On My Own

Guess what? I went somewhere by myself today for the first time! I'm so proud of myself! lol

Really though, I'm writing this from the Stephen Center. I came here by myself because I needed the free wi-fi since I still can't get my computer online at my apartment. It will only recognize and accept Emily's. I needed to update my anti-virus subscription and do some stuff on itunes and just fool around so I came here. And I did it. Alone. Without getting lost. Yay for me! :)

All of the planning Emily and I did yesterday and Monday paid off. Our meeting with Pastor and Agron this morning went really well. They were impressed with how much thought we've put into things and with how much planning we did and how we typed it all out for presentation and reference. We figured that was just smart if we want everyone to be on the same page. We're really excited and motivated to make our plans work! It might be an uphill battle for a few things, be we're optimistic. We did bring up the idea of not teaching in Durres, and though nothing was decided, Agron did say that he didn't like the idea of us going there alone or even together. Too many guys on the bus will see an American female and think "green card" which would make for many socially awkward and uncomfortable situations. Plus, those bus rides are apparently a little sketchy anyway. We'll see what plays out. So after all that, I'm here at the Stephen Center, on my own, and I decided to treat myself to an American meal--cheeseburger, fries, salad and a Coke--for a job well done over the last few days.

Last week Emily and I had another great meal at this place called Gloria Pizza. It was really fancy! We entered and dined in their covered outdoor section, complete with outdoor kitchen. Everything was super fancy and formal. They pull out your chair for you, put your napkin on your lap for you, and if you order a bottle of something (wine or water) to drink, they yell at you if you refill your own glass. The menu had a large selection of mostly Italian items and we ordered a pizza with mushrooms, and two types of Italian meats. It was excellent. Then, when we paid, I was absolutely astounded by the price. Our total bill, including tip, was around $12. And it was not a miscalculation. It was the real price. A place like that in the states would be outrageous. The food was great, the atmosphere was excellent, and the service was impeccable. (Listen to me, I should be a restaurant critic! Hee hee!)

Another interesting thing about grabbing a bite to eat or a drink here is that bar kafes usually also serve ice cream and/or dessert along with their drink menu. I'm not sure why, but I just started noticing all these people either drinking some sort of beverage or eating ice cream when we went to one. And at many bar kafes you don't get a menu. Pretty much every place has the same thing, so you just order what you want when the waiter comes over. Oh, and it's always a waiter. I have yet to see a woman work at a kafe. The French pastry shop was an exception, but it is French, and they usually have a few staff members that speak English. At least that has been Emily's experience in the past. Just thought those were some interesting things to note.

Not much else to report since we've just been busy doing a lot of planning the last few days. However, I should tell you to picture bright sun shining down on the sand. Now, imagine the soft sound of the sea lapping up on the shore. Feel a light warm breeze pass through. There are two chairs under an umbrella. In front of them sprawls the Adriatic Sea, sparking on such a gorgeous day.....Got that all in your head? Good. Because in those chairs is exactly where Emily and I will be tomorrow. :) Agron and Vitori are taking us to her brother's house on the beach in Durres tomorrow. We are meeting them at the bus stop at 6:50am. No, I'm not joking. I am going to be up and going and out of my apartment that early in the morning. Go ahead. Laugh. I know you already are. (At least if you know me at all you are laughing.) But I will be ready early tomorrow because I'm so excited. There is no way I'm missing a minute of beach time! So be ready for some pictures!