Living frugally in Albania as foreigners and minimalists 

I agree with others here, consider setting up a channel in Brian's name. It is very frustrating but I know in my heart that the two of you will get through this time. ❤

please consider the major downside of being frugal with food: if you don't have a small pantry (ie shelf stable foods) then you'll be in trouble in there is a food shortage or any kind of local or global disruption in the food supply chain. same goes for bottled water (you even mentioned water disruption). i know this goes against being minimalist, etc, but common sense and resilience should not be sacrified for minimalism. at least consider having food and water for 3 days per person.

If Brian sets something up, or you set something up in Buy Me A Coffee in his name, people would be able to continue to help. I'm glad the two of you are able to be together, and you are both resourceful and industrious. You have made such wonderful progress despite such overwhelming odds against you, I'm confident you can overcome this as well. Stay safe and try not to get too discouraged. You have so many in your corner, rooting for you, and wanting to help in whatever small ways that we can.

It's so nice to hear you laugh, you have such a lightness now. Albania looks beautiful, I've never thought about visiting there but now it's going on 'the list'. What the banks are doing IS Robbery, it's shocking! If you start another channel, I'm sure everyone here will follow you. I hope you can work it out soon. xxx

Your financial story is the first one I've been able to get describing just how Russian sanctions are hurting citizens like yourself. Thanks for sharing all that. it is evident that Russian government cares little for the welfare of it's people. You certainly have every right to be outraged. But your strategy to try to focus on what you do have, and to be grateful for it is a good lesson we could all practice more often. Thank you for that reminder!!

Ana, my friend, you are glowing. It is wonderful that you and Brian are together. The city looks interesting and beautiful. You're message was a great reminder of the things in life we all need to appreciate. Be well and happy! 🥰💞

You should give yourself a lot of credit for staying positive and for continuing to do good work that focuses on minimalism. quality of life, and community. Your situation is complex and yet you always manage to organize your ideas in a thoughtful way, and in a way that helps your viewers too. Your heart is big, I'm happy that you and Brian are enjoying your home in Albania. It's lovely. As for the rant on your financial situation, it is totally understandable. How aggravating. I do believe that if you keep doing what you are doing with an open heart and a wish to spread good in the world, your material needs will be provided for and the money will come. :)

As a fellow foreigner living in Albania, I think you will both enjoy the beauty of this Country and its people. Much love and light to both of you!

you need to double check the legality but you should be able to get Brian to open a usa based channel and transfer all your videos there or at least put new ones under his name. as you are married this should be ok but do check ! good luck😢

Hey, Ana. Thanks for including info so we can help, even if it’s only a little. If I find work, I will send more. Will definitely follow any second channel you set up. It’s a small world. We all need help sometimes and what you all are experiencing is extraordinary. Best wishes to you both.

Thank you for your willingness to share so openly. I think it is so important for people to see these realities so we can become more compassionate and fight for better systems. I will be contributing to your Patreon as I continue to think about the commoditization of content and how I can make other choices that best support the people who are making and adding value and beauty to the world. Love from North Carolina USA

Ana! I loved this video! I'm so glad you're taking us on this adventure. 1. View from your window - the mountains. WOW! 😍 2. Those tomatoes look so delicious. 3. The apartment itself is lovely. The perfect minimalist accommodation! 4. I don't know much about Albania, this video sent me down a rabbit hole learning about it. Mountains AND sea, what a special combination! 😍 I'm so sorry to hear about your money problems. Can you open a new bank account somewhere else and start a new RU-vid channel? You have a loyal following, I'm sure your viewers will be happy to subscribe to a new channel. The temporary difficulties with that might be worth it in the long run, seeing as the turmoil doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon. ❤

Your apartment is just right for having a settled in feeling and where you are in Albania looks just like the illustrations in a fairytale picture book !

The glasswall in the kitchen with light-green grass is just amazing! Looks so fresh&inviting!

Much love, Ana. Thank you for all you share with us. What a frustrating and horrible situation (financially) Russia is putting you in. I am so sorry you are caught in the middle of political garbage. Stay strong. Be well, friend.

