My mom got here on Sept 29th for a long visit. We have been able to make a lot of fun trips since her arrival. From the moment that she arrived, it has been really interesting listening to how she views Albania as a new visitor. Things that she sees as odd or different, I have just grow accustom to.
We made a beach vacation to the south of Albania and then got to see the country as we drove back up to Berat. The beaches are really gorgeous here, it's just a shame that Albania does not do a better job of keeping them clean and marketing them to travelers. Guess that's why I'm here!
We also made a visit back to Belsh, my training village, so that my mom could meet the family who took such good care of me while I was in their home. We arrived about 2 and spent only one night. It was really the perfect amount of time. My mom got to see the town, and of course my albania family had prepared a huge feast. Lots of animals died to create this festival meal! We had meat and fish and turkey, as well as salads and potatoes, amongst other things. I am glad that everyone got along (as was to be expected) and that my two families enjoyed each others company.
This week, Berat is celebrating their invitation to become a UNESCO World Heritage City. We are hosting quite the party and the Prime Minister of Albania came! That is a pretty big deal. It was interesting to compare the difference in security that the prime minister here had to that of Bush, when he makes appearances. Berisha (the PM) just rolled into town, very little security detail, walked right into an uncontrolled and unscreened crowd of people and proceeded to make a speech to a crowd of Albanians with no microphone. That's Albania for you! Guess you don't know to make all the security arrangements until you have had an incident to learn from.
For the weekend we are going to head to the north and see some of my friends from training. Then next weekend my mom heads back state side. Hard to believe that five weeks is over already! It's been a good time.
