Yesterday I traveled back to Thanё to begin phase 3 of pre-service training. It was nice to be able to leave Burrel for the first time since I landed in the north. Barb and I left town at 8am and rode the bus for two hours into Tirana without incident. We weren't quite sure where we were headed but equipped with our trusty map and a bit of luggage we headed off with just a little bit of trepidation.
Getting off the bus we headed to a café for a cold drink then asked the waiter about getting a bus to the center because Barb]had an appointment. Just outside on the street we caught the right bus and got off at the right stop. Amazing for a couple of old gals with no clue as to where we were headed! We found the place, Barb did her thing, and then afterwards walked towards the Peace Corps office and on the way found a wonderful restaurant that served American fare! A taste of home is just what the doctor ordered and it was delicious! When eating “American” fare abroad you usually get anything but. However, this time is was spot-on. The gal that owns the place lived in Pennsylvania for over 16 years and knew how to make a burger and I must say it was great!
Afterwards we met up with a few of our PC colleagues for the next bus ride into Elbason…the city where our group trained. A short 45 minute AIR-CONDITIONED ride later (you read that right folks, air-conditioned) and we landed in the city and found our way to the beer joint where PCV’s like to hang out. I ran into a bunch of group 18’ers and there we talked about out new sites and jobs. It was pretty great to see everyone.
At about 4:30 I bid everyone goodbye and made my way to the next bus to get into the village where my host family lives. Thanё is about the size of a football field so I needed to pay attention to where I was going or else I’d blow right through it without a backward glance. I got to the house about 5pm amid a flurry of hugs and kisses and it felt great to be back for a visit. I wasn't really wanting to upset my life by packing up and moving back to the family at this point but at that moment I was really glad. I think a trip away from my site was just what I needed and I’m truly grateful. This family treats me like family and I am really lucky to have been placed here.
