Shqip Gets Real

We first took a 45 min. bus ride from Tirana to Elbasan. This is still Genti's show; accordingly, everything goes off without a hitch.

Saw some amazing views of the city and the Albanian countryside on the way.

Next stop: the hub location in Elbasan where our host families came to pick us up. I felt like a dog in a pound, waiting to be adopted. We had some downtime--a good opportunity for some candids.

PROFILES IN A21: ANDREW

Andrew was my roommate in Miami and the first person I met on this Peace Corps odyssey. I picked up an Odd Couple vibe between us. Andrew arrived in plenty of time in Miami to get to bed early. Jason stumbled into the hotel room very late because he went to the wrong airport shuttle pickup area. Andrew packed minimally and efficiently, taking only what was needed, and he had his luggage items well organized. Jason hurriedly stuffed his suitcases nearly to the exploding point and was constantly packing and re-packing all his items. This photo tells the same story: Andrew is understated and dignified. (What am I doing with my hands? I never make that gesture. And why did I smirk like that?) If you're going to be a Peace Corps Volunteer, be an Andrew and not a Jason.

Ok, no host family yet. Waiting, waiting...

PROFILES IN A21: BRENDEN

I'm usually not prone to hyperbole, but Brenden was clearly the best Tirana roommate in A21. When my backpack arrived late from Frankfurt, Brenden let me borrow his coat and a powerstrip, and he had a new toothbrush I could use. He wasn't even sore about it when we got separated and I couldn't get the room key to him, stranding him in the room for a bit. I feel like he did some other stuff, too, that I can't recall now. I owe him a drink.

Waiting, waiting... 

PROFILES IN A21: GENTI

Have I mentioned how awesome this gentleman is? A mix of competence, discipline, energy, humor, and attentiveness that knows no equal. He had all 46ish of our names memorized before he met us. He even said "ok" when I asked to have my photo taken with him. Does Albania grant knighthoods? If so, we should start a petition to make that happen.

Okay, I have to get at least a little sleep, but I have a lot more to say, so I'll end this as a cliffhanger...

Baba!