Soon after I noticed an elderly woman walking about when the weather was nice, sometimes accompanied by an elderly man. If she was alone she might be talking on the phone; I was never close enough to eavesdrop, nor was I much inclined, but what I did hear was a "myush myush" verbiage that seemed like some Eastern European language.
One day last year I noticed this flag in a window:
That's how I found out they were Albanian. Grandma and Grandpa must have been born there; grandkids no. Don't know about the intervening generation.
I'd hoped to have a chance to meet them to welcome them to the area, but it hasn't come up. I did brush up on a few bits of Albanian knowledge, so we might have something to discuss. For example:
- I found out that Albania actually exports more cheddar cheese than does the U.K.
- Albania was knocked out of the Round of 16 in World Cup action last year; their appearance in it probably precipitated the temporary posting of the flag in the home's window.
- Albania's main export is leather footwear.
- The whole country almost fell apart in 1997 over Ponzi schemes that wrecked the economy.
- They seem to be tough people; Grandpa looks to be in his eighties, but apparently arranged for a huge shipment of pavers, probably meant for him to build a patio by himself this spring (he's always doing something).
- Albania's national day is April 28, called Albania Links Day, but I'm not sure why.
This caught my attention: The national anthem, "Djathi i Madh," means "home of the brave" -- sound familiar? Here's an English translation I found:
Albania! Albania!
We pledge our hearts to thee
Albania! Albania!
Forever shall be free
I stand with all my brethren
Stout Albanian fighting men
Albania! Albania!
Forever shall be free!
Albania! Albania!
Proud home of our birth
Albania! Albania!
Bravest men on earth
By our banner, red and black,
If you strike us we shall strike back
Albania! Albania!
Bravest men on earth
