Wednesday TWIG Board Meeting

My morning at the gym, a quick walk thru the Euromax for cereal and bananas, then home.  Nice day again, although it always looks like rain, it sometimes happens and other days not..

Tonight was my first TWIG Board Meeting.. Yep, I'm the Special Activities chairman. Actually, I just help out wherever they need me. Right now, I'll be working with an adorable Croatian women who has taken on the challenge of taking the newsletter online. Printing here is pretty expensive, no one knows about "trade" and let's face it, everyone has a computer.  Anyways, we'll be publishing a newsletter every 2 months.  I'll be editing!! ( who knew??)

The best part was the meeting was at the Chairmans apartment on the 12th floor of the ETC European Trade Center.. With a great view of the city and the Mt Dajti, and the Lana River..Check it out

Controlled traffic and the Lana River.. Manmade and dirty (:

Tuesday, More Coffee and Gracie

It absolutely poured last night.. Made for nice sleeping and cool weather.
Gracie and I joined TWIG for coffee in the Block. She walked most of the way, stepping in puddles and generally getting wet. Once at coffee and water, "her feet never touched the ground".. Yes once again, the crowd pleaser on everyone's lap. After coffee we went off the Ruth to visit her (large) apartment  and then to her vet. A young Albanian couple, who are both going for the Ph.ds in Veterinary Medicine.
Delightful people, well spoken in English, and very kind to Gracie. Ruth has "BlackJack", the cat, whom they treated for a UTI, and she's indebted to them, needless to say, I think they'll be a good contact, just in case. We walked back to another delicious restaurant for salads and Coke Zero. Ok, so now it was 3p..I see how "ladies of leisure" can spend the days. 
Gracie will be napping the rest of the day...

Craft Day!

I know, not something I would generally be invited to.. but TWIG ladies encouraged even us "non-crafty" women to join.  We met at 10a, at Wendi's flat, close to our apartment. 8 of us were challenged with hand sewing felt letters that spelled Merry Christmas in English and German ( Lucie who was in charge of the project is German) The intent for all these "craft days" is to make enough stuff to sell at the Xmas Bazaar in December, with the monies raised to go to the Bethany House Orphanage. Every year its a "smashing" success and they raise quite a lot of money. All in all a good cause.
I had a little trouble threading the needle, but was then on my way.  For 5 hours ( broken up slightly by lunch of crumpets and fruit and hilarious conversation with the Brits) we sewed and laughed and solved the problems of Albania and the world! Some of these women are really artistic; painters, sewers and generally creative, others, like me, just want to be involved. They plan on making gingerbread houses, so on my visit to Omaha, I'm tasked with bringing back candy canes, gum drops and skittles.. Most everything else they say we can find here. These women are a wealth of information, I now know where to get great Sushi for $5!!! oh and some fabulous "notions" store, the only place to buy meat, EHW, and not to spend too much time in the COIN ( Italian store) cause you'll run out of Lek!
The evening was spent cooking dinner for us ( Chicken and Spinach) and listening to Mark yell at his computer for "crapping out".. after a number of hours though, his blog on Thethi is done and is incredible.. read for sure  http://www.kickedinbalkans.blogspot.com/

Trip to Thethi, compliments of my loving husband and wonderful photographer, Mark



The Bridge...





Singing in the Rain





Welcoming Committee



Lunch, Albanian Style

Our Accomodations!

For now, I'm going to let the pictures do the talking..



The only open bar, but they had "Nick" Beer from Macedonia and lively conversations

