Friday, July 5, 2024 -- On Monday, we had a visit from Jasmir, the safety and security manager. This was a routine check to make sure everything is going well safety-wise and was just a short visit. After the safety check, Thom and Sami had an interview with KTV (Kosovo TV) about their work to clear the Japanese Knotweed which has invaded an area by the Nerodime River. Click the link to watch the interview and see the cool drone footage of the Nerodime and Kaçanik. Getting rid of the invasive plant / Later, in the afternoon, we helped pick out some plants at our favorite market Te Dadini's. The plants will be planted around the House of Culture and Handikos by a volunteer group. We got lavender, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, a ragwort, and some other plants that I didn't recognize.
Last Friday, we had Albanian lessons with Shpresim here in Kaçanik. While he was here, he asked me if I would be able to come to his school where they were holding an English Camp. So this week, I went to Ferizaj twice for the camp.
On Tuesday, Shpresim's school sent a van to pick me up in Kaçanik and take me to Ferizaj. The English Camp was at Universum which is both a university and a private school for kids. Universum has a partnership Arizona State University. On Tuesday, we used a lecture room in the university and played games in English. The kids were really great. One of the kids was visiting from Chicago. Of course, his English was perfect. The English portion went until 11:00 and then the kids made pizza for lunch. While the kids made pizza, I had soup and salad for lunch in the school cafeteria. After that, I was done at the camp and later I had Albanian lessons with Shpresim. Thom was still having his lesson, so I did a little shopping before my lesson. After my lesson, we headed back to Kaçanik.
On Wednesday, Peace Corps staff invited us to the Peace Corps building in Prishtine for a 4th of July celebration. They decorated for us with flags, bunting, and tablecloths. They served use a traditional 4th of July with burgers and hot dogs, baked beans, chips and dip. There was also watermelon, cake and ice cream. One of the staff is also vegan. She made sure I had great meal as well. It was nice hanging out with the other volunteers and staff. After the celebration, we hung out at a cafe with KOS 09 like old times in training.
Last Friday, we found a U.S. flag at a nearby dollar store and the owner gave us the flag and didn't charge us. So Thursday morning I hung my flag from the balcony before the van arrived to take me and Thom to Ferizaj. Thom went for a lesson with Shpresim while I went back to the English Camp. I started with a slide show about the 4th of July and how we celebrate. Then we played Four Corners, Duck Duck Goose, and basketball. After camp, I had another Albanian lesson and then we headed back to Kaçanik.
Today, Thom and Sami worked on the plan for implementing the anti-littering campaign. They invited me to help and we spent most of the day at the House of Culture working on it. It was nice to be included in the process. This was a fun and busy week.
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