Crypto, vpn, maybe a new channel… we would follow you😉 good luck!🥰❤️

Hi Ana, we have a similar situation with the banks in Argentina. you can ask youtube to pay you via check instead of transfering the money (of course you will have to have a steady address for that) and then you can cash it in whatever country you are in. I hope this helps you.

Yes set up a channel in Brian's name. We will follow you.

To the community: I'm not sure if Ana's channel is monetized... If it is, a BIG way to help: put her channel "on" your phone, tablet or laptop or ALL 3. Set the videos to auto-play. That way they get more views. Which means MORE MONEY. Also, watch the ads... It usually takes 3-6 seconds to "count". Bonus: more views puts her higher up in the algorithm so she's more likely to be recommended to NEW viewers. Ana and Brian you guys are AWESOME!!! You got this. Thank you for sharing your lives. Big 💖💖💖💖 from Little Rock.

I am happy to see you have carried on you during that long journey the knitted snowflakes that you did yourself. What a nice memory and surprise 💚❄️

Dear Ana, I love seeing your smiles throughout the video. The apartment is beautiful and I am so happy you decided to accept what people are willing to give you. I wish you and Brian the best for the future. I cannot wait to see your next video and your future adventures. ❤ Stay safe.

Аня, держу за вас кулачки:) слежу за тобой с момента переезда:) про банк, попробуй открыть счёт в Райфайзен, может у них можно сделать онлайн. Я успела перевести эдсинс туда (правда я в России), они берут 500₽ комиссии за входящий Свифт и вообще пока переводы Свифт у них работают и нет таких ограничений как в Тиньков банке)

Stay strong! You have a whole community cheering you on ❤️

May the serenity of this lovely place in Albania calm your heart and lessen your worries.🏵🐝🧡

So wonderful to see your sweet and lovely face xx so we can’t send money but we could send food parcels 📦 ???? Time to be creative xx anyway not to be glib xx I’m someone who’s “stuck” in a bad situation very different but equally challenging! I like to say this too will pass and you and B are together and the other worldwide stuff WILL shift eventually we can hope! I love ALL the wisdom and love you share, you and Brian are bright jewels 💎 and you being vegan 🌱 always makes my heart smile xx anyway you said that you now accept help so if you think of any way in which we your community of friends can pool our resources and help in any way let us know xx much love light hugs and prayers xx God bless you always cos we love you 💚🌱❤️

Bad things pass as do good things. We best embrace the good as we pass through. I'm terribly sorry about your financial situation. I wish I had solutions for you. But how wonderful you and Brian landed softly in Albania. May the sun shine kindly on your endeavors. Much love 💖

Thanks for beautiful vlog. I feel sorry for your struggle with your saving account and money. Even a minimalist have to eat and stay under roof If I only could come up with any idea... Just hope there is an quick solution för you and your husband. Take care 💐🍀

Hello Ana and Brian. I like your new flat and hope you can sort out your problems, especially the finances. A new start in general let alone in another country is never easy. I wish you the best on your further path 🙏

I’m so sorry to hear about your financial struggles! You must feel so powerless in this situation. I’m praying for you that you find a solution and I’m so glad you and Brian are together to navigate the challenges as a couple. Even though you are going through hardships, I must say you like more vibrant and happy than I’ve seen you in previous videos! ❤️

It makes me always happy to see your beautiful face Ana, thank you for sharing your light with the world🤗

Such a beautiful place to reorient yourselves after such a long separation and ongoing challenges. Sending you both much love and tenderness. (By the way, Brian has such a rich, soft, gentle voice!)

Ah, that is a tricky financial situation. I’m so sorry about that. Are you able to receive Patreon money or is that taken hostage by the bank too? Shkodra looks lovely. I hope that you have a lovely peaceful time there my friend. Xx

I'm so sorry that you have to deal with these restrictions regarding your financial situation! It's honestly disgustin to see the many ways people are so carelessly mistreadted and made to suffer in this war. All the more, it's amazing to see you make your way through this with so much grace and strength - much more than those responsible for this mess ever showed. I hope you'll find a way to make this work for you, all the best!!

