I’m not certain why this is the case but it seems like a common activity among PCVs in Albania is to countdown the months left in country. I’d been on the countdown since I arrived in Shqiperia, even during good times. I don’t know if this is something that just happens naturally during training because of the intensified stress factor, and then just lingers on through service, but it happens and ultimately results in drawing out time, making it seem longer than it is. The strangest part about this activity is that despite counting down to the unknown (as most of us have no clue about what’s next), I think most people really are happy to be here and would not leave early if they had the chance(I know I wouldn’t). So why does it happen? In any case, I’ve come to a milestone in my service because I’m no longer on the countdown!! For the first time in 15 months I’m completely at ease about living in Albania and I think it’s because this place is home. This makes me feel happy and proud and relieved and I’m really looking forward to the next year in service.
I’m amazed at the bonds I’ve developed with Albanian nationals. Last week in a discussion about whether or not I would return to Albania it didn’t even seem like a question that I’d be back. My relationships with my counterpart and landlady are like those of family. They include me in everything from daily meals to family vacations. And this isn’t new, this has been going on since my arrival in Delvine. And… my kiddlings have started expressing anxiety about me leaving next year and tell me that they’re going to cry when they don’t have English course with me next year. I admit this is a little flattering, but it’s really strange to me that they’re already anticipating my departure. It’s a year away! But I always tell them they not to shqetso (worry) because I will undoubtedly make way to Delvine anytime I’m in Europe :]
Albanian summer is a time for great outdoor adventures and amazing beach days. Two weeks ago a big group of PCVs convened for an Oceanside camping trip in Vlore. I was especially stoked because I found a 2 person tent at Euromax for $20. But get this… so this group of around 15 of us was hanging out at a public beach when a friend of the volunteer in Vlora approached her and happily offered to transport us to his private beach by car. She expressed that she felt bad about putting him out, but regardless, there were 5 cars to pick us up at our location within 10 minutes. We then spent the rest of the day swimming at a private cove and buying beverages from this guys pier bar. It was pretty fantastic. The best part of coastal Albania is that it’s identical to the Greek coast, but lacking the tourists. The big beaches are pretty gross and contain an E-coli level above that permissible by the EU, but I avoid those waters like the plague.
Apart from the fabulous beaches, Albania has incredible mountains and neat forests up in the North. A few weeks ago I made the 12 hour trip up there to support a fellow volunteer in her production of Shakespeare’s 12th Night. Her ability to put on this play in English was impressive. Her kids worked hard and presented a great show. What’s more, she’s taking them to acting camp in Texas next month and they’ve worked so hard to raise the funding for this wonderful experience. This volunteer’s worked really hard and her community is lucky to have her.
But like I was saying, I went up to the North and took the opportunity to visit my girls in Puka. I love Puka and the Pukians are always so gracious and friendly. In the few days I was there, I got to pick someone’s homegrown cherries, eat homemade turshi (pickled cucumbers, onions, peppers and eggplants) with homemade cornbread and cheese, learn the art of spinning wool, make dolma, make ravioli, make chocolate truffles and celebrate an Albanian birthday. And that’s not all, the girls invited me to their gender group where a group of 12 to 13-year-olds impressed me with their ideas about gender roles in society. I think what impressed me most was the fact that there are two boys in this group who openly participate without embarrassment and really contribute to the discussions. It was inspiring and perhaps I’ll be starting a similar group soon in Delvina. Another awesome thing about my trip to the north was that I ran in the forest!! It’s an amazing feeling to wake up at dawn and run through the forest for an hour. The trails are clear and trees shoot up all around you, providing cool shade and fresh pine scented air. Plus, there’s this rush associated with not knowing what’s out there and what could surprise you from behind one of those magnificent pines. Maybe I’m weird, but I really appreciated the thrill.
Finally, amidst the planned summer fun, beach days and camping trips in the mountains, I am still prepping for LSAT take 2. I’ve been very disciplined and successfully studying 2-3 hours daily. I don’t want to jinx the test, but I do feel compelled to mention it in my blog as we have a blossoming relationship and it will be such an important part of my life over the next few months. It deserves its due credit. Haha!
Ok all, this blog is way longer than I anticipated and I’m hungry. I hope everyone is doing well and that your Father’s day celebrations are full of love and happiness this Sunday. I miss you all.
