Despite being snotty and having a sore throat, I dragged myself out of my pit, put clothes on and made my way down to the bar. It was there another friend who was celebrating a birthday, invited me to join them for a drink. In his mind he was planning to set me up with Eri because he was taller than me (!!) but before he had the chance, we had already hit it off. Thankyou to Mario and Iris for their part in setting us up, but the rest as they say, is history.
Finding Out I was Pregnant
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrXtYzTHSN2/I was told it would be hard for me to conceive after a series of surgeries a few years ago. This combined with me taking the pill meant that my chances of getting pregnant were literally zero, yet one day, after 2 months of feeling exhausted and under the weather, my doctor confirmed that I was indeed, against all the odds, pregnant. So after 8 weeks of Eri prodding my belly and saying “are you pregnant” and me replying “no I am just fat”, it turns out that I was fat for a reason and I am expecting a little girl, due June 2019.
Touring North Albania on a Motorbike
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmn59kshqWs/August was an amazing month when me, Eri and some biker friends travelled to Shkodra and spent a week driving around on bikes, swimming in Lake Shkodra, sunbathing, barbecuing fresh fish on the beach, paddle boarding, and then trekking deep in the mountains to Theth. Travelling around this part of the country on the back of a Harley Davidson will definitely be remembered as one of my highlights of the year!
Going Sea Kayaking in Jal
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsPqdOHJhu/In July, we decided to head to the Albanian Riviera, in particular Himara, Jal, and Drymadhes. We spent a week laying on beaches, drinking cocktails and eating seafood but the highlight, for me was sea kayaking in Jal. We took a day trip up the coast stopping at Gjipe beach and a number of hidden coves that are only accessible from the water. It really was a spectacular day and I would love to do it again some time!
Getting to go on TV
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpR_2OyhKHs/For some reason that is still a bit of a mystery to me, Albanian media is fascinated with me and I have been on television more times than I can count. Whether it is talking about human rights and protests, my latest project, or what on earth brought me to this country, for some reason, people like to see me talk. I’m not going to lie, I love being on TV! From having hair and makeup done to getting an opportunity to share your ideas and opinions with a huge audience, there is a certain adrenaline when you come off air that is rather addictive! Then in September 2018, I was given my own TV show although shooting was set back due to delays in launching the station- then of course I got pregnant so there will be discussions after New Year as to how to proceed.
Streha Gala & Pride
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi5VaxUn44q/Streha is a charity that provides accommodation, medical care, and ongoing support and training to LGBTIQ individuals who have suffered physical or mental abuse because of their sexuality. Homophobia is a big issue in Albania with many LGBTIQ individuals losing their jobs and homes if they come out in public. This year, the Streha gala was a success and raised funds to keep the centre going for another year. I was then lucky to attend the Pride march which had its best ever turnout of around 300 people. I was dismayed however to see that LGBTIQ individuals wore balaclavas or full face masks to hide their identity. I am and always will be a proud ally of the community and I will always defend the right of people to live free from discrimination, hatred, and abuse.
Ballet and Opera
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqSyaEzHykh/I have always loved ballet and opera and living in Tirana has given me some great opportunities to see some truly spectacular performances. I started the year with Vienna Salutes Tirana and the proceeded to watch Swan Lake, Giselle, Carmen, and La Traviata, all of which showcased some of the finest Albanian singers and dancers. Incredible set design, gorgeous costumes and performances that could compete with international standards, it has been a great year for culture in Tirana and I am excited to see what 2019 brings!
Designing my own line of scarves
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoE4TKGBnRh/Having amassed quite a collection of Albanian rugs and having fallen in love with their gorgeous patterns and colours, I found myself running out of floor space. As someone that also loves scarves, one day I had the idea to make a scarf for myself but featuring traditional Albanian patterns. I contacted a local print house who I knew could do the job and we sat down and designed 4 designs and colourways. After asking my friends which one they though I should get, it became apparent that other people wanted to purchase them as well. I didn’t want to make money from a cultural pattern that is not my own, so I decided to add a profit margin onto the price but to donate ALL of the profits to a charity supporting survivors of domestic violence. My scarves are in America, Africa, Europe, and Australia, and we have raised almost 700 Euros from their sale.
