"From Love Bunkers to International Soccer" Albania by Greatwalk0

Albania is truly one of the strangest places I have ever visited. A country that was completely cut off from the outside world for nearly 50 years, Albania is only now opening up to the outside world and modernizing. One of the lasting marks from the infamous Hoxha era are the hundreds of thousands of bunkers that were built over the entire country to deter what was considered to be an imminent American invasion (yeah right). Since they are imbedded in the ground so deeply, these bunkers still pockmark the country and are used exclusively as highschool make-out hide-aways. Oh, how times have changed.

Watchtower inside Skanderburg Castle - Kruja

ABSOLUTELY beautiful and easily accessible by public transportation from Tirana. I had a great time visiting this beautiful historic mountain-side city. The Skunderburg Castle and the nick-nacks market worth a day visit more than worth it!

Gotta love the enthusiasm of European soccer fans. During this friendly match between the national Georgian and Albanian teams, things got pretty hairy in the stands, where most of the real action actually took place.

• Pros:Off the beaten path, facinating history, love for Americans