Tag Archives: Albania

Tom versus Gjergj

Posted by hakanronnblad on

Tomorrow June 23, Albania goes to election. The corruption is a big problem in the country and one of the main issues debated by the parties. Many says that it´s just words.. they are merely aiming for the power.

Last week me and my Albanian friend visited the isolated Thethi valley in the mountains of northern Albania

https://hakanronnblad.com/2013/06/14/thethi-valley-a-forgotten-world/

The owner of the guesthouse “Ded”  insisted that I should attend the election campaign meeting that was taking place in our temporary home next day.

Ded was apparently very proud to be hosting the meeting with such distinguished guests. the preparations went on all night long with the unpacking of large amounts of beer and raki.  Three sheeps were slaughtered to serve as main food ingredient for the guests.

Several hundreds of the locals were invited to listen to the socialist deputy from Shkoder, Tom Doshi. The deputy himself had paid all the expenses and he can afford it!

Someone whispered in my ear that he suddenly and surprisingly somehow had gained a substantial fortune. The money invested in casinos, construction company’s, TV channels etc has made him one of Albania’s richest men.

The politician and his company arrived in a Range Rover welcomed somewhat like a semi-god.

As being the only foreigner Ded introduced me to the deputy who mumbled something about respect and invited me to sit by his side at the VIP table in the main building.

This gave me a unique possibility to live some Albanian political game closeup and to experience the hot political discussion that took place when the local leader of the democratic party (the party of actual president Sali Berisha)) Gjergj Harusha turned to Tom Doshi and started to argue.

Deputy Tom Doshi is the man in white shirt and Gjergj Harusha wears a brownish coat.

 A search on google  “Tom Doshi” resulted in many hits, this is one: http://www.mjaft.org/news_en.php?faqe=news&newsid=1360

Permet June 15.

Posted by hakanronnblad on

When it comes to hip factor, the town of Permet in south-eastern Albania does not score high points. But I see a lot of kindness in the eyes of the people I meet on this short visit.

Not so much seem to have changed sins the days of Enver Hoxha communist regime. The shops  have that size and style that was top fashion about 1960.

In the park persons from all generations gather. It´s the same ritual every night, people sitting on the benches or walking around checking out other interesting persons.

The material wealth of Albania is so different from Sweden and yet in Permet the locals  seem to have a good situation !

Thethi valley, a forgotten world

Posted by hakanronnblad on

 

Isolated from the rest of the country during six months each year, due to the snow, the  locals of Thethi valley have to do some serious planning for their survival. There is no shop and no electricity available, so do not forget to buy your own toothpaste before you cross the mighty mountains surrounding Thethi.

Time seem to have frozen in this part of northern Albania. The land is cultivated by hand  or behind the horse.

Some decades ago a large part of the male population died by the 500-year-old “kanun” family feud tradition implemented by Lek Dukagjin. The last blood revenge according to a village woman, happened five years ago!

Luckily these dark age customs lately seem to have been reduced considerably and as a guest it is hard to find a place where you will be treated in a better way.

Hablas Albanian?

Posted by hakanronnblad on

habl alb

I met her at the central market in Berat, Albania. She spoke only a few words in English and my Albanian knowledge is not he best. I do speak Spanish though and trew out kind of a silly attempt.. –hablas Español?

And there it came… a perfect fluid Spanish with Mexican and Venezuelan accent!!!

So we chatted for a while and she explained that her only language school was the daily watching on TV at latin soap operas!