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Some stories don’t begin with a clear plan. They begin with difficult choices, quiet courage, and the need to move forward while holding on to big dreams.
This is the story of Aldo Amico, born in Sicily, raised in Belgium, and now living in Tirana.
His path has been shaped by leaving, adapting, and slowly understanding what “home” really means.
Each chapter of his life has influenced how he sees people, community, and opportunity, through a life-changing journey grounded in belonging and the belief that meaningful lives can be built without losing touch with one’s roots.
Today, we’re honored to share this journey with you, in the hope that it inspires you in your own way.
Humble Beginnings
I was born in Sicily, in a modest family where every coin counted, but love and resilience were abundant.
My childhood was filled with simple joys — the sea breeze on warm mornings, the smell of fresh bread, and evenings spent listening to my parents’ dreams of a better life.
Yet, life had other plans.
When I was still a child, my family emigrated to Belgium, leaving behind everything we knew. It was a hard choice, but it was made with courage, hope, and the desire to build opportunities we couldn’t find at home.
That experience taught me early lessons about sacrifice, resilience, and the power of dreaming big even when resources are limited.
A Heart That Always Looked East
Growing up between Sicily and Belgium, I learned that life often asks us to leave what we love to find what we need. But I also learned that no matter where we go, we carry our roots with us — and the desire to give back never leaves.
For me, that desire eventually led to Albania.
As I explored this beautiful country, I noticed a quiet truth: many Albanians were leaving their homeland in search of work and opportunity. I wanted to help change that — to create ways for people to build meaningful lives here in their own country, so they wouldn’t have to leave the communities they love.
I arrived in Tirana without a plan, but with an open heart. The city welcomed me not with monuments or spectacle, but with everyday life: morning espresso at cafés, laughter spilling through the streets, and the slow, gentle rhythm of time.
Tirana didn’t ask me to be anyone but myself. Here, I found a city that felt human — where connections matter, traditions meet modernity, and life slows down enough to notice what’s really important.
Helping People Stay Home
Once I felt at home, I realized I wanted to contribute, not just live. I met locals and expats alike, people quietly asking: Is there another way to live and grow without leaving the country or community I love?
Through shared experiences, conversations, and guidance, I’ve been helping people discover opportunities to stay in Albania, develop skills, and create sustainable growth — opportunities that honor the beauty of this land and its people. Slowly, a community has formed, built on trust, learning, and shared ambition.
A Gathering in Tirana
Tirana has a way of bringing people together.
På February 1st, the city will host a special gathering — a day for connection, inspiration, and shared vision. It’s for anyone curious about new ways of living, working, and growing while staying connected to the community they love.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s a chance to see how a city can shape not only your life, but the people around you. The City That Held Me Still Today, Tirana is where my journey pauses — not because it ends here, but because it finally feels grounded.
My life carries Sicily’s heart, Belgium’s resilience, and now Tirana’s openness.
This city reminded me that growth doesn’t have to be loud or rushed. It can happen quietly — through connection, conversation, and shared dreams.
If you feel the pull of a new chapter, perhaps Tirana is calling you, too. And maybe, on February 1st, we’ll discover it together.
Author Note: Aldo Amico was born in Sicily, raised in Belgium, and now lives in Tirana, Albania. Through community-building and personal growth initiatives, he helps people create meaningful opportunities while staying close to their roots and communities.
