Shales, Albania

Hello friends! After arriving in Elbasan, Albania last Wednesday, we spent 3 nights in a hotel. Then on Saturday, we traveled to our host family houses (where I will be for 10 weeks). I am living in the town of Shales - population approx. 1,600. Yesterday we had the day free (there are 4 other volunteers in this town), so we walked around town, and caught the attention of all the locals.. and also realized there is nowhere you go without seeing chickens, donkeys, or sheep. In the town there are a few cafes, one internet cafe/pool hall/bar, a pastry shop, a school (where we have our language lessons), a gas station, a meat shop, and several small markets. In the homes it is usual for only one room to have heat from a gas stove - there is no heat in my room (that sleeping bag is coming in handy). The inside of the houses are absolutely immaculate, and the people are very friendly.

My family is great - I have a mom, dad, a sister named Ida (who is 25) and on the first night there were also 4 cousins who greeted me. We had a huge meal, followed by some english/albanian studies and then some albanian dancing.. they love to watch TV, especially the music video channels. The family also has 3 sons, 2 of which live in Italy and one in Greece.

The first 10 weeks are jam packed with language training - we travel into Elbasan twice a week for "hub" days - when all the volunteers get back together and we have sessions on our individual programs.. mine being Community and Organization Development. So.. all in all the first week has been fairly smooth - and I can actually go out for a run (although I am told to be aware of the stray dogs).

This journey is just beginning..I'm definitely learning the meaning of patience - and to live life in the most simple of ways...