Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are reportedly set to wed in Palermo. The songstress, 30, who confirmed her engagement to Callum, 36, in June last year, is said to be preparing to tie the knot in the Italian town in September. Italian newspaper, Giornale di Sicilia stated a wedding planner has been working in Palermo for some time preparing for the spectacular from 5 to 7 September.
Meanwhile, La Repubblica publication stated there will a plethora of private jets bringing stars into the event, which has been branded: ‘The wedding of the year’.
Last year while confirming the news, Dua shared her joy with British Vogue, saying: ‘Yeah we‘re engaged. It’s very exciting…
‘This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just, I don’t know, be best friends forever — it’s a really special feeling.’
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Dua for comment.
In 2024, news of their romantic proposal emerged and Dua has regularly been seen with a dazzling diamond ring on her finger.
Speaking of their wedding plans, Dua said she hopes to finish her tour and Callum to wrap up filming before they tie the knot.
While the wedding hasn’t been at the forefront of her mind amid her busy schedule touring, she did admit she has started to think about her dress.
She said: ‘I want to finish my tour, Callum’s shooting, so we’re just enjoying this period…
‘I’ve never been someone who’s really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be. All of a sudden, I’m like: “Oh, what would I wear?”‘
Dua said she’s ‘obsessed’ with her engagement ring, before saying: ‘It’s nice to know the person that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.’
Dua and Callum were first linked in January 2024 and reportedly got engaged over Christmas in 2024.
The Dance the Night Away hitmaker also shared that she is keen to have a family of her own but admitted she doesn’t know when would be a ‘good time’ because of the demands of her pop career.
She said: ‘I’d love to have kids one day. But it’s like the constant question of when would there ever be a good time – how it would fit in with my job and how it would work if I went on tour, and how much time out I’d have to take.
Rihanna broke the internet on Thursday by posting several eye-popping images to Instagram. The Diamonds singer was seen in a red floral-print lingerie set from her summer collection of Savage X Fenty.
The designer did a great job at modeling the items herself as she made the most of a low-cut bra, G-string thong and a miniskirt with a peek-a-boo hole in the back to expose more than it should.
Fans went wild for the images saying she ‘is hotter than ever’ and ‘should be arrested for looking so fire.’
The caption that went with the images read, ‘A moment for this @badgalriri look 😍 Monamour collection is now available on savagex.com.’
Christina Milian wrote i the comments bx, ‘Ooop 😮 she is not playing with y’all. This is a serious matter 🔥.’
And GG from Shahs Of Sunset added, ‘I dropped my phone!!!!! We need a warning for this much HEAT!!! Mama Riiiiii🔥.’
This comes the day after her partner made rare comments about her.
A$AP Rocky said Rihanna ‘changed a lot’ after becoming a mother.
Rihanna is the founder of Savage X Fenty, launching the inclusive lingerie brand in 2018. While she stepped down as CEO in 2023, she remains a co-owner and executive chair, Vogue has reported. The brand is known for diverse sizing, with a $1 billion valuation.
The couple are parents to RZA, three, Riot, two, and Rocki, who was born in September, and A$AP Rocky has now opened up about their relationship revealing it’s changed over the last few years but Rihanna ‘has always been magic’.
He told W magazine: ‘She has changed a lot because she became a mother in that time span, and that certainly changes you. But this woman has always been magic.
Former WWE star Sable completely vanished from the spotlight after retiring from the wrestling business in 2004 to pursue a reclusive tradwife life in rural Canada. But the three-time Playboy cover girl, now 58, miraculously resurfaced over the weekend to support husband Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 42 in Las Vegas.
While the mom-of-three did her best to keep a low profile, she was captured in a rare selfie with Lesnar and Canadian MAGA rapper Tom MacDonald.
Sable, real name Rena Lesnar, was unrecognizable in the new photo, with the former women’s champion now rocking long brown hair and conservative attire instead of the blonde bombshell style she was once famous for.
MacDonald shared the selfie to social media and explained to fans how he ended up chatting to WWE legend Lesnar, who had his retirement match at Wrestlemania against Oba Femi.
‘I bumped into Brock Lesnar in my hotel and when I extended my hand to thank him for his contributions to pro wrestling he said “Tom MacDonald! No, thank you for what you do. We listen to you all the time”,’ MacDonald wrote.
‘For 20 minutes we chatted and I got to know what a genuinely cool (and REAL) dude he is,’ he continued.
