{"id":19653,"date":"2020-10-05T17:26:29","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T17:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/?p=19653"},"modified":"2021-04-01T23:13:12","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T23:13:12","slug":"interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with a World Traveler: A Custom Private Trip to Albania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_210843733.jpg\" alt=\"A sweeping view of the River Osum from Berat, Albania. Photo credit: Peter Guttman\" class=\"wp-image-18983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_210843733.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_210843733-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_210843733-768x487.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_210843733-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_210843733-600x380.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>A sweeping view of the River Osum from Berat, Albania. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Closed off to visitors for most of the last century, the south Balkan country of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/country\/albania\/\"><strong>Albania<\/strong><\/a> has emerged as a relatively undiscovered and culturally alluring destination that beckons curious travelers with jagged mountain peaks, imposing castles, crumbling Roman and Greek ruins, a vibrant capital, and sprawling Adriatic and Ionian coastlines. <strong>It\u2019s a place where seasoned travelers have a chance to recapture the excitement of exploring destinations less frequented.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5f6a7abedc4a3-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Panoramic view of Gjirokastra city in Albania. Photo credit: Albanian National Tourism Agency\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Town of Kruje in Albania. Photo credit: Chris Lira\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Kruje Castle in Albania. Photo credit: Mike Belton &#038; Karen McGrath\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5f6a7abedc4a3-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5f6a7abedc4a3-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/gjirokaster-Albanian-National-Tourism-Agency-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Panoramic view of Gjirokastra city in Albania. Photo credit: Albanian National Tourism Agency\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Panoramic view of Gjirokastra city in Albania. <\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Albanian National Tourism Agency<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/p1050035_30188801826_o-Chris-Lira-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Town of Kruje in Albania. Photo credit: Chris Lira\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Town of Kruje in Albania<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Chris Lira<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kruje-from-Panorama-hotel-Mike-Belton-Karen-McGrath-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Kruje Castle in Albania. Photo credit: Mike Belton &#038; Karen McGrath\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Kruje Castle in Albania<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Mike Belton &#038; Karen McGrath<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p style=\"background-color:#d4cbb3\" class=\"has-background has-drop-cap\">Sid Suarez, a frequent world traveler and longtime friend of MIR, took a few minutes to allow us to get to know him better and ask a few questions about his trip to Albania.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hello Sid, thank you for this opportunity to speak with you and learn more about you and your travels. What are some of your favorite places?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> There are so many places that are extraordinary.&nbsp;I love traveling to Russia, Nicaragua, Namibia, Belarus, Albania, Japan, and Romania, to name just a few. I try to take three major trips a year.&nbsp;I have traveled four times with MIR: a wonderful Trans-Siberian rail journey across Russia, private and customized in-depth explorations of both Romania and Albania (separately), and Belarus &amp; Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When did the travel bug first bite you? What\u2019s the best part of traveling for you?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> I had it at an early age, but did not get to travel overseas until I was in my 40s and 50s &#8212; I had to earn my way into international traveling, and now I enjoy it at every opportunity.&nbsp;My favorite aspect of traveling is the abundant opportunity to learn. I\u2019m constantly surprised how much I learn that I didn\u2019t know before the trip \u2013 traveling truly is a great education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How has traveling changed your perspective about the world? What was the most surprising thing you\u2019ve ever learned on your travels?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> Travel changes my perspectives all the time.&nbsp;Sometimes I am shocked by the misinformation and misperceptions out there.&nbsp;I have traveled to Nicaragua twice now, and while it\u2019s never mentioned as a &#8220;must travel destination,&#8221; I found it to be incredibly beautiful with very friendly people and amazing scenery.&nbsp;My first trip with MIR, on a train from Vladivostok to Moscow, ended up being the best trip I have ever taken.&nbsp;The people of Russia are incredible and seeing the countryside and learning about it first hand for 30 days was stupendous.&nbsp; Every chance I get to travel back to Russia now, I do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5f6a7cbadc4a5-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax.jpg 882w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 882px) 100vw, 882px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Tsar's Gold private train winds its way around Lake Baikal, one of the most scenic legs of the Trans-Siberian route\"\n  height=\"588\"\n  width=\"882\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Aptly named, the Church on the Blood in Ekaterinburg marks where Russia\u2019s last czar and family were murdered. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"464\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"State Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow, Russia. Photo credit: Jered Gorman\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5f6a7cbadc4a5-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5f6a7cbadc4a5-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax.jpg 882w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TsarsGoldatBaikalonbendwpax-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 882px) 100vw, 882px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Tsar's Gold private train winds its way around Lake Baikal, one of the most scenic legs of the Trans-Siberian route\"\n  height=\"588\"\n  width=\"882\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Tsar&#8217;s Gold private train winds its way around Lake Baikal, one of the most scenic legs of the Trans-Siberian route.<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/SAM_3794-Russia-Ekaterinburg-Church-on-Blood-MKli-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Aptly named, the Church on the Blood in Ekaterinburg marks where Russia\u2019s last czar and family were murdered. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"464\"\n  width=\"618\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Aptly named, the Church on the Blood in Ekaterinburg marks where Russia\u2019s last czar and family were murdered. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kremlin-5-1-of-1-Jered-Gorman-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"State Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow, Russia. Photo credit: Jered Gorman\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">State Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow, Russia.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Jered Gorman<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You\u2019ve traveled to some places that are still relatively undiscovered. What kind of reactions have you gotten from people when you tell them where you\u2019re going or where you\u2019ve gone?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> I do like the undiscovered locations the most and consider them to provide the most rewarding travel experiences.&nbsp;I almost always get friendly reactions from the locals when I travel, and everyone is very hospitable.&nbsp;Some of my long-time friends in the USA who do not travel have a hard time grasping my desire to visit places they know very little about. Fortunately, with modern technologies and social media, I can share my adventures so they are able to get a glimpse of what a place is really like, which is always appreciated. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Please tell us about your recent travels to Albania. Before you arrived, what did you know about the country, and what kind of pre-conceived notions did you have?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> I knew little about Albania before the trip. I played soccer with 20 Albanian friends in San Diego for 20 years, and decided it was time to pay a visit \u2013 one of the best decisions I ever made. MIR crafted an itinerary that covered almost the entire country, while hitting all of the highlights along the way. The drivers and guides on my trip were absolutely exceptional, and also very flexible. They made a few good jokes about never before encountering a tourist that knew more people in Albania than they did. As a result, the trip was made even better as I introduced them to my friends and we all went to the beach and made other itinerary adjustments &#8212; it ended up being great for me as well as my guides.&nbsp;I learned more than I ever imagined about the Adriatic and the Ionian Coast. It was a true discovery.&nbsp;My favorite town was Saranda \u2013 the hotel was superb and the views were unmatched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5f6a918c160b2-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-150x113.jpeg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255.jpeg 922w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-600x450.jpeg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Resort views from Saranda, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"692\"\n  width=\"922\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-150x113.jpeg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068.jpeg 830w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-300x227.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-768x580.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-600x453.jpeg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Saranda, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"627\"\n  width=\"830\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-150x113.jpeg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472.jpeg 936w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-600x450.jpeg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Seaside town of Saranda, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"702\"\n  width=\"936\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5f6a918c160b2-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5f6a918c160b2-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-150x113.jpeg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255.jpeg 922w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544613255-600x450.jpeg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Resort views from Saranda, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"692\"\n  width=\"922\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Resort views from Saranda, Albania.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Sid Suarez<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-150x113.jpeg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068.jpeg 830w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-300x227.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-768x580.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544687068-600x453.jpeg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Saranda, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"627\"\n  width=\"830\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Saranda, Albania.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Sid Suarez<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-150x113.jpeg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472.jpeg 936w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590544597472-600x450.jpeg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Seaside town of Saranda, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"702\"\n  width=\"936\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Seaside town of Saranda, Albania.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Sid Suarez<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What made the biggest impression on you during your time in Albania? Was there anywhere you wish you could have spent more time?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> I learned so much about the proud, brave history of the Albanian people, and the convergence of cultures and different faiths in one region. The minarets and churches and castles all side by side. I took it all in and it greatly affected me.&nbsp; I would like to stay in the seaside town of Seranda for a full week next time, and I\u2019d also like to visit the North of the country and proceed into Montenegro, where many of my friends in Albania come from originally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5f6d31f48509f-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"St. Stephen's Cathedral in Shkodra, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"960\"\n  width=\"720\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A Statue of George W. Bush overlooks the main square in the town of Fushe Kruje, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"960\"\n  width=\"720\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Rozafa Castle in Shkodra, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"720\"\n  width=\"960\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5f6d31f48509f-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5f6d31f48509f-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882130223-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"St. Stephen's Cathedral in Shkodra, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"960\"\n  width=\"720\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">St. Stephen&#8217;s Cathedral in Shkodra, Albania.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Sid Suarez<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882103772-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A Statue of George W. Bush overlooks the main square in the town of Fushe Kruje, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"960\"\n  width=\"720\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A Statue of George W. Bush overlooks the main square in the town of Fushe Kruje, Albania.