On Monday, January 8, LEAD 41 class started the morning with a delicious breakfast spread at Hotel Tradita. After breakfast they loaded the bus and headed towards Lac, Albania, two hours to the south.
The first stop of the day was St Anthony Church of Lac. The church was located at the end of a long winding road, high up in the mountains. Along the road there were vendors selling candles and souvenirs.
The bus also drove by a cemetery, where portraits of the deceased were displayed on a majority of the headstones. This is common to see throughout cemeteries across Albania.
Upon arriving at St Anthony Church, we met with a Priest who discussed the history of the church and the turmoil believers went through during the communism era. This site is visited by over 1.2 million visitors a year, many of them experiencing miracles after praying to Saint Anthony.
Fellows then had the opportunity to go inside the church, where remains of Saint Anthony can be found. After visiting the church, we had the opportunity to view the Cave of Saint Blaise.
Moving on, the class then made their way to Durres, Albania. Upon arrival they stopped at the Katina HERTA Osmani Winery and met owner, Rozan Osmani. Rozan has been running the family business for 20 years after spending time in Italy. He spoke in detail about the fermentation process and the difference between several of his wines, in addition to speaking about the process of producing Raki. After a tour of the facilities we had the opportunity to do a wine and Raki tasting. There was wonderful company, spirits and food. The class then continued on to Lushnja, Albania.
Following a short bus ride, the LEAD fellows were treated to a tour of Domi Fruit, a modern vegetable packing facility in the heart of Albanian agriculture production. At the facility, a tour and presentation was provided by one of the Owner partners, Luluëzim Hatija, The class learned about the co-operative systems between local farmers and this produce shipper. They also were able to see what is currently in season in Albania, how the facility is overcoming labor challenges they are facing and learn they have developed over 2,500 hectares of greenhouse production to extend the already long growing season of the region.
After another quick bus ride (and maybe a few naps!), LEAD 41 reached their destination for the evening in the city of Berat. Genti, our outstanding guide, gave the class an enjoyable walking tour of the downtown portion of this historic city. The evening ended at a family run Hotel Mangalemi where the class spent their last night in Albania and prepared for our next leg of the International study travel seminar in Greece!
Stay tuned, and as they say in Albania, Falemnderit!
*Today’s blog contributors are Amanda Berg and Caleb Ayers in addition to your blog team of Kari Christenson, Jakob Burke and MiK Fox.
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