Peace Corps Journals

Frustration Stinks. Do Something.

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

2012-05-27 15:27:00

My dear Albanian neighbors and friends (near and far),

Allow me to express my great respect and appreciation for your kindness, generosity and hospitality. Let me to say “Thank You” for helping me to integrate into your community, work among you and to encourage your youth to become confident and skilled leaders of the future. And let me share in your frustration with the country’s challenges as you continue your development as a democratic nation. I understand that programs and systems are not yet adequate to serve all your needs. I understand why some days it feels like nothing will ever change. But today, I have living proof that CHANGE IS POSSIBLE

A story:

A young woman stepped out of her apartment for a morning walk. Immediately, the pungent odor of dog poop hit her in the face and seconds later, she discovered the source… a nasty mound, sitting on the stairway landing. “Gross!” she thought as she passed, holding her breath and swatting away the flies that were buzzing around. “The owner of that dog should clean that up!”

Some time later, returning from her walk, and having stopped at a market, the young woman climbed her stairs and was met again by the increasingly foul stench from the doggie pile-o-poo. As she passed, she leaned away from the smell, but there was no escaping it and she had to stifle her gag reflex. Not wanting the stink to infiltrate her groceries, the girl quickly entered her apartment, again thinking, “That is just disgusting!” And she started to wonder… Who’s dog was to blame for this offense? Did any of her neighbors even own a dog? Perhaps this was the mark of a street dog? Regardless, she was steadfast, “Someone really needs to clean that up!”

Later that day, the young woman stepped out from her apartment again… it was still there, and potent as ever and she was frustrated. How long would she have to wait for someone to clean up? Until the evening? Tomorrow? Until it had become petrified shit? She was so frustrated that she made a decision. “I’m not willing to wait any longer.” She walked back inside, grabbed 3 plastic bags (tripling up for safety and the sheer ick-factor), and then literally took the matter into her own hands.

Even though it was gross… even though it wasn’t her dog or her mess… Even though others could have done the same thing… SHE DID IT! She took that steaming sack of wretched animal feces and delivered it straight to the dumpster. When she came back, the smell was nearly gone. And she felt good. Because she didn’t have to deal with it any longer. And the young woman felt good because she knew she’d relieved her neighbors of the same unpleasant experience. And she felt good because… SHE HAD NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE.

So as you can see… change can and does HAPPEN. That young woman (notice how I keep using the adjective!) was ME. And the story is true. (You can even ask my mom!) Never before in my life, have I ever WILLINGLY picked up dog crap! But today, it was necessary and important... and so I did.

And if I can change, and do just one little thing for my neighbors… think of the magnitude of change that will come when each Albanian does SOMETHING within their power to do something for their neighbors, their city, their country? And not because its easy or popular… Or not because it’s their job… Or not because they’ll get public recognition… Just because they are not willing to wait any longer for something to change! That day is coming and I just can’t wait! (which is exactly the reason why I am here.)

So there you have it… the proof that change is possible. It is within each of you. Do something, anything. Don't wait, start today. There will always be challenges and frustrations. There will always be greater need than we can accommodate. There will always be injustice. But we must never stop ourselves from doing THOSE things that ARE within our power to bring change.

Peace, Love and Extra Plastic Baggies

Do mё mungoni

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania Little Laura in the Big World

2012-05-26 07:43:12

I realize this has been a nearly inexcusable absence from the blog; it’s been a hectic, maddening, awesome, tearful last few weeks in Pёrmet. Finishing projects (will post photos), starting new ones (I hope someone will send me photos of … Continue reading →

The adventure begins…Kosovo

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania Alb-mania

2012-05-25 15:05:19

I began my backpacking trip through the Balkans and Eastern Europe the day I closed out my service (COS): May 23rd. That afternoon I caught a 3 pm bus out of Tirana. The bus ride was supposed to take 3 hours, but of course I ended up making it last a little longer. I ended [...]

Leaving through the back door

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania Blue(r) Highways

2012-05-25 13:01:17

As of last Friday my stint with Peace Corps Albania is over, whıch ıs dıffıcult to understand. I found that the leavıng and endıng was a lot more personal for me than the comıng and arrıvıng. Sayıng goodbye was hard and fast and full of fest-ıng, but the actual border crossıng certaınly carrıed a bıt less fanfare along wıth ıt. …

Mirupafshim

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania Alb-mania

2012-05-23 05:45:18

Today I officially become a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV). At 4 pm I’m off to Kosovo to begin my month-long backpacking trip through the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Once I get back stateside I’ll post more about my last bit of time in Gjirokaster and Albania.

Parents in Bajram Curri..

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania brenna journeys.

