Yesterday morning saw a friend of mine delivered to Rinas Airport in Tirana. Cory and I first met in Assisi in April. The two of us were staying at a youth hostel located an easy distance from the city walls. Each of us made comfortable traveling companions for the other for a few days. From Assisi she went north and I went on to Rome and then Palermo. We have kept in touch since then via email. She and I had originally planned to reconnect this weekend in Istanbul to see some of Turkey and possibly to travel on to Cappadocia; the homeland of many of the Church’s early Fathers. We eventually settled on her coming to Tirana, however, as I was unable to make that trip with her.
I spent the day as guide to the cities of Tirana and Kruje. Cory and I traveled in autobus style making the two leg journey to Kruje castle where we had lunch and enjoyed the high views from the hillside strong-hold. The museum in Kruje is one of my favorite sites to visit in all of Albania. It gives a comprehensive history of the national and ethnic hero Skenderbeu and is built upon some of the ruins of the castle he inhabited after declaring independence from the Turks in 1444.
I haven’t spoken with anyone in English face to face, who does not have a vested interest in the outcome of my mission here, in about six months. In Anthropology there is a phenomena known as the “Stranger Paradigm.” Those of you who have ridden on airplanes probably know just how easy it is for you and your seat-mate to share some of the most intimate frustrations you are facing in your life. Having a chance to process what has been spoken primarily only in my head with someone seated across the table from me was relaxing and encouraging both. I am experiencing peace far more than I realized.
albaniacalling 