First Impressions

We arrived late last night, after dark, with a very tired and jet lagged team. However, first impressions were plentiful.... even in the dark.

Airport: Incredibly small, only one other airplane that we could see. And this is the only airport for the country. Guards were very skeptical of Americans and I was shocked when I was told to put my camera away, and that I wasn't allowed to take pictures. Driving away from the airport it was easy to picture the communist past that this country has recently come from as we were able to see the gates, fences, barbed wire and concrete buildings that made up the airport.

Accommodations: Wonderfully pleasant! We are staying in a walled compound, and though the surrounding streets may seem rougher than we're used to in the States, we have a beautiful garden area with patio tables and flowers, and a clean room, semi-private bathrooms and air conditioning....it feels almost luxurious compared to what we prepared for!

Tomorrow we head to Durres for the Staff conference and kids program! New accommodations, new people and new experiences await!