We are down to 2 weeks left in country and the goodbye fests have begun. There is a joke here that in America it is work, work and sleep, in Europe it is work, sleep and fun, in Albania it is fun, fun, fun. They definitely like to have their fests. These events usually involve a 3-4 hour meal with some singing and, if room permits, dancing.

Last Saturday, the museum director hosted a dinner for us at a very nice restaurant on the beach. Besides the museum staff, two other volunteers, Matt and Denise, were invited. Matt Taylor was a professional musician in his previous life and so it fell to him to provide the singing.

For Criss, the assignment at the museum has been good as it has offered the freedom to launch other activities in Durrës. And without a doubt, the people are great. They have included us in many activities and help us feel at home in their country. We have been to excavations of Hellenistic ruins, Medieval ruins and have learned a lot about archaeology.

To Afrim, Adrian, Lumë, Qaxim, Bimçë, Shazë, Eddie, Elvana and Brikena……Faleminderit, shumë, shumë, shumë (thank you very much).