I, Xhejshën

Sunshine returned to Kuqan, at least for part of the day. And Sunshine came back for a bit, too. You remember--the dog that no one in my group EVER pets or feeds, at all?

She followed me to the bathroom at Blerta's, but that's where we parted ways. I think it's important to set clear boundaries.

In class today, among many activities, we came up with adjectives for each letter of our first names. All in Albanian. It looked like this:

 

Keep in mind, my name in Albanian is spelled "Xhejsën." Also, I now answer to the name "Xhejshën" (sounds like "Jay-shon"). So naturally I used "Xhejshën" for today's activity. Here's how it played out:

Xh (this is one letter) -- xhibër, which means "lively"; "sharp"; "witty"

E -- eksplosiv, meaning "explosive"

J -- jashtëzakonshëm, which means "extraordinary"

Sh (also a single letter) -- shndritshëm, which means "bright"; "shiny"

Ë -- ëmbël, which means "sweetly"

N -- ok, so by N we had run out of adjectives. We went with "ngadalë," which means "slow." I objected to being called "slow." But we had to move on.

Also I went to the Bern Market today. It's the small convenience store near my home. I have posted pictures of it before. It has the "inviting" bear hanging out front.

I've since learned that displaying stuffed animals is a superstitious thing--it's to ward off the "Evil Eye." Which I think is something like bad spirits. But don't quote me on that.

Before arriving in Albania, I read in Peace Corps prep materials that in-country stores often carry only a few different items and that shelves may be sparsely stocked. That is NOT the case in my village here. This is what the small market looks like:

I told someone today that I think I'm now used to living here. And I suppose I am. But I'm still charmed by the little things, such as new brand names for products.

I had Trahana for breakfast today. It's about the third time I've had it. I still don't know what it is. It looks like oatmeal, but it doesn't taste like oatmeal. It is very salty.

My host family chuckles whenever I say the word "Trahana." Why do they chuckle? I don't know!

And then there's this: my favorite brand of toilet paper. 

Feel free to chuckle. I know I did.