1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Watching an Albanian play in the atmospheric surroundings of the amphitheatre at the Butrint National Park and returning in a packed (to the hilt) bus full of friendly, chattering Albanians and holding my breath each time the bus turned a corner on the narrow coast road home. Most memorable: being with a fun, like-minded group and practising our Albanian with the locals who were at all times friendly and courteous. Had a great time.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

There ARE working ATMs (?) - machines from which you can get money in Sarande.

Don't take tea as a present as, apparently, the Albanians drink it when they are sick - they prefer coffee - you don't actually need to take any presents.

There are crisps and other snacks available but chocolate not so good.

If you are partial to jam at breakfast then take your own as the Albanian jam seems to taste the same whatever it is.

I didn't really need my mosquito net (i.e. don't especially buy one as I did) as the house we stayed in only seemed to have these insects in the shower and on the balcony at night. Repellent useful at work site when near water.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, in that we spent money in the local community, used local housing and transport, ate and drank local food/beer and helped clear the Butrint excavation site of weeds etc ready for gravelling. We also chatted to locals which I think benefited both the Albanians and us.