One Year In

Well it happened.  I've been in Albania for over a year.  It feels like just yesterday that i got off that plane in Tirana, yet it also feels like I've been here forever!  I've been putting off writing this post because I was hoping I'd have some amazing insight to share with  you for this special occasion.  But as life would have it, I got nothing!  But since the new group of volunteers arrived in Albania on Wednesday, I thought I'd share some things I've learned over the past year.

Life in Albania

1. Always say yes to a coffee invitation.  But know that you don't have to be friends with everyone.
2. Be curious.  Don't be afraid to ask questions or talk to people.  Odds are they've already noticed you and are wondering about you too.
3. Never breathe through your nose when entering an unknown bathroom.
4. Always check for toilet paper before you commit and of course, never trust a fart.
5. Old women hold infinite amounts of knowledge.  Do as they do.  When they take their laundry off the line, do the same because it is about to rain even if you can't see a cloud in the sky.  
6. Wear socks and slippers inside.  You might laugh at them when they tell you that you'll get sick without them but they're right and it is better not to spend the whole winter fighting off a cold.
7. Always have extra water in your house.  There are times when your water will go out for a few days when it makes sense, like during the summer when you haven't had rain in 3 weeks, but there are also times when it will go out on a day when it is raining and literally everything in town except for your pipes is full of water.
8. Enjoy people's hospitality.  Don't feel guilty about accepting a free dinner or grapes or desserts or a bottle of raki.
9. On that same note, always sip the raki.  They will refill your glass when you're finished no matter how hard you protest.
10. Flaunt what your mama gave you.  Wearing makeup and dressing up from time to time will earn you respect from women and it makes you feel good too!

The Peace Corps

1. Try to leave your house everyday.  Even on the weekends when all you want to do is relax in your pajamas and watch American TV all day.
2. The only thing that can motivate you here is yourself.  That is hard and will lead to some struggles and hard times.  But as each day goes by, you grow and become a stronger person.  You will leave a stronger version of yourself.
3. People will try to take advantage of you.  You are after all free labor.  Don't let them.  Stand up for yourself and don't be afraid to say no.
4. Working with little kids makes your day better instantly.  They don't care that you do goofy things or correct you when you make mistakes.  
5. Accept the awkward moments.  There will be many.  
6. You can't live your life like you're still in America but don't forget about the things that make you happy.  Make yourself an grilled cheese when you've had a bad day or have your own Disney movie marathon.
7. Your emotions will go crazy.  Your highs will be higher than you've ever felt but will easily collapse at the slightest thing and your lows will take you lower than you've ever gone.  You will feel nothing when you hear of a death but cry uncontrollably because the store is out of milk.  
8. Learn to let things go.  You can't control life and you can't help everyone.
9. Have one person that you can be totally honest with from back home.  You'll need them on the rough days.
10. Your fellow PCVs are the most diverse group of people you'll probably ever meet.  Take advantage of it.  Learn about them and learn from them.