During the time we were in Kosova, Eric, Steve & Roger formed the decorating team – Ian also was on the team initially, but went on to distribute aid during the second week).
We were given large pots of good quality white emulsion and used the gear that was on hand at the centre, as well as some we'd taken with us.
Apart from actually getting to the properties on some occasions, bouncing up the roads to Kralan in a very old and shaken-to-bits car, or in the minibuses, there were two main challenges. Firstly, due to the concrete and block construction (and other building technicalities about which I'm not qualified to comment!) there was often black mould growth around the ceilings and wall corners. This was usually covered satisfactorily. Secondly, heating in the properties was usually by wood burning stove. These had been taken out of the rooms before we got there, but constant use during the winter meant that, particularly round the flues, the stray smoke had left a brown deposit on the walls and ceilings that defied all attempts to cover it up despite several coats being applied. The overall effect though was to clean and brighten up the rooms substantially, so it seemed worth it.
The people were so very welcoming and hospitable, and we were plied with fruit based drinks, freshly harvested water melon, and developed quite a penchant for Turkish coffee! Often, the latter was individually prepared on a little primus stove - see the picture at the caretaker's house in the Gallery!
In some of the properties we visited, there were hardly any possessions, although most did seem to manage to furnish one room with a carpet, sofas and a television. Some also had a fridge/freezer of some sort although quite how these worked with the electricity going off on a regular basis, I'm not sure.
As to the colour? It was usually white when we got there, and whiter when we left! Result!!


Roger