Here in the SF Bay Area, you would have paid $6. for the cherries alone...wonderful video, Ana. I always feel better after checking in with you. All the best, PtC

I've had a very emotionally draining day and watching this video on the way home from a significant family event. So soothing and exactly what I need. So glad to see you and Brian safe and happy. Big love xxx

Nice to see you Ana! You have a nice Air B & B with stunning views and a friendly lady who sold you the produce. Lots of little things to be grateful for. I am sorry about your financial situation and really hope that it improves. What kind of things do you make with the vegetables? I hope that you are eating enough! The cherries looked delicious. Shkodra looks like a good place to stay and it is a bonus that you can walk to the shops without having to get transport. Have a lovely weekend. x

Dear Ana, I'm so happy to hear your update and see the video of your charming and cozy home!! I am praying for you and Brian, for the solution to the financial difficulties, and always for your safety. You are wise beyond your years, to keep your heart open and embrace the joy and love that you have found in a very imperfect world. God bless you! I send my love, Anne

Hello Ana! I am from Shkodra and i just discovered this video. I love your channel! Keep up with the good content .🥰

Hi Ana, last night I discovered your channel and immediately love it. Today I just saw this video that u have been in Albania where I'm from. Ur inspiring.

Ohhhh Anna🙁!!!! Im so sorry about your financial situation, I been working for spanish Red Cross ( my contarct ends this month) and I know they are helping people (not only ucranian but russian too) I dont know if in the city you are now they have a Red Cross point but sure in the capital they have. At least they would help you two with essentials (food and suplies). A big hug from Barcelona.

Oh Ana that is so upsetting the way your bank holding your money, systems making tricky for you financially & hope RU-vid have ways to help. After all you get them business. Maybe see if other vlogs have tips on that situation, wonder if US embassy help you two if Brians' a citizen. But get feeling stuck in the middle....Beautiful location and city, nature views. That's nice for your mind and souls. I wish the best and happy you 2 have a great flat, etc. Frugal tip I always try ask stores, bakery where "day old" expiring things are, sometimes have to look for. In addition, if out and getting a coffee or something try get bigger size and ask for another cup or share with person to cut costs. I know said only get what need eac h day, however I find meal prepping helps me. If I make pot rice, roast veggies etc can have last a good 5 days. Am also further from stores and in a permeant spot. Also try to see what can get with libraries, where I live can check out a museum pass. for free, hang out there in ac, read magazine, book and they even offer streaming services for movies & music (sometimes can use old locations too). They are hard to get, so a worker told me tip to login at night to first in line for & days have been cut, so best research. Also just people watching I find as great entertainment, pieces of nature, beauty like your pictures show of city, art and parks

I came across your video today and I'm glad that you two are together again. The times we live in are complicated for all of us. I wish you all the best. Your video came to me at the right moment. In order to survive, I isolated myself and just now I'm thinking of changing that. Thank you, and greetings from Belgrade, Serbia.🦋💫💖

Wow, you're in Albania! I live here. I'm not in Shkoder but a bit further south. I remember seeing videos of your apartment in Siberia, who would have thought you'd be coming here!! Btw, if you need anything, write me. I'd be happy to support you in any way I can.

I'm sorry to say but I think that the rent is very high for such a country if you were in Croatia, which is in the EU, ok maybe, but Albania isn't and it's infrastructure can't be measured with the surrounding countries. .

I agree with opening another account. We can subscribe over there and things should pick up again for you.

I wondered where you were. The name of your channel is new too! Glad to see you again. Your new apartment is beautiful and so is the view. So happy you and your husband are together again.

Please set up the channel in Brian’s name. Your subscribers want to help…

hello, would you post Brian's account again. thank you. glad to b see you both on such a lovely place

I know that's the other Russian girl that I watch she changed her name of her Channel I can't remember the name but she's somewheres in another country now her husband and her daughter maybe you should look her up and see what she did I know she withdraw all of her money from the way she talked out of the bank before she left Russia

I would seriously consider storing at least one month in food stuffs which are not going to decay. It makes sense to have a food store in cases of shortages locally.

