Two Grannies!

Mom and Dad Waggoner finally made it here Saturday night close to midnight. Sadly, their luggage did not. However we have a washing machine and loaned them some clothes to wear until we could clean the things they had been wearing since they departed Ohio on Thursday. Sunday morning we woke up and went to church, followed by lunch at the apartment. Then we hit the town!

The last time we had been up Mt. Dajti (Dite-ey), you had to go up the old-fashioned way: by car. Now you can ride the Teleferiku and we thought the arrival of Nathan's parents justified riding the new tourist attaction here in Tirana (actually, I think it's been open for over 5 years -- we just haven't gone before!). I have to admit, cooler mountain temperatures were also enticing.

As you can imagine, Ellie was THRILLED to have both grannies present.

A vanishing site: the bunker...

This photo is to give you an idea of the length of the ride. It takes nearly 30 minutes to reach the top! It's quite some distance you travel. At the top we had ice cream on a restaurant balcony and enjoyed cool breezes and a lovely view of Tirana.

Yesterday was also our 11th anniversary. After returning from Mt Dajti and enjoying hospitality at Vera's home (I'm sorry I have no photos of this). Mom suggested the special treat of dining atop the Hotel President (just a couple of blocks from the apartment). I had heard about this beautiful place but hadn't visited it before. W-O-W! It was a feast for the eyes AND stomach!
Behind us is a view of the mountains we had visited earlier in the day.

These channels of water run throughout the restaurant and the sound of gurgling water mutes the sounds of the traffic below.

Of course, we promised Ellie that if she was good at the restaurant, we would visit the park afterwards. Look who she enticed to ride the roller coaster with her!

We're now off to Elbasan to visit David Reni and introduce him to his Nonna and PaPa! Please continue to lift us up in prayer for Wednesday's court appointment! The butterflies are starting to take up residence!