Day 1/2: Arrival

We are so thankful we arrived safely, but we were ready to eat some lunch once we arrived at the hotel. Instead of setting the students out on their own for their first meal in a country who speaks Albanian, we ordered some pizza, which we know will become one of our staple meals and ate in Berat's office. 

Look, we found Jenna on the other side of the world! Oh, and Berat is indeed wearing a whistle around his neck this year! He said it will be easier to use a whistle instead of talking loudly since that is not part of their custom. 

                                                

                                      

After lunch we took a tour of the city and learned a little more about the history. Jeremy even had the privilege to tell the group some of the stories we learned last year. Berat was incredibly impressed with his memory of the history from the war as you can see from his expression. 

                      

                      

The students also got to see the memorial with the names of the people who died. 

                               

                                

The locals cannot help but stare at us when we walk around in our massive group. Some asked if the Kosovars knew we were American and everyone who has been here laughed. Due to our dress, language, and herd of people we are unmistakably American.  

                            

Memorial of everyone who died during the war- all people young and old.

                                                    

We finished the tour by enjoying a tasty treat at Oxxo. Look at our large team! A few of the students fell asleep after they ate, so we had to start walking around again. 

                           

Akullore is so yummy! Everyone enjoyed the cold treat after our walk. 

                                                

We then got to visit one of the local stores called Viva Fresh. It's like Wal-Mart/Target but they sell household appliances too. For dinner, we treated the team to Rozafa 2. 

                                               

                                     

Rozafa 2 is complete now and has an upstairs. When asked if we wanted to eat inside or outside I quickly answered outside. Our dinner composed of salad/vegetable mixture, bread, and steak. 

                          

As we ate, we got to enjoy the nice view of the city. 

                          

Some of the leaders (Jeremy, Krislynn, Sean, Berat, Valdete)

                          

Our team has already found some drinks they have learned to love. They are also learning to say words in Albanian. 

                                               

                          

Each of the rooms have windows that open to the outside, which is also a good because the rooms do not have air conditioning. This is the view from one angle of our room. 

                                    

                         

Until tomorrow.... We must sleep since we haven't slept since Tuesday night!!!