a somewhat traditional dasma
Last week my wife and I underwent the joy and the ordeal of an Albanian wedding. Of course we have been married for 2 years, but the "first" wedding feast took place in Germany and except my parents none of my other Albanian relatives could attend. We gave them the chance now, and though it wasn't a wedding, the purpose - my wife's and my own family meeting and celebrating the deliverance from their offspring - was fulfilled. We celebrated in Makalbania near Durres, and among the guests were "celebrities" like Ali Kastrati and Gerti Bogdani. To my relief my parents in law really enjoyed it despite the obvious cultural differences. At some points they were a little shocked, esp. when they were served the lamb's head as an honour. I'm esp. proud of my wife who merged easily with the culture by dancing and eating like a "nuse" should. It was a joy.