2014 Albania Fall (Vjeshte)

As a Peace Corps volunteer I try to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

So I occupy myself doing a lot of Goal #2: Building relationships with Albanians and becoming a member of their society in every way possible. So here is a list of some of the places and activities I have been doing with my new friends..

SEPTEMBER 2014

Lake Funar and Mali Korres with AST Elbasani Hiking Group

Our bountiful feast together after the hike

AST Group photo

It's a great time of year to pick berries and other fruits along the way. 

We had some rain, but not enough to dampen the fun! 

HIMAR, Southern Albania

I felt like I was back in Hawaii! 

ORIKUM AND DUKAT with AST Elbasani Hiking Group

Ancient ruins in Orikum, Southern Albania 

 On the mountain above Dukat Village

 It was quite the climb. Much longer/steeper than anticipated!

But once we are done, the pain goes away, and I have these great memories.

BYLIS

 Bylis is an ancient Illyrian city dating as far back as 400 BC!

I am in the seat of honor at the stadium. 

This is just the stadium. Bylis is a very old, large, ancient city. 

OCTOBER 2014

LESKOVIK, Mali Melesinit with AST Elbasani Hiking Group,

BOROVE, SOTIRE FARM, BENJE THERMAL Pools, and KELSYRE WATERFALLS

Benje Thermal pools near Permit 

This is an ancient Illyrian bridge at Benje Thermal pools 

Kelsyre Waterfalls nearTepelene 

A monument built in memory of the village Borove (near Erseke). Every single citizen in Borove was killed by the Germans in WWII. Each circle represents a family. 

AST Group photo at the top of Melesinit Mountain, near Leskovik

NOVEMBER 2014

Cape Redondit with DJ! (On the coast between Durres and Lezhe)

My sweet little puppy is 3 months old! 

I am in the background sitting on the walls of Skanderbeg Castle while DJ explores.

PAPER, Elbasan with AST Elbasani Hiking Group

This was a long hike, about 7 hours. I was tired. It was DJs first time with the group. She did great. She walked so far, and when she got tired, she had plenty of friends to carry her!! 

She even has her own AST member shirt! 

Sometimes she just needs to be carried! 

DJ brings joy to everyone! 

Are we done yet, Mom? Can we please go home now? I'm tired!

PETRELE Castle, Tirane with AST Elbasani Hiking Group

 PETRELE Castle, Tirane Albania

 PETRELE Castle, Tirane Albania

 PETRELE Castle with AST

PETRELE Castle with AST