The Christmas Market
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrI37TsnG9o/On the 8thof December was the very first Artisan Christmas Market which was held at Urban Roots. Comprising of around 21 local artisan vendors, we came together to celebrate Christmas, to promote local crafts, and to raise money for two local charities. We raised over EUR 460 which was divided between Useful to Albanian Women (helping survivors of domestic violence) and Food Bank Albania (where the money will provide 800 meals this Christmas). It was a great success and we look forward to many more years to come!
Protesting in Tirana
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZePFchHR1/This year I took part in and spoke at a number of protests in Tirana. I spoke out about the demolition of the Old Theatre, the cover up of a rapist who is the son of a Socialist Party MP, the prevalence of domestic violence and femicide, and of course, the ongoing student protests. As someone who loves Albania, lives in Albania, and is carrying a half-Albanian daughter, it is my duty to stand up for what I think is right and I will continue to do so.
Learning about Wine
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqFWKfynG9j/I have always loved wine, but after setting up The Balkanista, I had many opportunities to learn more. I met with Dashimir Elezi from Class Wines, and then visited Kantina Alimani, Vere Lundra, Kantina Alpeta and Kantina Nurellari. Whilst I am currently off the wine for now, I look forward to ticking some more wonderful wine producers off my list next year! Albanian wine really is something special and has great potential for the country.
Running my first 10k!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BooIRMrBKce/Anyone who knows me knows that I am not the running type. I like swimming, I like netball, I like walking, but running has never been a top of my list. That was until this October when I managed to run 10k. It was tough, it was long, it was painful, and it was
Being in a Fashion Magazine
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9LR8Ehaq-/Most girls secretly dream of being in a fashion magazine, but in 2018 this dream came true for me when I graced the pages of Revista Elegance! Showcasing the scarves I designed and talking about my work as a writer and journalist, this was one of my proudest moments on 2018!
Organising Community Clean Ups
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo6cTyHBsgt/Inspired by my dear friend Camilla in Malta who has singlehandedly changed the mentality of a country of the last few years, I decided to try organising community
Mary Ward Loreto Gala
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrdHHv8nWqf/The Mary Ward Loreto Foundation was set up in Albania 5 years ago to help support victims and survivors of human trafficking. They also work tirelessly to prevent it through education and providing skills that can help them provide for themselves, rather than look to solutions that could result in being trafficked. The gala was well attended and a significant amount was raised via tickets, donations, and the auction. A great time was had by all!
Passing it on and speaking in schools
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFwXhtH9e7/A few years ago, I was lucky enough to have a mentor who helped to point me in the right direction as well as guide me through some difficult patches. All he asked for in return is that I pass on what I know, so when I was asked to speak in some local schools, I jumped at the chance! I speak mainly about my work, travel, environmental and social issues, and pursuing your dreams and I have been lucky enough to speak to children from all over the world, ranging from 7 years to 17 years! To think that maybe I could have the power to inspire just one person is a truly incredible feeling.
Interviewing John Alite
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpEw3G0Bez5/
I am not one to glorify gangsters but my interview with John Alite was something a little bit different. Hearing him talk so calmly about heinous crimes he committed and yet be so polite and gentlemanly in the same breath was both fascinating and unnerving in equal measures. We stay in touch every few weeks, sharing news and pleasantries and it will go down as one of the interviews that I am proudest of conducting.
Going to the Premier of Albanian Gangster
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpH7CvbhItD/In October of this year, I was lucky enough to be able to interview the Director Matthew Brown, and the leading actors Ashley C Williams, and John Rezja from ‘Albanian Gangster’. Whilst at first, I was a bit hesitant with the name, when I watched the film I understood that it was not just another gangster film and it was in fact a raw, real, and very artistic representation of what life is like for many second generation immigrants in America. The premier was amazing and I was thrilled to have met such a lovely group of people!
Setting up ‘The Balkanista ’
Being a ‘blogger’ was never a part of my plan. I am a writer, journalist and columnist, and blogging has never even been on my radar. Setting up this blog was a snap decision taken during a walk home, after receiving yet another message from a friend abroad asking me what Albania was like. I set up the blog in 2 hours and posted my first post before going out and forgetting all about it. The next day I had 2000 hits and now I am about to hit 165,000! It has been an amazing journey and I have met so many wonderful people and been to so many incredible places. I am excited to see what next year has in store.
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