Thursday, October 20, 2005

Yes We Have Wood

I've never seen anything quite like this before! This morning on the way to our new supermarket I was complaining a little to our driver (who speaks NO English) about being cold in our apartment. Now at least I know the Albanian word for cold is ftohte, which is a little difficult for foreigners to pronounce. "Ska problem" he said to me, and off we went on a little detour to the country. Within a few minutes we were parked here beside this amazing wood pile. It is as high as the house beside it! We stopped at one vendor, then at the next, all the way down the road. Then we stopped and Sazani (our driver) took out his pencil and paper and made all sorts of calculations, showing me which one was the best deal. Honestly, it didn't matter to me if I paid 5 or 10 usd for the delivery- I just want to be warm. So now he's made arrangements for the wood to be delivered (and brought to the 10th floor) tomorrow morning at 6. 6???? you ask. Yes 6. Because there is no traffic at 6. Of course.

The little table in the front corner of the photo is a roadside stand where they sell things you just might need if you're stuck in a traffic jam. Things like motor oil, dashboard shiner, chewing gum, and beer. And it's on a lovely sidewalk- can't you tell?

4 comments:

Cynthia Rae said...

Enjoy your fire tomorrow.
Did you ever find the flue?

Cyn

Mona said...

Wow, that is quite amazing...a roadside stand with motor oil and beer?!? HA! I love it! Firewood, I wish I had a real fireplace to enjoy that in :(

christina said...

Not just wood - lots and lots of wood. Wow. Here's to a warm and cozy winter!

Choco Pie said...

That's an amazing picture. I don't know anything about the area where you live, but you've inspired me to learn about it. The huge gap between the rustic surroundings and your gorgeous apartment is really very startling. What an experience for you to live there.