Becoming acquainted with Albania

Tirana is a beautiful city. The average day starts at about 6 or 7 in the morning. Fruit vendors set up their stands. Cafes begin to open their doors. Bakeries fill the streets with the aroma of fresh bread like a warm temptation. And people begin to walk, drive, and bike to work. The traffic is not terrible, and it is not such a busy city. It is more of a comfortable, confident city. There are busy bodies yes, but there is still time to stop and chat for a half hour or so. There are many apartment buildings of many different colors, adding personality to the infrastructure. All day the streets are filled with different aromas coming from Italian, French, Albanian, and Turkish restaurants. Being on the Mediterranean, Albania has been infused with many other cultures that have affected the food they eat, their dress, and even their language.

Albanian is the a decsendant of the Ilyrian language. It is known as one of the more difficult languages to learn because of the tough grammar. Many of the rising generation speak English quite well. In any given nicer restaurant at least one server will speak English. Many will speak Italian, Greek, and Turkish depending on what part of Albania they are from. The food is all fresh! It is a very satisfying experience to eat fresh cheese and bread, or stone oven baked pizzas and fresh pastas. The ingredients are of much higher quality and much richer than in my own country in my opinion. I love the Food!

There is a traditional ethical code in Albania called "Besa". It is a code of integrity to live true to one's word. Together with that is a code of hospitality; to take care of and protect those in your care. The Albanians have a history of opening their homes to those in need. In WWII many Jews fled to Albania where they were welcomed openly. The Albanians would have protected the Jews to the death. Again during the Serbian War, many Kosovars (who are technically ethnically Albanians) flooded into the north of Albania seeking refuge. It is a respectful and inspirational code and way of life, to show such compassion on others.

Albania has a rich and vast amount of history. It has undergone two imperial conquests, namely Rome and the Ottomans. It has also endured a communist dictatorship. To see the country now, it is impressive after learning of its history, to see how it has progressed. Though Albania has a lot to work on, progress and opportunity are ever present.

- January 2015
Jesse B.