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| The Original Swiss passport of the scientist Albert Einstein, Zürcher National archive |
A Croatian friend had informed Albert Einstein, who had risked his life in Germany (as he was a professor in Switzerland and Germany), and had moved to Croatia. After writing articles in the American press (where he denounced Serbian massacres), the former Serbian police in the Kingdom of SCS (Serbo-Croatian-Slovenian) offered Einstein to move to Albania, as Albanians were known for their generosity and hospitality, and he would feel safer there. And so it happened, in 1931, he was welcomed at the port of Durres by a friend of Pahor (a Croatian from Split) who proposed Albania as a shelter, and at the port, Mr. Jani Bano, who spoke German, welcomed him and secured travel documents for him from the Albanian Government, as Einstein was also received by King Zog. During his stay in Albania, King Zog provided him with a salary (assistance), a bodyguard, and Mr. Jani Bano as a translator, and instructed him not to reveal his identity, but to remain calm.
One day before leaving Albania, Mr. Einstein decided to visit a barber who was famous (where all the city elites went), as a routine but also well-informed in every aspect, they called him Rasim Berberi, he was from a village in Dibra.
Mr. Einstein went to the barbershop together with his translator friend Mr. Jani Bano. On this occasion, Rasim Berberi was interested to know everything about the client (as was his custom), and the conversation began.
Rasim Berberi: Oh Mr. Bano, where is our friend from?
Jani Bano: He's from Germany, I am his close friend and translator!
Rasim Berberi: And what profession does this friend of yours have, without asking once?
Albert Einstein: I am a physicist!
Rasim Berberi: Wow, sir, you are a great man, I'm glad we met. I'll shave and take care of you without worry, Mr. Bano!
Albert Einstein: Thank you, sir, for praising me!
Rasim Berberi: Oh, Mr. Scientist, can I ask you a question?
Albert Einstein: Please go ahead. (Rasimi always while shaving him)!
Rasim Berberi: Oh, sir, when we exhale, is the air warm or cold?
Albert Einstein: It's cold!
Rasim Berberi: But why, sir, do we warm our hands with the air from our mouth in winter when we have cold air?!
Albert Einstein: Then I made a mistake. It's warm!
Rasim Berberi: Interesting, sir. May I ask another question?
Albert Einstein: Please do!
Rasim Berberi: Okay, sir scientist... when it's warm. Why do we blow on tea and coffee with that air to cool it down... don't we burn ourselves?
Albert Einstein: You are a sympathetic and wise man, but may God forbid I deal with you... I give up, my friend. Mr. Bano, let's go!
Rasim Berberi: With pleasure, my friend... come back anytime!