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Sid Suarez<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Albania-Sid_Suarez-FB_IMG_1590882234459-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Rozafa Castle in Shkodra, Albania. Photo credit: Sid Suarez\"\n  height=\"720\"\n  width=\"960\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Rozafa Castle in Shkodra, Albania. <\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Sid Suarez<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Was there anything you didn\u2019t like about Albania?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> No, actually I loved it all! When I was leaving, an immigration official looked at my US passport and said \u201cyou are welcome back any time.\u201d I was&nbsp; happy and surprised to learn about Albania\u2019s particular fondness for American people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What were the people like?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> I had the advantage of knowing many locals, but they will give you the shirt off their back, once you get to know them and they are comfortable with you.&nbsp;Albanians are very hospitable.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_5f6a96885308a-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1-.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A centuries old tradition, Albanians take hospitality seriously.\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Farmers in Albania. Photo credit: Joanna Millick\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Albanian folk dancers. Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_5f6a96885308a-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_5f6a96885308a-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1-.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cobo-winery-1--600x399.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A centuries old tradition, Albanians take hospitality seriously.\"\n  height=\"532\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A centuries old tradition, Albanians take hospitality seriously.<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC07409-Joanna-Millick-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Farmers in Albania. Photo credit: Joanna Millick\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Farmers in Albania.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Joanna Millick<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-150x97.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman.jpg 1308w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DSC_3018-Peter-Guttman-600x389.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Albanian folk dancers. Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"847\"\n  width=\"1308\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Albanian folk dancers.<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Peter Guttman<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there anything else about Albania that you\u2019d like to share?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> The coast and beaches are incredible.&nbsp;June through August is peak season.&nbsp;We got there the last week in May, and it was fairly deserted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If someone were considering traveling to Albania, what would you tell them to convince them to go?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> Albania is an untouched gem.&nbsp;Many people travel to Greece, but Albania has much of the same coastal beauty, with great food and a relaxing ambiance at a much better price.&nbsp;Also, their yogurt is outstanding too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_205106482.jpg\" alt=\"Soak up the sun in the Albanian Riviera. Photo credit: Albanian National Tourism Agency\/Europa Travel\" class=\"wp-image-18982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_205106482.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_205106482-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_205106482-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_205106482-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_205106482-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Soak up the sun in the Albanian Riviera. Photo credit: Albanian National Tourism Agency\/Europa Travel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you like about your travel experiences with MIR? What keeps you coming back?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sid:<\/strong> The personalized experience.&nbsp; MIR offers both private tours and small group tours, which I prefer. I have taken four trips with MIR and they have been some of the best of my life.&nbsp;This travel hiatus that we are all experiencing has me very excited for my next adventure!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Closed off to visitors for most of the last century, the south Balkan country of Albania has emerged in recent years as a relatively undiscovered and culturally alluring destination that beckons curious travelers with jagged mountain peaks, imposing castles, crumbling Roman and Greek ruins, a vibrant capital, and sprawling Adriatic and Ionian coastlines. Sid Suarez, a frequent world traveler and longtime friend of MIR, recently took a few minutes to allow us to get to know him better and ask a few questions about his recent trip to Albania. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":12817,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Interview with a World Traveler: A Custom Private Trip to Albania<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Albania has emerged as an undiscovered and culturally alluring destination. 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Here, Sid Suarez answers a few questions about his trip.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MIR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MIR.Corporation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-10-05T17:26:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-04-01T23:13:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/40-Berat-Mike-Belton-_-Karen-McGrath-1920.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"651\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jered Gorman\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@mircorp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@mircorp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jered Gorman\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jered Gorman\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/#\/schema\/person\/9f721553a15cd583257b5e288e599120\"},\"headline\":\"Interview with a World Traveler: A Custom Private Trip to Albania\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-10-05T17:26:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-04-01T23:13:12+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/\"},\"wordCount\":1180,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/40-Berat-Mike-Belton-_-Karen-McGrath-1920.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/\",\"name\":\"Interview with a World Traveler: A Custom Private Trip to Albania\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-a-world-traveler-a-custom-private-trip-to-albania\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/40-Berat-Mike-Belton-_-Karen-McGrath-1920.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-10-05T17:26:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-04-01T23:13:12+00:00\",\"description\":\"Albania has emerged as an undiscovered and culturally alluring destination. 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