The Balkan Peninsula, or the Balkans, are a geographic area in Southern Europe, composed of countries with geographical and historical ties. The countries that make up the Balkans are generally noted to be Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Slovenia.

Albania is located in Southeastern Europe, next to the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and share borders with Greece, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Initially settled by Greek colonies, Albania became independent in 1912. As a developing country, it is an official candidate for European Union membership. My time here took me through Tirana, Shkodër, Theth, Berat, Vlorë, Borsh, and Gjirokaster.