I’ve been in Albania for 4 days now and this is the first chance I’ve had any time to sit and think. I’m sure it won’t last too long.
When I arrived at the house, I was greeted with kisses, hugs and lots of smiles (and of course stares for the half mile or so I walked to the house).
I went to say hello to the family in the front house (for those who don’t know, there are two houses with 10 people). I tried to remember all the customs they have but thankfully they overlooked all that and immediately brought me into the room with the wood stove.
While the wife of the house fixed coffee, I sat with xhaxhi (grandmother’s brother in law – I think), Nënë (grandmother) and the kids.
Literally not 5 minutes had passed and xhaxhi had asked me all the typical Albanian questions: how the family was, how my trip was, how much my ticket cost, what work I did, how much I get paid, what my rent is and of course my favorite…why I’m not married yet.
Ah Albania. Though I cant say I’ve missed answering these questions, it feels so good to be back.