107 deg F

Yesterday was an extremely HOT day, perfect for a trip to the pool with students!  I had a kind of "going away party" at the pool yesterday, seeing the students all together one last time before skipping town Monday.  It wasn't really a party, but it was a good excuse to get everyone together!  It was super hot, but we all had a really good time and enjoyed the cold water.  It's funny the things I hear here when the Albanian pride factor seeps out into conversation.  Most Albanians are very proud of their nationality and their country, and I have experienced many students telling me flat out that the people and things here are superior to other places in the world--- oftentimes these things are stated to make foreigners from other countries and even people from other cities in Kosova feel lesser and it is something that I hope will change in the future.  I know that Americans definitely have their pride and their flaws as well, so I want to note that I am not speaking for ALL Albanians or ALL Americans.  I just hate it when superiority is used to belittle others, and I don't believe it benefits anyone.  For instance when I was putting on sunscreen at the pool (and this happened last year as well) all I hear is "Katie, WHY are you putting THAT on?  Your sunscreen won't work here in the ALBANIAN sun... it is too STRONG for that cream."  No smiles.  No laughter.  It wasn't a joke.  It may be a small example, but it is something that really bothers me.  Pride.  Something we all struggle with in one way or another.  Some just don't see it as a weakness at all, but only as a strength and THAT is where the problem lies.  As for the sunscreen... not 15 minutes later were they all asking to have some and I was not sun burned in the sweltering Albanian sun.  Sunscreen people.  Wear your sunscreen.  

Here are more pics to check out on my facebook!