26 NOVEMBER 2009 BACK TO SCHOOL, NATIONAL DAYS AND THANKS
On Wednesday a new chapter opened for us as we began again to study Shqip or Albanian. When we discovered the local Cultural Centre had Alliance Francaise secreted within we took the plunge. Our tutor has NO English but I'll give the French a short trial!
This week is different - with holidays, National Days, to celebrate the liberation of Albania and a day for the flag! We will miss the schoolchildren passing close to our house en route to school at 7.30a.m. I hear there are 12 Primary Schools in the city which seems to facilitate all walking to school! Our Shqip 'school' will continue!
Last evening we invited our friends the 'Brothers' for a meal - a very inadequate "Thank you" for their contribution to getting us settled in Korce.
I have just collected our Post Box - it had to come from Greece! This marks a further dimension in getting settled - until now our letters arrived via neighbours.
Au revoir and God bless.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Sunday, 22 November 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
WEEKEND AND MEETING WITH THE WOMEN
18th NOVEMBER 2009 WEEKEND AND MEETING WITH THE WOMEN
Our weekend included Saturday afternoon in Pogradec and Mass here on Sunday. Bishop Hil Kabashi joined us for dinner; he will not come again for our Renewal of Vows on the 21. As yet we are not sure of having a priest but we have planned with that possibility in mind. We have our dwelling almost completed now - so many things to be sorted. We will concentrate on getting our residency as its quite a complicated process surely!
Today we have a meeting with the local women - they have requested it. It will be an opportunity to meet, share information on ministry possibilities and get to know a little of the culture.
Last night we got our telephone connected. This is a stepping-stone to getting an internet connection. The telephone is not satisfactory as it does not take outgoing calls - this may have been the arrangement of the agency here prior to our arrival.
Because of that we MAY have to change the line so I will not give details.
I noticed today on a nearby street map that we are 37 kilometers from Greece and 40 from Macedonia - in fact we got fish from Thessalonika at the weekend which sounds quite Biblical!
Au revoir, with special greetings to Good Shepherd Sisters for the 21st.
Our weekend included Saturday afternoon in Pogradec and Mass here on Sunday. Bishop Hil Kabashi joined us for dinner; he will not come again for our Renewal of Vows on the 21. As yet we are not sure of having a priest but we have planned with that possibility in mind. We have our dwelling almost completed now - so many things to be sorted. We will concentrate on getting our residency as its quite a complicated process surely!
Today we have a meeting with the local women - they have requested it. It will be an opportunity to meet, share information on ministry possibilities and get to know a little of the culture.
Last night we got our telephone connected. This is a stepping-stone to getting an internet connection. The telephone is not satisfactory as it does not take outgoing calls - this may have been the arrangement of the agency here prior to our arrival.
Because of that we MAY have to change the line so I will not give details.
I noticed today on a nearby street map that we are 37 kilometers from Greece and 40 from Macedonia - in fact we got fish from Thessalonika at the weekend which sounds quite Biblical!
Au revoir, with special greetings to Good Shepherd Sisters for the 21st.
Friday, 13 November 2009
PROGRAMME AND MILITARY CONTACT!
13 November 2009 PROGRAMME AND MILITARY CONTACT!
A greeting before the weekend. Ten days here and we are settled into the 'parish' programme. This involves three Communion Services a week which was a nice surprise and of course is due to the Brother Catechists who have kept a presence here over the years. This weekend the Bishop comes so we will probably go to Pogradec and also have Mass here - plans are not yet finalised.
Yesterday, when I went along to our little chapel, one of my companions was at the door. I was puzzled as to how she had got in as both gates were locked - she had got there just as workmen were locking up next door. I called to her and a voice beside me responded in English. I turned to see a soldier in full uniform. He was passing by and had come over on hearing me speak English. He is the Commander of the Army here and has just returned from five months in Canada learning English and wanted some practice! He said that he depends on emails to keep up the language as he does not want to lose it. I told him he would need to speak so I may get a 'conversation' visit sometime in the future!
