A much needed relaxing day!

Today was a fabulous day. We slept in for the first time we have been here; we woke up around 9:30 A.M. and ate breakfast and did our daily discussion. Normally I would not consider 9:30 as sleeping in, but we are constantly on the go here. After we ate, we had the honor to meet former prime mister of Albania: Sali Berisha. We arrived at the building called "The Coin." The European Commission was meeting there, too, so we saw some security; this was the first time we had seen this because Albania is less strict than the United States. For example, we didn't even go through customs when we arrived. They say we were a big group and waved us through. This would never happen in the United States. We sat down with Dr. Berisha where he briefed us on terms in Albania. He told us that Albania joining NATO was the biggest victory. He also talked about how the poverty was unimaginable after Communism, but the people are strong. He also said he read books by former President Ronald Reagan on how to regain the economy. He did something unusual at the time by letting the industries fail, but that's what Regan said to do in his book. He said it was the hardest but wisest choice he made. Another interesting thing he said is that he had no clue on how to run the economy. He hired people straight out of the university because hey had the desire to learn and an open mindedness. The former prime minister was so welcoming and charismatic. He also had a way of talking. The pride he takes in his country is admirable, and it was awesome to be able to meet such an iconic person in the history of Albania. After we met him, we went out for lunch, followed by free time. I took a nap, and then we got ready for a nice dinner with Dr. Bego's family. We ate at an Italian restaurant, and now we are all back at the hotel, ready for an early morning. Tomorrow we meet with the diplomat of Foreign Affairs. I can't even express how fantastic it is to meet such important people. We leave at 9:00 A.M., so I'm ready for bed!