Thats not a rant at all! You did it with such love and grace. That is explaing the situation. Try to contact youtube and ask if there is anything you can do. Im sure someone has been in similar situation. Oh and you do give back with your videos. Love them. Keep 'em comming. Good luck to you both 🍀

Thank you so much for sharing! We really have no clue what is really happening in Russia & your insight helps. I will follow you to another channel. Just let us know ❤

I hope you have a great time in Albania 🙂 greetings from Greece!

Hi Anna! Very nice place... yes... but more important: you look so radiant and happy. Xo from Mexico City. Say hello to your husband. He seems to be a very nice person. It is so sad you have economic issues, this too must pass. You will be fine. You are now together.

Ana & Brian, it is always good to hear what you have to say. You remain, as many have said here, very positive and very focused on creating a life that is simple, affordable, and safe. I wish you all the best as you make your way through the next weeks, and months. As other have commented, it seems you can and will find a way to get a direct payment from Google for the wonderful work you do on RU-vid. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Peace to you, all your viewers, and the whole world.

Did u explore paypal and other alternatives

What a beautiful city! It’s interesting to hear the cost of things in different parts of the world both monetary and things that you deal with in certain areas. Where I live, we have low quality water but I have the privilege of using a filter for drinking and never have it shut off. When you mentioned that sometimes the water is out, I thought “wow what an inconvenience!” But I suppose everywhere has its pros and cons. It’s cool to see you adapt everywhere you go. That’s such an admirable quality and one I hope to have someday!

Ana, Quick question on the money situation. Can we still send money for patreon to your account, using PayPal? Also, the “buy me a coffee “, should that go to Brian? I usually use PayPal, so I want to ensure you get the money. I am sorry you are having problems with this. I will write more, but I just wanted to send this to you.

I’m so sorry about your financial bank situation. Thank you for the apartment tour. Looking forward to seeing more of the city.

I like the music in the background very much❤️. I hope, you can manage to get your dollars from Russia and the money from RU-vid without great loss🍀🍀🍀🍀. Best wishes from Germany 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️❤️

I love your choice of music!! So glad you are having a moment to take a breath. I agree with others; have Brian start a channel. just tell us where to go and we will. I had my surgery yesterday and am home. Have a big wound in my neck which they said will heal in a week. Now I have a big pillow I must lie on every day. It transmits data to a central computer and they can monitor the status if fluid in my heart. So I am safer. The goal for people with heart failure is to stay out of the hospital. This device will help with that. It continues to be very hot here (106 Fahrenheit). So we stay home in our little air conditioned house. I am seeing the world through your eyes! As usual, hugs and love. 💕💕💕

What a beautiful place Albania looks to be! Have a wonderful time there.

Good luck building your new life together. Love you Anastasiya (from Lithuania)

Regarding Adsense, maybe the best to do is to open another adsense account that is not settle in Russia, close the previous one and link it to your YT channel and trying to open a new bank account (there are online bank accounts). The only thing is that you need to have a permanent address or at least stay long. enough in one place to receive the Adsense letter containing the pin.

Hey, have you thought about making a 'patreon' account? I don't know how it works, but many RU-vidrs use it to 'collect spendings' - so this is how it is called 😉 maybe this could help you. Wish you all the best, you seem so kind ❤️☺️

YAY! but also I'm so sorry you're in a financial nightmare. Can we start a gofundme for you? Is your husband with you full-time now?

