I’ve been stunned by how fast tourism is rising here. It’s relatively inexpensive for Europeans, and people are looking for places that aren’t overcrowded with tourists and still feel authentic. I’m afraid that ship has sailed here.
One of the church members has started a hop-on-hop-off bus tour here — we got to ride it free today.
One place we visited was Bunk’Art — a huge Cold War–era nuclear bunker built for Albania’s communist leaders, now a museum about life under the regime.
Later we attended a service at the church where we heard inspiring stories from people who as young men helped found the church right after communism fell. They told stories of how hard it was to even get food, and often there was no electricity, and yet how the Albanians welcomed them into their homes. They were eager to hear about religion because if it was forbidden during the communist years, it must be powerful. There was a time to ordain new elders and we shared communion.
The protests weren’t near the church, but we had to be careful getting back to the hotel.
Fascinating place. It is also nice to see the familiar faces. Would have loved to experience the dinner with you. Sounded yummy and fun. ________________________________
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