As one of the Albanian people who had the privilege to know him from many meetings during his stay here, I can hardly express the sadness the departure of Peter Zingraf caused! My words for him in this box meant to collect messages, would convey memories left by a friend rather than an Ambassador. The friendly relations prevailed over the formal ones, so we approached each other by calling our names and not functions. Such special relations deserved a farewell for him. But did not mean to say goodbye; we all believed he would come back again to have a chat, swim and enjoy music, poetry, pasta and raki...Indeed, Andrea, now a widow, said they were planning to come back and meet many friends who would love to have them come and meet again. Peter was humble, he knew how to offer a real friendship, but also how to draw lines where necessary...I will remember plenty of things, but three of them will always stay intact: 1. the special humor expressed in a foreign language to both - Italian, which he was able to speak so fluently; 2. the humbleness expressed in any situations and gatherings and 3. the love for life. These are also kind of lessons learned thanks to our frequent meetings, including swims in cold weather. I will keep swimming and greet you from the Adriatic water, Peter, and also will look into the empty chair in the front row at our gallery, when we organize music events, as if you are not gone! Rest in peace our special and unforgettable friend!
Perparim Kalo
27th May 2024