We have cloudless sunshine here today and the weekend promises to be good. With the excellent visibility I can see lots of extra mountains and there is a good covering of snow on the highest of them. It is quite pleasant at this level.
Au revoir!
A greeting before the weekend. Ten days here and we are settled into the 'parish' programme. This involves three Communion Services a week which was a nice surprise and of course is due to the Brother Catechists who have kept a presence here over the years. This weekend the Bishop comes so we will probably go to Pogradec and also have Mass here - plans are not yet finalised.
Yesterday, when I went along to our little chapel, one of my companions was at the door. I was puzzled as to how she had got in as both gates were locked - she had got there just as workmen were locking up next door. I called to her and a voice beside me responded in English. I turned to see a soldier in full uniform. He was passing by and had come over on hearing me speak English. He is the Commander of the Army here and has just returned from five months in Canada learning English and wanted some practice! He said that he depends on emails to keep up the language as he does not want to lose it. I told him he would need to speak so I may get a 'conversation' visit sometime in the future!
We have cloudless sunshine here today and the weekend promises to be good. With the excellent visibility I can see lots of extra mountains and there is a good covering of snow on the highest of them. It is quite pleasant at this level.
Au revoir!
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
ALBANIAN RESIDENCY AND KORCE
10 November 2009 ALBANIAN RESIDENCY AND KORCE
Yesterday, we went to the police to set in motion procedure for official residency status. Introduced individually, the police official responded to me - "Ah! Dublin -how are you?" Then we were invited to take a seat - desks had been vacated. About to begin, he said to me - "You are now my Chief of Police" my choice of an ordinary chair placed me briefly in this exalted position! A little later we left, each with forms to complete and "homework" for completion in our countries of origin.
KORCE, with its 70,000+ population has a 'normal' city centre with wide streets and a busy market every day. One difference, there are NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS nor are there traffic police, plus a very high volume of cars. Everyone just keeps moving and all seems to be well! We live near the centre but in a much older part - all cobble-stoned and without footpaths; roads are just wider than the car so its an exercise in patience for pedestrians and endurance for the car!
At 800 metres above sea-level we have surprisingly mild weather since Wednesday last, with almost continuous rain. Clouds shut out all but nearby mountains and there is water everywhere. This evoked a humorous comment as we carefully stepped from the car to the police station yesterday - "We had expected they would send a Government Minister from Tirana to open our "LAKE SEASON"!
I'll finish with an amended version of our address - Motrat te Bariut te Mire, 17 Rruga "Gavril Pepo", Lagjia 3, KORCE, 7000 Albania.
Cheers!
Yesterday, we went to the police to set in motion procedure for official residency status. Introduced individually, the police official responded to me - "Ah! Dublin -how are you?" Then we were invited to take a seat - desks had been vacated. About to begin, he said to me - "You are now my Chief of Police" my choice of an ordinary chair placed me briefly in this exalted position! A little later we left, each with forms to complete and "homework" for completion in our countries of origin.
KORCE, with its 70,000+ population has a 'normal' city centre with wide streets and a busy market every day. One difference, there are NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS nor are there traffic police, plus a very high volume of cars. Everyone just keeps moving and all seems to be well! We live near the centre but in a much older part - all cobble-stoned and without footpaths; roads are just wider than the car so its an exercise in patience for pedestrians and endurance for the car!
At 800 metres above sea-level we have surprisingly mild weather since Wednesday last, with almost continuous rain. Clouds shut out all but nearby mountains and there is water everywhere. This evoked a humorous comment as we carefully stepped from the car to the police station yesterday - "We had expected they would send a Government Minister from Tirana to open our "LAKE SEASON"!
I'll finish with an amended version of our address - Motrat te Bariut te Mire, 17 Rruga "Gavril Pepo", Lagjia 3, KORCE, 7000 Albania.
Cheers!
