Ask me how much I knew about Albania before coming here and my list would be a short one: Enver Hoxha, bunkers and Sir Norman Wisdom. I have no idea when or how I acquired this extensive body of knowledge, but the association of Norman Wisdom with Albania was by far the most interesting part of it. I remember watching Norman Wisdom's old films on British television. My parents were fans of his wholesome, slapstick comedy, but apparently missed the ideological significance of Pitkin's relationship with Mr Grimsdale. Pitkin, the downtrodden and oppressed representative of the workers, triumphed every time over his capitalist oppressor, Mr Grimsdale - and he got the girl. It took a theorist of Hoxha's insight and profundity to discern this deeper political message. It always seemed tremendously unlikely, yet the story of Sir Norman's fame in Albania has been reported in worthy sources like the BBC , the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph . According to the Guardian, when Wi...
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Don't know whether will have the opportunity of saying goodbye in person before you leave Albania, but, wish to tell you that I've enjoyed your blog immensely and, will keep in touch with you, if you allow us, to read your interesting reportages wherever you're going to be next.
Wish you and your wife well in your future. Am sorry not to be able to give a home to Dougal and Bellaand sincerely hope they don't end up in the streets of Tirana again!.
The best to you all!