Much love from Albania,
Moni
Albanian Coast from the Road to Dhermi
Sunset from puka perendim spot
Forest
Sorry for taking so long to post since my last entry. But with the end of the school year in 3 weeks and the Cambridge exam next month, I've been busy helping my students prepare for exams. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the SPRING!! Spring in Albania is definitely my favorite season. Everyday the sun shines bright and the flowers are in full bloom. The grape vines are green again and the birds chirp all day long. The insects are gross and I could do without the allergies, but even those are bearable as long as it's not rainy and cold :]
Last weekend the Greg and Courtney in Gjirokaster hosted the running event of the season. On the 9th Greg and Courtney hosted a 2k fun run to encourage Albanians to exercise and show them that running can be fun. It was great. The enrollment consisted of about 15 kids, a few of their Albanian counterparts, a handful of volunteers, the PC Albania director and Hajri, their Albanian counterpart on the project. There was a number of people who didn't show up, probably for political reasons, but after people saw what a success it was on the news, they've been encouraging the volunteers to host another citywide run in October. Hopefully it works out. I've described the political atmosphere in Albania and how stigmas or links to the opposing party seriously hinder progress in this country, and it was really too bad to see how it could negatively affect a fun run for kids. However, these are some of the problems volunteers experience when working with Albanians. It's likely that the affiliations of Greg and Courtney's friend Hajri had something to do with people not showing up or supporting the run. Elections are in June and people are behaving slightly more ridiculous lately than ever before (i.e. my director :[)
I've started running again and I'm feeling great. I'm also on a new eating plan and have lost 5 lbs over the last two weeks. It's kind of exciting because Albanians are noticing the shed of my winter coat and have been asking me what I'm doing to lose weight (I also lost weight during lent as a vegan). When I told the teachers at the school that I count my calories they were surprised because they'd never heard of this method of weight loss. So, I showed them this formula I found in Runners World Magazine for determining the minimum daily calorie intake for weight loss, and now half of Delvina is counting calories!! It's hilarious! It's good thought because the teachers are becoming more aware of what they eat everyday. And they're eating more fruits and vegetables because they can eat more of these for less calories. The best part thing is that there are three new runners on my path in the morning... and they're adult women!! I'm so excited!! My counterpart started running with me about a month ago and when others saw that she wasn't embarrassed, they jumped on the bandwagon. It's kind of weird (but exciting) to realize how as PC volunteers, our actions can really influence the entire village, but it also reminds me that I have to be really careful because everyone's always watching. LOL!
In other news, my landlady's pregnant!! I'm really excited because I'll still be around in 8 months to meet the baby. She's really nervous because she and her husband have an 8 year old son, and this was the only child they planned on having. Now she's in her mid 30s and I imagine a little overwhelmed. An interesting fact about Albania is that the ministry of health declares that it's good for women's health to continue having babies as they get older (40+). Alexi and I were surprised by this because we're taught the opposite in the States, along with the fact that there are serious potential risks to the health of a baby whose mother conceives in her late 30s-40s. A lot of women buy into this propaganda and it's just weird to think that the national ministry of health is not informing it citizenry appropriately.
Finally, yesterday was Greg's birthday and we celebrated with an all nighter of live feeds of the Lakers/Rockets Celtics/Magic games. It was pretty fantastic (too bad the games weren't a little more exciting!!)!! Hopefully we'll be able to watch the NBA final series next month: Lakers v ?? Happy Birthday Geri!! I'll post new pictures this weekend so be on the lookout. Miss you all!
Much love from Albania,
Mon
The runners
Runners in action
Team Peace Corps
Lakers on the Big Screen
Can you believe it’s almost May!!?? This year’s been flying by since I came back from Christmas and it’s honestly a little weird that summer’s right around the corner. Exciting, but weird. This Sunday I’ll begin LSAT prep and come September I’m gonna rock that test. I can’t believe I’ll be applying to schools this year. If anyone has scholarship info for law school they’d like to share, I’ll be a happy recipient. For now I’m banking on the Latino centered aid, but I’m assuming that in this economic crisis, scholarships won’t be as readily available. It seems like yesterday I arrived in Albania and thought, “well I’ve got a year and a half before all that so no worries.” Hahaha! I also thought I would’ve had a lot more projects under my belt by now but regretfully not. This is however, something that I don’t always have control over and I’ll tell you why through a current event…
This past Wednesday was Earth Day. Many volunteers and I saw this as a great opportunity to further spread environmental awareness in a country where the people don’t really care about environmentalism. I don’t think this is the case because their dispassionate, but it’s more so because it isn’t a topic that’s stressed in schools and Albanian’s have bigger problems to worry about. In any case, most people aren’t aware of how environmentalism affects them on a grander scale. Anywho, my counterpart and I had a full day of events planned. We hoped to start the day with Earth Day focused English lessons in our classes. We wrote up a lesson on its origins and put together a game of Environmental Jeopardy (which the kids loved :] ). Then we planned a trash cleanup and flower planting hour with our students which the director initially approved and encouraged. Finally, we planned to close the day with a showing of An Inconvenient Truth (the sensationalized Al Gore lecture on global warming), which a volunteer awesomely added Albanian subtitles to. Unfortunately, dirty politics really get in the way of progressive activities in this country and our cleanup and movie were shot down half-way through the day. What’s more, the director (the puppet master in all of this) and people at the ministry didn’t consider us worthy of a justified answer as to why we had to let our kids down with the bad news. The director of my school and my counterpart don’t get along after she exposed him in a scandal that he tried to blame her for. Accordingly, he uses his authority to pull stunts like this, even if it hurts the students. It really sucks and when I’m finished here, I plan to let him know that he’s exactly what’s wrong with this place.
