Today, thanks to some friends instead, another small article was brought to my attention from the archives of The New York Times . Dating back to May 1911, it provides an interesting portrait of Albanians by foreigners.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Old NYT article about Albanians
For some unknown reason lately there has been another wave of articles regarding the so called "Albanian Sworn Virgins". The subject seems to resurface every year, and is covered by newspapers around the world, such as the Sidney Morning Herald, and The New York Times. Digging up old stuff is probably a good choice to spice up indolent summer time.
Today, thanks to some friends instead, another small article was brought to my attention from the archives of The New York Times . Dating back to May 1911, it provides an interesting portrait of Albanians by foreigners.
[click on it to enlarge the print]
Today, thanks to some friends instead, another small article was brought to my attention from the archives of The New York Times . Dating back to May 1911, it provides an interesting portrait of Albanians by foreigners.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
International Immigrants parade
During the summer months New York's Manhattan Island stages an enormous number of parades and street fares along its avenue and streets. Sometimes I wonder about the logistics employed by this city to be able to offer all these events and still maintain order and traffic flowing, but, I guess, we are veterans at this sort of plans by now.
For years, since we also have the UN headquarters in midtown, the city has handled, swiftly and efficiently, also all sorts of visits by heads of state from all over the world. As an inhabitant of this island for the past half a century, and, as an East sider that lives within a mile from the UN, I can attest to that and more.
Today I decided to travel to the West side to watch subject parade that was taking place along the Avenue of the Americas (a very appropriate name for this type of gathering, colloquially called by us Sixth Avenue, due to its position next to the renown Fifth Avenue). While the latter offers luxury stores and its (uptown)famous "museums mile", 6th Avenue has always been the avenue of the large corporate high risers that a few years ago built tall, huge, modern, box type buildings in midtown.
An unusual complex, however, also spans along this avenue. It's the old Rockefeller Center with one of the tallest NY buildings (70 stories), which houses also the world famous Radio City Music Hall, with its own interesting art deco (inside and out).
Today I was actually interested in seeing the participating Albanian contingent at the parade, as advertised online. As I suspected, it was the first group to march, following the opening with the horseback riding police unit and the displays of the flags.
While the lonely flag bearer was making progress amidst the pedestrians and tourists that,meantime, were trotting around, familiar Albanian sounds started to come forward....
and then... the surprise! Hundreds of Albanians, mostly young, some perched up on a variety of vehicles, all bunched up, yelling and screaming, resembled a riot more than a parade!
While the display of the red flags and T-shirts was overwhelming, and an uncontrollable enthusiasm was obvious, it was very disappointing for me not to see more folkloric outfits and a more organized group of marchers.
As the parade continued, there was a striking difference between this first contingent, and the participating units from other countries. They were all accompanied by their own music, mounted on vehicles (some of them quite old and painted in their flags' colors), but most of them were actually small groups (some less than a dozen people). But, they were wonderful to watch in their very colorful outfits, graciously dancing, and smiling all along!
Even Bangladesh was represented by a handful of their own, followed by a very simple, unadorned, old truck, that carried, though, small colorful sign with the name of their country, of which they are obviously proud!
All participants, young and old, were obviously enjoying themselves in the gorgeous weather we were blessed with today. Some of the drivers of the cars and buses that provided the music were actually following the rhythm by tapping on the steering wheel or even playing an instrument with one hand while driving with the other!
Not all nations were present today since some of them have a parade of their own on their countries' anniversaries (ie: Italy for Columbus Day in October, Ireland for St. Patrick's Day in March, etc.), but this International organization provided a good, similar occasion for the smaller groups.
The size of the Albanian contingent today has shown that this ethnic community can probably provide enough participants for a complete event of their own (which should be held on Albania's Independence Day: November 28th!), but, they would have to learn self discipline and organizational skills to be successful and appreciated in this endeavor!!
Some of the local color along the side lines was provided by loads of tourists, some strange characters, and even by small birds that nonchalantly were feeding themselves in the midst of all the traffic and the noise!
There is room for everybody and everything in NY!
For years, since we also have the UN headquarters in midtown, the city has handled, swiftly and efficiently, also all sorts of visits by heads of state from all over the world. As an inhabitant of this island for the past half a century, and, as an East sider that lives within a mile from the UN, I can attest to that and more.
Today I decided to travel to the West side to watch subject parade that was taking place along the Avenue of the Americas (a very appropriate name for this type of gathering, colloquially called by us Sixth Avenue, due to its position next to the renown Fifth Avenue). While the latter offers luxury stores and its (uptown)famous "museums mile", 6th Avenue has always been the avenue of the large corporate high risers that a few years ago built tall, huge, modern, box type buildings in midtown.
