A few weeks ago, on our way back from the mountains we passed a man carrying a hedgehog over his shoulder. And we learnt that a cooked hedgehog's meat helps heal the rheumatism. Invaluable.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Ancient Wisdom
A few weeks ago, on our way back from the mountains we passed a man carrying a hedgehog over his shoulder. And we learnt that a cooked hedgehog's meat helps heal the rheumatism. Invaluable.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Independence Day(s), Albania!
As it happens with many small countries, Albania has several days to commemorate the end of an oppressive regime. However, due to historical disputes, only one day of due celebration might remain.
Albania had been occupied and plundered by neighbours from near and far throughout most of its history; the occupation of then Illyrian lands by the Roman Empire was followed by the invasions of barbarians and Slavs, and a half millennium of Ottoman rule. But for a brief period in 1400s, the Albanians did not enjoy freedom until 1912, when on November 28th they declared independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Many nations came and went during the soon to come World War I and later in the century during the World War II. Finally, in 1944, the Albanian partisans liberated the country from the nazis. (It is noteworthy that Albania was the only Eastern European country to drive out the nazis without Russia's help.) Once again, the freedom was gained on November 28th. Or was it November 29th?
For years, November 28th was celebrated as the Day of Independence and November 29th - as the Day of Liberation. However, a few years ago some started doubting the historic correctness of November 29th. Yet who could now tell with certainty when exactly the last German soldier crossed the border?
Leaving the disagreements and arguments aside, a unique conglomerate - November 28-29 - is being celebrated in a proper manner; flags with the two-headed eagle are flown, fireworks fired, and a well deserved holiday enjoyed. I say, the more days to celebrate, the better. Despite the many centuries of oppression, the Albanians preserved their unique language and culture, and that alone is worth good two days of festivities.
So Happy Independence Day(s), Albania! And may the liberty be enjoyed for many more years to come!
Albania had been occupied and plundered by neighbours from near and far throughout most of its history; the occupation of then Illyrian lands by the Roman Empire was followed by the invasions of barbarians and Slavs, and a half millennium of Ottoman rule. But for a brief period in 1400s, the Albanians did not enjoy freedom until 1912, when on November 28th they declared independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Many nations came and went during the soon to come World War I and later in the century during the World War II. Finally, in 1944, the Albanian partisans liberated the country from the nazis. (It is noteworthy that Albania was the only Eastern European country to drive out the nazis without Russia's help.) Once again, the freedom was gained on November 28th. Or was it November 29th?
For years, November 28th was celebrated as the Day of Independence and November 29th - as the Day of Liberation. However, a few years ago some started doubting the historic correctness of November 29th. Yet who could now tell with certainty when exactly the last German soldier crossed the border?
Leaving the disagreements and arguments aside, a unique conglomerate - November 28-29 - is being celebrated in a proper manner; flags with the two-headed eagle are flown, fireworks fired, and a well deserved holiday enjoyed. I say, the more days to celebrate, the better. Despite the many centuries of oppression, the Albanians preserved their unique language and culture, and that alone is worth good two days of festivities.
So Happy Independence Day(s), Albania! And may the liberty be enjoyed for many more years to come!
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