In light of some recent observations we had to complete as part of training I figured I would share some cultural differences I have begun to identify and things we have discovered.
Gender Roles/Responsibilities:
There seem to be, at least in my current PST Site (I can not speak on my next site as of yet because the culture within Kosova is so different depending on where in the country you are), a firm set of roles and responsibilities for each gender. Men tend to be providers. They are economically responsible for the families well being and growth. In light of the unemployment faced here by many young men in Kosova, many families tend to be co-dependent and brothers/siblings will help each others family if they are facing difficulties. Women are the care-takers and homemakers. Older women tend to stay home, tend to children and raise them in a respectable manner. Some women do work, but there are limited opportunities in the country right now. Both males and females go to University, with English being a popular major among the youth and the potential opportunities associated with that degree/skill.
Men have the ability to be seen more in public. They frequent the cafe's and other establishments, some of which are "Male-only''. Even some cafe's are male only; it is definitely an interesting thing to look at, considering the café in my town, while not Male-only, you wont find any women there besides myself and two other female volunteers. Women more so stay in house except for their nightly group walks. They visit house to house and aren't typically seen outside, especially alone.
Dating:
When I asked different people about dating here, it was made clear it is unlike the US where we date around to find likes, dislikes, or just for fun. Here you date with the intent of marrying. That is not to say casual dating is non-existent, I just have not come across it personally. Those that are unmarried, tend to stay in the families home and assist the matriarch in household duties (if female) Males tend to work if they have a job and contribute to providing for the family. Additionally, dating is not done overtly. It is usually secretive and more so for women than men. Here a women's name still has a lot of weight and those who may be deemed promiscuous are not seen favorably for marriage. The "PDA" typical of American society is not prevalent here. Hand holding is pretty much the most you will see in public, but even in private their isn't much of the "lovey-dovey" interaction between, those dating and those in marriages. The interesting note on the previous remark is that men are very much affectionate with each other here, and to an American man may put him off, but the hugs and thigh grabs here are very much acceptable amongst men. I was a little thrown off when I was told it is also the norm for women here to be married before 21 and that is typical. It is also commonplace for parents to reject a marriage and have women choose between their family and their spouse, where if they choose the latter their familial ties with whichever dissenting parties are cut. Additionally, women who may leave their husbands for whatever reason are considered/called widowed and it is more acceptable for them to marry someone previously married rather than someone who has not been married before.
Social Interactions:
In social interactions the genders are still fairly separated. Women go to the restaurant or café with other females unless they are with family members. When my fellow trainees and I go to the café, we are mixed males and females, which is not typical here and then add in our loud American accents and the people of Kosova are staring interested in the current "American show" taking place- hahaha! I recently went to a disco here and even that was different from the US. There was virtually no dancing except for my host sister, cousin and I and even then we two-stepped all night. There was no dancing between men and women (from what I saw) and if there was dancing it was a side to side sway on the part of women. The men tended to look around, watch the ladies and interact amongst themselves. Even when men may find you attractive their isn't any of the hand grabbing or touching of a female as is typical in the US. Here you may get a wow, or bukerie (beautiful) thrown into the air but that's typically the end of it. (insert gasps from women across the US here lol)
These are just some observations/experiences I have had/seen specifically. This should not be considered to be commonplace in all of Kosovo, but it is what I have observed in my current area.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Pictures, Pictures, PICTURES
I realized I have a couple of posts, but no pictures. Below are some pictures of people, places and just life in Kosovo thus far! PSA: It will be about 30 pictures with titles... Hope you Enjoy!
My Host sister Nafi!
The view from our Hub Site for classes - Jealous yet ;)
Novo Brdo - Castle remnants from Cesar's Era...
View from my window - The Barn (we have 5 cows)
View from my window - looking past the Barn (5km away, over the mountain- that's SERBIA!)
View from my room - The school (shkolla) where I have classes
Our BBQ near the "waterfall" in town
We hiked to have a bbq and this "grotto" was our resting spot
The view of my village from the top of the mountain we hiked up.
Another view of my beautiful village :)
Nafi, Qen and I showing our "LOVE" before a late night Coffee
Outside the Prishtina Airport
PCV Brittany with the new Trainees!
One view of Gjilan from out Hotel
All 37 Trainees/ Future Volunteers
Some trainees and the US Ambassdor to Kosova - Ambassador Jacobson
Tri-State Area trainees
My host parents and I
Notes on my door that greeted me, and still do <3
Life size Chessboard in town
A Memorial in my village to some men who passed during the War
Family making traditional dish - Flija
My host taking sneak pictures during our game of volleyball while making Flija
I made FLIJA!!