nap time



 This was an amazing trip. We rented a toyota Land Cruiser, thank goodness.. the road was 1 1/2 hours of hairpin turns, bumps, rocks, made worse by the downpour of rain. We looked at each other a number of times and just hoped we'd taken the right turns. The signage here isn't great, and of course, Thethi is nowhere on our garmin. Finally we came to see the village thru the clouds and fog. Amazing place, "lost in time" for sure. So remote that even the Ottomans didn't try to take over the village. One can't imagine what its like here in the winter. The road is closed, these people have to stock up with supplies ( cigarettes and beer, according to the bar owner) for at least 4 months.
Fortunately the road was open, well sort of, and we descended on this quaint place, welcomed by pigs,
sheep, sheep herders, and faces of people who's families have probably lived here for 100's of years.
We found our Family Home, Harusha.  The look on Mark's face was priceless when he saw our "bedroom" but it looked clean and they had hot water and "western toilets". It was almost 2p, and we had eaten our share of trail mix and snack crackers. The "mother" of the house cooked a delightful lunch of soup, yogurt, cheese, tomatoes and of course, lamb.. oh and delicious bread. Everything was homemade you could tell. We shared the room with a lively group of Albanians who brought their own raki and wine! After lunch we walked the roads, up to an old church which had been recently renovated by US $$$ (Catholic territory, again, the muslims couldn't get here), took pictures of the incredible mountains and streams and enjoyed the cool mist.  Then we found the bar!  A lively place with good beer and a tv set with of course, soccer. Back to our room for a little R and R, now reading by our lights on our Kindles, Mark and Gracie took a short nap. A "light" dinner was served around 7:30p, delicious spinach wrapped in dough, their version of mac and cheese, more yogurt and cucumbers, bread and beer
Now our tummies are full and we're ready for the cots! Gracie with me, Mark's feet touching mine from the opposite side of the room, makes for a romantic evening :)
Morning came with the first light of day. Think we both put back on our warm clothes from the day before and headed to breakfast, this time with Gracie. Mark kept saying that they probably think she's an ugly baby cause we had her wrapped in her Dora the Explorer blankie and only her head was out. We finally let her walk around so they could see she was our "baby" dog.
Breakfast was double shots of espresso for me, tea, homemade jam and honey, and eggs.
We now felt we got our $25 per person!
The drive home was not quit as bad, although it rained a lot, my bladder was empty and we knew there was an actual road at the end of the "goat path". Sunday traffic in Tirana, quick trip to the Mercator, then a nice evening walk to the Taiwan Center for dinner. Oh, I had a delicious whole seabass grilled for $11!. I think we were asleep by 9p. Absolutely plan on going back to Thethi in the summer!

A little under the weather

I was just commenting that with all my travelling, I haven't been sick.. well a small cold changed all that.Thankfully I had sent Nyquill and Dayquill over in "the box" of stuff, so stayed home most of the day. The girls in TWIG told me there's a Greek Farmcia where you can get anything over the counter and it's the real stuff, good to know, just in case we run out.
 Thought I'd make some chicken for dinner, found a couple of good recipes that I was sure we could find the ingredients, then realized we didn't have a pan for the oven.  Back to the FoodNetwork for a stove top chicken.  Dragged myself to the Conad ( expensive but good chicken), found baby spinach, rice and some natural almonds.  By the time I got back, I was exhausted, took a nap, and when Mark got home he said he'd had a "late"  steak lunch at the Rogner Hotel after a meeting..Fine! Treated myself to a delicious PBJ sandwich, thanks to Cliff and Dodie who brought Peanut Butter all the way from Costco in Portland!  Nyquill for dessert, to bed.

Tuesday, it must be TWIG Coffee Day

View across from the Vesa Center Gym

Coin, Italian Department Store

Nice day!.  These 2 pics are part of the views I see on  my daily walks.  The mural is on the wall of a building across from the gym, nicer to look at then some of the decrepit walls in most of the city.
The Coin is a really nice Italian Department Store, very expensive, but a nice housewares department, that has some 50% sales. There's never anyone in the store, and the sales people are very friendly. I've heard there's a great bar on the 5th floor that overlooks the city.
Today was TWIG Coffee at The Koh-i-Noor bar, in the center of the Block. About 6 women showed up.  All very nice, with varied backgrounds. One was there working on another Ph.d, with a dissertation on domestic violence. She will be talking to Mark to get some more input on the new laws, finally protecting these women from their abusers. Another was leaving after 3 years here, back to the UK. Others have been here for a few years to 6.  Linda, wife of the program director for the UK counterpart to Mark's program, and I went for a walk afterwards and found the vet who was recommended.. Gracie got a flea collar and some very expensive dog food ( which she loves, btw). Then lunch at an adorable place Enonteca Joan. A very quaint place with a deliciously light cold buffet of cheese, grilled vegetables, cabbage and yogurt..all for $2.50... The water with gas cost $2.00!  They gave us a wonderful torte and dessert wine as a treat. Ok so there went the diet, again!  It was still a warm day, so Linda and I met another friend of hers, Karen,  for coffee at the Taiwan Center.  Karen's husband, Mark, is again the UK counterpart to Mark's position. I have yet to meet him but he sounds like a real character, well read, fabulous cook, and all around funny guy. Mark thinks he's hilarious, Karen describes him as "mad"..I have to listen very carefully to these women, sometimes I miss the slightest word and I'm totally off the bubble.
A nice evening on the balcony, needed a sweater, fall is definitely coming.

