Experience Albania: Travel, Pictures, History, Culture

A week before I left for Albania - back in March 2006 - I ate at a Chinese restaurant and received the following fortune in my fortune cookie:
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

The other week I took a random walk up to the castle that is in my backyard.
There are so many unique and ancient things that have become commonplace to me here in Berat. Such beautiful, historic gems that I want to soak up before they aren’t in my backyard anymore!

I can’t help but think about the bittersweet nature of my decreasing days left in Albania.
As I recently wrote, I’m really, really looking forward to returning home to Minnesota. But these two years have affected me profoundly and the fact that my time here is coming to a close means I have to say goodbye [...]

Eastern Europe

Originally uploaded by treenie.

Today’s lesson: Where is Albania?
Hint: Find Greece, then look to the north!

The trail

Originally uploaded by treenie.

While there isn’t any snow here in Berat, and it really hasn’t been all that cold this winter, I’m looking forward to spring days ahead. Nice, warm, sunny days.

My group and I just had our ‘Close of Service’ conference last week. Those of us left (34 out of the original 40) gathered together for five days in a town called Kruja for one last round of informational sessions about the technical parts (a lot of paper work, reports to write and medical clearances) [...]

My iBook would have been three years old this spring. My keeper of photos and music, writing and other snippets of the past.
But computers are computers and they don’t last forever. Now that mine is good only for looking at a flashing, hypnotic screen, I’m reading and cleaning more. Happy to still have a little [...]

McCormick House

Originally uploaded by treenie.

The McCormick House, located in Hayward, Wisconsin is just a three hour drive away from the Twin Cities. The owners have done an incredible job with the the restoration and design of this beautiful house. Ben and I certainly recommend it. Check out their website!
http://www.mccormickhouseinn.com/
It feels like home, yet has touches [...]

IMG_8928

Originally uploaded by jimmyloubill.

Technically speaking, Fitore is my Albanian counterpart. We were assigned to work together, having no idea about the other until we met in early June of 2006.
Fitore is turned into so much more than a counterpart. She is my colleague, friend and a mother to me here in Albania.
We’re a good team [...]

Room

Originally uploaded by treenie.

Bravo, Emily!
It’d be challenging enough, starting up a debate team with native English speaking students.
Emily navigated the challenges of coaching students and their coaches (teachers) on the ins and outs of debate AND dealing with various English levels and abilities within the group of debaters.
A group of us volunteers sat in the [...]