Dispatch from Albania # 4 Nov. 19, 1999

Photographed IRC staff of 70 from second floor of their building, looking down at them on top of and surrounding an IRC truck.

Photographed 3 courts in the National Sports Center that is being repaired by IRC and other organizations. Project manager said there is criticism that money is being spent this way, but he contends it raises the morale of the people. Ceiling is getting replaced because it’s "pure asbestos" and leaks. Parquet floors are being replaced where needed, using beautiful Albanian oak. (Guide book says that lumbering is one of main industries here.) Climbed ladder 3 stories to see old/new roof and to take pictures of workers. Since it had just rained, you could see the gorgeous mountains surrounding this dilapidated but functioning city. Then at 10:30 AM 5 of us went for coffee where we each enjoyed a shot of raki. (Mother, this drink is made out of grapes.)

Home-made soup and baked noodles made by the cook at IRC.

Photographed a host family, i.e., two very poor people who invited a family of 7 refugees into their home. Their guests have been there since May. The mother of 5 daughters has breast cancer and is getting treatment. You should read Kathy’s interview. After we arrived today, the hostess brought out her freshly baked cookies made in the stand-alone stove over in the corner of their main room which serves as living, sleeping, washing, cooking room. And she served Pepsi. And candy. The refugee family was not there, so we chattered happily with the help of a good translator. Something was mentioned about making oneself happy during hard times, and the hostess walked over to her boombox, turned it on to what sounded like Greek music, and started dancing. I couldn’t resist, so I joined her. Then before we knew it, in that tiny 12' x 9' room, 8 of us were dancing our hearts out. We laughed at ourselves and each other until the driver reminded us it was getting dark and headquarters wanted us to check in.

Love,
Carolyn

Smile-of-the-Day: (1) Dancing
(2) Getting hair done at local beauty shop for $4.79 American.

Small-weep: Hair-do only lasted half hour.

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