Bye bye Balkans.

After 6 weeks in the Balkans, we are very sadly leaving our home away from home. We visited our favorite fast food place for the last time and I took one last walk along the beach.

Some observations about our last 6 weeks:

1. Everyone needs to visit the Balkans. Even the Croatians thought the other Balkan countries (such as Macedonia and Albania) were not very developed. I’m here to tell you that they are! Of course, there are less developed areas but, overall, we were very impressed. Everyone spoke English well. Of course some of the older people didn’t but we had almost no language barrier and everybody was really friendly.

2. The history is really interesting and tragic. We should really learn more about this area of the world. So many lessons to be learned by everyone.

3. Beautiful scenery. Not only the coastal regions but inland is really awesome, too!

4. There are some tall people here! Justin might be considered to be on the shorter side here.

5. Some of the clearest waters you will ever see. So so beautiful.

6. There are very few sandy beaches. Most are rocky and you wil need water shoes.

7. Water was cold. Probably around 65-70 degrees. A lot like San Diego and definitely not like Hawaii or Costa Rica.

8. Lots of mosquitos. We got stung a lot. But then again, mosquitos like us.

9. The food was amazing. In Croatia and Montenegro the prices for a sit down meal was probably similar to that of U.S. Maybe 10-15% less. But the fast food was very inexpensive. My chicken salad was about $4. In Macedonia and Albania, price was about half. And, EVERYTHING was good. I don’t think we disliked one thing!!

10. We will definitely be back. Next time we will rent a yacht and just cruise along the coast. If we had known we would have done it this time.

11. Gelato is everywhere !! And, it’s really a work of art how it’s displayed. Nope, I didn’t take one picture of it. It was everywhere! We must pass by at least 5 stands a day and I didn’t take one single picture of it. Sorry. You’ll just have to trust me.

Favorite thing/place:

Jevyn: chicken sandwiches from Bili Pivac and the Blue Eye (Albania)

Justin: all of it, especially the crepes

Lily: Ksamil, Albania. Night of drinking in Kotor (Montenegro) with Justin

Jayden: pizza. Every single one was delicious.

Justyne: Hated it all – kidding, not kidding.

Yes, visit! Not just Croatia or Montenegro but all of it! Oh, avoid the summer months if you can. It has gotten so popular here that it’s crowded and crazy. September is even quite busy.

Next stop, Spain! See you there!!