Up On The Rooftop

Day 6

The protest began at noon and I was to follow Blerte, a photographer and student up to the roof of the Sociology building to get a good shot with the camera. Now when I say roof, I mean roof. No guard rails, no safety precautions and I’m not the keenest on heights. So as we fried in the blazing afternoon sun, people started to gather. “Vetevendosje!” was being chanted from a distance and a substantial cluster began to form. Then from the other direction, I could hear the same “Vetevendosje!” growing louder and louder. Boiken had mentioned that he was expecting at least 3000 people, but would like to have 10000 or more. Now this crowd was well under 10000 people. Still looked to be a significant number, but nothing like in 2007, and it seemed this would be it for the protesters today. And as I had my head turned peering through the camera, I heard it again…“Vetevendosje!, Vetevendosje!, VETEVENDOSJE!” The largest group yet consisting of at least 2000 people were chanting in sequence as they appeared from behind library and everyone cheered. I have to admit, at this moment I felt shivers from my toes to my scalp. I almost swelled up with tears. It’s amazing the power collective action can have both politically and emotionally.

Once the march had begun, we needed to follow to get the footage. Now being at the top of a building, we were at somewhat of a disadvantage. As they moved, we lost them in the streets. So we ran. Down the stairs, out the door, and through the crowded streets to another building where another photographer was already waiting. Up the stairs and through the doors to another rooftop. Just in time, I pointed the camera and watched as the crowd came marching. And then they passed. Down the stairs, through the doors and through the streets to yet another, larger building. Up the stairs…so many stairs and onto the roof. This was the culmination of the crowd and where Albin would give his speech. Police surrounded the crowd, but remained calm. No barricades although they did destroy the first stage on an order from the government, but a second one was built quickly and seemed to be working.

Eventually, I strolled down to the crowd and participated in the chanting. Albin gave his speech about the government stealing from the people, and the fight for sovereignty, and everyone cheered and was happy to brave the blistering sun in an effort to progress.

Once finished, we returned to the office, downloaded footage and photos, uploaded them to Facebook and the website, and waited for Albin. He and Visar came in and everyone seemed blasé about it. I guess it was because it was their job. They weren’t doing this to get votes or to become famous. They were doing this to become a nation state, and they were doing it for the Albanians…all of them from the US to the neighboring countries of Macedonia and Montenegro.

Burnt and tired, Boiken and I went home to sleep. Awoke and back to Tingle where we met with Albin. Lots of talk about the protest, free Raki (because of Albin) and then back home to sleep. Luckily, I had all my shoes.