Only seeing video 1st time. 8/17/22. I have so thoroughly enjoyed hearing your perspective of your life and experience there as well how you cope and survive daily life in such a tumultuous period. Ana, you capture my heart with your narrative. While I would not wish to pursue your nutritional ideology, as lectins, oxalates and carbs in plant based foods with previous bad habits of food consumption have reeked havoc on my body internally over time that until recently only thought was simply a part of just getting past 50 year mark. From the unexplained aches and pains that seems to go hand in hand with most people in the US as they to cross over the 50 year mark. And most is traceable to a lifetime of dietary intake and the body simply wore out trying to keep it up and running. And now I have discovered personally through the elimination almost entirely all plant based foods as well vegetable type seed oils. That and giving up all sugar and sugar substitutes I am suddenly getting healthier going from being near bedridden an average of 20 out of 24 hours daily to this last 6 months actually feeling well almost all aches and pains are now gone and have stopped using prescribed medications to only needing 1 now for thyroid. And have since only 2 months ago both a bicycle to ride which I enjoy for the simple pleasure not for exercise but for the fun. Before six months ago I was dying...still am of course but like most of us not today now just someday. But it was the dietary change for me that makes this so. Not looking to make converts of others. We each do what we need to do for our own reasonings. That said ...only that I do not share a veganistic leaning way of life for me personally. I enjoy others doing for themselves what they feel works best for them. That aside, I so enjoy hearing your thoughts and views on exercising a more minimalist way of living while carving out a life that is fulfilling and of a more internal quality of enrichment found through being alive in the moment that is yours. You really do capture my heart. Bryan is I think a very lucky man. And maybe things will work out well for you both. 30 years ago I would have loved to have found a person of your qualities, disposition and beauty to settle down with. You will probably lead a very good life I suspect going by what I have heard on your few videos I have watched just today. You see beauty in the midst of all about you and that you have experienced and yet are humble with the knowledge many others have not had such an outcome and seems to make you treasure the simplistic more enriching parts you come across in your day. That is a great quality Ana. Thank you for posting the videos. 🏆🌹 the best to you and Bryan as you work things out to be happily together in the near future wherever home will be. You did capture my heart. I am sure you have done same for many who watched your video posting. You have a pleasant quality about you that warms a person.

I truly enjoy watching your videos and wish the best for both of you.

Ana and Brian, you are a very beautiful and kind couple. I am so happy that you are back together. You need to set a channel up on RU-vid in Brian’s name. then you will have no problem with the money part. I will subscribe.

On setting up another RU-vid channel in Brian's name, there is something that could help your new channel grow really quickly. When most of us subscribe right away, the RU-vid algorythym will pick up on this and recommend it more people. I saw this with another channel. They far outgrew the original one in no time.

I went to send a bit of money via Brian's PayPal. I've never done that before. Between PayPal fees and my bank, You would get less than 1/2 of what I was sending. What way is the best way for you to get the most money that is given? Thanks.

Your apartment looks gorgeous! 😊 So sorry to hear about your financial troubles due to the sanctions and the arbitrariness of your bank. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it'll work out well for you soon! Sending love and hugs your way 🥰

You look so so much brighter and even content...and as usual giving really useful advice. Here in Canada 🇨🇦 inflation continues to rise and most are grumbling about everyday prices etc. I think it is always best to do what you can, with what you have, where you are,now...borrowed words to live by.

Good morning, Ana and Brian! It feels so good to say those names together, knowing you are really truly together forever now. Great vlog, including the rant. Your apartment is beautiful, with even more exceptional views, and I learned so much from how you benefited using Airbnb to rent it, as well as your financial situation. Thanks for letting us know how things are going, the ups and the downs, so we can better understand your experiences, and if anyone can come up with an idea to help. Patreon and crypto seem very wise choices in your current circumstances. You're both highly intelligent, logical, mindful people. But I have faith that, the two of you thinking on things together, combined with keeping your follower community informed, more solutions will present themselves to restore and grow your prosperity moving forward. Meanwhile, keep doing you, as only you can, together. It's great to see you glowing more from inside each video, even when you're ranting. You and Brian make a great RU-vid production team. Very sweet of him to give you the desk for your workspace. Just had a thought: On Instagram, with just 100 followers, you can get micro sponsorships to make more money. Maybe you could do vegan product and Airbnb reviews. Another thought is creating & selling online courses, and course platform sponsorships. Those seem to be popular and doing well. Of course, one UK artist friend shifted her in person art classes to Patreon at the start of the pandemic, so you have that option, as well. You could teach the languages you already know, minimalism, art, mindfulness, stress management, multipotentialite skills, veganism and international travel, for starters. You could also do Audible (Amazon audio books) or similar voice and translation services. I remember you said you were doing freelance translation and writing before. And since you look like both Audrey Hepburn and Enya, you could even do modeling. How are you finding the language in Albania? Is it easy to learn? Do you and Brian and the Albanian people understand each other well enough? Looking forward to your next video, and hopefully more vegan recipes. Bright blessings.

your videos are so relaxing, happy you're doing well, happy Brian is with you!