Over the past few months Alexi, the Gjirokaster crew and I have been exploring ways to put the issue of environmentalism on the map. We have great ideas. We recently became aware that there are two recycling factories in country: one for paper and one for plastic bags. So, we’ve been campaigning in the schools to get kids to recycle. For the most part, they hear what we’re saying, but we’ve got to find a way to make this activity cool and appealing to the younger age so that they can encourage their parents and the larger community. The school year is almost over so next year I’m gonna start off with some kind of recycling project that we can continue throughout the year, if anyone has ideas, please send them my way :] I’m also excited because I’m going to learn how to sew with a foot pedal machine so that we can turn broken umbrella tops into reusable grocery bags. Delvinians always comment on Alexi and I taking our own totes to the market to avoid using more bags, so hopefully we can make this a trend.
Albania’s such a beautiful country and it’s a shame that every now and then as you travel through it’s majestic mountain roads, you come across random trash dumps full of blue plastic bags. What’s more, these trash dumps pollute the fresh water bodies that Albanians use as a drinking water source. Something’s gotta be done and I’m hopeful that in the next ten years it will. For now, it’s exciting to be part of the movement :]
Much love from Albania,
Mon
Some PC friends and I also celebrated last week in a beach town called Vlora. It was pretty awesome. I made the Albanian version of baked macaroni and cheese (pastico) along with creamy mashed potatoes, lentils and deviled eggs. It was a nice dairy filled meal to end lent. I’m still trying to keep up the healthy eating habits I picked up as a veagan and so far so good. I’ve posted some pictures on my shutterfly account for your viewing pleasure. I have more but I won’t be able to post ‘em til next week. Sorry Mami :]
Last week was sad for Group 11 because we lost a volunteer. A member of our family has returned to America for reasons that I’m not free to discuss openly on my blog. I will say that it’s unfortunate she had to go back and it pretty much sucks for everyone who knows her and worked with her here. Otherwise, G11 has remained solid and 35/37 are still here working away. Congrats you guys!!
Wednesday is Earth Day and I’m super excited about the lessons I have planned for my students. We’re going to do a whole day of understanding environmental systems in Albania and enhancing awareness about where our trash goes and what it does to the water drink and use for irrigation. I haven’t worked out all of the details yet, but I want them to really understand the importance of trash control and maintenance so that maybe, just maybe they won’t litter so much and can start the change Albania needs. I was totally disheartened last week when I was talking to my kids about the importance of recycling and one of them laughed in my face while he threw an ice cream wrapper on the floor, 5 feet from the trash can! I ended up using inappropriate language and scaring him into picking it up. But we all know that’s not the most effective way teaching important lessons. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I’ve gotta run now but stay tuned for my next blog where I’ll really get into the environmental problems of this country and the ways I hope I can make a difference as a volunteer. I miss you all terribly but I’m looking forward to the summer and LSAT prep at the beach. Yes, I’m taking the LSAT again :[
All my love from Albania,
Mon
The following day was a holiday and Robin, Haik, Patricia and I visited the ancient archeological site Butrint where we ran around taking silly pictures and climbing on anything we could scale. That same day we travelled up to Gjirokaster for another fun night with Greg and castle exploration. Also that night the FAB 4 (Robin, Haik, Patricia and Greg) played another round of Black Label Hold 'Em :] Our Gjirokaster trip was short lived as we had to return to work. T'was bittersweet to return to Delvine but the boys were with me!!
That same night my beloved counterpart Eda invited the three of us to dinner with her Husband Ariani. We ate at a really good restaurant in a nearby village called Bamatat where the boys had Albanian beers and Robin ate the best lamb he'd ever had in his life (so he claims). We had a lot of fun talking about America, telling jokes and EATING!! In my vegan state I ate the usual fried potatoes and salad. You can't go wrong with that combo :]
The following day was super great because Haiku and Robini came to school with me. They had cultural exchanges with two of my classes and as it happens during any interaction with Robin, we were all laughing. They tried to teach the kids the concept of the knock knock joke but I don't think they quite understood "the KGB waits for no one!!" It was still hilarious. While the day was great, that night the trip took a turn for the worse b/c Haiku got a nasty flu that Robin caught soon thereafter. The boys spent the rest of their trip lying on my pullouts, drinking tea and sleeping off their fevers. We watched a lot of movies and I had fun taking care of them. It was cool putting my newly acquired womanhood skills to use :] I was lucky not to get sick because I had the flu 3 weeks ago. Poor Haiku was really hit hard and was still sick when he went back to America. Sucks.
We didn’t get to do a lot of the things I planned but just having my best friends in Albania made for my happiest days here. It’s too bad Jesse couldn’t come because it would’ve been that much happier.
Saturday we travelled North to Tirana (Haik was still dying) and Sunday I cried as I watched their plane carry them away. Lucky for me I have great friends here and my Carolinian half (as Haik calls Amanda) met me for a little consoling. Torran also brightened up the day with a little Office and Lost. I didn’t think I would miss the boys this much, but I do. I have the best friends in the whole wide universe!!
All of my Albanian friends loved Haik and Robin, as did my students. They’re still talking about the “bukur” (beautiful) Americans that came to visit me and were always smiling. Haik also promised this guy Agim (notorious for being a nuisance) that he’d send him a Barack Obama shirt. Now Agim is telling everyone this story and that he has shume respect for Armenian Americans. Hahaha! The only problem now is that I have to run away when I see him or else he’ll stop me for 10 minutes to talk about Haik and his shirt.
