Greetings:
After
almost two and a half years in Albania, I’m headed back to the states today. I
know it’ll be a culture shock, but it will be good to get with the kids and
grandkids – Skype has been great, but nothing like hanging out.
Teaching
at Beder University here in Tirana has been perfect. It's been a busy term:
classes, radio interviews, conferences, work-shops, guest teaching, thesis
committees and supervision, high school visits, even editing accreditation and
grant applications. It’s good to have a break, but already missing the
classroom.
Yeah,
thought I might be headed out of Albania for good last December. Enjoyed my
teaching, but the state system is a bit political and well – you got a hint of
it on the last post. But I got all the right answers when I looked into the
position here and it turned out better than I hoped – these kids want to learn and they work hard. Taught undergrad courses
in academic writing, American studies, and stylistics. And now set to teach
three literature courses and one grad course in criticism. Really good to get
back to literature after all those years in history – love them both, but madly
with lit. So, back at the end of the month and hitting the preps.
I
haven’t taken too much time away from the university – I figure I’ve passed
some kind of life-point, I mean, it must say something when you get to the point
where there’s nothing more you’d rather do than work. Like, I thought about
going to beach last week, but no, to the Aba Bar early and work on my
PowerPoints! Even getting to this blog is down on the list (as opposed to a
year ago, when it was pretty much my vocation). So, this is short, and a bunch
of random photos of students, colleagues, etc. Will do better later on the
local color, promise. Each day starts out hitting the coffee bar early, and
since the students aren’t around anymore I do most of my preps outside. And
when I’m not in my office that’s where the kids usually find me.
***
The
biggest change, and welcome, is the collegiality here at the school. I’ve met
and talked to ten times more professors in the last six months than in two
years previous in Elbasan and Vlora – it’s a different world. Professor Erbas,
the Vice-Rector and Department Head works my butt off – but even with that he's always checking to make sure I have everything I need, including a good meal.
Plus, and this is a big plus with me, he’s the best damned administrator I have
ever worked under.
So,
here are a few more pics from the term; man, Albanians love pictures and
coffee.
Oh yeah, slowly, slowly, right? New “clubbing” update in a couple
of months.
My
best to all of you.
XOXO
