Nothing like finishing my Peace Corps service with a TWO HOUR DISCUSSION ON GENDER in Albania, without a translator on LIVE TELEVISION. I am honored to have been a participant on Ilva Tare’s talk show and can’t think of a better way to end my two year service!
The sign reads “Thanx u Loren for your job here,” and the cake reads “for 2 wonderful years.” It’s now official that I am leaving, and the goodbyes are all too real. I am overwhelmed with so many emotions right now. It really is a double edge sword. I am ready to work in the states and live closer to my family and friends, but I have also built a home for myself here in Albania, and grown very attached to a number of people. I feel utterly blessed to have been able to forge such wonderful friendships with so many lovely people and live in a place that is gorgeous in just about every direction you turn. This two year experience was everything I had hoped for and more; and right now, I can’t seem to control the tears from steadily rolling down my face as I reflect back on some of the most beautiful times of my life (spent here in Albania).
I want to thank so many people for coloring my life with love and laughter. It has been quite the unforgettable experience and I am going to miss the hell out of everyone included! I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR ALBANIA.
Today was very special. My morning started with a bitter-sweet goodbye in the teacher’s lounge. Ornela, a close friend and colleague organized a little farewell celebration during the break, and the Director toasted to me, and I think I lasted maybe ten seconds before my mascara found its way down my cheek (totally unanticipated tears). Fortunately, I was in good company and was still able to sincerely thank everyone, despite blubbering in broken Albanian. It’s final, I have to say goodbye to so many great people and it hurts to not know when I will see them again.. (However, I promise to one day return again.)
Then, later in the day, my counterpart, Daniela organized a goodbye party with the 11 classes for me. They made a sign, blew up balloons, decorated a cake, and read a speech- it was the whole shebang! Everyone was all dolled up and looking fit for the dance floor. Energy was high and the afternoon was ultimately perfect. It was possibly the best way to say goodbye to everyone, dancing to muzik popullare, and just having fun! I want to thank Daniela and all the students that were able to come today for making one of my last days, very memorable. It was simply lovely.
I want to not only thank everyone, but also wish everyone well. I hope the future of Albania brings everyone much earned success and happiness!
Look at me: I’M ON TV!!! April 11, 2012, I was lauded for my work on Hap pas Hapi by US Ambassador Arvizu at the Women’s History Month Gala, commemorating Albanian women in the workplace. It was a joy and a real honor to be in a room full of such stupendous women, ranging from government officials, to NGO’s, to REZARTA HOXHAJ (a women I read about a month ago, and then got to meet face-to-face! What a treat! I’m a big fan!) Moreover, “the event referred to President Obama’s launch of the first-ever U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Arvizu emphasized the U.S. Government’s commitment to promoting respect for women and human rights in U.S. and throughout the world, and its importance for a prosperous and democratic society.” It was very special to be a part of. I enjoyed every bit of it, from the shrimp kebabs, to the champagne, from rubbing elbows with VATRA women, and finally meeting Ilva Tare (The talk-show host that will premiere Hap pas Hapi and myself as a guest-panelist to discuss gender issues in Albania.) WHOOP! WHOOP! Overall, it was a fabulous evening, despite feeling anxious about the contentious length of my dress, and leaving my duck umbrella at the Ambassador’s House (It just doesn’t seem right for a PCV to say that…HA!) Although, thankfully, I got ducky back.
Today, I will raise awareness about the public health concern of not wearing shoes. TOMS ONE FOR ONE CAMPAIGN helps supply children in developing countries with proper footwear to prevent soil transmitted diseases and enable kids to live a happy active life.
Happy Easter! What a FAB celebration we all had in Shkodër. We spent the day dying eggs, dancing , and dining. Steph and I came to the right place- I’m telling you- we walked into an Asian feast! Seriously, good grub and great peeps (*friends* not those gross marshmallow chickens)! My parents unfortunately, did not have the same good Easter fortune that Steph and I did, because they had to jet back to California. So while my parents were globetrotting, we were merrily celebrating, without knowledge that my BRAND NEW powerbook was getting stolen in Munich, at the security check-point. THANK THE ALMIGHTY that my parents noticed, filed a police report, and were able to recover the computer before their connecting flight (WHAT A MIRACLE). I never would have suspected that THAT would have been the travel hiccup, because they were also traveling with my cat, Wolfie, which is nerve racking in and of itself. Wolfie, was fine though- such a little champion. So luckily, everything turned out okay, whew what a scare!
After tackling Steph at the airport with the BIGGEST BEAR HUG EVER, we all headed to Kruja. My mother and I took full advantage of the old town handy crafts, and felt good about supporting the local economy. Her and Jim treated me to an early birthday present, which included a handwoven aerial rug for when I go home and nest. (I officially have an Albanian cat, and an adult house rug- all I need now is a J.O.B!) We also meandered around the castle, and stopped for lunch at a local cafe, which served us a pile of roasted lamb and potatoes in a giant ceramic dish, grilled vegetables, and a Greek salad. It was a highlight to say the least. Kruja was charming, even with creepy macabre clouds that crept up the hillside. I’m glad I finally made it here, and happy it could be with love ones!
Springtime puts Skrapar at its finest, no doubt about it. I’ve always loved Spring for a number of reasons, but living in Albania, has allowed me to appreciate it to its fullest glory. Growing up in California, seasons were mild and flowers grew pretty much annually (so spoiled), thanks to our temperate climate. Basically, I grew up with a false sense of winter. NOW, I can sincerely grasp how magical this time of year actually is, when dull depressing brown landscapes SPRING to life, turning an ugly winter palette into a miraculous rainbow of color.
It also complimented my parents arrival in Albania! What better of a time to showcase this place, than the start of Spring!
JUMPING PHOTO NOTE: Before this photo was taken, Kaylie mentioned she would attempt the photo despite previous jumping photo failures. She looks like a GAP model here and well, I just look like a …
What a special occasion! I was able to share my dear family with colleagues and all my classes today. We mostly had open discussions with questions for my parents which included: How old are you? Can you find me an American wife? Why don’t you move to Albania, so Lauren can stay here? What do you think of Albania? Did Lauren ever get in trouble? What do you do for a living? etc. The kids were delightful and it was a lot of fun overall: mom relished the spotlight, and took center stage with professional ease. Jim was great too! Both took every flying grenade question in stride and enjoyed the sincere enthusiasm. I also appreciated the photos my mom snapped, while visiting. Finally a class pic, to encapsulate the last couple of years!
Since family is so important in Albanian culture, I think it’s remarkable how much this visit humanized me to most of my community. They could finally see with their own eyes, that I too have a family I love and adore, and the natural semblance makes me that much more relatable now.
The best of Berat with my family included: mom taking a pony ride at the castle (that both Jim and I had declined seconds earlier), strolling through old town, eating perime zgare (grilled vegetables) at The White House with friends and trainees, and buying fig jam, avos, and walnut Raki for future consumption. Berat is a beautiful place and has been like my second home here in Albania. This was a great last excursion.
Hugs, tears, and a distended belly is how I have left my Albanian host family a number of times. This engagement was no different, except that my real mother joined my Albanian mother and I in our celebratory waterworks show. The apple certainly doesn’t fall too far from the tree, now does it! We shared a lovely afternoon together in Pajovë, feasting, gabbing, gushing, and then a sniveling heartbreaking goodbye. My experience with the Tare family has been nothing short of amazing. I have insurmountable respect for each and every one of them and adoration that’s homologous to the love I have for my own family. I want to thank them for all of the love and support they have provided me with, during my stay here in Albania. It’s been sensational.