This weekend 3 trainees are coming South for their volunteer visit. I’m excited. I remember the feeling of being a trainee like it was yesterday, and how much I appreciated Margaret and Stacey’s hospitality in Gjirokaster. Alexi, Meghan and I have a fun weekend planned and I hope the newbies have a good time.
Lastly I want to express how much I love my Albanians. I’ve worked really hard over the last year to integrate into this culture and it was worth it 100Xs over. I definitely experience cultural overloads and frustrations. But in these days that I’ve been blue, they’ve gone out of their way to make me feel happy. These people have accepted me, embraced me and they love me and this has made my service one of the most positive experiences of my life. Before Haik left I was complaining that I feel lonely and miss my friends. But since he’s been gone Ida and Eda have gone out of their way to keep my company and life my spirits. Albania’s not LA, but it will always be my home away from home. The people here can be really amazing and I musn’t take that for granted.
Until next time.
Much love from Albania,
Mon
Although it is early Monday morning in Albania, it’s still March 15th at home and it is still the 1st year anniversary of my departure for Peace Corps!! Can you believe it??!! ONE YEAR!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! It’s kinda scary how time flies. My dad always tells me that it only gets faster as you get older… Yikes!
Outside the sun is shining bright and the temps have warmed up by out 10 degrees in the last month. It’s Summer day!! I realize we’re nowhere near summertime and I’m guessing it has something to do with the solstice but I’ll look into that and get back to you. I love holidays in this country because everyone takes the day off to celebrate. On summer day in Delvine, everyone runs up to the mountains for picnics and hanging out, but the real party’s up in Elbasan. Rumor has it that the Shqiptars in Elbasan all eat bollukume (a delish cookie) and have a festival in the city. Maybe I can go up next year for my 2nd year anniversary :]
March 19th marks my 1st year in Albania. The volunteers are all getting together this Friday to celebrate and welcome the new group that arrives on Thursday. I have to miss the party, but for the best reason ever… Haik and Robin are coming!! I’ll be at the airport picking up two of my best friends… YAY!!! I can’t wait for the next five days to come and go. I miss my friends and I miss my family and I miss home. But I love Albania and I look forward to sharing this experience with my friends.
Okay peeps, gotta run. I’m posting some pictures of the day I left LA for the sake of memories.
Much love from Shqiperia,
Mon
the crooms-paniagua fam (yes we were crying)
siblings and neice
best friends ever
Today was a good day. March 7th is national teachers’ day, but since it falls on a Saturday this year, we celebrated this afternoon. Like on most holidays the school shut down and the students had a party at a nearby bar (not the kind of bar you’re thinking of, but more like a coffee shop). The teachers then all went out for lunch in the nearby village of Bamatat. We ate a ridiculous amount of food and danced danced danced! But wait, it gets better… They all thought it’d be cute to make me lead the circle dance (by force!) so that the Saranda news guy could record it and air it on tonight;s news! Ahhhh how embarrassing!! I’m sure my kids are gonna get a good laugh at that. I think I performed well, but they’re always looking for a reason to make fun of me… punks. On teachers day the kids all bring gifts and the teachers eat it up. They all dress up and do their make-up and walk around looking for praise. They really celebrate themselves, but it’s cute. And, I think the teachers in this country deserve a day of celebration because some of the kids here are really bad. I would’ve never dreamt that high school students would protest a principal’s decision by breaking the doors and windows in a classroom and be unpunished. Trips me out.
I’m in my second week of veganism for lent. So far I’m going strong and feeling good. I’ve been cooking a lot of lentils, beans and rice. The availability of crops (or a lack thereof) due to winter really limits my options. Who’d a thought I’d be excited for cabbage? Lucky for me, bread in this town is egg-free and we have a margarine type product that compliments my toast with jam. Oh yeah. My pants are starting to fit better, which means I’m shedding my winter weight… score! The goal however is not to lose weight, it’s to make a sacrifice for God… so the weight loss is just a perk.
T-2 weeks till Haik and Robin are here!! All I can say is… I’M SO EXCITED!!! And I leave you with that. Until next time.
Much love from Albania,
Mon
p.s. I forgot to mention, my MUN team didn’t take home a trophy last week, but those kids are all winners in my book. Let’s hear it for team Viet Nam! Insert cheering here)
Ornela and Me
Lika, Eda and Jonida
Eda leading the circle
Today is day two of the 2nd annual Albanian Model United Nations conference in Tirana. So far so good. This project has been without a doubt the most rewarding thing I've done as a volunteer. Over the last three months 9 of my students have busted their butts to learn everything there is to know about Vietnam policies on human trafficking and climate change, the structure of the United Nations and how to apply this knowledge in debate. They've sacrificed countless hours and four months of weekends to learn how to conduct academic research and navigate the Internet. But what's most impressive about their work is that it's all been in English!! These kids are rock stars and I'm extremely proud of them :]
An organization called ELTA is hosting the event and with the financial help of the UN and the US embassy fronted the $60k in costs. 160 students are participating in the conference and we're all staying at a five-star hotel just outside the city. For many, this is there first time in Tirana and for most, it's their first time staying in a hotel. So you can imagine, they're all going crazy with excitement!! Today we went on field trips to different embassies (US included) and UN agencies but they were all too tired from staying up last night to thoroughly enjoy them. There wasn't anything I could say to make my kids go to sleep last night. They laughed laughed laughed all night, telling jokes, watching movies and of course, imitating me! I didn't have the heart to force them to sleep and I just figured they'd pay for it with exhaustion. Haha!
