Random Memories #1
Summer 2009. Lushnjë, Albania I had been told to take care of the weed explosion that had sprung up almost overnight in front of our church. We had just had a downpour the week before, and now the sun was out with a serious intensity. I was wearing an old t-shirt and some long beige painters pants. I debated on changing into my shorts I brought with me, but figured the pants might protect me from loads of insect bites. I walked to the back of the church, found some tools and got to work. The weeds were no longer ones you could easily grab a chunk out with your hand, they were so tall it felt like you were in a mini forest. I had been hacking through the bush for an hour when I looked up and saw someone coming. It was Vasili, my “Albanian Grandpa”- well that’s what I called him. We didn’t say much more then “Hello”, and he gestured to the tools and started working on the other side of the yard. We worked for hours slicing down the weeds with sun beating down on our necks so strong...