Our group map of our town - "sponsored" by Lady Gaga
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Host Family Fun
On Wednesday I got my First Host family! They live in a small village near the Serbian border and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT so far. So for an FYI - A host family is a local family that agrees to house, feed and provide language assistance for a volunteer that has been checked out by Peace Corps. So about my village first, then I will talk on my family, schedule so far and what meeting them was like.
I love in an EXTREMELY beautiful village with people who are so kind and truly interested in getting to know me. My host sister and I went on a walk with our cousins, brother and Uncle and when we were walking up the hill I glanced back to a view that couldn't even be painted or photographed to express its true beauty. All around you just see rolling hills, mountains and lush green grass with the tops of Mosques and orange roof tops gleaming in the suns light. No neighboring village is too big, nor too small and they fit perfectly into a little puzzle of green space and village placement. At night it is perfectly still with only the soft breeze and the fresh smell of meadows and cow (which I surprisingly enjoyed) blowing through my window. I think whenever I do time abroad I like to live in the smaller more quaint towns and villages compared to the city life I like in the states.
Familje! (Family) My family consists of three children, and cows hahaha. I have two host brothers, one of whom studies in Prishtina, and a host sister who also studies in Prishtina and wants to get a degree in English and Literature. We have been talking non-stop since we met at the Host family pick-up. My host mama is a GREAT cook, and LOVES to feed you... If I eat everything they are always giving me I will be over 230 lbs. by time I get back to the states hahaha. I keep trying to tell her its very good (Shumë Mirë) and I guess in Kosovar culture when someone says its very good you give them even more of a heaping plate! I just laugh and rub my tummy saying I am full and she then understands I reply Faleminderit (Thank You), smile, put my dishes away and proceed with my next activity. My family is very accepting of me and that is such a stress reliever. It was one of my biggest concerns but when I spoke to my host sister she informed me that she PICKED ME! She informed the Peace Corps staff she wanted to have me and pleaded to make sure we were together for PST! I was so honored and humbled that she searched Facebook and even asked a volunteer about me and decided to pick me to share her life, village, culture and family with, and for that I am forever indebted and just in awe about. I cant wait to see how we grow as a PC Family Unit and what new adventures I will have with them.
So far my Peace Corps experience has been hectic to the point where by three o'clock some serious Turkish coffee and/or espresso/macchiato is needed just to help you function for another three hours! lol. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I have been learning a lot, to the point where
I don't even remember what I learned hahahaha! Tomorrow we are going to visit ruins and I can not wait to experience these things. There is so much planned and so much to do, but I am looking forward to every challenge and reward and to see my progress in 3 months.
Oh and today was my HOst Mama and Baba's anniversary! They are so cute together :) They talked to me about marriage and asked how many children I want to have, I said no more than two, but when asked wen I would get married they tried to get me to change my mind offering 3 years insead of my suggested 10 year range. Apparently they may know something I don't... Who knows (Considering my host cousin tried to find me a husband/suitor last night after she found out I was single hahaha.
Thus far I am equally in love with the people, country and culture of Kosova, stay tuned to see what's next and any fun deets :)
Natën e Mirë ! (Goodnight!)
I love in an EXTREMELY beautiful village with people who are so kind and truly interested in getting to know me. My host sister and I went on a walk with our cousins, brother and Uncle and when we were walking up the hill I glanced back to a view that couldn't even be painted or photographed to express its true beauty. All around you just see rolling hills, mountains and lush green grass with the tops of Mosques and orange roof tops gleaming in the suns light. No neighboring village is too big, nor too small and they fit perfectly into a little puzzle of green space and village placement. At night it is perfectly still with only the soft breeze and the fresh smell of meadows and cow (which I surprisingly enjoyed) blowing through my window. I think whenever I do time abroad I like to live in the smaller more quaint towns and villages compared to the city life I like in the states.
Familje! (Family) My family consists of three children, and cows hahaha. I have two host brothers, one of whom studies in Prishtina, and a host sister who also studies in Prishtina and wants to get a degree in English and Literature. We have been talking non-stop since we met at the Host family pick-up. My host mama is a GREAT cook, and LOVES to feed you... If I eat everything they are always giving me I will be over 230 lbs. by time I get back to the states hahaha. I keep trying to tell her its very good (Shumë Mirë) and I guess in Kosovar culture when someone says its very good you give them even more of a heaping plate! I just laugh and rub my tummy saying I am full and she then understands I reply Faleminderit (Thank You), smile, put my dishes away and proceed with my next activity. My family is very accepting of me and that is such a stress reliever. It was one of my biggest concerns but when I spoke to my host sister she informed me that she PICKED ME! She informed the Peace Corps staff she wanted to have me and pleaded to make sure we were together for PST! I was so honored and humbled that she searched Facebook and even asked a volunteer about me and decided to pick me to share her life, village, culture and family with, and for that I am forever indebted and just in awe about. I cant wait to see how we grow as a PC Family Unit and what new adventures I will have with them.
