May 27-Sick Day

I will simply summarize. We are mostly sick, except for me. Among us, we suffer from kidney stones, bowel irregularity, bronchitis, fever, migraines, congestion, and general malaise. (Alas, no Swine Flu.)

Most of us got our hairs cut today. I got some sleek layers and finally look almost chic enough to be Albanian ($4 for the cut). Rachel got bangs and a blonde touch-up ($7 for cut and highlights). Eri got an adorable bob and bright red color ($7 for everything). And Matt was happier with his $3 stylish haircut than the rest of us put together.

In the afternoon, Rachel and I went souveniring. I got an Albanian wallet. And even more than the blood-red insignia, I figured it to be local-made on account of the remarkably strong length of chain that it provided for cinching to one’s pocket or purse. The thing would give the air of authenticity to the back pocket of a prison inmate or gang-banger, but one thing it will not do is get picked from my pocket unawares by the wiliest of scamps I encounter in my travels.

Tomorrow, we leave for Geneca, where our traveler’s insurance will kick back in (the policy does not exist that covers Albania, I think). An Albanian girl told me yesterday that Shpresa was an ugly name. So I guess I’ll be glad to go back to Hope.