Italy's 150th birthday

There are many celebrations taking place throughout Italy this year because it is the 150th anniversary of its unity, which, ironically, is being challenged at times these days by some of its internal political parties.  However, it is a pleasure for me to watch some of the special programs transmitted by Italian TV for this occasion, and also some movies about the valiant history and the political intrigues of those days.

The central figure instrumental in creating the unification of what is known today as Italy, was Giuseppe Garibaldi, a charismatic hero with a long, adventurous life that traveled to and fought also in the American continents, but made the Isle of Caprera, located near Sardinia, his home for many years until death.

This latter fact brings to mind that the maternal side of my family dealt directly with this great Army General, also known as "Hero of the Two Worlds" , who purchased from one of my ancestors the land where he built his house in Caprera.

When I lived as a child in northern Italy, I remember well seeing in my household two mementos of Garibaldi's life, which unfortunately got lost when I moved to the U.S. They were the remnant of a cream medication (in a tube) that Garibaldi used to heal the leg wound he received during the famously fierce battle of Aspromonte, and an iron ring worn by the 'Carbonari" legion, the secret revolutionary society that he belonged to, and sought the creation of a liberal, unified Italy.

Back to Caprera though, I can say that the largest owner of land in that tiny island in those days, was a certain Lady Collins, who was Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria in England.  She was the aunt of my maternal grandmother, who became her heir in the early 1900's, and, in turn, I feel honored to be still the proud caretaker of several of the items that belonged to her. Two of them that I cherish are pictured below.     

An English Naval eyeglass and her fan (made of white ostrich feathers on ivory bases)

Eurovision Song contest & Albania's flag

From BBC News here is a 3 minute video about Albania's song entered into the Eurovision 2011 contest currently taking place in Germany.  English title is "Feel the Passion", sung by Aurela Gaçe. 

For the foreign friends I might clarify that the parallelism with the soaring bird is that Albania's name in its native version is "Shqiponia" = Eagle, which is represented in black in the center of the red background of the Albanian flag. 

While the red color signifies bravery, strength, and valor, the double headed eagle emblem derives from the Coat of Arms of  Gjergj Kastrioti, the National hero, known in history as Skanderbeg, who led the Albanian revolt against the Ottoman Empire that resulted in the country's brief independence from 1443 to 1468 (time of his death).
                                                            

Albania - U.S. relationship

From the U.S. Department of State on the:

20th Anniversary of Reestablishment of Relations between the United States and Albania

Press Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

March 15, 2011

---

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Albania as our two nations mark twenty years of renewed diplomatic relations on March 15. After a break of 52 years, 1991 was truly a new beginning – not only for our bilateral relations, but also for Albania’s development as a democratic country and international partner. This anniversary commemorates our partnership, reminds us of the progress made, and underscores the promise of Albania's future, especially as you take the necessary steps to achieve the goal of membership in the European Union.

Even during the darkest years of the Cold War, Albanians and Americans did not forget the deep bonds of friendship between our two countries. And after 1991, the United States supported Albania as it began the path of integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Now a NATO member, Albania has shown a deep commitment to the Alliance, with one of the highest per capita contributions to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Albania’s commitment to stability in its own neighborhood has been demonstrated through its support for the young nation of Kosovo and its contributions toward reconciliation in the Western Balkans.

The United States continues to support Albania’s integration into the European Union. We welcomed the decision in late 2010 to allow Albanians to travel visa-free throughout the European Union. Albanians have accomplished much already, but more work remains on the path to the EU -- and this year will be pivotal. Albanians must work together to ensure their country moves forward and maintains its momentum. We urge Albania’s political leadership, whether in government or opposition, to lead with accountability and transparency, and to respect and strengthen the rule of law and human rights. That is the best way to demonstrate their commitment to building the secure and prosperous future the Albanian people want and deserve.

I wish all the people of Albania the very best as we continue to work together, another twenty years and beyond.

Spring chores

Thaw is finally ongoing although it produces flood disasters in many areas after all the snow we got this winter.

I have completed and mailed all tax returns due for last year for both myself and the organization I work with.  It's a boring and painstaking process that requires, however, strict attention because the tax offices do make changes in forms and instructions, which are not very user friendly to gather from their online sites. 

Some spring cleaning and some equipment annual maintenance has started at home, and all clocks have been reset to the new daylight savings time today. My annual medical checkups are also ongoing and so far all results are quite satisfactory.

Now it's time to review, reorganize, and re-prioritize the remaining to-do list, expand future plans, and develop related projects.

Although not officially here yet, I want to wish everyone a Happy Spring!  

International Woman's Day

Celebrating its 100th anniversary!

GREETINGS TO ALL WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD!

Albanian Art

Gjelosh Gjokaj is a well known, multilingual, Albanian painter from Montenegro, who is a personal acquaintance of mine, and a good friend of my Montenegrin relatives.

One of them is among the people interviewed in a YouTube presentation that advocates the setup of the artistic gallery in Tuz, Montenegro. Cousin Gjoka is the very articulate, lovely white hair guy that, with painter Gjelosh, can be heard around the midpoint of this film (after the first 4 minutes).

Last month some of Gjelosh's works were exhibited also at the National Art Gallery in Tirana, Albania, as per this video.

Kudos to Albanian artists, wherever they may be!

Albanian violinist

As per the Dover Post's article another Albanian musical talent is making himself known, this time in the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania. The strict education of the old days, coupled by self determination, have eventually paid off in the land of opportunity.