Hi Ana. What can we do to help you financially right now? What channels are open you us, your viewers to put some cash into your account? Can we mail money to you in Albania?

will you tavel to romania?

Hi Ana. I feel as you are a close friend of mine. Kisses from Italy. PS. How long are you living in Albania?

I wanted to leave a smart and meaningful comment, but I ended up screaming POLISH VEGAN PASZTET when you opened the cupboard 😂😂😂

Hi dear Ana and Brian, thank you for this video. I love your openness and honesty, your desire to do good and still remain serene. You have both endured so much. Im so sorry about your financial frustration, all your hard earned savings dwindelling, so very unfair. Yes, you can and must rant about it, I fully understand how you feel. Your apartment is lovely and the view too. I always make a cup of tea when I watch your video, so that I feel as if we are having a real chat together with you . Stay strong. Hold on, I am sure the future will get better for you and Brian💐💐💐take care Gale x PS love the scarves you wear in your hair, i do the same🙏plus your beautiful radiant face.

Hi Ana and Brian I been on your Patrion side. Did you know, that the national bird of Denmark is . . . : the swan ;-)

Ana, does the " buy me a coffee" app or any others that you use have the same limitations with the Russian banks and financial institutions or rules that RU-vid has?

Sent you a little gift on Brian’s PayPal. Much love.

Create a new channel we will hop along!

Hugs to you both. I am always in hope that the world situation will improve soon…….for all.

This is my first time watching your channel Ana good wishes to you and Brian 🥰

It is good to see you in better circumstances, Ana...I hope your financial situation improves soon. You deserve to have some good luck.

Ana, are you planning to go back to Albania and stay for several months? My family have a guest house where you could stay much cheaper than the Rbnb place is Shkodra. It's in Himare the south coat of Albania... If so I can send you my contact. All the best Sofia

$500 for a month in Albania?!?! You got robbed! You shouldn’t be paying more than $100.

My dearest Ana (Anastasia) I am happy to see you both well. I feel sad for your struggle to get your money that you have worked for so many years. This is not fair. I wish I was able to help you 😟 I am sure God will look after you both 💓💓💓

There are times when we all need help. I’m glad you and Brian are accepting assistance at this time. I know the both of you will pay it forward in time, Ana. Many blessings 💜

Dear Ana, I am really sorry for your current financial struggles and I understand the stress caused by losing one's savings that way... after being so careful to collect money for your future with Brian. Anyway I am so happy that you're together now and you remind us to be grateful for anything life offers us. It's such a big thing!! I want to share with you an inspirational quote my boyfriend gifted me:" Happy people are not necessarily the ones who have the best of everything but the ones who get the best from what they have - K.Gibran". I will continue to follow your journey and help if possible! Love from Italy 😘

I love you two and I am glad that you are facing these difficulties together. ❤

Ana, ,what a joy to see your life in Albania. I'm amazed at your resilience and strength. I hope your financial situation will settle soon (the RU-vid Channel in Brian's name is indeed a good idea) and that you'll find stability and security. Thinking of you both!

Your apartment is lovely. I continue to pray for you and your husband.

I wish I could write in Swedish because I can not find all the words in English. I am glad that you enjoy were you are living at the moment and hopefully you have the strength to make the best of it, even if the situation is what is it. To be robbed on your money by people you meet and even by your own country it is really sad that they use your situation. I hope there are some good people out there.

Some people organise groups for money transfers. Cause a lot of people have less than 20 k. Anyway, good luck, I really wish you to tackle all those financial difficulties.

2:52 u must be tall :) 😀

Ana dear...just love your video...you will be provided for!

The ups and downs of life. I believe the entire world is going to crash financially. You have a heads up on the situation. But it is still an uncomfortable place to find yourself in. I am so sorry, my friend. Your current living arrangements are gorgeous! Very picturesque! I wouldn't mind waking up to those views! It's very hot and humid here in Florida (USA). I joke about high 90's F and 150% humidity. But I'm not really far off. A/C is almost a necessity! The two of you remain in my prayers.