Two of my kids have decided they want to be diplomats when they grow up. No longer are any of them afraid to ask questions, and one of my girls has asked me to help her apply for scholarships to attend an American university. After this project they're all so inspired to do great things and it's an incredible feeling to be a part of that. I'm on a teacher high. Haha! But seriously though, this project has been life changing for my kids and definitely life changing for me.
Team Delvine with American ambassador Withers
It’s snowing!! It is officially freezing cold in my little town. It’s the first time in 20 years that it’s snowed like this and Delvinians are running around going crazy. There was a huge snowball fight in the town square and walking trough it was like walking through a war zone. I think I have two serious bruises where I got beaned with snowballs. It was great!! Alexi and I couldn’t believe that grown men were jumping in on the fun and throwing snow at the girls! School closed early because all the kids left to play in the bore that has covered our surrounding mountains. Sucked for me because I really didn’t want to get out of my sleeping bag this morning, but in the end it was worth it :]
Last weekend Alexi and I went to Berat for the big birthday bash. What a bust. That will be my last big party attendance in PC Albania. My partners in crime are both pretty sick so they couldn’t make it, but it worked out wonderfully though because I got to hang out with my favorites from the North and make spinach pasta from scratch. The Berat girls were excellent hostesses and the day after the party I got to play up at the castle and pick Constantine’s nose!!
Lent is 6 days away and Alexi and I are doing it big this year. We’ve decided to go Veagan for the 6 weeks. I’m sure it’s going to be hard with the limited availability of animal free food products here, but it’s definitely doable. It’s gonna be rough giving up cheese and yogurt but beans and lentils will be good protein substitutes. Hahaha! And… spinach is here so I’ll learn to get creative with that too. The first day of Lent falls on the first day of the Tirana MUN conference, which will be the ultimate challenge with all the free five-star hotel food floating around. I’ll just have to remind myself that I’m doing this for Jesus <3
THE BOYS ARE COMING!! Haik and Robin are set to arrive March 20th and I’m counting down the days. They’ll arrive on my 1 yr. anniversary of coming to Albania… and what a celebration it will be!! I’ve talked about them and Jesse so much to other volunteers that a couple are coming down to meet them and hang out. I’m freaking out with excitement! A couple people have asked me if there’s anything I want them to send and I told them I’d think about it and post it. This is not a direct request for anything so please please please don’t feel like you need to send me anything. But for those who were interested the following would be pluses to have out here: splenda, funfetti cake mix, cheddar cheese, velveeta, crystal light type drink mixes, cilantro paste, peanut butter, oreos. The boys will be here shortly before Lent ends so eating any of these will be a nice way to celebrate Easter :]
Ok all, I wish you a warm and wonderful weekend. I’m finally back in the swing of things and out of that silly homesick funk. FINALLY!! I have lots of pictures to post in Tirana so check back in a week.
Much love from Albania,
Mon
Also today my neighbor passed away. I didn’t know him very well but he was awesome because every morning after my runs in the summer he’d be hanging out on his balcony and we’d chat about my run or about what a young American girl is doing in Shqiperia. He was one of the first people to make me feel at home in Delvine. I’m gonna miss our interactions.
In Albania, on the day of the passing the family displays their loved one in the house and people come over throughout the night to pay their respects. The funeral takes place the following day. All throughout the night the women of the family were screaming and wailing and it made me feel very sad for them. It also made me think about my family and what they’re going through. All I can do from here is pray for my grandfather,and my neighbor may they rest in peace.
I apologize for having kept you in the dark for so long, but I've been busy busy. Life in Delvine is moving along slowly but steadily. I hit a rough patch after returning from America and I'm gonna be honest, it was hard to find the motivation to continue my work here. Don't get me wrong, my kids are great and they make everyday I go to school worth while, but I was really homesick after a great holiday trip to LA and that made things kind of hard. Also, sometimes they way things are run here completely blow my mind and the stuff that goes down makes me question whether or not I'm wasting my time. In general I KNOW I'm not wasting my time, but some events make me question my service. Honestly though, I think lows are just part of a two year service and getting past them makes the time abroad that much better.
Last week my former training site-mate asked me if I felt like I was really serving my country by being here. Oddly, I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I often feel like I'm getting more from this experience than I'm giving. He told me that Americans support the Peace Corps as an institution that builds relationships with the countries it provides service to. In this way, even if many of our days are spent drinking coffee, eating at the neighbors or shmoozing at the copy shop, these activities are all important for community integration and ultimately, relationship building. I'm at a point in my service where I really appreciated this outlook. Thanks Luke.
