After being in Albania for a short while, we were able to notice the feeling of brotherhood that exists among the Albanians, both old and young. Walking down the street, you might witness a busy little center square, full of the young and the old. You might see a group of youth playing soccer, some middle-age men selling anything from cigarettes to used mobile phones, from snacks to magazines.
But my favorite part was seeing the old men all gathered around a chess board, dressed in nice button-up shirts and pants, with an occasional flat cap (or newsboy cap) to top their classy appearance. The rivalry between the two opponents is more intense than you can imagine, but it has a feeling of fun brotherly competition.
The fun thing is that you will see this in many places, and you’ll see the joy that comes from all those who are involved.
As you look at the youth, you see where this brotherhood all started. It isn’t uncommon to see two buddies with their arms over the others shoulders, or to see two friends embrace and give a kiss on the cheek after a while of not seeing each other.
It doesn’t matter where you go in Albania, you will be able to see the brotherhood that exists, and they are such an open and welcoming people that they will let you in to that brotherhood.
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