I am sitting here on the eve of the visit by President Bush, and I have to admit, the excitement has kind of caught up with me. Cindy and I just went out for a walk (at 11:00PM) to see what security measures have been put into place so far. There is almost a carnival atmosphere here with banners everywhere, American and Albania flags from every pole,
and signs touting the partnership between the US and Albania. There are increased numbers of young American men in civilian clothes walking around (One of our youth mentioned that they look a little out of place, even in street clothes since they are somewhat muscular and “have no neck”). It is expected that the President will arrive on Air Force One around 9:30, according to published reports, and his motorcade will go through the city. People have been admonished NOT to go out on their balconies along the route (YEAH – like that is really going to happen! People here do not pay attention to traffic cops – why should they listen to the police now??), and rumor has it that all cell phone service will be shut down in the city during the time that “Dubya” is here.
Mrs Bush will be visiting some friends of ours out at the orphanage run by Bethany Christian Services. They have had several visits over the last couple of weeks by the Secret Service detail for the First Lady, and tonight at church they were accompanied by two people from her detail. Apparently after her visit at the orphanage, she will tour the local maternity hospital, which is right around the corner from our house. It was strange to see the road in front of the hospital completely cleared of cars – one side of the boulevard has been entirely cleared – when there are usually cars double parked out there, and not a parking space to be found along the length of the road!
We will probably go out and see what we can see. This is the first time a sitting American President has ever visited Albania and they are going all out to “roll out the red carpet” in honor of the event. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish they would spend at least some of the estimated 1 Million Euros (1.35 Million US Dollars) that they are spending to “freshen up the city” on some more lasting improvements, like repaving our road, or fixing the power grid. Sigh!
I’ll try to snap some more photos if I can, and post them here later. I did manage to catch a couple of the KFOR Helos that were flying over our house the other day. I am certain that there will be more of those tomorrow! In the meantime, tomorrow will likely be the safest day we have ever spent here in Albania! Traffic in the heart of the city will be shut down, 500 US Marines will be here guarding the President – it ought to be a great day! I hope your Sunday is good too! :-)
and signs touting the partnership between the US and Albania. There are increased numbers of young American men in civilian clothes walking around (One of our youth mentioned that they look a little out of place, even in street clothes since they are somewhat muscular and “have no neck”). It is expected that the President will arrive on Air Force One around 9:30, according to published reports, and his motorcade will go through the city. People have been admonished NOT to go out on their balconies along the route (YEAH – like that is really going to happen! People here do not pay attention to traffic cops – why should they listen to the police now??), and rumor has it that all cell phone service will be shut down in the city during the time that “Dubya” is here.Mrs Bush will be visiting some friends of ours out at the orphanage run by Bethany Christian Services. They have had several visits over the last couple of weeks by the Secret Service detail for the First Lady, and tonight at church they were accompanied by two people from her detail. Apparently after her visit at the orphanage, she will tour the local maternity hospital, which is right around the corner from our house. It was strange to see the road in front of the hospital completely cleared of cars – one side of the boulevard has been entirely cleared – when there are usually cars double parked out there, and not a parking space to be found along the length of the road!
We will probably go out and see what we can see. This is the first time a sitting American President has ever visited Albania and they are going all out to “roll out the red carpet” in honor of the event. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish they would spend at least some of the estimated 1 Million Euros (1.35 Million US Dollars) that they are spending to “freshen up the city” on some more lasting improvements, like repaving our road, or fixing the power grid. Sigh!
I’ll try to snap some more photos if I can, and post them here later. I did manage to catch a couple of the KFOR Helos that were flying over our house the other day. I am certain that there will be more of those tomorrow! In the meantime, tomorrow will likely be the safest day we have ever spent here in Albania! Traffic in the heart of the city will be shut down, 500 US Marines will be here guarding the President – it ought to be a great day! I hope your Sunday is good too! :-)Oh - before I forget... On Monday evening our team from Northbrook Church in Jackson, TN will arrive, then on Wednesday evening, Turner Zahn arives to spend the summer with us. The next couple of weeks will be pretty intense, so we'd appreciate your prayers!
1 comment:
soo... let us know if you get to meet "dubya" and shake his hand! =)
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