2012-05-22 20:42:00

Well, after today, it's official. Parents of both myself, Garrett and Eric have visited Bajram Curri (it will be complete when my Mom comes in July). Within the past month and a half Eric's parents came from California for a visit, my dad came from North Carolina and Garrett's parents just left from Illinois. Our friends and coworkers have just been besides themselves meeting our parents. A common Albanian greeting is "Si eshte familje tuaj? or How is your family? Folur me prenderit tuaj?or Have you talked to your parents?" and now that they have met our parents it means so much more when they ask.

Each of our parents experiences were different but overall very similar. They were filled with lots of coffees, rakis, questions, culture shock and Food Grandma's food. I know when my dad was here it didn't even feel like I was in Albania and even when the boys parents were here we were doing things that we normally don't do: private cars, going out to eat every night, translating! I now know that translating as a hobby or job would stress me out so much it wouldn't be worth knowing another language.. it takes a strong minded person to translate on a day to day basis in conversation. Shume respekt.

I now feel as if I'm going to have to get used to how it used to be here before our parents visited. More time alone, public transportation, not being as cool to people. I think for the most part people have gotten used to us being here but when we walk around with our parents we're something to talk about again! I can't wait until my mom comes and I'm cool again.

Summer is coming up which means work is going to slow down. Last summer I didn't travel around as much as I wanted to and I think it honestly paid off with the work relationships I made and the work oppurtunities I had later on. This summer I want to travel to more places in the south and enjoy the beaches, since it is my last summer in this country. Sofra Dardane, Bajram Curri's traditional, annual music and dance festival is in a few weeks, so that's something to look forward to. This week marks a year that we've been living in Bajram Curri together. Sometimes it feels like we just got here and most of the time it feels like I never lived without them. There's talk of frog giggin' for our one year anniversary in Bajram Curri. Pse jo? Why not?

Smart Mob: Let’s Do It

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania Same Shqip, Different Day

2012-05-21 20:54:00

While watching the Modern Family episode where Mitchell cheats on Cam in “the worst way…. Cheating with choreography”, I thought, “Hells Yes!…Albania needs a Flash Mob!” I started asking around with some of my other G14 volunteers and the resounding response was….Pse Jo? Le te bejme! Why not!? Let’s do it.

Yes, these fellow volunteers just happen to be gregarious extroverts (not at all like me) who were lured by a love for performance and limelight. But we also realized the potential for using our attention-whore-like attributes to raise awareness for a relevant cause, issue or organization in Albania. Thus turning a flash mob into a “Smart Mob.” Ok, seriously….Let’s do it! (I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that everytime I read those words, I hear Tone Loc’s scratchy “Let’s Do It” as the prelude to Wild Thing. More 90s Hip Hop playing a role in everyday Albanian life)

In a matter of days consisting of emails, brainstorming and “what-if?” “planning and BAM!: a committee was formed, project plan was designed and an NGO partner, Green Line Albania, was secured… their motto: Let’s Do It, Albania! No, I’m not even shitting you! Indeed, the stars were aligned!

Green Line Albania, part of the civil society movement World Cleanup 2012, graciously accepted our PCV proposal to promote their initiative, "Ta Pastrojmë Shqipërinë në një Ditë" (To Clean Albania in One Day) via an Earth Day Smart Mob! http://www.letsdoitworld.org/node/41400 And the ball was rolling. Vazhdojme!

It took weeks of dedicated coordination, strategy, a fair amount of silliness and… if I’m being honest, a shqip-ton of anxiety… came to fruition on Sunday, April 22^nd, Earth Day in Tirana’s Parku Rinia/Youth Park. Need proof?

Just watch our video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNUOIdyQyHM. I'd like to draw special attention to the early part of the dance where a plak/old man (also known as gjysh/grandpa) walks directly in front of our dancers! Hilarious! Even better....he just cops a squat on one of the benches nearby and is in the thick of the mob as more and more people join!

Over 120 Smart Mob participants (more than half were Albanian nationals!) launched a surprise performance, wearing “Clean Albania in One Day” T-shirts, carrying Let’s Do It logo signs and boasting a very public and positive statement about community activism. Through the breadth of PCV outreach, 34 communities from across the country were represented in this event. Eight weeks of planning, an 18-member committee, countless emails and phone calls… all for only a 5-minute Smart Mob Performance. Was it worth it?

Meledina Rrustemaj, a teenage participant from Koplik, a small northern town, remarked, “I had an unforgettable experience... These American volunteers have opened doors and opportunities that support our lives, and our world.” Yeah…..it was ABSOLUTELY worth it! And finally, giving immeasureable credit, where credit is due….Shume Faleminderit to the Smart Mob Committee! We certainly DID IT!

Oh...and since our Smart Mob is a promotional gig....please watch the video, share the video, add it to your Facebook etc.! We want this thing viral! Sure, if you have contacts in Albania, they are our preferred audience, but hey....we'll take what we can get!

