Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Albania, Day 21: Tirana

We love our new, darling hotel.

We woke up to a city filled with broken glass and burned buildings. Some people couldn’t make it to the worship service—the culmination of the big 35th-anniversary celebration—because the roads were blocked. 🥲

It feels strange to stay in a beautiful hotel, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate with friends while, just steps away, the city is reeling from the violence and destruction.

It was so special to see my great Albanian friends and worship together.

Worship service at Tirana International Hotel
Fancy coffee after church gave us a chance to talk with dear friends
Then there was a delicious lunch. (Albanians know how to celebrate!🎉)
There might have been a little drinking, both of wine and raki.
Steak, potatoes and mashed turnip. I didn’t photograph the many other courses because we were talking.

Just as we were finishing our meal, the violent protests erupted again, very close to the restaurant. Zef shouted, “GET OUT NOW! HURRY! FAST, FAST, FAST!” Hundreds of police officers were rushing past us. We could hear loud bangs, see flames, and smell smoke. We hurried in the opposite direction, leaving without having time to say a proper goodbye to our Emanuel family.

Thankfully, we made it safely back to our hotel, where we more or less holed up for the rest of the day, watching the riots unfold on TV.

I’m sad about the destruction and rioting in France, too. 🥲 Is the world crazy?

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