Friday, 6 November 2009
KORCE AND FEAST OF THE IRISH SAINTS!
6th November - KORCE AND FEAST OF THE IRISH SAINTS!
As planned we set off for Korce on Tuesday - the journey by minibus was an all-day event! We arrived at 6.30p.m. and the city was chaotic, due not to our arrival but to an official visit by the Patriach of Alexandria to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral which is right beside us! We got through all security as we asked directions to the cathedral, unaware of the reason for the chaos, and, thank God, arrived safely. Our accommodation was a hive of activity and we got sorted. Two of declined an invitation to dinner with the catechists as we were tired after the journey. Later, however, we were invited downstairs for a "Welcome" from the neighbours and we enjoyed some local cuisine. The daughter-in-law of one sat beside me as she spoke english. She is a police officer and her role includes interviewing trafficked women that are returned from other countries, mainly Greece and Lebanon, and women involved in prostitution. I thought, how amazing to travel to Albania and in the first hour, to meet someone whose work role was so relevant.
Our new address - Good Shepherd Sisters or Motrets Bariot I Mir, 17 Rruga "Gavril Pepo, Lagjia 3, KORCE, Albania 7000.
A word on todays feast - I was aware of it this morning at the 'readings' and then had a greeting from Belfast! We will celebrate later as we are invited for dinner to the Maltese catechists.
There is so much to share; this is long enough so I will close. Till again!
With thanks for all the prayers that have got us so far.
As planned we set off for Korce on Tuesday - the journey by minibus was an all-day event! We arrived at 6.30p.m. and the city was chaotic, due not to our arrival but to an official visit by the Patriach of Alexandria to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral which is right beside us! We got through all security as we asked directions to the cathedral, unaware of the reason for the chaos, and, thank God, arrived safely. Our accommodation was a hive of activity and we got sorted. Two of declined an invitation to dinner with the catechists as we were tired after the journey. Later, however, we were invited downstairs for a "Welcome" from the neighbours and we enjoyed some local cuisine. The daughter-in-law of one sat beside me as she spoke english. She is a police officer and her role includes interviewing trafficked women that are returned from other countries, mainly Greece and Lebanon, and women involved in prostitution. I thought, how amazing to travel to Albania and in the first hour, to meet someone whose work role was so relevant.
Our new address - Good Shepherd Sisters or Motrets Bariot I Mir, 17 Rruga "Gavril Pepo, Lagjia 3, KORCE, Albania 7000.
A word on todays feast - I was aware of it this morning at the 'readings' and then had a greeting from Belfast! We will celebrate later as we are invited for dinner to the Maltese catechists.
There is so much to share; this is long enough so I will close. Till again!
With thanks for all the prayers that have got us so far.
Monday, 2 November 2009
CHANGE OF PLANS!
2nd November 2009 CHANGE OF PLANS!
A short entry to update you! Our plans have changed. What a surprise! For a number of reasons it will not be possible for us to stay with the Maltese catechists when we travel tomorrow. So, back to the drawingboard. We had an unanimous decision to go directly to our new accommodation. We are fully aware it will be -"Work in progress" as we settle in and live. However, we feel it will work out for us. We have invaluable support from our catechist friends and could not do without their help. Having already packed books for the journey, the Morning Prayer I read said - "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord". So, off we go in the morning. I promise that I will reconnnect a.s.a.p. and will give our new address too, please God.
Au revoir!
A short entry to update you! Our plans have changed. What a surprise! For a number of reasons it will not be possible for us to stay with the Maltese catechists when we travel tomorrow. So, back to the drawingboard. We had an unanimous decision to go directly to our new accommodation. We are fully aware it will be -"Work in progress" as we settle in and live. However, we feel it will work out for us. We have invaluable support from our catechist friends and could not do without their help. Having already packed books for the journey, the Morning Prayer I read said - "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord". So, off we go in the morning. I promise that I will reconnnect a.s.a.p. and will give our new address too, please God.
Au revoir!
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