S4:Ep11 - Tirana, Albania (Blloku neighborhood)

FEBRUARY  2024

Welcome to my February podcast, broadcasting live from Lisbon where the weather has been delightful, marked by sunny days occasionally interrupted by refreshing rain showers. Nestled in a cozy Airbnb, conveniently situated for optimal productivity, I've found the perfect base for my creative endeavors.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of my trip has been my engagement with a local filmmaking group. Fueled by my passion to contribute both on and off-screen, I've embraced every opportunity to immerse myself in the creative process. Amidst occasional touristy exploits, such as leisurely explorations of Lisbon's charm and a memorable visit to the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Cristo Rei in Almada, I've relished the chance to witness the city's beauty and contribute to its vibrant cultural scene.

In this episode:

• Nomadic challenges
• Filmmaking Group, making films, and Friday night drinks
• Cristo Rei (Christ the King)
• Back to the UK soon

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay now!

Cristo Rei (Christ the King)
The Cristo Rei statue was built in response to a vow made by Portugal's Catholic bishops in 1940, during World War II, to construct a monument to Christ if the country remained neutral throughout the conflict. After Portugal emerged unscathed, the bishops kept their promise, and construction began in 1951.

JANUARY  2024

To begin the new year, I take you on my adventure back to the US, where I reconnect with family and friends, and delve into the nostalgic task of clearing out a storage unit filled with memories.

I'm thrilled to share my plans to enhance my skill set by obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, blending my passion for teaching with my background in acting and filmmaking. Hear how I intend to utilize my acting training and improv skills to create a unique and engaging approach to teaching English.

It's a year filled with promise, and I can't wait to share the journey with you!

In this episode:

• Back to the US
• 2024 Goals
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate
• Onward to 2024

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

DECEMBER  2023

As the year draws to a close, I find myself back in Lisbon, reminiscing about the events of 2023. While my Airbnb experience hit a snag, a move to Estoril, Portugal, brought a satisfying resolution. Unlike my last visit in 2020/2021 when the Christmas Markets were shuttered, this time they're bustling with festive energy, brimming with delectable food, lively tunes, and, of course, the comforting aroma of Mulled Wine. Reconnecting with my cherished MeetUp Groups centered on filmmaking and an elegant Supper Club adds an extra layer of delight to my return.

In this episode:

• Back in Lisbon
• 2023 Review
• Airbnb problem and resolution
• Estoril, Portugal
• Christmas Markets
• MeetUp Groups (Filmmaking and Supper Club)

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

NOVEMBER  2023

So, I just went from a small town near the Adriatic Sea up to Tirana, the capital city of the country. What a change! I'm fully embracing it and really enjoying it.

I'm staying in a wonderful neighborhood called Blloku. The Blloku neighborhood is a vibrant area that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Originally a restricted zone during the communist era, reserved for government officials and party elites, Blloku has evolved into a bustling hub of trendy cafes, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It is now a symbol of Tirana's modernization and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The best part is that it's within walking distance to my favorite coffeeshops, my gym, and all the monuments you need to see!

In this episode:

• Getting settled in Tirana
• Blloku neighborhood
• Pyramid of Tirana
• Skanderbeg Square
• Grand Park Tirana

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

Blloku Neighborhood
Tiranë's hippest and most vibrant district

Pyramid of Tirana
A symbol of Albania's communist past.

Skanderbeg Square
The epicenter of Tirana, surrounded by some of the most important buildings of the country.

Grand Park of Tirana
Gorgeous, green, family-friendly, and near the Lake!

OCTOBER  2023

Albania has truly been a delightful surprise! Durrës is a port city and my Airbnb is on the 11th floor of a high-rise, so the view of the Adriatic Sea is spectacular! There's so much to see and do here. The local restaurants are abundant and ready to be explored, and I can't wait to start!

In this episode:

• Getting settled in Durrës
• Daily life in Durrës
• Pros and Cons
• Making friends and expats
• Amphitheater of Durrës

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

Durrës Albania
Check out the Wiki page

Amphitheater of Durrës
The largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans once held over 20,000 people, but managed to lay hidden for hundreds of years.

