Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Flat-lander in the Mountains

Since I arrived in Albania, I have seen a background of mountains. In my village there are nearby hills – and yes, some of my PCV’s live up hills. And looking out everywhere on all sides are mountains. And some of them are still covered with snow!!!

We drive a number of times a week into Elbasan. The winding road takes us through the hills. Mountains again are on either side.

I went on a visit to another PCV. The town Kucove was built on the side of a mountain. All walking was up and down. We saw some e lovely parks, the school, the bashkia (municipal building) and the youth center. In the hills of Kucove, I saw in use a mosque, orthodox and catholic church. OLV members would appreciate that the pastor is from Italy. We also stopped by a church from 1200’s, St. Nicholas was closed for the day. But I think the 4 of us might have filled the space. The surrounding cemetery had tombstones on the hill that were destroyed –many from the 20th century when communists declared the country atheistic. From this spot, we could also see the military base with old planes and an airstrip.


The next day we went to Barat. It has the beautiful pictures of hundreds of houses on the side of the hill. Again, as we walked up and down, I realized that I am a flat-lander. We went up to the castle and heard the lovely legend of the mountains on either side of the city. The legend is best told from the vantage point of the castle. Of course, it was a rainy day – better, I was told on a clear day when the details of the mountains are available. I can't believe that I walked up to the castle that has been a fortress for thousands of years.

Again, last weekend I walked up to a mountain outside of Belesh. Walking up, I am grateful for the ability to climb. Also wish that I didn't have the fear of heights - the fears are but much better than when I was young. Coming down has been the challenge. Both times, I have fallen. Balance on left foot leads to a slow and graceful fall. I will blame the rocky paths.
To their credit, Peace Corps did ask if you can walk three miles on rocky roads. They mean it.

Missing all of you and the flat lands.

Margaret