Near neighbours today, separated by the Mediterranean.
Italy
I expect holders Italy to go far in this tournament but with my travels there being frequent I have loads of choice for posting.
2023 was my last visit for a train tour of the North West. Bologna – Rimini – (San Marino) – Modena – Parma – Padua – Milan – Lake Garda.
Modena is home to balsamic vinegar and Ferrari, plus the birthplace of Pavarotti. A wonderful city – stunning cathedral, beguiling old town, gastronomic restaurants.
We visited a balsamic vinegar producer and the Ferrari Museum. I am not a petrol head but I was wowed by the aesthetic beauty of the cars through the ages.
Albania
I visited the once isolated country twice, ten years apart in 07 & 17. Tirana especially had changed greatly in the intervening decade.
In 2006 the main square off King Zog Boulevard (fantastic name) named after national hero Skanderbeg was ringed by a large traffic strewn roundabout.
Ten years later it had all been paved over and pedestrianised, with a large underground car park below. A huge downgrade from the previous rougher but characterful area.
