Early Impressions of Peshkopi

I haven't posted recently because my internet isn't set up yet. It's at least partially intentional that I haven't done so. I still haven't finished The Lonesome Dove yet but wouldn't be nearly as close as I am with a distraction like the internet. So, I imagine that I'll continue being productive and put off getting internet for a little while longer.

Anyhow, like the rest of Albania, Peshkopi is very beautiful. The city is small and Wikipedia says that it's 651 meters above sea level. As a result, the air here is extremely clean. Air cleanliness has never been something that I noticed before. However, I stop every now and then for a deep breath and it truly feels different how the fresh air fills your lungs.

My apartment is a rare dream come true. Ever since I applied to the Peace Corps, I imagined writing at a desk with a view of a foreign land. Although I didn't put much stock in this dream, it's a source of constant contentment to sit there and fantasizingly feel like Hemingway.

My desk in front of my window

The view from my apartment

My first homemade meal in Peshkopi--a vegetable soup

First attempt at pilaf. Although the yogurt container on the right may not look appetizing, it's one of my favorite Albanian dishes. It's called 'tarator' and its few ingredients are plain yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, a little olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Pie that I made for my teachers