This is my first Christmas in Tirana, and it is very easy to find things that make me smile. Twenty plus years ago...Albania declared itself to be a completely "atheistic country." Everywhere you look around town is evidence to the contrary...Christmas trees, a Santa village in the main center of Tirana, stores decorated with snowflakes, ribbons, and lights. Streets and light poles are decorated with what looks like Christmas decorations to me. I know of several churches that were singing carols around the main center.
Today, I was walking through the open market near my home. It was packed, the majority of the shoppers were men. As I came to one area of the market, I discovered hundreds of turkeys, lined up in rows on the street. Their feet were tied together...they were all just laying there...waiting to be purchased. I asked, each turkey is about 12# fully clothed and costs about $50-60 USD, and you have to do all the "work". I was later told that many people buy the turkeys now, tie them to a tree in their yard, feed them for a week and eat them at New Years. I saw one bird that was standing up...make a run for it...he is currently missing most of the feathers on his left wing. I couldn't get anyone to let me take a photo...but most of the birds were draped over a shoulder as shoppers continued through the market. It was perfectly normal to be carrying a live turkey over your shoulder as you buy onions, garlic and potatoes.
I am finding that life is just as much an adventure in Tirana, Albania as it was in Kosova.
Have a Blessed Christmas...!
P.S....I acknowledge that most Albanians would tell you that the decorations are not for Christmas, but for New Year's Celebration. Ok...but I still think it is about Christmas. ;-)
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