GOOD WEEKEND - RENEWAL AND DARDA

22nd.NOVEMBER 2009 GOOD WEEKEND - RENEWAL AND DARDA
Yes, everything worked out very well in the end, thank God! Bishop rang late on Thursday - he had Mass arranged for today. Fr. Marek OFM was here and we renewed our Vows during Mass at the Church, celebrating with local chocolates for all. The meeting with the women continued after. Ten attended, which was probably all the adults present! Then, Father came and we all enjoyed a festive meal in our home.

Yesterday began with Morning Prayer that included a special message from Sr. Daniela,German Province Leader. Later we joined the Brothers for a wonderful trip to an ancient village in the mountains. At Darda we were 1,300 metres above sea-level and were assured by one of the locals that the air was so pure, its oxygen passes straight into the blood!! We were impressed as this man turned out to be s Physics teacher here in Korce. He invited us in and regaled us with a six-generation history of his family, with photographs and a detail now and then inserted by his 85 year old mother. He served us the local speciality -'ARAKI' - which is equivalent to our Irish Poteen only stronger. At least that is what I gathered from the whiff I got as I raised a glass but did not drink. This hospitality was unplanned and added to our enjoyment of the day. We walked for an hour and a half and ended at a farmhouse cafe where we had ordered the local 'LAKROR'. This turned out to be a 24" very light double pancake made with Ricotta Cheese and Leeks. Worth recommending surely.
We hope to have the internet connected over the next few days and that will make life a little easier. We have to move out for a connection up to now.
Au revoir!