So far my Peace Corps experience has been hectic to the point where by three o'clock some serious Turkish coffee and/or espresso/macchiato is needed just to help you function for another three hours! lol. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I have been learning a lot, to the point where
I don't even remember what I learned hahahaha! Tomorrow we are going to visit ruins and I can not wait to experience these things. There is so much planned and so much to do, but I am looking forward to every challenge and reward and to see my progress in 3 months.
Oh and today was my HOst Mama and Baba's anniversary! They are so cute together :) They talked to me about marriage and asked how many children I want to have, I said no more than two, but when asked wen I would get married they tried to get me to change my mind offering 3 years insead of my suggested 10 year range. Apparently they may know something I don't... Who knows (Considering my host cousin tried to find me a husband/suitor last night after she found out I was single hahaha.
Thus far I am equally in love with the people, country and culture of Kosova, stay tuned to see what's next and any fun deets :)
Natën e Mirë ! (Goodnight!)
My host sister
Host parents
Monday, June 8, 2015
Miredita
Hello From KOSOVA!!!
So these past... two maybe three days is it now have been so CRAZY... I have had so much I wanted to blog about yet could not because of Wi-Fi, but I had it on my phone.... NO COMMENT! Anywho, lets give details on the process to Kosova. In total it was about a 14 hour trip and jetlag is an UNDERSTATEMENT. I felt like I had taken on the world and had maybe one meal in a 48 hour period. Both flights were nice, and the flight from Vienna to Prishtina (Kosovo's capital) was a great flight with awesome views. You see the landscape transform before your eyes from winding rivers and plains, with large acres of green undisturbed land to low mountains and then higher elevation mountains capped with just the lightest amount of snow in June. I absolutely love it. To me Kosovo is reminiscent of Salzburg, Austria (the town I studied abroad in). Once we went through security there was a host of people their to welcome us and I have an extremely embarrassing photo and an awkward stance on the Peace Corps Kosovo page (which you should also check out). I was the first to leave customs so upon seeing the welcome I was a little shocked and laughing which explains the posture. Anyhow, I feel at home here which is fairly weird considering we JUST arrived and it hasn't even been a week. The Peace Corps staff are very nice, and definitely seem to care about us and our overall well being which is very reassuring.
I am going to jump around a little bit simply because it is 130am at this moment and jetlag will have me CRYING tomorrow... so quickly I will say the following-
People: The first thing that struck me about the people of Kosovo was they are fairly good looking. They DEFINITELY can tell our entire group is NOT Kosovar and the staring eyes remind you of that. However, it is so funny because I expected it and to actually experience it on a DAILY basis makes me feel almost like a celebrity I guess but it is SO weird to have so much attention, I guess I can see why celebrities try to be incognito. The people are friendly and definitely so helpful. The one thing that has stood out to me is the pride. Our wait staff at the hotel stopped myself and a fellow volunteer to inquire about our feeling being in country, how we liked the food, the service and just their culture. Considering this is strictly based off first impressions we told him basically we love everything (which is SO true) and the expression on his face was priceless like a kid trying to cover up their excitement on Christmas morning. These are a proud, ambitious and growing people, and I am glad to be part of this community and to say I, in some minute way, was able to help them advance is an indescribable feeling.
Food: So my fellow trainees laugh at me because I keep talking about how I cant wait to try different foods. Firstly, this is such a CARB heavy culture, then add MEAT heavy on top of that and this lady is about to put on the 20lbs I JUST lost *major side eye*. I am giving myself this week to eat kind of whatever and enjoy every bit. Then I think it will get better once I get into my community because I will have more say in what I eat and can be more discerning. I will say this the Crepes we had were AMAZING today, as well as this salad and cheese dish they make, and lets not forget strawberry nectar juice YUMMMM! I am awaiting to try Flija then I think I will just lose my mind and mindful eating will go out the window hahahaha.
Training: Ok, I knew Albanian was hard but my LORD! I have to take this moment by moment otherwise I will get too overwhelmed. I also am going to make a conscious effort to not be too hard in myself. What makes that easier is that every time I fix to "scold myself" someone says something hilarious and the class erupts in laughter i,e. Today I actually cursed in Albanian without knowing it while trying to learn how to pronounce a LETTER. Yes, you heard me correctly pronounce a letter. I do not know what I said all I know is the look of horror on my facilitators face and the frantic waving and yelling of "NO, NO, NO That's bad!!" pretty much told all that was necessary. As I frantically apologized and covered my face in horror, my fellow classmates roared in laughter thus relieving the stress in me not grasping the sound (comical right?) But this will be a learning process... I will not be able to understand most, and others will look at me in utter confusion/crack-up laughing... Guess Being flexible and having an open mind are DEFINITES to my survival!
