When we came back from our trip in June, the intention was to post a blog entry at least every other week, if not weekly. Just how hard can it be to take an hour a week and tell about Albania. Well, let us try to explain how difficult things can be sometimes.
We had our first visitors from the States last week. What fun time we had showing Sam and Mary Molly around Albania. They arrived late on Friday evening (11:30pm) and Criss had arranged with Aldo, a friend from the internet café, to pick them up. Of course the plane was a bit late,
It’s not a Webber, but it is a grill and it works well. Yes, Criss could not resist it any longer and in the name of cultural exchange, we now have a grill. The ability to cook without heating up the house is a welcomed thing in this hot summer.
We did not know much about the period which led to the building of the Berlin Wall. We had seen the fall, but did not understand much of the history behind this event. Our tour through Berlin was interesting as the guide describe where the wall was and how it effected daily life.
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to see Berlin and then travel down the Elbe River to Prague. We spent 4 days in Berlin and 4 days in Prague with a leisurely riverboat cruise that stopped at Wittenberg (Martin Luther’s home), Dresden (completely destroyed at the end of WWII) and several other lesser-known… Continue reading Berlin Germany
Bush në Shqipëri! as the headlines say. Several have asked about the reception he received here in Albania. Without getting into political positions, we will try to provide some insight to his reception. All will agree that President Bush is a controversial figure at this moment and excluding Albania, he has not been warmly received… Continue reading Bush in Albania
We suspect those of you who have sent packages were wonder how it works on this end of the transaction. Over the Christmas holidays, we were able to perfect the process and think we have studied it long enough to give an accurate telling. True to form, the Albanians working in the post office are… Continue reading Getting Postal Package
Earlier this year, Carol was leading English conversation labs at the University for the more advanced English speakers. For discussion topics, she would hand out articles discussing American culture and ideas and then talk through the articles exploring new ideas and common English usage. In one class, the discussion of honesty came up and she… Continue reading Honesty
One particular custom here is the drinking of raki (a homemade brandy) or a whiskey with your morning coffee. At the locals (coffee bars) it is easy to order just coffee. You are often asked if you want anything else, but generally, the only coffee order is accepted. While your associates may be disappointed because… Continue reading Morning Coffee
Over the past year, Criss has occasionally assisted Fali, president of the organization Nature for People, in correcting some computer problems and working on organization funding ideas. This organization works out of Fali’s house and so, Criss has been there 2 or 3 times. The first week back from our Italy trip, Criss was called… Continue reading New friends