‘It blows my mind that my music has managed to find the folks who have fallen through the cracks… as well as reached the folks at the tops of the mountains.’
MacDonald is known for his right wing rap hits like Snowflakes, Fake Woke, and The Devil Is A Democrat.
While MacDonald made no mention of Sable in his post, wrestling fans on social media were stunned to see the reclusive wrestler again.
‘Damn, could not recognize her without the blonde hair,’ commented one.
‘Sable looks great! The blonde was iconic but I think this is her natural hair color. It’s good to see her pop up because I know she’s completely anti [social media],’ wrote another.
‘I just don’t understand why Sable isn’t paraded around like the legend that she is,’ added a third.
Sable has only been publicly photographed a handful of times in the last decade.
Quitting coffee for just two weeks may make people less impulsive and less stressed, and switching to decaf could improve sleep and memory, a study suggests. Scientists tracked 62 healthy adults to examine how coffee affects the body and brain. The group included 31 regular coffee drinkers and 31 people who did not drink coffee.
At the start of the study, all volunteers gave blood, urine and stool samples.
They also completed questionnaires on mood and behavior, as well as memory and cognitive tests.
The regular coffee drinkers were then told to stop drinking coffee entirely for two weeks. After that, they were randomly assigned either caffeinated coffee or decaf for a further 21 days. Sixteen received caffeinated coffee and 15 were given decaf.
Researchers then compared how participants changed during the withdrawal and re-introduction phases.
They found regular coffee drinkers experienced more impulsive behaviour and emotional reactivity than people who did not drink coffee.
But after coffee drinkers gave up their habit for a fortnight, both measures fell.
Quitting coffee for just two weeks may make people less impulsive and less stressed, while switching to decaf could improve sleep and memory, a study suggests
When coffee was re-introduced, the effects differed depending on the type consumed.
Participants given caffeinated coffee reported lower anxiety and psychological distress.
Those assigned decaf saw improvements in sleep quality, physical activity and memory scores.
Researchers said the findings suggest coffee may affect the body in ways that go well beyond the caffeine hit many drinkers rely on each morning.
The study, published this week in Nature Communications, was led by researchers at University College Cork in Ireland.
Alongside the behavioural findings, scientists also discovered that regular coffee drinkers had a distinctly different gut microbiome from non-drinkers.
The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria and other microbes living in the digestive system. Scientists increasingly believe it may help shape digestion, immunity, metabolism, mood and even brain health.
Some of the bacterial patterns seen in coffee drinkers began to shift back towards levels seen in non-drinkers after the two-week withdrawal period.
When coffee was re-introduced, both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions triggered fresh bacterial changes.
The team said this suggests some of coffee’s effects may come from naturally occurring plant compounds rather than caffeine alone.
These substances, known as phenolic acids, are antioxidants also found in fruit, vegetables and other plant foods.
Researchers also found signs coffee could influence inflammation.
At the start of the trial, regular coffee drinkers had lower levels of C-reactive protein, a common marker linked to inflammation in the body.
They also had higher levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory molecule.
When coffee was withdrawn, some inflammatory markers rose.
After coffee was reintroduced, both the caffeinated and decaf groups showed a reduced inflammatory response in laboratory testing.
However, the researchers stressed the study does not prove coffee directly causes better health, improved memory or changes in personality.
The trial was relatively small, involving only 62 people.
Some of the gains seen in memory tests may simply have reflected participants becoming more familiar with repeating the same tasks.
The authors also said the sample lacked sufficient diversity and may not have been large enough to detect more subtle effects.
Previous studies have linked moderate coffee intake to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, liver disease and some heart conditions.
But coffee can also worsen anxiety, palpitations and poor sleep in sensitive people, particularly when consumed in large amounts or late in the day.
The researchers said larger studies are now needed to confirm whether the microbial changes seen in coffee drinkers translate into meaningful long-term health benefits.
The unofficial cultural capital of Albania – Korca (or Korçë) – is only a three-hour drive from Tirana and a breathtaking spot for tourists from all over the world. Korca Albania is recognized for its architectural significance which dates back to the 13th century. From beautiful churches, mosques, museums and walkways, there is a lot to see and explore and interesting things to do in Korca city.
Also known as the City of Serenades, Korca promises to serenade you towards its beauty and charm. Not a lot of tourists know about this beauty or intend to travel here – but this guide will prove why you should travel to Korca for your next trip to Albania.
