Alexandr Arvizu
“As I prepare to leave Albania, I think about how living here has deepened my understanding of history. Until now, my professional focus has been Asia, including the wide historic effects of communist expansion and aggression – on the Korean Peninsula and in Southeast Asia, in particular. The darkness that descended over Albania during its communist dictatorship was related, but different – it was brutal, for sure, but more concentrated and inward-focused than in most other countries. Certain places in Albania retain its mark, and none more clearly than Spaç.
I decided late last week that I wanted to go. So, on very short notice, my Embassy colleagues put together a trip, even as they asked, "Why are we going?" "Because it’s important that we go," I said. Not for the reasons we typically travel outside of Tirana: the opening of a USAID project, a visit with Peace Corps volunteers, meetings with local commune officials to talk about territorial reform, etc. “We just have to go.” So off we went.
I'm glad Anne came, too. It takes just a little over two hours to get to Spaç from Tirana. I can't speak for my colleagues, but the experience left me feeling numb and remorseful, even slightly stunned. We didn't say much to each other while we were on site; we didn't need to. It’s good that we went, and I won't ever forget the day.
Here are some photos from our visit that I wanted to share with you. Special thanks to Mirian Bllaci from Cultural Heritage without Borders, and to Mr. Gjet Gjoni for guiding us through history, and for receiving us into his home after our memorable journey.”