The politics in this place are out of control and until recently I've tried to ignore them because there's absolutely nothing I can do about them. But last week when the director of my school gave my counterpart's salary to someone else I was livid. You might be asking yourselves, "how can he do that?" And my response is that I ask myself this question about a variety of things nearly everyday. It's especially troublesome because Eda is a hardworking teacher who actually cares about the effect she has in her students' lives. Despite the underhandedness of the director, the response of the students when Eda threatened to leave demonstrated how much she is valued as a teacher and a friend. The kids basically mobbed Delvina's ministry of education and protested on Eda's behalf. It was petty fantastic. We are still unclear on what will happen as a result of this series of events, but I'll keep you posted. In June Albania will undergo it's general elections and word is that if the opposition party comes into power, they generally dispose of all existing programs and documents of the former party and replace all of the institution heads. In my opinion, this strategy is sabotage for any kind of social progress, because the new party then essentially starts from square one. What if the former party made good progress in implementing popular social programs? We’ve been told it doesn’t matter because they’re the opposition and parties are willing to resort to bad politics just to spite the other side, even if it hurts the people. Maybe it will be different this time.
Last weekend Alexi and I took our Model UN group to Berat for a practice competition. Overall it was a really positive experience and good preparation for the Tirana conference at the end of the month. But beyond what this trip meant for the project, I think it will leave long lasting impressions on these kids’ lives. I know I sound kind of ridiculous and over the top, but seriously, before last weekend these kids had never been to Berat and even some outside of Delvine. A few of them have been to Tirana and most to Saranda, but that is the extent of their traveling in the 15-17 years they've lived in this place. Just to put things into perspective for you, Albania is roughly the size of the state of Maryland... not very big, and Albanians are usually pretty shocked when I name off the 10 cities I've visited in the last 11 months. Granted, travel here sucks since buses don't go faster than 40k per hour (roughly 24mph), but I wouldn't think of it as a shocking if someone told me they made the 6 hour trip to Berat. Anyway, the kids are still talking about how happy they are that they got to travel to Berat (on a private mini-bus) and they say they'll never forget it as long as they live. And this is precisely why I am a volunteer. To offer people opportunities that they only dream about, that I take for granted everyday. I don't mean to sound brash, but if you could see how happy these kids are, you'd understand.
After living here 8 months I'm starting to feel more like a member of the community and less like a visitor. Just today I was telling my PC boss that I've noticed the change in the behavior demonstrated to me by Albanian friends. They're still hospitable as ever, but they're more critically honest of me and have less of a problem expressing discontent. This particularly sucked when I came back from LA because I was a little more sensitive and apparently pissing people off for not satisfying their social needs. I think people who know me know that I generally like to please everyone and don't like letting people down. Albanians have caught on to this and ask me for as much as they think they can get away with, even if it means pushing reasonable limits. While it sucks to be taken advantage of, experiences in Albania have taught me that it's okay to say no and I no longer feel bad doing so. So I guess in one respect I can appreciate what it's taught me. Anyway, in the last few weeks people have been asking for things that I can't commit to and actually yell at me for things as stupid as not going to coffee, even if it would have meant canceling my English lessons for the day. There's nothing I can say about this other than it sucks and I’m going to change this.
Next week is Alexi's shares her birthday with two other volunteers and we're celebrating Mardi gras style in Berat. I’m especially looking forward to the party because I'll finally see Amanda after two whole months. That's the longest we've been apart since coming here. I think most of the volunteers will show up so it should be fun. I’m planning on celebrating Mardi gras to fullest since on the 25th I will be joining Audra in the giving up of sweets in observation of Lent.
Finally, I'm sad to announce that last week my Macbook broke and I'm S.O.L. for the time being. I used my computer a lot in my work so I'm gonna have to start getting creative to make up for the loss. I'm hoping to replace it so if any of you see any great deals, please forward that info my way. Oh and, if anyone has an old laptop that they wouldn’t mind loaning to a dear friend :), that would be awesome!! There is potentially someone coming out here next month so that would work out great. Okay, gotta run.
I wish you all a fantastic weekend. All my love from Albania,
Mon
My Model UN Team
Some of my closes friends the Saraci family
Generally, I don’t feel homesick except for sometimes when I’m home alone at night. This past weekend Greg came down from Gjirokaster to keep me company. We watched this crazy murder documentary called The Staircase, that presented the story of Michael Peterson, the former Mayor of Durham, N.C., who was found guilty of murdering his wife.
Saturday night Greg, Alexi and I went to dinner at Edi’s house to meet his brother who is visiting from Michigan. Landi (Edi’s bro) is married to Jessica, an American girl who used to do missionary work in Delvine. We had a pretty good time eating pizza and singing Christian worship songs. I haven’t done that since we went to church in the good ol’ days. Landi played guitar while we sang (in Albanian!!) and up until I actually tried to play, they were convinced I knew how to play Latin, desperado type music on the guitar. Hahaha, like it should be in my blood or something.