Wondering what to do in Korca to learn more about this amazing city? Keep reading! Below are all the best places to eat, where to stay and things to do in Korce to have an amazing visit.
Korca is located on the south-eastern border of Albania, a country in Europe. Korca is close to Greece and North Macedonia.
The eighth-most populous city of Albania houses more than 75,000 people and spans an area of just 806 km2. Korca is a fertile plateau, just 2800 feet above sea level, and is lined by the Morava Mountains.
Korca is known for its wide wheat-growing fields, luscious apple grapes fields, and also has its brewery as well as other food processing units.
In fact, coal mining is also done in the mountains in the Korca, towards the south. The weather in Albania is great for a trip during any time of the year, and Korca city is no exception. Though Korca serves the purpose of an all-season tourist spot, the best time that we recommend is during spring.
Easter is graciously celebrated in Korca, especially during the spring season, and you don’t want to miss that. The warmer season in Korca breathes life into the city with its numerous festivals and celebrations, making it an amicable destination for tourists.
Spring is also the busiest season for tourism in Korca, as the neither too cold nor too warm temperature provides the perfect opportunity for tourists to gaze around the cityscapes.
The Korca winter season is also pleasant to travel in as the picturesque snow-covered plateau is a delight to be at. During Korca in winter are skiing spots that open up and are popular with tourists and locals alike. Plus, the entire city is lit up with lights to provide a breath-taking view, making Korca in winter extra magical.
Although a populous city, Korca is a rather compact travel destination and it can be explored within three to four days seamlessly.
Whether you’re a walk and breathe in nature kind of a tourist or prefer local transport, it is possible to witness the scenic and architectural beauty of Korca city within three days.
If you want to visit every destination mentioned on this itinerary and absorb the mesmerizing beauty of Korca, then three days – or two nights and one day – is the perfect amount of time.
It’s not just the sites in Korca that are worth seeing, but the neighbouring areas as well. Nearby you can take a retreat to the Morava Mountains, or spend a day interacting with the locals engaging in their festivities. Korca is a compact and walkable city, so you can travel and explore the beauty of this cobblestoned city on foot.
Nevertheless, as one of the cultural epicentres of Albania, there are many amazing things to do in Korce. If you’re wondering what to do in Korce for history buffs, foodies and everything else in between, you’ll find it below. Here are some of the best things you can do in Korca Albania. You can easily visit most of these within 3 to 4 days.
1. GET A PANORAMIC VIEW OF KORCA CITY
If you want a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city of Korca, then head to one of the top places to visit in Korca. So long as you aren’t scared of heights, visiting the Red Tower or the Panoramic Tower should be the first spot on your itinerary.
It is a concrete tower, serving its utilitarian purpose of giving a bird’s eye view of the entire city and the neighbouring countryside. From here you can see all the best things to do in Korca adn marvel at the beauty of the city.
To reach the top by stairs takes a hefty eight flights of stairs, but Korca’s beauty is worth the climb. However, there is also an elevator that is usually operational. There is a required ticket to reach the top of the tower which is priced at 50 Lek.
The tower gives an even better view in the evening or at night when buildings surrounding it and the city lights gleam, illuminating Korca’s beauty. I recommend climbing up to the top of the Red Tower at sunset so you can enjoy the golden hour with the glittering rooftops of buildings.
2. HANG OUT IN PAZARI I VJETËR
The Pazari I Vjeter, also known as the Korca Bazaar and the Bazaar of the Serenades, is a must for anyone who is visiting Korca. You will find some of the most exquisite cultural and traditional items as well as great Albanian souvenirs here.
The bazaar dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries, originating most of its structure and landscape from Roman architecture and a Turkish-style bazaar. This is not uncommon ass the Albania you see today was once under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
Previously, the Bazaar housed over 1000 stores, and two famous inns – the Old Monastery and the Old Elbasan. In 2015, the Bazaar was completely renovated to take the form of what you will find today – a vibrant and lively space that is more than just a shopping hub, but also a community. The cobblestoned streets and rustic architecture emulate the Ottoman era that the Bazaar dates back to.
Some shops sell cultural and traditional Albanian artefacts and pieces like carpets, decoration pieces, and clothes. The Bazaar also has restaurants and bars for the food you to delve into Albanian cuisine.
The Bazaar serves a different atmosphere particularly in the late hours of the day as locals and tourists step out onto the streets, festive and cheery, making the most of their time with friends and family.
If you are a coffee enthusiast, Albanian coffee is a must to try, as well as the beer named Birra Korca, which is brewed in Korca’s famous brewery.
