Our development volunteer Veronika Zimova, has been a daily part of positive change in the excluded communities of Albania. All this thanks to a year-long volunteer placement with ADRA Slovakia, supported by the SlovakAid scheme, and activities in partner ADRA Albania. It was there that she decided to translate (little known to the Slovak reading public) Albanian rumours into Slovak to promote your country of volunteering.
This short collection of Albanian tales was created with the aim of introducing readers to the Albanian people, their customs and culture. Veronika dedicated this collection ‚in memoriam‘ to the author of the stories, Robert Elsie, for his lifelong contribution in the field of popularisation of the Albanian language, revealing the beauty and bringing the charm of Albanian literature and culture to the masses beyond the borders of Europe.
Albania as a country is difficult to describe in a few words. Our volunteer was enchanted by its rich culture and natural beauty. Veronika reveals that most of the stories are related to the legendary Albanian hospitality: „The population of Albania raises it to a whole new level. Even if they rub misery, the comfort and safety of a guest in their house, or a foreigner in their state, is a matter of their honour and dignity. This has always been the case, as you will have the opportunity to see while reading the stories of the great national heroes and warriors.“
Read a short an excerpt from one of the tales:
When Baloz saw the emaciated Gjergj on horseback, he burst into a shrill laugh and shouted: „Have you returned from the grave, Gjergj? Why did you call me here in vain? Do you know that I am the Baloz of the sea? I have defeated and sent many a hero to the other world. I'll knock you off your horse with my little finger!”
Gjergj retorted, „You speak the truth, Baloz! Indeed, for the last nine years I have stood on the threshold of death. But you have brought me back to life. You made claims on my sister before you stood in battle with me. You made claims on the sheep before you asked the shepherds. Now I have come to teach you the age-old customs of our people. We Albanians will never give up anything without a fight. And we will never give our sister to Baloz without first confronting him in battle. Prepare yourself, ogre, your last hour has come!”
So spoke Gjergj Elez Alia.
The complete collection of ‚Albanian Tales‘ can be downloaded in pdf format download here. We wish you a pleasant reading and we hope that soon your steps will be directed to the magical Albania in the form of tourism or even volunteering.
Text and photo: ADRA team
EN 
SK