Why Albania?

I was listening to Rick Steves Radio show this afternoon. One of the guests was the author of the book, Road trip pilgrim's guide : witchdoctors, magic tokens, camping on golf courses, and everything else you need to know to go on a pilgrimage / Dan Austin. I haven't read the book yet, but it really touched upon some of the reasons I am making this trip. My own pilgrimage in a way.

Why would one would willingly go to Albania when there are so many other destinations from which to chose? There are many reasons. Fist of all, I will earn 6 graduate credit hours towards my degree in a subject that I have both extensive experience and interest. Managing Library Automation Projects and Library Operation and Policy Development (I know, I know, I'm twisted). Turns out I'm on the policy development team. This goes under the "careful what you wish for" category as I highlighted my background in writing and developing policies and procedures for two other libraries in the past on my application to this program.

To be perfectly honest, I applied to this program on a whim, thinking it would never come to pass. I mean who the F goes to Albania to implement a library system? The real reason I applied was to get myself out of a very deep rut. I've gotten to a point in my life where I've begun to question all of my choices and decisions. I am hoping that by leaving all that is familiar-- in particular, my family for 3-weeks--that I will come to some epiphany. I want to be able to fully appreciate all that I have in my life. Intellectually I know that I have so much, and more than many. But I have this terrible feeling that I am missing out, that perhaps it was all a mistake. I know this is rubbish, but this is where I have been stuck for the past year.

Now you know my motivation for taking on this challenge; for learning a language that has only a few tentative threads to the languages with which I have familiarity; for going where you are lucky there is a back-up generator on the premises; for being so happy to have your own toilet; for not being able to drink the water unless it comes from a bottle.

I can't wait!