The morning we were to fly to Albania was the same day that Fairport got 5 inches of rain in 6 hours. In fact, Fairport was put under a state of emergency because of all the rain. Yikes! Our flight was not until the afternoon so we hoped that all would be okay. In fact, Randy and I told each other during the drive to the airport that we needed to stay clam about all the travel plans that can go wrong when you fly. We had no control over it so we just needed to flow with it all.
We ended up coming back home that evening to spend the night because of all the flight delays. 😦 We rented a car and drove to JFK the next day. We were rebooked five times on Turkish Air before finally flying out.
Hooray, we have now boarded our Turkish Air flight to Istanbul!
We made it to Albania!!!!!! We arrived 24 hours later than originally planned but we are just so relieved to be here. We are in the line to go through customs.
Yay, all of our luggage made it!
We were met at the airport by Gillian, originally from Canada. She is a drama teacher and secondary administrator at Albanian College. Her enthusiasm for what she does is contagious!
We were transported to our hotel by a school van. We have stayed at the hotel for three nights as we figured out all the details involved in moving to a new apartment in a new country i.e. utilities sorted out, leases signed, sim cards for our phones, etc. Tomorrow we will be moving into our apartment. Can’t wait!
Teaching in Albania 
So glad you made it, safe & sound! What a start to your journey…good luck moving in!
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Thanks so much, Ann! Even though all the travel was quite tumultuous, the important part is that we arrived safely. 🙂
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Oh my! I love that you both still have smiles – it will be a marvelous adventure!
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Loving your travel log….PLease keep us in the loop. Tried yesterday to alert you on What’s app that Claire and Matt’s baby was born. Know this is an open blog so hate to clog it up but Margot Caroline Murray was born on Aug. 16 7lbs. 11 oz. 20 inches….they are going home from the hospital today and I fly out tomorrow for a week. Seems like all the Roudeushes are on the road. Lailey sent Uncle Bud home as the wildfires in Wa,. state were very bad this week. Happy Happy times for all. Please pass this along to Elizabeth and family…Holly
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I love the calmness that you and Randy used to dealt with the craziness of your travels! So excited to follow your journey Sarah 😊. Glad you are both there safe and sound
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So happy you made it! I can’t wait to hear more about this wonderful experience. Zoe asked me to tell you she misses you.
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Yay!!! Looks awesome mama. 🙂
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So glad you made it safely with all your luggage and most of your sanity. Thanks for the pictures and the smiles. All the best as you settle in.
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What an adventure! Glad you made it safe and sound. Can’t wait for the next update.
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Happy to hear you made it there safely. If Gillian is any indication of what the rest of the staff is like, you are in good company! Glad you are getting settled. Look forward to your next update.
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Glad to see you are there safely! I was thinking about you on Tuesday!
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So glad you are safely there! Have been thinking of you. Will look forward to more news of your adventure.
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Glad you made it safely!!!
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You did it, with a story to tell before you ever left Fairport. Enjoy your settling in process:)
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Good luck with your new adventure, even though it started out so crazy. And Happy Housewarming in your new apartment! Will you stay there the whole time?
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Yes, we are planning to stay in the same apartment the whole time we are in Tirana. Thanks for your good wishes!
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Oh Sarah, so sorry you had such a crazy start to your new adventure. Glad you finally made it! Good luck settling in to your new apartment. Can’t wait to hear more..
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Yay! You made it! Never a dull moment until you return, lady! Enjoy! Keep blogging! Love to hear about your adventures!
Ellen Murphy
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I’m so excited for you Sarah and so happy that you both arrived safely!
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Hi Sarah, Your adventure to Albania started off with a real bang!! What a wonderful journey for you and Randy. Looking forward to hearing from you often. Take Care and Enjoy
Marty
Sent from my iPhone
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And the adventure begins! So glad to learn that you made it safely. Can’t wait to hear more about your adventure!
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Wow, what a start! And a real test of rolling with the punches! Glad you’re safely arrived and into settling mode. And I hope you’ve left the rain behind, at least for now. It’s great to receive pictures.
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Glad you’re made it look like you’re going to enjoy the time there
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