Tag: taste of home

Six years ago, I arrived in Tirana, not knowing what life in Albania would be like. I was a Chinese woman stepping into a new chapter, full of curiosity but also uncertainty. Today, Tirana is not just where I live – it’s truly my home.
Over the years, I’ve built a life here filled with meaningful connections. I’ve met many kind and wonderful people who have made me feel welcomed, respected, and cared for. Their friendship has softened the distance between me and my family in China. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to find such warmth so far from home.
This morning, something small yet deeply touching happened. A friend surprised me with a package of dehydrated fruit – straight from China. Just opening the bag released a familiar, sweet scent that instantly took me back. The taste was exactly as I remembered from my childhood – chewy, slightly tangy, and full of nostalgia.
It reminded me of Liaoning, the province where I was born and raised. I miss the changing seasons, the rhythm of the streets, and the comforting flavors of local snacks I grew up with. I miss my parents’ voices echoing in the house and the way everything felt safe and known.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that bring the deepest emotions. A simple snack, shared with thoughtfulness, became a powerful reminder of home – and of how lucky I am to have found a second one here in Albania.