Other than shops, the Bazaar has cafes and museums like the Komiteti Kafe Muzeum and the Kooperativa.
The Kooperativa is a communist-themed café, bearing witness to the country’s history of communism. The entire Bazaar is filled with galleries paying homage to Albanian history and art, as well as antique shops and boutiques. Whether you like shopping or not, the bazaar is definitely one of the best things to do in Korce!
3. HAVE A RAKI AT KOMITETI KAFE MUSEUM
The Komiteti Kafe Museum is a famous tourist destination within the Korca bazaar. It is an intricately crafted cobblestone cafe with rustic furniture and a cosy ambiance. Make sure to take a quick break here from roaming the streets of Korca and grab a Birra Korca – a locally brewed beverage.
4. VISIT THE LARGEST ORTHODOX CHURCH IN KORCA
If you’re the type of tourist who gravitates towards historical and cultural monuments over contemporary spots like cafes and bars, then the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is for you!
This is Albania’s largest Orthodox church and is situated in the middle of the Korca – serving as an important landmark. The church’s architectural inspiration comes from Greece as the process of renovation was patronised by Greece as well as Romania and some Aromanian patrons.
The renovation process began in 1995 after the original cathedral was destroyed during the rule of the Communist Party in 1968 as religion was prohibited all across Albania. The interior of the Cathedral is not very flamboyantly decorated, instead, it expands like a cavern. The inner walls are decorated with mosaic art and wooden lamps that are carved into the structure.
A surprising fact: the structure of the Orthodox church in Korca is similar to that in Tirana, and even has the same name. For those who are intrigued by buildings and monuments that bear a religious significance, there are plenty of Albanian churches on the eastern side of Korca.
Around 24 of the Orthodox churches in Korca were built during the 16th and 18th centuries, and eight are firmly standing on Albanian soil today.
5. DEVOUR QOFTE
One of the best things to do in Korca is enjoy the local food. And one of the best things to eat here is Qofte. Qofte, pronounced chof-ta, are meatballs made up of minced meat, spices, and some vegetables.
Though not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, these culinary amazeballs are a perfect delight if you’re visiting Korca and are eager to try local food.
The crispy exterior and the soft meat melt as you devour the juicy blend of Albanian flavours. It was perhaps one of the best things I tried in Korca’s old bazaar and I am feeling a tad nostalgic as I reminisce about the flavour while I write this.
6. HAVE KORCA IN KORCA
As I mentioned before, Korca, despite its compact size, has its brewery and well, has its beer brand – with the same name as the city. The Korca beer is produced in Korca and is widely consumed by locals and tourists.
In fact, there is a high chance you would be served Korca beer on at least one of your food outings in Korca.
The brewery itself is not a top site to see, saying from my own experience. Though every guidebook or travel enthusiast would recommend going there, I don’t.
The service at the brewery is pretty appalling. We waited over 30 minutes for someone to come serve us, asking 2 different waiters for a beer.
After 30 minutes of no one coming or acknowledging us, we just gave up and left. Upon checking reviews for the brewery online, I realized this is a common practice there and a lot of other visitors had some complaints too.So rather than spending time driving to the brewery, I recommend visiting a bar or café at the old bazaar and devouring amazing traditional Albanian foodwith some Korca beer.
7. TAKE A NIGHTLY ‘XHIRO’ (WALK) DOWN SHEN GJERGJI
When in Korca, you will realize that walking is one of the favourite things to do for the locals, and also the tourists.
When you step out on the street, next to the Cathedral, you would notice the St. George Boulevard or Shen Gjergj, Korca’s main walkway. The pathway is lined with bright and lush green apple trees guarding the pedestrians against sunlight.
It is instead diverted into the pathway of those walking from the outdoor cafes, coffee and ice cream shops, and bars that are situated on both sides of the Shen Gjergji.
Shen Gjergji is most commonly used for an evening walk or xhiro, a prized possession of the Albanian culture. The Bulevardi Fan Noli is also used for walking as it also has a garden situated in its middle – perfect for taking a breather during a stroll.
Doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, these boulevards are filled with people and you will notice a few landmarks along the way. One of the places you’ll see along the way is the First Albanian School of Language. This is another exciting spot for tourists to visit, but more about that below.
Facing the school is the famous Romanian House, standing upright in a bright canary yellow structure.