A beautiful monday

I'm told we have to cherish these sunny days... soon the rains come and we'll  miss the warm sun.
I must admit though that after 30 years in the desert, my body isn't use to the humidity. It's probably no worse than LA these days, but I sure sweat (glow) a lot!..Another good day at the gym, walking back to the apartment I'm aware that Monday must be cleanup day..The streets are being swept, trashed picked up ( in some places) and even a fountain that we passed yesterday in total disrepair, is getting a new coat of plaster. There are certain sections of the town that certainly get more attention than others. The Block is one of them, ours, well not so much.
I've also decided that soon I will have a lunch at Mr. Chicken!  It's a corner fast food stand that everyone uses for directions, landmarks instead of streets "know where Mr. Chicken is?, turn left then go 2 blocks past the Euromax, then turn right at the dry cleaners"..So since it's such a well known place, the food has to be good! Today, instead I'll feast on my new favorite, Pretzels and Nutella!, then a healthier lunch of Tonna and Piselli  ( tuna and peas in a can), ok well maybe not so healthy, packed in oil..think I'll stick the au naturelle

Sunday in Tirana

Slept in, well till Gracie started barking ( her version of barking is pretty pathetic) around 8a.. Mark made a nice breakfast of eggs and toast, read the football scores, (go Big Red and Beavs) more laundry ( it's kind of a daily thing), then went out for a walk. It's a little warm, but clouds are coming, which means the rain! We were on the hunt for the post office and an umbrella. Found the post office, open on a Sunday!. Only 70 lek (.70) to send a postcard to Omaha. We'll see how long it takes to get there.  We plan to send the grandboys a postcard from all the places we've visited. Hopefully someday they'll read them and be impressed! We went to the national art museum but it's only open 10a-2p on Sundays, so next time. A tour around Skanderberg Square and walk down the "shopping alley" for umbrellas.. Mine is pretty pink (of course) with flowers from Russia, Mark's is black, from China. We'll see who's lasts the longest.

Back to Taiwan center for a cold drink, slight diversion to the Gelato stand, 2 scoops for .60! I only tasted Mark's :).  Home now, reading and hopefully finding a decent movie to watch on one of the 5 channels we get. Here's some pics from around town..



They started a walking mall, but found this ancient wall, and don't know what to do about it



Partially done walking mall

 



Skanderberg and the Albania flag



 

Shopping Alley

Gracie gets Groomed

Gracie before

during



After





After

Our first attempt at grooming.. On the dining room table with hair everywhere. She was a pretty calm, thankfully. After a bath, treats and some running around, she happily escaped to her bed for the afternoon.

Our afternoon was spent at the QTU Center.  A nice "mall" with lots of young clothing and shoe stores,

a food court, and Euromax ( akin to a Walmart, but nicer). We found just about everything we needed and got a frequent shopper card. Also in the mall was another store, not quite sure what it was, but it had hardware, picture frames, lamps, and the ony selection of dog products (including houses and leashes) we've seen anywhere.  Gracie scored some new dog treats and food, we got some new

floor mats for the bathroom and kitchen.  All in all a good shopping trip.

Our Evening was spent at Fiore Restaurant. A favorite of Mark's, downstairs from a nice bar.

Fabulous Sea Bass for Me, Pasta for Mark, bottle of Harmonium Wine and delightful waiters.

4th Anniversary Dinner at Fiore



Friday morning

No gym today, just coffee on the balcony and reading.

Alba

This is Alba, the crazy yet cute dog that our neighbor Hector rescued. She's a goofy thing, but sweet. Gracie isn't too keen on her.  The landlords mowed "Gracie's Grass" so now we can see her.

Gracie in the Grass

More later, much later, probably tomorrow morning, after we attempt to groom Gracie ourselves!