Peace, Love and a 5, 6, 7, 8!

PS. Jam dakord me Kaem / I agree with Cam...cheating with choreography really is the worst kind! Cheating with karaoke is a close 2nd. And its possible I've been found guilty of both.

Judo Demonstration at Rozafa Castle – 03/24/2012

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania Albania Adventure

2012-05-20 18:50:20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dShOQCFt71A

Judo demonstration I helped organize at the Rozafa Castle in Shkoder. The goal of the demonstration was to promote the sport of Judo as a positive form of exercise for boys and girls of all ages that promotes discipline and respect.

Wayne does Shqiperia..

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania brenna journeys.

2012-05-19 14:54:00

So last week I got to spend the entire week with my Dad, who I haven't seen in over a year. He arrived in Albania, on time and I picked him up at the airport were we rented a car and headed to Tirana. I was extremely impressed about his adaptability to the roads because drivers are pretty crazy here. We stayed in the nicest hotel in Albania, in the capital, so it was really like I was on vacation too. We spent two nights at the hotel, enjoying the 5 star cuisine, overly sized white bath robes and room service. We also frequented in my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Tirana, Era.

After Tirana we head to my neck of the woods in the northern part of Tirana. Once we got out of the city, it was wide open roads and for me was a completely different experience, not only because I was with my Dad in Albania but because I wasn't crammed into a furgon and we could stop whenever we wanted to! We made some pit stops in Kukes, Prizren and Gjakova, all places I pass every time I come back to my town but never get to get out and explore.. we even got to take pictures places I usually have to by pass too.

Once we get to Bajram Curri we settle in and get up the next day and take a day trip to Valbona, which was a trip because we rented an Opal (compact, tiny car). I'm so glad my dad got to see this part of the country because it is really different than the capital and I think one of the most beautiful places in this country.

We ended up getting a flat tire, we realized the next day, and got to change the tire which was an experience in itself. We then went to eat dinner with the mayor and my counterpart and Garrett. Pizza with tuna was a first for my Dad but I think he really liked it. The mayor made sure that some Valbona river fish was made. He also presented my dad a flag of the city, with the logo on it that I designed. It was such an honor for my dad and I think really made an impact. It was so good to see my dad and it didn't even feel like I was in Albania because he was here.

Dad.. in Albania!..

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania brenna journeys.

2012-05-19 14:55:00

In Valbona..

Dad, me and the Mayor with the logo of Bajram Curri I designed on a flag, presented to my Dad..

Gerti and I in Valbona..

In Durres at Fly Bar..

My counterpart, my dad, the mayor..

Following Trevista – The Challenges That Lie Ahead

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Albania beccapiglet's stuff

2012-05-17 05:19:00

This is the school that I spent the last three months of school at last year. It was a hard situation, probably the most difficult job I've ever done. I don't know the answer to the question of what to do about schools like this or this school in particular, so I guess it is as she says in the story . . . we shall see what happens over the next year. . .

Following Trevista – The Challenges That Lie Ahead: Trevista public school in Denver is embarking upon a major shake-up to boost academic scores, part of a federal program to save failing schools. [Photo: CPR]

1- Shkoder

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

	Hungry in Albania Peace Corps Albania Group 15 reminisce on meals and restaurants past	From: OnlyInName Views: 3 0 ratings
	Time: 03:49	More in People & Blogs


Frediccino in honor of Richie & Michele

Peace Corps Journals

Frustration Stinks. Do Something.

Do mё mungoni

The adventure begins…Kosovo

Leaving through the back door

Mirupafshim

Parents in Bajram Curri..

Smart Mob: Let’s Do It

Judo Demonstration at Rozafa Castle – 03/24/2012

Wayne does Shqiperia..

Dad.. in Albania!..

Following Trevista – The Challenges That Lie Ahead

1- Shkoder

changes….

party time (part 2)

2- American Pizza

5- Mask Factory

4- 300 Leke Haircuts

3- The Prela's

party time

Mamma Mia!

Student-Teacher-Student

lezhe – an architectural tour (part 3)

Concept of Time

6- Ahmet (Fruit and Veggie Man)

A Story of Affirmation

Moroccan Tile

7- Dominoes in the Park

Little Permetares

Hungry in Albania

8- Coffees!

A Balkans Tradition?!

9- Murals & Mint

10- Pedonalja & Dita e Luleve

12- PCV Hospitality

11- Crazy Guard Dogs!

Al Llegori

2 weeks

leaving my mark

13- Mountains, Canyons and Rivers, oh my!

14- Hiking

15- Homeless Puppies

16- Gomars! Donkeys!

18- Finally Climbing the Pyramid

19- Tile Making (April 26)

20- Northern (PC) Family

21- The Beginning of the End (Sitemate Love)

22- Youth Book Club

Gezuar Krishtlindje (shume vone)!