This beautiful building serves as a historical landmark between Romania and Korca. Lastly, if you have the energy to walk up to the Bulevardi Gjergj Kastrioti, you will find yourself at the Rinia Park. This is the largest park in Korca and is lined with bars and cafes, providing the perfect escape into a fusion of contemporary space and nature in Korca.
8. VISIT THE MUSEUM OF MEDIEVAL ART
Curious what to visit in Korca for art enthusiasts? Add the Museum of Medieval Art to your itinerary.
Out of all the museums at Korca, the Museum of Medieval Art, with over 7000 artistic pieces is perhaps the one I enjoyed visiting the most.The museum is located on a road near Birra Korca and is a work of art in itself and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Korca.
It was built in 2016 and the architectural design takes inspiration from certain aspects of iconographic art. Of the 7000 artistic pieces, most are Orthodox icons carved from different materials like stone, wood and metal.
The artistic collection also includes the Byzantine icon of the Archangel Michael, which has notoriously been referred to as the “Mona Lisa of the Balkans”.
Artistic pieces crafted by Onufri, an icon painter from Berat, are also placed in this museum. When you enter the building, right in front of you would be the prestigious Golden Wall – a wall soaring at 9.5m, decorated with 16-century icons that bear cultural and historical significance to Korca.
The structure is so beautifully designed and crafted that it can mesmerize you for hours. The interior of the museum is lined with open staircases, vast foyers, and narrow hallways, with an interplay of light and colours to dramatize the art placed inside. The entry ticket is priced at 700 Lek per visitor, which is pretty expensive for Albania, but once you get in there, it’s worth it.
9. VISIT THE NATIONAL EDUCATION MUSEUM
Korca offers an expansive culture and history to learn, and there’s no place better to educate yourself than the National Education Museum in Korca.
It is one of the most prestigious and significant museums in Albania and provides an amazing opportunity to learn about Albanian culture, history, and language all in one place.
This building opened up as the first school in Albania in 1887 and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Korca. The history of Albania’s national language is on display in the form of manuscripts, photographs from the archives, and documents.
Intersted in the Albanian language? The museum offers great insight into the linguistic history of Albania. It is one of the best places to visit in Korca a future polyglot who wants to study the Albanian language – something I am doing right now!
10. TAKE A DAY TRIP TO VOSKOPOJE
Voskopoje is a rather famous spot for tourists visiting Albania, though I didn’t encounter many international tourists when I visited it.
This is a beautiful place, perfect for a day trip when you’re in Albania, and bonus: it has plenty of churches for you to visit.The small village of Voskopoje once housed 24 churches – all built during the 16th and 18th centuries. Unfortunately, only eight of these are left behind today.
Only 30 minutes from Korca by car, and you would find yourself in the pleasant Albanian countryside
11. HIKE TO THE TOP OF MORAVA MOUNTAIN AND GET A VIEW OF KORCA
Remember the Korca beer I mentioned? It is made from natural spring water located near the Morava Mountains. The Morava Mountains is right above the plateau of Korca and is a breathtaking vantage point of the entire city and its outskirts.
Morava Mountain can be reached by vehicle or even on foot and is a great day trip from Korca.
A lot of tourists prefer cycling their way to the Mountain and some domestic tourists travel from their starting point to the Mountain on a bus. There is also a hotel near the mountain called Montrelux resortin case you want to spend the night surrounded by hills and mountains.
Among the few attractions in the Morava Mountains is the humongous cross, and a small church with some artefacts on display. Overall, it is a good destination for getting a bird’s eye view of the red rooftops of Korca clustered amongst green fields.
12. VISIT THE ILJAZ NIRAHORI MOSQUE
Apart from Greek-inspired churches, Korca is also home to the Iljaz Nirahori Mosque which pays homage to its history of being under the reign of the Ottoman Empire. This is also one of the oldest Islamic worship places in Albania, so is an important historical site.
The mosque is constructed with beautiful stonework with a grey main dome and one minaret. Sadly, the minaret was destroyed during the Communist rule in the 1990s.
However, similar to the reconstruction of the Cathedral, the minaret was rebuilt to signify Albania’s freedom from the communist regime. The interior of the mosque is lined with frescoes that display Mecca and other Islamic sites.
The mosque also has a Madrassah and a clock tower, also called Kulla e Sahatit e Korces, that is constructed using stone. Overall it is a modestly sized mosque with not a lot to see if you’re not a religious history fan.
13. DO A FREE WALKING TOUR
The Korca Free Walking Tourtakes place every day between 10 AM and 6 PM, in front of the Hani I Pazarit Hotel near the Korca Bazaar.
