Weekend Recap

This weekend flew by. We arrived back to Tirana around 2:00 on Saturday. We ate, rested, and then five of the girls went to a hair salon. We got our hair washed, blow dried, and then styled by Albanian men. It was the best way to relax. While we were there, this woman got her hair done, and then she had them do her makeup. She looked like a model by the time she walked out of there. We realized that getting your hair styled is about ten dollars, so if I lived there I would definitely be getting a makeover all the time. We then had a nice evening in the city. We woke up and explored the town for awhile. Some of us bought small gifts for friends and family. We ate lunch, rested, and then we walked up to a lake hidden on the side of town. It was a must needed break from all of the traffic. The lake was surrounded by trees and tons of paths, so we all walked and talked. I never realized how much I take for granted being able to see the stars or trees in Guide Rock, or even Hastings for that matter. The walk made my head feel clearer. I'm definitely ready for whatever this week brings for me. The plan is to stay in a hostel in Montenegro and Croatia for three to four nights. I cannot wait. I've heard nothing but good things for Croatia, and we are visiting the beach in both countries which thrills me. I honestly think I could become a beach bum for the rest of my life, as along as my dog comes with.
Speaking of dogs, there are so many stray dogs here. Dr. Bego says that many people don't have dogs as pets, and I know it's a large city, but still. If I could, I would go to a developing country and open a rescue center. However, it's not practical. Even if I could afford it myself, many people can't feed their families, let alone an animal. It just goes to show that even if people in the USA consider themselves of a lower class, being able to have a pet puts them in a higher position than many people in the world.
Another thing that has been on my mind lately is all of the homeless people here. I mentioned before how Ethan got attacked by a child begging for money. I felt so bad the other day in Berat when a woman was asking me for money, and I turned her down because I didn't have smaller change for her. I literally just purchased a gift for my mom and dad, and I feel like I should have given her that money instead. Even being able to afford to visit here for three weeks makes me feel slightly guilty. There are children everywhere starving and homeless, and I'm so oblivious to it unless I see it. It really puts things in perspective for me.
Seeing all of the inequality and disparity in places, even in the United States has made me realize I need to be serving the people more. I'm not sure what I can do right now besides get my college degree, but I know as soon as I have that diploma, I'll be doing my best to help those who didn't have the fortune that I did.

Okay it's picture time, while the internet here is still strong!

The Alps on our flight to Albania

The National History museum that we toured

The beautiful ceiling of a mosque

Ruins from the ancient city of Apoloni

The sea at sunset

A castle in Barat

The view from the castle

Berat

Traditional Albanian dishes

Berat at night