Our 4th Anniversary

Who would have thought we'd be celebrating our 4th Anniversary in Albania.?? Portland, Bend, SF or hangin in Vegas, but not Tirana! Thanks to all for your email best wishes.. if there are cards in the mail, I'm sure we'll get them .. someday.
We're actuallly going to celebrate on Friday with a massage at the Vesa Center, where my gym is, a bottle of Silverado Cabernet, that finally came in "the box I sent before I left" and dinner at some great place in the Block.
We did have lunch at the Taiwan Center on thursday.. I walked from the apartment and found a great coffee store, lots cheaper than the Mercator, and fresh. Read on the balcony all afternoon, Mark made me a lemon drop with fresh squeezed lemons, 2 ( in wine glasses) and I was ready for the couch/bed.


Taiwan Cener (not sure how it got its name, but they have great food, Albanian and Italian)
we have them trained to add chicken (pule) to our Casa de Taiwan salads

Here are just some shots around town. I promise to carry my camera with me at all times, so I can show off our city.



Street with leaves turning into fall



Government building

Reconstruction of Skanderberg Square

a monument to a great liberator from the 1500's.

they're suppose to create a pedestrian only, with an auto circle,
Kuwait has contributed to the statue, Albania is responsible for the
circle ring, so it may look like this for a long time

UFO University

No one seems to know anyting

More Gov't building with high rise in the background

Hump Day in Tirana

My schedule, cause i'm such a busy girl, includes the gym every Mon, Wed and Friday morning.
The 10 min walk today included 20 min on the eliptical, arms, legs, abs, then another 15 min walk on the treadmill. My guess is this is what's got to happen to even begin to look like the cute Anita that's training me.
I should be able to count to 20 in Albanian one of these day.. I do  know that Shmire is Enough!
After my sweaty workout, I decided to ask about hair coloring.. $25! Can you do it now???
yep, and my thought was "it will grow out".. but alas it was great, and she blew it straight ( which you'll never see me do again) but for $5 I might go more often.
Took the walk back, stopping at the farmcia to find out about Claritin D for Mark. He was right, they don't have it.. so if anyone goes to Costco, get the 24 Hour kind..$5 for the Kirkland brand.. probably $25 to mail :)
Tonight was the TWIG Meeting.. Tirana Women's International Group. Martha and I walked to the Rogner, a very nice hotel with supposedly a great Sunday brunch.. We were welcomed into a conference room  by about 50 other women, all with different backgrounds, professions and accents, but all spoke some sort of English. TWIG does a lot of charity work for the Orphanage plus organizes social activities for us ex-pats. Tuesday mornings coffee, Tues afternoon bowling, Friday afternoons drinks, crafting, yoga, you name it.  I met a delightful women from Canada who has a 2 year old Shih-tzu.. She's been here for 4 years and is unfortunately moving back next month. She said dog sitting is a problem, but to ask around and hopefully find someone who cares as much as we do ( somehow I doubt anyone will live up to Mark's standards of Laurie and Don and the D's)
Anyways, 2 hours of chatting, coffee, desserts and volunteering for who knows what, I'll hopefully have a new set of friends.
We walked back towards the apartment to find the 3 Amigos having "pizza and lots of beer night".
Here they are, plus a pic of me with straight hair!


Mike, Hector and my honey



More Beer than Pizza for Mark

I'm pretty excited about being here now.. All the women said they loved living here. Most are here for a couple
of years, like us, and have said "this is the best place". we shall see..

I'm finally connected!

Yes, I got my own phone! and it's just a phone, no emails, and I haven't figured out how to text. Now Mark and I don't have rely on the somewhat precarious connection of the internet. We took Henry with us to do the deed, cause you don't just go to a phone store ( well you can but you pay a lot more Lek). You walk up and down the street beside the river to find many kiosks filled with phones, Mark says "illegally brought over", but he put aside his police values for a minute and bought me a nice Samsung Red phone for $65
Then you have to go to the mobile phone store and buy units of time, it was a very busy place with lots of cute girls in white and green t-shirts.. Everyone here has a phone, probably no on has a land line. Oh, and they drive manual sticks with their phones and a cigarette. No wonder the traffic is horrible. 
After that adventure, Mark and Henry walked back to their office, I strolled back to the apartment, feeling a lot more confident, and connected. Sat on the balcony and figured out how to use it, even has a camera!

Daily Life

Mark's truck, we're on the 3rd floor

I promise to take some more pics of Tirana. Mark has some great ones on his computer, so I'll share some of his. In the meantime, here's a few of our apartment building, the courtyard, and Gracie's Grass. Oh, and part of the reason our internet goes down

Courtyard

Gracie's Grass

Wires outside the apartment