It is like a typical walking tour with a guide, but add the beauty and magnificence of Korca. The guides show you around the city of Korca, its landmarks, share the history of Korca and Albania with you and leave you with a lot of great recommendations of what to eat or do next in Korca. It is recommended if you don’t have a lot of time but would love to learn about and see as much of Korca as you can.
There’s no travelling journey without the adventure and excitement of devouring new culinary dishes, especially if you’re in a place like Korca. I recommend trying the traditional food in Korca, like the Lakror pie or Qofte, and there are a few restaurants and cafes that you should check out when visiting Korca for these dishes and more.
The Lakror pie is a leek byrek, but with an Albanian touch. For those who don’t know, a byrek is a pastry that is filled with meat, potatoes, spinach or cheese. This is a different type of byrek as compared with other ones normally found in the Balkans, as it is less greasy and doesn’t feel heavy.
Speaking of Lakror, every July, there is a Lakror Pie Fest in Korca to portray the love and appreciation for the pastry and other culinary dishes of Korca.
So if you are planning to visit Korca in July, do check out the festival! Now that we’ve got the culinary dishes aside, let’s talk about the restaurants or cafes you should try out when visiting Korca.
This café on the Bulevardi Republika offers delicious white bean lakror pies that are too die for and a really tasty homemade pasta.
Other offerings include bacon, almond and bacon risotto. They do have special diet options like vegan and gluten-free food and offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, coffee and drinks.
The cuisines offered are mainly Albanian and Italian, along with some seafood options.
The best part about this café, and the secret behind its name, is that you can enjoy your meal on any of its four floors – the bar, terrace, restaurant or the pizza place.
Of course, every floor offers the same quality experience!
Another popular, yet amazing eatery in Korca is Vila 95. They offer European, Albanian and Mediterranean cuisines, along with vegetarian-friendly options.
They don’t offer breakfast but are open for lunch, dinner and late-night food adventures. From pizza and pasta to traditional Albanian dishes, they have a lot to offer.
Now that you are fully convinced that you have to book a trip to Korca, and know which places to see, let’s discuss one of the most important aspects of any trip – accommodation.
Accommodation in Korca depends on your budget and what type of service you prefer. After a busy day of exploring all the best things to do in Korca, here are the accommodation options I recommend.
For a boutique-style experience, we recommend staying at the Hani i Pazarit, which is a historical boutique-style inn located inside the Korca Bazaar. The inn has a courtyard and its own restaurant. The rooms are intricately decorated, with a little Albanian touch with their exposed brick walls.
The next recommendation is the luxurious Villa Ester – truly a work of modern interior design with its wooden ceilings, perfect for a hotel based in Korca.
It has a restaurant, shared lounge, garden as well as a bar and offers family rooms as well. Some of the rooms also come with a terrace to enjoy the breathtaking view of Korca. Villa Ester has a very hospitable staff and even provides currency exchange for its guests.
Their service comes with everything a modern tourist might need – a safety deposit box, desk, free WiFi and a lot more.
Another beautiful villa worth staying at is the Vila Eden Boutique Hotel.The villa is located on a hilly incline and has arched doorways with cobblestone and stonework on the exterior and interior.
This hotel also has a shared lounge, garden, bar and a fitness centre for its guests. The rooms are fully equipped to meet the needs of modern tourists – television, free WiFi, bathroom fitted with necessary tools and a desk.
Korca Albania is one of the most significant historical and cultural cities in the country. Because of this it is well known for its museums and historical sites.
Is Korça worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re even remotely interested in Albanian culture and history, Korca is a must. But even if you’re not interested in the history, Korca city is beautiful and full of charm.
Korca is a magical city to visit. It is filled with so many amazing spots for every type of traveller – the nature lover, culture enthusiast or a fan of trying new cuisines. Korca’s beautiful cobblestone architecture and natural landscapes from the Morava Mountain are perfect for your next trip.
It’s a stereotype characterised by brawn over brains – but men with masculine body shapes tend to be intelligent, according to a study. Researchers have found that intelligence in young men is linked to physical traits like grip strength and a higher shoulder–to–hip ratio.
They also discovered that these smart, manly men were less interested in casual sex than their counterparts.
The findings cast doubt on the ‘meathead’ cliché – that men who are intensely dedicated to bodybuilding and fitness are typically simple–minded.