So that's it for right now, hopefully I can work on this after we meet our families Wednesday, but my schedule is already packed and I need a NIGHTLY study session of Albanian as to avoid cursing other people out at risk of possibly being punched in the face lol. So I am sure you will read more of my awkward moments but until then, I am signing off from Kosova!
So these past... two maybe three days is it now have been so CRAZY... I have had so much I wanted to blog about yet could not because of Wi-Fi, but I had it on my phone.... NO COMMENT! Anywho, lets give details on the process to Kosova. In total it was about a 14 hour trip and jetlag is an UNDERSTATEMENT. I felt like I had taken on the world and had maybe one meal in a 48 hour period. Both flights were nice, and the flight from Vienna to Prishtina (Kosovo's capital) was a great flight with awesome views. You see the landscape transform before your eyes from winding rivers and plains, with large acres of green undisturbed land to low mountains and then higher elevation mountains capped with just the lightest amount of snow in June. I absolutely love it. To me Kosovo is reminiscent of Salzburg, Austria (the town I studied abroad in). Once we went through security there was a host of people their to welcome us and I have an extremely embarrassing photo and an awkward stance on the Peace Corps Kosovo page (which you should also check out). I was the first to leave customs so upon seeing the welcome I was a little shocked and laughing which explains the posture. Anyhow, I feel at home here which is fairly weird considering we JUST arrived and it hasn't even been a week. The Peace Corps staff are very nice, and definitely seem to care about us and our overall well being which is very reassuring.
I am going to jump around a little bit simply because it is 130am at this moment and jetlag will have me CRYING tomorrow... so quickly I will say the following-
People: The first thing that struck me about the people of Kosovo was they are fairly good looking. They DEFINITELY can tell our entire group is NOT Kosovar and the staring eyes remind you of that. However, it is so funny because I expected it and to actually experience it on a DAILY basis makes me feel almost like a celebrity I guess but it is SO weird to have so much attention, I guess I can see why celebrities try to be incognito. The people are friendly and definitely so helpful. The one thing that has stood out to me is the pride. Our wait staff at the hotel stopped myself and a fellow volunteer to inquire about our feeling being in country, how we liked the food, the service and just their culture. Considering this is strictly based off first impressions we told him basically we love everything (which is SO true) and the expression on his face was priceless like a kid trying to cover up their excitement on Christmas morning. These are a proud, ambitious and growing people, and I am glad to be part of this community and to say I, in some minute way, was able to help them advance is an indescribable feeling.
Food: So my fellow trainees laugh at me because I keep talking about how I cant wait to try different foods. Firstly, this is such a CARB heavy culture, then add MEAT heavy on top of that and this lady is about to put on the 20lbs I JUST lost *major side eye*. I am giving myself this week to eat kind of whatever and enjoy every bit. Then I think it will get better once I get into my community because I will have more say in what I eat and can be more discerning. I will say this the Crepes we had were AMAZING today, as well as this salad and cheese dish they make, and lets not forget strawberry nectar juice YUMMMM! I am awaiting to try Flija then I think I will just lose my mind and mindful eating will go out the window hahahaha.
Training: Ok, I knew Albanian was hard but my LORD! I have to take this moment by moment otherwise I will get too overwhelmed. I also am going to make a conscious effort to not be too hard in myself. What makes that easier is that every time I fix to "scold myself" someone says something hilarious and the class erupts in laughter i,e. Today I actually cursed in Albanian without knowing it while trying to learn how to pronounce a LETTER. Yes, you heard me correctly pronounce a letter. I do not know what I said all I know is the look of horror on my facilitators face and the frantic waving and yelling of "NO, NO, NO That's bad!!" pretty much told all that was necessary. As I frantically apologized and covered my face in horror, my fellow classmates roared in laughter thus relieving the stress in me not grasping the sound (comical right?) But this will be a learning process... I will not be able to understand most, and others will look at me in utter confusion/crack-up laughing... Guess Being flexible and having an open mind are DEFINITES to my survival!
So that's it for right now, hopefully I can work on this after we meet our families Wednesday, but my schedule is already packed and I need a NIGHTLY study session of Albanian as to avoid cursing other people out at risk of possibly being punched in the face lol. So I am sure you will read more of my awkward moments but until then, I am signing off from Kosova!
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