By Dash Frashëri, publisher of TiranaDiplomat.com and Bloger.al

The US ambassador, Yuri Kim, uses the weekends to get to know “tourist Albania”.

With a map that she always carries with her, she pinpoints the most attractive destinations in Albania. For him, it doesn’t matter if today he climbs the mountain of Korabi, or another day he chooses Katiu Bridge in Përmet, the coast of Vlora or the edge of Pogradec lake.

She is in love with Albania. That they cast when they step on the “Land of Eagles”!

The message that Yuri exchanges with the internationally famous Albanian soprano, Ermonela Jaho, shows her being: “It is my honor to be in Albania. I hope you come back and perform one day while I’m here. You are amazing.”

She likes to be photographed with the red and black flag in the background: in Tirana, Krujë, Gjirokastër, Shkodër or Elbasan.

Yuri Kim is preparing for the new diplomatic season, and for this she chooses to climb to the top of Albania’s highest peak, Mount Korabi. 2,764 meters high!

“I don’t know if it’s because my family’s roots are in the mountains, but I always find strength and inspiration whenever I’m in the Albanian highlands. I think Highlanders are the same regardless of country. As summer draws to a close, I am reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead. I decided to prepare for the new season by climbing to the top of Albania’s highest peak, Mount Korabi. 2,764 meters high! I wasn’t the fastest or strongest, and it took longer than we planned, but we persevered and made it to the top. It reminded me of the importance of staying focused on your goal, being surrounded by friends who encourage you and stick with you to the end, and never give up. One foot in front of the other, step by step, we can reach our goal together,” Kim wrote in her post.

Valbona and Thethi are a fabulous beauty. And Yuri feels the greatness of Theth National Park.

A “selfie” near the statue of Ali Pasha Tepelena, during her passage in the city of Tepelena.

“I could not resist a quick stop in Tepelena, at Ali Pashë Tepelena, during my return to Tirana from Kakavija, where together with the Albanian Minister of the Interior, Bledar Çuçi, the Ambassador of Greece, Sophia Philipidou and I, we underlined the support strong, smart border control that facilitates trade and travel while fighting criminal activity,” Ambassador Kim wrote in her Instagram post.

In Përmet, she photographs the ambassador of Sweden, Elsa Hastad, but she also enjoys a roasted corn in the city of flowers. In Tepelena, they rent it with pomegranates.

However, a little ouzo is also enjoyed by the residents of the village of Vuno, Vlora District.

“Like many people in Albania and elsewhere in Europe, I am taking a quick break to recharge my batteries. I went to Vuno, for a coffee in the village square, and ended up drinking ouzo with the locals. Thanks to Petro, Gjergj, Irakli, Armando and other new friends who invited me to share a drink and for a very nice conversation. I appreciated learning about your village, sharing your views on life in Albania and talking about our families. I will keep my promise to return to your beautiful village and continue our conversation. Thank you!”, writes Kim.

Even Dhërmiu, with its characteristic and revived houses, leaves special impressions. The ladies of Dhërmi are pleasant to talk to, but also hospitable. They offer brandy and chocolate to the ambassador, and one of them invites her to her house and gives her figs.

Gjirokastra is another cut destination of Yuri Kim.

“I love you Gjirokastër”, this is the inscription with which Kim has decided to accompany the beautiful photos taken in one of the most historic places in Albania. She visited the fortress of Gjirokastra and met various citizens, with whom she also took photos.

Gjirokastra is another cut destination of Yuri Kim.

“I love you Gjirokastër”, this is the inscription with which Kim has decided to accompany the beautiful photos taken in one of the most historic places in Albania. She visited the fortress of Gjirokastra and met various citizens, with whom she also took photos.

“Berat is lovely – a beautiful city, with wonderful guides, old churches and icons that make your eyes water. Happy to see how USAID has helped to develop tourism”, writes Kim.

The US ambassador in Tirana, Yuri Kim, and the one from Sweden, Elsa Hastad, visited Peshkopina, where they saw up close the local tourism center that has been made possible with the support of USAID and SIDA Sweden.

They held friendly meetings with residents of Peshkopia, with whom they also drink coffee.

Korca inspires him for beautiful icons, just as the “Lady from the city” invites the “Ambassador from America” for a party.

Pogradec inspires the American ambassador. As she has published a picturesque photo from Lake Ohrid, Yuri Kim greets her followers with a few lines from the well-known poem of the well-known poet from Pogradec, Lasgush Poradeci, ‘Mëngjes’.

“So, here! so, here! that the day dawned,
At the bottom of the water itself,
If the messenger – the morning,
The bird comes out – the white one of a ostrich…”

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A post shared by Yuri Kim (@amb_yurikim)

Vlora and its coast cannot be missing from Yuri’s “tourist map”.

During a walk by the sea, Kim met with local residents and fishermen. “I am happy that I am starting the week with a walk on the beach of Vlora”, writes the ambassador.

Kim is a promoter of Albanian Agrotourism. “Fairy Frost” is probably one of the best examples.

Folk music played with cifteli appeals immensely! It makes him happy! But a table tennis match also makes him happy!