And it suggests there is an ‘overall fitness factor’ that combines intelligence, a V–shaped torso and a desire for long, committed relationships.
‘Our findings more align with the idea that, at least among men, intelligence is related to physical health and/or good genes but is inversely related to promiscuous sexual behaviour,’ lead author Tara DeLecce, from Oakland University.
‘Some may interpret this as increased difficulty with mating success.
‘However, this might also suggest that men of higher intelligence are more likely to succeed in monogamous mating contexts.’
An Upper East Side swimmer with dreams of sharing her love of water with every child of the city has raised nearly $100,000 to expand free swim lessons in the Big Apple. Ali Wright’s Turning The Tide swim-a-thon is bigger than ever for its third year, as the determined 17-year-old strives to combat drownings that spiked in the five boroughs in recent years.
Ali Wright is spearheading the Turning the Tide swim-a-thon May 2. James Keivom
“I’ve taken it for granted to learn how to swim, and I think a lot of my friends have as well. You don’t realize that it’s a life-saving skill,” said Wright, a junior at the Nightingale-Bamford School.
At least 50 people have signed up to swim for this year’s swimming fundraiser, with Wright expecting that number to grow as the May 2 event inches closer.
Some paid a flat $50 minimum fee to participate, while others have pledged to raise at least $1 per lap that they swim during the 2-and-a-half-hour event — which means big bucks since some of Wright’s competitive teammates will be in the mix.
“Last year, the most [someone swam] was 300 laps. This year, I think he is planning to do 400. At least!” said Wright, 17, adding that she’s aiming to surpass the 100 laps of her own that she logged last year.
Wright is a competitive swimmer and lifeguard at Green Asphalt.
The cash benefits Asphalt Green’s Waterproofing program, which offers free swim instruction to roughly 2,000 public school second-graders every year.
The city Parks Department also offers free lessons to about 18,000 people through an annual lottery.
The $75,000 Wright raised at last year’s event meant the program was able to serve an additional 130 students that might not otherwise have been served by the program, which costs roughly $550 per swimmer to run.
The teen was impassioned to start her fundraiser in 2024 after learning that just one in four kids know how to swim in the Big Apple. That same summer, seven water-related deathsoccurred at New York City beaches, marking the highest death toll in years.
A strong coffee after a poor night’s sleep is something many people feel they need in the morning. However, a new study suggests it may be better to eat something first. According to CNN, drinking coffee before eating can negatively affect blood sugar control — a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
“We know that nearly half of us will wake up in the morning and, before doing anything else, will drink coffee. Intuitively, the more tired we feel, the stronger the coffee,” says Professor James Betts, co-director of the Centre for Nutrition.
For their study,
researchers at the University of Bath recruited 29 healthy men and women to take part in three different overnight experiments. Participants had a normal night’s sleep, approximately from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and were asked to consume a sugary drink upon waking.
They then experienced a disrupted night’s sleep, where researchers woke them every hour for five minutes by sending text messages they had to respond to. After waking, they were given the same sugary drink.
On another night, participants experienced the same sleep disruption, but this time they were given a strong black coffee 30 minutes before consuming the sugary drink. The glucose drink reflected the same number of calories as a typical breakfast.
The researchers found that a disrupted night’s sleep did not worsen blood glucose and insulin responses compared to a normal night’s sleep. However, consuming strong black coffee before breakfast significantly increased the blood glucose response by about 50%.
The pillow is one of the most commonly used items at home, yet it is often neglected when it comes to cleaning or replacing it. Many people keep the same pillow for years without washing it regularly, which can directly affect hygiene and health.
According to specialists, pillows that cannot be washed should be replaced at least once a year. Over time, they accumulate dust, bacteria, and dust mites that are not visible to the naked eye.
Sleeping on an old pillow can lead to various issues such as skin irritation, acne, allergies, and even worsening of asthma.
For this reason, it is recommended to wash pillows regularly or replace them on time to maintain a clean and safe sleeping environment.
Real Madrid have been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 4–3 defeat against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the quarterfinals at Allianz Arena. The first leg had also ended in favor of the Bavarians, 2–1, sealing Madrid’s exit. The match started spectacularly for the Spanish side, who took the lead in the opening seconds.
A passing mistake by Manuel Neuer was capitalized on by Arda Güler, who scored from distance to make it 0–1.
The home side responded immediately—in the 6th minute, following a corner taken by Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović equalized with a header.
