Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Gëzuar 100 Vjet Pavarësi!

Tomorrow Albania turns 100!  It is a big deal and we're celebrating all week over here.  I'll post pictures of everything later but I thought I'd share the independence day spirit with some Shqiptar songs!


Kuq e Zi - Sinan Hoxha ft. Seldi


Xhamadani Vija Vija 



Enjoy!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Giving Thanks.

I know this post is a bit late but I wanted to take the time to point out the things that I am thankful for this year.  This past year has included a lot of big changes in my life and more than ever I realize how much I have to be thankful for.

  1. My friends and family back home.  Being away from you all has only made me realize even more how amazing you are.  You've continued to support me even though I'm a continent away. You're always there for me when I need to talk to you even though I'm not always around for you.  I know its not easy being friends with someone who has a compulsive need to move and see the world so thank you for being there.
  2. My mom.  You have no idea how much you mean to me.  You're an amazing mother and woman.  Thank you for always being there, for calling me when you get a less than happy email from me, for making sure I'm drinking tea when I have a cold and for always supporting me.  Get ready for more adventures to come!
  3. My dad.  You always lighten up my day whenever I hear from you.  Thanks for helping me keep a level head over here and for always making me laugh.  But most of all thanks for having the confidence in me to send your little girl out into the world.
  4. Nicky-Pooh.  Your the best little brother a girl could ask for. (even if you did steal my birthday)  Thanks for watching over mom and dad while I'm away.  I know its not easy to keep them in line.  I cant wait to see you next summer!
  5. Home.  Being away from home has made me realize how lucky I am to have a caring supportive home life to return to.  Thank you to everyone who helped raise me and made me into the person I am today and to the people who continue to support me today.  
  6. Albania.  I've never seen such a beautiful country and lively people.  We may not always get along, but when we do I cant think of any place I'd rather be.
  7. My Albanian Friends.  You've taken me into your homes, fed me way too much food and paid for way too many coffees.  Thank you for letting be a part of your lives and for being my guides to Albania.  
  8. My fellow PCVs.  We're a crazy, rambunctious, strong willed group but it wouldn't be the same without you guys.  Many of you have seen me at my worst but are somehow miraculously still friends with me.  Thanks for always being there to answer my calls, thanks for posting hilarious videos on days when all I need is a laugh and thanks for never judging.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Conversation of the Day

I typically get myself into some pretty interesting conversations here, which I typically like to blame on the language barrier.  You see when you live your life in a language that you maybe only understand two-thirds of the time, there is plenty of room for misunderstandings.  Conversations that in America I could recognize would get awkward real quick I could nip in the bud, but here its not until they've reached their full level of awkwardness that I realize what I've gotten myself into.

And as any PCV in Albania will tell you, the most awkward conversations typically revolve around finding a husband/wife.  This country is full of wannabe matchmakes and let me tell you, they are persistent.  On an average day I hear some form of "you need a man/I have a brother who is your age/have you met (insert Albanian man's name here)" multiple times.  But for the first time today, I won.

This is what happened when I went to buy my monthly internet.  We'll call my friend Bob.


Bob:  How have you been?

Me:  Good and you?

Bob:  Good.  School is good?

Me:  Good.  Family is good?

Bob:  Yes, good.

Me:  Very good.

Bob:  Are you bored?

Me:  No.

Bob:  You should get ready for the winter.  You shouldn't get bored.

Me:  I know.  I don't like the winter.  Winter in California is like the weather now in Gramsh.  I will be very cold!

Bob:  (laughs)  Oh my, in Gramsh we have snow.  What will you do?  Do you have clothes?

Me:  Yes I will wear all of my clothes.  I will be too cold.

Bob:  You should stay warm or else you will be bored.

Me:  I have a wood stove at home.  It is no problem.

Bob:  You are still alone?

Me: Yes.

Bob:  A stove isn't enough.  You should find a man.

Me: (laughs awkwardly)  Yes?

Bob:  Yes.  You should find a man.

Me:  An Albanian man?

Bob:  Whatever man you want.  A man is better than a stove.

Me:  I think a dog is better than a man.

Bob:  Eh, maybe a dog is quieter.  You should find a dog.


And that ladies and gentlemen is what winning looks like.