Stalin and Lenin

After dinner with some of the GDQ staff Thursday night, Kathy (one of the staff) asked me if I was  interested in seeing Stalin and Lenin.  I responded with a resounding "Yes!"  We walked across the street and down an alley.  There behind a run-down building, standing next to an abandoned car with four flat tires, stood the statues of Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin.  Figures that had been displayed with dignity and prominence in parks throughout the city as reminders of the state of Albania and the oppression that marked the four decades of communist rule now stand aboandoned   Further proof that this country is doing what it can to put behind it the grim reminders of communist oppression.  Ironically, standing behind the parking lot with the statues is the residence of Prince Leke, the current royal in residence.  He holds no political power but serves as an adviser in the government.

 

First Impressions

Arrival:  Wednesday, August 22; 1:20pm
     Although my body at that time thinks it is 5:20am and that I have had no sleep.  Needless to say, it is all a bit surreal.

First Impressions
The Traffic:  Chaotic, Jammed, Energetic, Never-ceasing movement
     The lanes marked on the road are really more of a suggestion than a rule, as are the directional signs on one-way streets.  There are very few traffic lights and no street names.  When you dare to cross the street, you go when you are ready and when there is somewhat of a lull in the traffic.  I find it easier not to make eye-contact but once you start, don't stop.  The cars are basing their speed on yours.  It sounds like great danger but I have been told that if a driver kills a pedestrian, they will spend the rest of their life in prison.  So I cross bravely.

The People:  Busy, Entrepreneurial, Social
     When walking people don't tend to make eye contact (probably watching the traffic) but when I have been introduced, they have been warm and friendly, proud to use the few words of English they know.  As you walk down the street, people on the side of the road are selling everything from bananas, roasted corn, and vegetables, to bandaids and live chickens.  But when they meet, the greet with a kiss and seem very happy to see each other.  The main park in the center of Tirana is full most evenings with people playing volley ball and soccer, walking their dogs, or just sitting on blankets talking.

The Buildings:  Colorful, Unplanned,
     I feel a bit like I am trapped in a Dr. Seuss book.  The buidlings are erected wherever space is found.  Until the building is finished, no taxes need be payed so very few buildings are ever completely finished.  They are painted with bright colors and designs and most apartments have balconies with veritable jungles of plants growing on them.  I imagine this is due to the lack of anything green as the only grass is at the park.

The view from my bedroon window.

The largest mosque in Tirana.  I have heard the call to prayer several times.

Center City

Apartments

View walking up the street where I am staying.

 

Arrival

During the eight-hour flight from Charlotte, NC to Munich, Germany I had time to reflect on the last month of getting ready for the move to Albania.  I have assembled my thoughts into a top-ten countdown of sorts.  My list is not arranged by popularity or frequency but by actual quantity.

10 - the number of hours (thereabouts) spent in the air traveling to Albania.
       Raleigh - Charlotte
       Charlotte - Munich
       Munich - Tirana

  9 - the number of boxes packed, shipped, and on their way to Tirana.  Megan has reassured my that fitting my life and nine years of teaching into 9 boxes weighing less than 200lbs was quite a feat.

  8 - the number of times I was stuck in order to receive the immunizations necessary for travel.
       Hepatitis A - x2
       Hepatitis B - x2 (although I still need one more)
       tetanus - x1
       MMR - x2
       Flu - x1

  7 - the number of trips to the dentist required to get my teeth ready for travel.  My understanding is that dentistry is somewhat less than what we are use to in the states...and probably doesn't involve Novocain (yikes).

  6 - the number of teeth that were worked on in order to get me ready for travel.  Kids, go to the dentist regularly.  I don't and that's why I had 6 different teeth worked on.  (ouch)

  5 - the number of weeks I stayed with Megan after vacating my apartment.  Thanks again, Megan. It really was kind of nice to have a roommate again.  I hope I was a pleasant and considerate housemate.

  4 - the number of carloads of stuff I took up to church for the Youth yard sale.  This includes one very large load that they came to pick up.  I hear the yard sale was a great success.  I am glad I could be a part of it.

  3 - the number of siblings I have left at home.  Their love and encouragement have been so wonderful during this past year, and always.  Andy, Beverly, and Bruce, I love you all so much.

  2 - the number of bags I packed.  Did I pack everything I need?  Who knows.  Only time and experience will tell.

  1 - the number of Gods I serve.  He is sovereign, loving, powerful, merciful and faithful.  He has set my feet on this path and I will obey and follow.  I am so excited to see what He has in store for me, now and in the future.  Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him!!

My dear friend Melinda putting                                                            
my name on the inside of my                                           The first view I had of Tirana,
bags...just in case.                                                            Albania from the airplane.