The new fruit of choice

Windows to the world

TIRANA     Of course, when I arrived, I had no idea where I was.  I stopped a policeman for help with finding a hotel.  My main concern was how much was a taxi.  Taxi?   There was no need for that.  He blew a whistle, flagged down the first car he saw, and I was taken to the hotel.

I wasn't sure how to find my friends who lived in Tirana when I heard two women on the street speaking English.  I asked for help.   An Albanian RPCV, with a wealth of knowledge, directed me to an expat restaurant hangout.  At the Stephen Center, the waiter, Koli, was able to draw a map to David's house.  He wrote in Albanian how to ask for help getting on the proper bus.   Finally, he said if I couldn't find David, I could stay at his home and he would take me in the morning.  I was again amazed by Albanian hospitality.

David wasn't home. He and his family had just settled down for a meal at the Stephen Center.  Koli let them know I was in town.   I was rescued, had a great meal, washed clothes, and finally got some needed rest.