New Experiences in Albania

Each week brings new experiences. For a poor country there are a number of modern convinces we have in North America. Almost everyone has a cell phone,

banks have ATM machines and grocery stores scan the prices of your purchase. The park down the street even has bumper cars! Maybe those are there for drivers training! This week we drove to Tirana and once again experienced traffic lights (there are none in Vlore). Throughout the country there are numerous unfinished buildings. People start construction, live in part of it and just finish them as they have the money. Even when their homes are only partially finished they often plant flowers and roses to brighten their balconies and yards. All through the country side we see lots of old cement bunkers which were built during the cold war to defend against a US invasion. But since the US never invaded they are just an eyesore on the hill sides and a great thing for children to climb on.

Yesterday there was a branch activity to the city of Berat, a two hour drive from Vlore. It was a very windy rainy day but everyone still wanted to go. We all went by bus. In Berat there is a 13^th century castle ruins high on a hill. It was a long steep hike. When we filled out our missionary application we said we could walk 5 miles a day but we didn’t think that meant 5 miles up hill! I’m surprised we're not more sore today. Once we reached the top it was a very interesting place. 200 families still live within the old castle walls. We enjoyed the day in spite of getting soaked by the periodic rain showers. Branch members played frisby and soccer and we walked around the castle area taking lots of pictures. One would think that after a long hike and all the activities it would be a quiet bus ride home. Not so! It was a time for singing, clapping and dancing. Everyone enjoyed the traditional Albania music and dancing. If we closed our eyes you would think Zorba the Greek had joined us and was dancing down the aisle.