As compared to the rest of the country the weather down here is fantastic. We’re sittin’ cool at around 5*C, and since my arrival the sun’s been shining bright in a clear blue sky. It’s hella cold indoors but my electric heater’s been getting the job done. In the North it’s been as cold as -7*C. The snow is falling in gross amounts and I give credit to the volunteers who are freezing their bums off. After seeing the tractor loads of snow being moved off the roads (on the news), I don’t feel it’s fair to complain about my situation.
I miss home. It was AMAZING to have spent the holidays with everyone and I look forward to visiting again in September (even if I do have to take the LSAT while I’m there). Y’all are also welcome to come visit me!! Also, feel free to send me emails and catch me up on all of your lives. Okay so maybe I am a little homesick :]
All my love from Albania,
Mon
<3 Mon
The Athens christmas tree and my sleepy face after three days of travel
I warn you all to avoid any kind of airline travel to and from Europe during the winter season (especially around the holidays). After three days of travel I’m finally in Greece waiting for my luggage to arrive so I can head back to Albania. I think after this trip I won’t be going anywhere for a long time. I’ll be happy in Delvine working with my kids and hanging out with Alexi and the Albanians.
My travel experience to the States was a nightmare. The airline I flew with, Alitalia, is not only going out of business, but went on strike while I was in transit, causing all flights to be cancelled and forcing me to stay in Italy for two days. As a result, I missed my connection in Paris, had to spend a night there and was then re-routed to London where I caught a flight home just in time for the Christmas party. I tell you, it never felt so good to be home!!
My time spent in LA was absolutely wonderful and insufficient. I wish I could’ve stayed just a few days longer, but duty calls and my kids are awaiting my return. I think no matter how long I stayed I would still have wished for a few days more. It’s absolutely true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I didn’t realize how much I missed everybody until I was on the way home, stuck in every major European city, longing to hug my mom and dad and the rest of the Crooms-Paniagua ensemble. Man you guys, there’s just no Christmas like Christmas at home… that makes me happy. When I was waiting to board my flight in London I was so overwhelmed by the whole ordeal and so happy that I was finally going home, I started balling these ridiculous tears of joy when “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” started playing in the airport. I guess it was because I knew at that point that I would be home for Christmas (after the airline told me I probably wouldn’t) and I couldn’t contain the excitement. That moment will forever remain a hallmark for me when I think about home and how much I love my family.
I’m really happy about the new appreciation I have for my fam after being away so long. I celebrate 10 months of service on the 15th. Almost a year!! Although it feels like it passed quickly, I also feel like I’ve been gone forever. Only 1.3 years to go. Woot woot! I’ve also signed up for the LSAT again in September so I’ll fly home once more before the end of service. Until then, I have to try to keep it together and focus on my goals and mission in Albania. I hate those first few days after leaving your loved ones behind. Especially now that I’m sitting in the arrivals terminal in Greece watching people hug and cry as they reunite after some time apart. I try to think of the opening scene in Love Actually and appreciate the love that they feel and the love that I feel and be happy. I love that movie :]
Tears were definitely shed at LAX as I said goodbye to my mom, dad and Maddie. I slept the entire way to Paris and because of a snowstorm was stuck there again for two days. Airfrance was my return carrier and they graciously put me up in a hotel room. I’ve recovered one bag and the other will most likely be sent to Albania, but who knows how long from now. I’m praying that the other comes before I have to catch my 12-hour bus back to Delvine. I’m also annoyed that I missed Amanda and that we couldn’t travel back together as planned. I was looking forward to the comfort she would bring me when we embraced in a running hug after I exited the baggage claim area and found her waiting for me. Hahahaha! One day Shwa…
I miss everybody back home immensely. I take comfort in thinking about being nearly half way done and thinking about 1.3 year periods in my life and how quickly they passed. Hahaha! Don’t get me wrong, I love Albania, but I miss home. I should be good in a week or so once I’m back to work and in the swing of things.
Thanks to everyone for hangin’ out and all of your help while I was home. I miss you a lot Haiko. Thanks for great car rides with great music. I’m the luckiest girl in the whole wide universe to have you as my bestest.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Love,
Mon
So last week I spent 6 days in Elbasan with the G11 crew. It's always a little overwhelming anticipating a big group reunion, but in the end it always turns out fun. I'm not gonna sugar coat... we have some crazoes in the group (myself definitely included) and w/o them these events would be far less entertaining. I always appreciate Rob's practical suggestions for things like the sled (a sheet of toilet paper that you drop into the bowl prior to deficating to avoid smearing) and stuff like Kevin removing Rob's shirt in the middle of Diana's talk on difficulties in the workplace. I'm also a new fan of Taboo. Amanda and I challenge anybody to a game... we'll own you ;] Last minute poster making to the Christmas classics was most comforting (thx Wendi & Shwa). And finally, it's always fun to take the edge off with a little kitting pow wow. I miss you all down here in the south. I wish you the happiest holidays and an amazing New Year. Thanks for sharing the craziest times of 2008 with me!! Shqiperia for life!! haha!!
