Experience Albania: Travel, Pictures, History, Culture

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not because the task itself has become easier, but because our ability to perform it has improved.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not only am I putting my trust in such a motto concerning my progress with the Albanian language … but with pretty much everything else in my life/daily [...]

More information to come - but if you find yourself with some time on your hands, google “Berat, Albania” and check out my home for the next two years!
The city of Berat is said to be 2,000 years old.  Located in southcentral Albania, it is said to be one of the country’s most beautiful cities.  [...]

Ana and I cleaning and sweeping the driveway with little brooms:

Little Aldo and his makeshift sword/bat:

According to studies, I’m about to hit a low point. I’m about to dip down and wallow for a while, in a bit of distress, due to my move and adaptation into a new, foreign culture.
No worries, however, as culture shock certainly a big part of this experience.
As long as I embrace culture shock [...]

I want to share some of the competencies I must demonstrate and develop in order to be a successful volunteer for the next two years.
This Pre-Service Training time is filled with presentations and lectures, given by Peace Corps health, security, community development, and TEFL education staff members.
What is “Pre-Service Training”? Every single Peace Corps [...]

My friend and fellow PC trainee, Jeanine, and I spent three glorious days (Sunday-Tuesday) with two current PC volunteers.

(Jeanine, me, and Terri with dinner)
Terri and Sarah, both 26 years old, will complete their two years of service in June. Both were TEFL teachers at the local high school in separate towns. Sarah came [...]

My group and I in language class - five hours a day is making a difference. Sometimes!

Looking out the window of the cafe we go to every day.

Our infamous water filters, lined up in our hotel room (four weeks ago now).

With my “One Month in Albania” anniversary coming up (strange? as it feels like I’ve been here for one YEAR), I give you some insight into Albanian culture by sharing some Albanian proverbs.
I am fascinated and continuously wondering about the meanings behind everything that goes on in this country.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say [...]

I’m cooking dinner for my host family tonight. The menu will be as follows: a salad (the usual, with lettuce with onions and olive oil), baked apples with sugar and raisins, and a pasta/tomato/onion/meat bake. We’ll see how it goes!
The sun is finally out today, after 3 straight days of cold, rainy weather. [...]

What makes you feel alive?

My groupmates and I have a few recent experiences that answer this questions, including:
-eating freshly caught and fried fish out of the lake in our town. Health? No. Safe to eat? Probably not. Tasty? Yes. But having to work diligently to pick out bones [...]