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.