A pair who offered everything to relocate to the area generally known as ‘the Maldives of Europe’ have recognized two major issues with their new residence.
Sandra and Jeff Mayernik, beforehand residents of Oregon, confessed to feeling overwhelmed as they grappled with the escalating value of dwelling. Consequently, the retired pair offered all their possessions – their autos, home, and artwork assortment – earlier than deciding to move abroad in November 2023.
They have journeyed or resided in a dozen nations, together with Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico, and Argentina, however most just lately, they’ve made Albania their home.
The couple is presently residing in Sarande, a location that the National Geographic Society has labeled as ‘the Maldives of Europe’. The Albanian Riviera is lauded for its quite a few white-sand seashores, archaeological websites, and charming villages to uncover.
Despite the breathtaking panorama surrounding them and a decrease value of dwelling, Sandra and Jeff have pinpointed two vital drawbacks to their new dwelling situations, stories the Express.
In a dialog with Business Insider, Jeff conceded that adapting to the new currency (the Albanian Lek) and the language have been the most important challenges for the expats.
He said: “You’re dealing in a different currency and a different language. So every trip to the grocery store is just a little more work.
“Back within the US, I might stroll into a Kroger (a grocery store with virtually 3,000 shops throughout the US), learn each label, and immediately know what I used to be paying for,” he added. “Here, I as soon as grabbed what regarded like a package deal of ham – however it undoubtedly wasn’t.
“Those little sorts of things, people get frustrated about, and it can build up.”
Despite these hurdles, the pair are relishing the benefits that accompany their recent way of life.
Jeff claims the best perk is the more relaxed rhythm of every day life, with locals showing “less hurried and harried”. Sandra in the meantime reveals the “stress just evaporated” after departing the US.
The admitted workaholic initially needed to preserve her employment when she and her partner started touring as a result of she “loved her job”, however she resigned completely after six or 9 months on the highway.
Additional benefits for the duo embody money saved on lodging and medical care, plus a more nutritious diet in contrast to what they’d eat within the US, although they do confess to discovering it tough being so distant from family members.
The typical temperature in Albania between May and September reaches 28C, whereas beers value as little as £2 with the charges evaluating favorably to some of its European neighbors like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece.