An unusual complex, however, also spans along this avenue. It's the old Rockefeller Center with one of the tallest NY buildings (70 stories), which houses also the world famous Radio City Music Hall, with its own interesting art deco (inside and out).
Today I was actually interested in seeing the participating Albanian contingent at the parade, as advertised online. As I suspected, it was the first group to march, following the opening with the horseback riding police unit and the displays of the flags.
While the lonely flag bearer was making progress amidst the pedestrians and tourists that,meantime, were trotting around, familiar Albanian sounds started to come forward....
and then... the surprise! Hundreds of Albanians, mostly young, some perched up on a variety of vehicles, all bunched up, yelling and screaming, resembled a riot more than a parade!
While the display of the red flags and T-shirts was overwhelming, and an uncontrollable enthusiasm was obvious, it was very disappointing for me not to see more folkloric outfits and a more organized group of marchers.
As the parade continued, there was a striking difference between this first contingent, and the participating units from other countries. They were all accompanied by their own music, mounted on vehicles (some of them quite old and painted in their flags' colors), but most of them were actually small groups (some less than a dozen people). But, they were wonderful to watch in their very colorful outfits, graciously dancing, and smiling all along!
Even Bangladesh was represented by a handful of their own, followed by a very simple, unadorned, old truck, that carried, though, small colorful sign with the name of their country, of which they are obviously proud!
All participants, young and old, were obviously enjoying themselves in the gorgeous weather we were blessed with today. Some of the drivers of the cars and buses that provided the music were actually following the rhythm by tapping on the steering wheel or even playing an instrument with one hand while driving with the other!
Not all nations were present today since some of them have a parade of their own on their countries' anniversaries (ie: Italy for Columbus Day in October, Ireland for St. Patrick's Day in March, etc.), but this International organization provided a good, similar occasion for the smaller groups.
The size of the Albanian contingent today has shown that this ethnic community can probably provide enough participants for a complete event of their own (which should be held on Albania's Independence Day: November 28th!), but, they would have to learn self discipline and organizational skills to be successful and appreciated in this endeavor!!
Some of the local color along the side lines was provided by loads of tourists, some strange characters, and even by small birds that nonchalantly were feeding themselves in the midst of all the traffic and the noise!
There is room for everybody and everything in NY!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Celebrations
This past weekend there were a few celebrations in my circle of friends, since it coincided with three birthdays (mine included), one wedding anniversary, and the annual feast of Father's Day. Weather wise it was a very pleasant day, and a very relaxing one for all of us.
I spent it at the home of very dear Albanian friends (at least 2 fathers included), and, naturally, I was treated with all sorts of goodies, most of which were hand prepared, Albanian specialties, which I usually don't have at home. The sweets, however, offered by the youngest member of the family, were from a well known local French patisserie. Everything was yummy!
A good digestion was provided by a well chilled Italian Prosecco, and some pictures were taken, but not by me, too busy enjoying interesting conversational exchanges about all sorts of subjects!!
PS - I am not at the age now that I need particular personal gifts, but it's not easy for me to articulate such a feeling with some people I've known for a long time that are programmed, by tradition, to give presents at every special occasion. Afraid of hurting them emotionally (by all means, I don't want to do so!), I always felt uncomfortable to be on the receiving end, and prefer instead to give. Now I have reached a stage where I have, and feel satisfied with, all I need for the life I lead. A couple of my very close friends, however, have found an unusual way to satisfy both their pleasure and mine by contributing to the cause, they know, I care very much about. Cheers!!
I spent it at the home of very dear Albanian friends (at least 2 fathers included), and, naturally, I was treated with all sorts of goodies, most of which were hand prepared, Albanian specialties, which I usually don't have at home. The sweets, however, offered by the youngest member of the family, were from a well known local French patisserie. Everything was yummy!
A good digestion was provided by a well chilled Italian Prosecco, and some pictures were taken, but not by me, too busy enjoying interesting conversational exchanges about all sorts of subjects!!
PS - I am not at the age now that I need particular personal gifts, but it's not easy for me to articulate such a feeling with some people I've known for a long time that are programmed, by tradition, to give presents at every special occasion. Afraid of hurting them emotionally (by all means, I don't want to do so!), I always felt uncomfortable to be on the receiving end, and prefer instead to give. Now I have reached a stage where I have, and feel satisfied with, all I need for the life I lead. A couple of my very close friends, however, have found an unusual way to satisfy both their pleasure and mine by contributing to the cause, they know, I care very much about. Cheers!!
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