Oh, Sa të Ftohtë!

Winter in the Balkans always reminds me of the "pleasures" I used to enjoy during American winters. This winter has been very cold and winter break was extended for a week because temperatures were in the -20 to -35C  range and since schools are not well insulated and heated by wood, the ministry decided to close school. For me, that extra time was spent in a warm apartment in the capital with fellow volunteers admiring our journeys, cooking, watching an abundance of Netflix and relaxing.

This year I got to share a new experience with my mother by bringing her to both Paris, France and Kosovo. Sharing this experience with her revealed to me just how much I have learned, appreciate, realized and shared during my tenure thus far in Kosovo. It was AWESOME seeing her interact with my families and friends, teaching her Albanian, and introducing her to my life for the past 19 (at that time) months.
So here are some clips and pics from our winter break traveling Paris and around Kosovo. :)

After Christmas Mass at Nena Tereza Cathedral 

Volunteers and former staff 

Indian and Christmas Movies

Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet in Versaille

My mom and I on our way to Versaille!

Fog and the Eiffel Tower

In the Gardens at Versaille 

Chocolatier in Paris

The famed Hall of Mirrors in Versaille

The Palace of Versaille

Mom and a friend :)

Some friends of mine and my mom 

Family Discussions with my Host dad, brother and Mom

Lunch prepared by my Host Mom

"Where's the Stone Bridge?" - Visiting Prizren

The Stone Bridge - Prizren

Meg and I "Tour Guiding" through Prizren

Break for Chai Russi...

Snow storm on the way to Gjilan

Nafi, Mom and I waiting for the bus.

Mom, myself and my PST Host Family

Classic "Finger on The Louvre" Pic...