Yesterday was a huge day for the students at Sulejman Delvina High School. We collected over 300 food items in the last couple weeks and in collaboration with the Red Cross, distributed this food to the less fortunate families in our community. It was pretty awesome. We got to wear these Red Cross jackets and all the kids in town were yelling at us as we walked around. I will say that I was a little concerned that the families might be offended by us showing up at their houses and labelling them as poor folk, but they weren't. I think they were more intimidated by our jackets than anything else. Haha! In sum, we executed a sweet community project and I'm proud of my kids.
I depart for home on Monday!! Oh man I can't wait!! Who's up for Taco Bell?
Gezuar Festat!!
<3 Mon
Alexi and I with some of the packages
Kristina, Eda and I with a Gyshe who was given a food bag
My excited face
Some of the girls with Eda, posing in her Model UN "Albania" shirt
December is here!! It’s hard to believe that we’re in the last month of 2008 and that the group 11 volunteers are a week away from the 9 month marker. How weird! Also, please note that December is AIDS awareness month and I encourage you to wear a red ribbon and get involved in any AIDS/HIV awareness activities in your area :] My site-mate Alexi and I are feeling pretty good about service these days and happier than ever to be in Delvine. Yesterday, Alexi and her counterpart hosted a huge AIDS/HIV event for an audience of about 200 at Delvina’s main theatre. It was amazing! They’ve spent the last month preparing a game show like competition in which high school students competed against each other for a trip to Vlore. The kids were tested on their knowledge about AIDS/HIV and did wonderfully. The audience was also super involved and I think Delvinians are more informed than ever about the virus and its prevention. Congratulations Alexi!!
My Model UN group is also running smoothly. As of last week the kids can write successful resolutions (in English!!) and conduct themselves using Roberts Rules of Order. I’m so proud of them!! We’ve also organized the first annual Sulejman Delvina canned-food drive and will work with the Red Cross to distribute the food to the poor in and around Delvine. It feels really great to have projects up and running, and even better when community members approach us to express their gratitude and approval for what we’re doing. It’s pretty sweet :]
Last night Alexi and I dove into the Christmas spirit with a little Bing Crosby, hot chocolate and figgy pudding. Haha! The volunteer before me had a small Christmas tree, which we assembled and decorated. It was a lot of fun and I think it definitely helped us feel closer to home. And for the record, Ghirardelli’s hot cocoa made with whole milk is happiness in a cup. I strongly recommend indulging in that delicatessen.
I think most of the volunteers will agree that Albanians are great, but definitely have their not so great moments. After 9 months, I’m personally still getting used to their candor and trying to decide whether it’s good or bad. So, Albanians have no problem calling it like they see it, and pretty much on a daily basis tell Alexi and I that we’re fat. Honestly, it can be kinda funny because a) we’re not fat and b) who does that? I’m not kidding people. Yesterday, after the AIDS event, I joined Alexi, Courtney (volunteer in Gjirokaster that I ran the Athens marathon with) and some people from the health center for a celebratory coffee and the first things this guy asked Alma (Alexi’s counterpart) upon introductions was, “why are Americans so fat? She’s really e shendosh (referring to me).” My first thought was WTF? I watch Albanians do this to each other and I know they don’t appreciate it, so why do they? What’s more, this guy was the fattest one at the table. Hahaha! This behavior really stresses me out because many people’s idea of fat here is what we promote as a healthy standard of weight. And as a result, the younger generations are more apt to practicing bulimia and anorexia. Argh! I try to respond with a laugh and the defense for I’M NOT FAT! But unless you look like an Italian model in this country, you will be called fat by everyone (even strangers). The best part is that they all saw my sister when she visited and can’t understand why I don’t look like her. Oh Albania. Lol!
Okay folks, I’m gonna end on that note and head to school. Next week all the volunteers will spend 5 days in Elbasan for a language refresher and in-service training. I think we’re all pretty stoked about getting to stay in a hotel and being paid a per-diem. Oh yeah! I hope this blog finds you all in good health and the happiest holiday spirits. I’ll be home in T-2.5 weeks for Christmas and I’m ECSTATIC!! I can’t wait to hug and kiss my family and eat tamales. So close!!
1. I'm thankful for my beautiful family who serenaded me with an amazing rendition of the Happy Birthday song at 8am.
2. I'm thankful for my wonderful friends who called, texted, e-mailed and facebooked me Happy Birthday at midnight.
3. I'm thankful for the awesome PC volunteers and staff who brought in the midnight hour with me in an all-night Grey's Anatomy season 4 marathon.
4. I'm thankful for my new Albanian friends who wished me a gezuar ditelindjen edhe nje qind vjec.
5. I'm thankful to the embassy folk who are hosting us for American style Thanksgiving dinners.
6. I'm thankful for the technology that allows me to stay connected with home.
7. I'm thankful that I get to go home for Christmas with the fam.
8. I'm thankful to the Peace Corps for giving me this life changing opportunity and experience.
9. I'm thankful to God for blessing me with good health.
10. I'm thankful to God for blessing me with LOVE.
Thanks to all of you for sharing in this special 24th birthday with me from all around the world. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Profile
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
monitheexplorer- my albanian adventure.
Syndicate