Güler struck again in the 29th minute with a stunning free kick for 1–2. However, in the 38th minute, Harry Kane leveled the score after being assisted by Dayot Upamecano. Just before halftime, in the 42nd minute, Madrid regained the lead—Vinícius Júnior assisted Kylian Mbappé, who finished clinically through the goalkeeper’s legs for 2–3.
The drama continued in the final minutes. Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute, leaving Madrid with 10 players. Just two minutes later, in the 88th, Luis Díaz equalized at 3–3 with a powerful strike from outside the box. When the game seemed headed for extra time, in the 90+4 minute, Michael Olise scored the decisive goal for 4–3, securing victory and qualification for Bayern.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will face Atlético Madrid in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. This was confirmed after Arsenal drew 0–0 against Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash. The London side, led by Mikel Arteta, advanced thanks to their 1–0 win in the first leg in Lisbon, decided by a goal from Kai Havertz.
Alket Rizai, one of the most well-known Albanian prisoners in Greece, is famous for his dramatic prison escapes and controversial life story. “I sang about Alket Rizai because he is considered a hero here in Greece. He is brave and has done crazy things both inside and outside prison,” rapper Tus once said. It remains to be seen how successful the project will be in Greece, but it is certain that the song has already gained attention in Albania.
Who is Alket Rizai?
Alket Rizai was born on May 24, 1978, in Ballsh. At the age of 16, he moved to Greece in search of work. He became widely known as the Albanian who escaped twice from Greek prisons using a helicopter—an act that made headlines internationally.
He was the youngest of three brothers and was described as a well-behaved child. He had a strong passion for electronics, which he might have turned into a profession if his life had taken a different path. From the age of 10, he would dismantle and reassemble electronic devices.
Rizai spent his early childhood in the village of Kalenjë, where he lived with his relatives. At the age of six, he returned to his hometown to begin school, but he never completed high school, as he left for Greece.
In addition to Albanian, Rizai reportedly speaks five foreign languages. He carried out two helicopter escapes from Korydallos Prison. He later attempted a third escape by taking six prison officers hostage at Malandrinos Prison.
On February 9, 1846, German engineer Wilhelm Maybach was born—known as the “King of Designers” behind the first Mercedes car. Maybach, the son of a carpenter from Stuttgart, became an orphan at the age of 10. Family friends made various efforts to find a home for him and his siblings, even placing an advertisement in a local newspaper.
Eventually, Maybach was taken in at the Bruderhaus, run by theologian Gustav Werner, where he was initially trained as a pastry maker. However, Werner quickly recognized his technical talent. Maybach began studying drawing, physics, mathematics, English, and French, and entered the Bruderhaus factory as an apprentice. There, he met Gottlieb Daimler. Their childhood friendship would later develop into a 30-year partnership that made a major contribution to the modern automotive industry.
From 1883, Maybach and Daimler developed efficient internal combustion engines, marking their first major breakthrough. In 1890, they founded Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to build automobiles, with Maybach serving as technical director. His carburetor design was widely used after 1893, and he fought legal battles to protect his patents.
In 1899, shortly before Daimler’s death, Maybach met racing pioneer Emil Jellinek. A legend was born a year later when Jellinek commissioned Maybach to build 36 specially designed racing cars. He requested a long, low vehicle with a 35-horsepower engine and named it after his daughter: Mercedes. This is widely considered the first modern car.
In 1909, Maybach, together with his son Karl Maybach, founded Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau to produce aircraft engines, including those used in Zeppelin airships. After World War I, starting in 1922, the first cars bearing the Maybach name—designed by his son—entered the market, competing with Daimler-Benz. Daimler-Benz later acquired Maybach Motorenbau and the brand in 1960.
The tragic story behind the name “Mercedes”
As for the daughter whose name became famous worldwide, Mercedes Jellinek, her life ended tragically. After World War I, Emil Jellinek—by then a diplomat—was accused of espionage and forced to leave Nice. The French government confiscated his villa, boats, and cars, and he died in exile in Switzerland in January 1918. Mercedes was left struggling to survive, even relying on the help of neighbors.
As she grew older, Mercedes faced illness and hardship. She married twice—both husbands were barons—but both marriages ended in separation. She died in a small apartment in Vienna in February 1929, not yet 39 years old. She had no children but was survived by her sister, Maia, born in 1906.
Maia also had a car named after her—an electric model designed by Ferdinand Porsche, which debuted in Vienna in 1907. Unlike the car that bore her sister’s name, however, Maia’s model was not very successful.
