Helene as a Hurricane
“I am Helene, I am 84 years old, and my name is Helene, just like Hurricane Helene, which started on my birthday.” These were the first words Helene spoke to me at the Kansas airport on Friday afternoon when I arrived from Washington, ready to spend a whole week with her.
In my first article, I mentioned that I did not know Helene, but through her, I would come to understand the lives of American citizens, the people of Wichita, and the state of Kansas—a life that differs greatly from ours as Europeans.
Like a hurricane, Helene was full of life—a vibrant 84-year-old who drove her Ford and lived alone in her home in one of Wichita’s neighborhoods.
My first night didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped; Helene had prepared an antique room for me, which was charming, but the presence of numerous dolls made me uneasy. Although Helene knew very little about Kosovo, I promised to share everything with her about our past, and she appreciated the gifts I brought.
A Journey Back in Time: Traces of Cowboys and the Living History of Cow Town in Wichita, Kansas
In 1872, the Wichita City Eagle and Printing Office began its operations, printing the daily newspaper and any other necessary pamphlets for its citizens. After 152 years, this printing house continues to operate, and in 2024, newspapers are still printed traditionally, with each letter set one by one on an old machine.
Today, this functional printing house is still located in the heart of Old Wichita, known as Cow Town. During my visit to this place, I attempted to print a pamphlet using this historical machine. I succeeded, but unfortunately, I failed to document my work, thereby missing the opportunity to bring back tangible evidence from this unique experience. Nevertheless, the experience left me with a profound impression of the traditions zealously preserved by the residents of Wichita.
Old Wichita is a treasure well-maintained by passionate volunteers, most of whom are retirees. I would encourage anyone with a passion for history to visit this city, as Cow Town is not just a museum; it is a living museum that recreates life in the cattle town at the end of the 19th century. This special place offers a window into American history, highlighting the time when Wichita was a significant center for livestock trading.
The traces of this town remain intact, apart from the houses, church, and school, where some trades continue to operate, not for commercialization but to educate children and visitors like me about the history of the Wichita of old.
Additionally, the city is also known as an inspiration for the film industry in the United States. Many film productions have drawn inspiration from American history, and Wichita has been the setting for several western-themed movies.
I never imagined that within a single day, I would try so many spicy sauces, but on the last Saturday of September, I experienced just that. My friends from Kosovo and I enjoyed “Chicken n’ Pickle,” a festival where, in addition to indulging in abundant American cuisine, I had a fantastic evening playing traditional games and savoring life with my young American friends.
Though a long and fantastic adventure lies ahead of me, my arrival here was not easy. The absence of my children is a constant presence, making me feel distant across the Atlantic. Communication is challenging due to the time zone difference. For instance, today, when I spoke to my children, as soon as Rrapi heard my voice, he hid. Even my father seemed a bit worried, although after ten days, he said it felt like I had disappeared.
I look forward to sharing more in my next article!
With love from Wichita,
Ardiana