The stage
was set for the event of the year in Tirana. The arrival of Norman
on Thursday 22nd January was reminiscent to sketches in his early
film career. The trip down the stairways from the Austrian aeroplane
brought an immediate cheer from the awaiting crowds. The first
evening was set aside for the Academy of Fine Arts to stage a
variety show in honour of Pitkin and to welcome him for the first
time to Albania. This was followed by a dinner at Enver Hoxha's
villa, hosted by Teador Laco, Minister of Culture.
Friday was
a day to celebrate the outstanding activities of the British charities
that are working in Tirana, including Feed the Children,
ChildHope, ADRA, Task Force Albania, CAFOD and the Red
Cross. In the afternoon Pitkin spent 50 minutes talking and joking
with the then-President Sali Berisha. The evening events started
with a cocktail party at the National History Museum followed
by an official dinner hosted by Stephen Nash, British Chargé d'Affaires.
Saturday
morning began with a visit to the Jersey Aid Kindergarten project,
then on to the National Variety Theatre for a show put on by students
of the Academy of Fine Arts. Pitkin then went on a walk about
to meet people in the street on route to the International Culture
Centre where he was presented with the Freedom of the
City of Tirane. In the afternoon the delegation visited
the children's hospital and the Dystrophic Hospital before going
onto the Television centre where Pitkin's variety show followed
by a talk show were screened live.
The final
day of the four day visit culminated in a performance at the sports
palace where Pitkin sang songs, did some sketches and met hundreds
of children. At the end of what was a vigourous schedule for anyone,
the eighty year old Pitkin continued to bring smiles to thousands
of Albanian fans. At Rinas airport he was lifted into the air
by four policemen who carried him up the stairs, with Pitkin screaming
"I want to stay for another two weeks,
please let me stay".
Asked for
his reaction to the visit, Pitkin explained "When I was asked
if I would come to Albania, I never thought in my wildest dreams
that so many people liked me". He went on to say "I have met many people during the past four days and
I can honestly say that they have been warm, delightful and very
caring towards me". He added
"despite the conditions in Albania the people have a great sense
of humour and a kindness that should never change". Pitkin concluded
"I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this visit and want
to thank Andre Axford for his amazing organisation and Austrian
Airlines for their sponsorship of the flights". He added, "if
they had not worked so hard and contributed so much both in time
and money, this visit may never have happened".
with
grateful acknowledgement to
www.albania.co.uk/culture/pitkin.html