LEAD 41 started the morning with breakfast in Berat before getting on the bus and beginning the journey to the town of Gjirokastra. Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved stone buildings. Enver Hoxha (the communist leader who built all of the bunkers across the country, as well as the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra), was born there.
Along the way fellows saw greenhouses and fields growing strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce. Beautiful views were enjoyed while traveling through the mountains to get to the southern part of Albania. Once we arrived in Gjirokastra, we visited The Cold War Tunnel Museum and the Castle.
Next we traveled to Dhoksat Village, an authentic village of Lunxheria. Here we visited a local family and were hosted by Landi, the multi-generational shepherd. Landi gave a tour of his farm which included goats, sheep, bees and grapes. Landi then brought the class into his home. Upon entering, he told fellows in Albania “Your house belongs to god and guests.” We enjoyed amazing hospitality and a homemade lunch consisting of a traditional Albanian meal created by Landi’s wife and mother.
After lunch, fellows then continued onto Ioannina, Greece, where their hotel for the evening was waiting for them. Before reaching the hotel however, the class had to cross both the Albania and Greek borders. Both borders were crossed without any issues, and a new country stamp was collected on everyone’s passports! Upon reaching the hotel, fellows checked into their rooms and were welcomed with a traditional Greek dinner.
Goodbye Albania, Hello Greece!
*Today’s blog contributors are Lance Pachta and Jamie Bright in addition to your blog team of Kari Christenson, Jakob Burke and MiK Fox.
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