Durrës Sphinx
Also called the Urban Cape, this modern architectural object serves as the apex of Durrës’ land and seascapes. It connects the promenade and square with the Adriatic sea in a seamless line of white stone and cascading stairs, all made from local stones and materials.

SEPTEMBER 2023

I had an amazing summer in Leeds, and now that I've moved to Liverpool, I'm loving the fresh scenery. My stay here has been upbeat, filled with great conversations. It's just a 10-minute walk to the vibrant Hope Street, known for its historic architecture, Everyman Theatre, art galleries, and restaurants. Another enjoyable 10-minute walk takes me to the City Centre and my favorite gym, making navigation in this city a breeze, and I'm feeling more at ease overall. 😊

In this episode:

• Back to Liverpool
• Georgian Quarter: Hope Street, Everyman Theater, Liverpool Philharmonic, LIPA, and Liverpool Cathedral
• Ringo Starr's childhood home
• City Centre (Albert Dock)
• Onwards to Albania

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

Liverpool Everyman Playhouse
The Everyman Playhouse is known for its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative theater productions that often reflect the diversity and dynamism of contemporary society.

LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts)
LIPA is a specialist university-level provider of world class learning for performers and those who make performance possible.

Liverpool Cathedral
The Liverpool Cathedral is one of the largest in the world and is renowned for its breathtaking Gothic Revival architecture. It stands not only as a place of spiritual significance but also as a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural prowess.

AUGUST 2023

As summer slowly comes to a close here in Yorkshire, it's been an absolute blast! These past few months have been a delightful mix of adventure, discovery, and happiness. This marks my third English summer, and I must say, I'm feeling right at home. The weather has been quite agreeable.  There's been a good balance of a few warm days but mainly consistently pleasant cool temperatures and a good bit of rain. Along the way, I've strengthened my bonds with friends, fellow actors, and folks in the industry, and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Throughout most of this month, I've had the joy of discovering the captivating history and beauty that's all around me, with no day train trips. There's an array of things to see and do here in Leeds, making it an incredibly enjoyable time overall.

In this episode:

• Summertime weather in Yorkshire is spendid!
• Walk to Kirkstall Abbey
• Hold Fast Bookshop @ Leeds Dock
• The Royal Armouries @ Leeds Dock
• Onwards to Liverpool

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

Kirkstall Abbey
One of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, founded over 800 years ago.

Hold Fast Bookshop
A floating bookshop in Leeds Dock.

Royal Armouries
The UK's national collection of arms and armour and is free to visit.

JULY 2023

The month of July has been fantastic!  Throughout the month, I had the chance to embark on a couple exciting day trips - one of the best things about being here in England. The weather has been comfortable and I've really be enjoying the cooler, pleasant temperatures, despite a few rain showers. My Airbnb has quickly became my home away from home, and I got the daily bus ride and schedules down pat.

In this episode:

• Daily routine and pleasant weather
• Daytrip to Knaresborough
• Daytrip to Hebden Bridge

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

Knaresborough
Knaresborough is a market and spa town and civil parish on the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, England.

Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is a market town in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, England.

JUNE  2023

I'm back in Leeds!  Even though Leeds is only 45 miles from Manchester (and a one hour train ride) packing up and moving my life, even a short distance, feels like a major life changing shift for me.

In this episode:

• Back in Leeds
• The Airbnb experience
• Coworking at Leeds Dock
• Steph's Packed Lunch
• Summertime in Leeds
• Which City is Best?  Leeds, Manchester, or Liverpool

Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube

Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Airbnb
Book your stay

Leeds Dock
Welcome to Leeds Dock, a place to work, enjoy and experience events throughout the year.

Steph's Packed Lunch
Steph McGovern presents her daily programme live from Yorkshire, with a mixture of entertainment and lifestyle and a variety of guests.

The north England cities of Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool are very different from each other.  I've spent time in all three, and they all have positives and a few negatives.

In this interview, I asked some people which city they preferred.  Not a real scientific poll, but I think their answers give a pretty clear idea as the what each city is like.