A couple who sold everything to move to the area dubbed ‘the Maldives of Europe’ have noticed two big issues with their new home.
Sandra and Jeff Mayernik were living in the US state of Oregon where they admitted to feeling burnt out as they struggled to keep up with the rising cost of living. So the retired couple sold everything they owned – their cars, home and their art collection – before making the decision to move abroad in November 2023.
They have travelled or lived in a dozen countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico and Argentina, but most recently they have been living in Albania.
The couple is currently living in a place called Sarande, which according to the National Geographic Society has been described as ‘the Maldives of Europe’. The Albanian Riviera has been praised for its countless white-sand beaches, archaeological sites and quaint villages to explore.
Despite the incredible scenery that surrounds them and a reduced cost of living, Sandra and Jeff have noticed two significant negatives about their new living situation.
Speaking to Business Insider, Jeff admitted that navigating the new currency (the Albanian Lek) and the language have proved the biggest obstacles 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 in the US, I could walk into a Kroger (a supermarket with almost 3,000 stores across the US), read every label, and instantly know what I was paying for,” he added. “Here, I once grabbed what looked like a package of ham — but it definitely wasn’t.
“Those little sorts of things, people get frustrated about, and it can build up.”
Despite these obstacles, the couple are enjoying the perks that come with the new way of life. Jeff says the biggest benefit is the slower pace of life, with people feeling “less hurried and harried”.
Sandra meanwhiles says the “stress just evaporated” after leaving the US. The self-confessed workaholic wanted to be kept when her and her husband started travelling because she “loved her job”, but she quit for good after six or nine months on the road.
Other benefits for the couple including money saved on housing and healthcare, along with a healthier diet compared to the one they would consume in the US, but they do admit to struggling being so far away from family.
The average temperature in Albania between May and September is 28C, while pints cost as little as £2 with the prices comparing favourably to some of its European neighbours like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece.