Experience Albania: Travel, Pictures, History, Culture

Katie and Ben, March 2006

Originally uploaded by treenie.

I pick Ben up at the airport in about two and half hours!
It’s been a while … since around the time this photo was taken (March 2006) that we’ve seen each other. So excited to see him - I just hope he recognizes me. I now [...]

Katie’s plants are growing!

Originally uploaded by bsilu.

I have the most excellent mother! She took it upon herself to do document the growth of my plants at home … I think she’s the only one who would think to do this for me - I love my plants.
Thank you mom! Love it. [...]

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Originally uploaded by bsilu.

My family and Ben got together this weekend and look what happened!
I miss home - I miss people, I miss actually being present for moments like this one, I miss laughing and eating food like squash pizza (that’s what my sister cooking that night!).
But I’m fortunate enough that people from [...]

KT and peanut butter

Originally uploaded by treenie.

Our food processor/mixer is definitely being put to good use!
On Sunday afternoon, after a long, four hour busride back from a weekend down south, Evan and James and I made some very good (and very crunchy) peanut butter. It tasted so good and we’ll be making much more [...]

These turned out pretty well - taken before Esti and I had our date with Zaku (see post below).
Does anyone recognize me anymore with the long hair??!
  Esti and Katie
 
Anila and Esti on the main road in Berat (main “touristic” hotel from Communist times in the background - now privately owned.)

It was just another Thursday evening.  Zaku was putting on his shoes, about to head out of the house with intentions to run some errands and make a stroll through the park.
From my seat in the TV room upstairs, I heard Zaku asking if Esti and I would like to meet him in town for a [...]

“Byrek with pumpkin”
I had a hand in this batch!  Althought there’s no proof (I only took photos of Julia, the ingredients, and cooking process), Julia and I made it together last weekend.  She always gets so excited to tell me what’s for lunch when it’s one of my favorites.
  Julia rolling the layers of dough.  [...]

I believe this is a motto I can stick to no matter where I’m living and working.
“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you — not because they are nice, but because you are.”

            “When is Ben coming?”
             Before you read on, please note that “Ben” turns into “Beni” – the addition of “i” denotes a noun in its definite form … and makes English speakers think of a probable nickname for Ben at age four or five.
            My next, very excellent visitor comes in two [...]

Vlore (plus Llogara and other small towns along the coastal road):  We spent two and half days exploring the many sights in and around Vlore.  We spent day one with my friend Irene (from Berat).  She took Isabel and I along for a day of beach time and scenic driving with a group of friends [...]