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| Back entrance to the Mosque |
Before my COS Conference, I along with a local counterpart, took a Cultural day trip to Tetova, Macedonia. Tetova seems to be fairly similar to places in Kosovo on sight, but here, according to my counterpart who attended school there, there is a lower literacy rate and many Kosovars attend university in the town. There are some sights to see in the city which include the Pasha Xhamia, the River which runs through the city, the Hamam as well as rows and rows of gold jewelers which line major boulevards. You also see more of a diverse group of people and notice the complexities of Macedonian/Albanian societies as Tetova is a majority Albanian city. We also went to a local Pizzeria which, in my opinion, was one of the best pizzas I have had in the Balkans, called Pizzeria Molino. Handmade, fresh ingredients and big portions, a pizza and soft drink will run you about 3 Euros.
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| Peace Corps Kosovo |
During your experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer you are given different trainings, and attend a few conference throughout your service. The culmination of these group convenings sis the COS or Close Of Service Conference. This is your last conference, as a cohort, where you receive information on procedures, processes, and what to expect for the remainder of your service as well as generalizations for your next steps post PC.
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| Final group Roleplay |
For those wondering what the process of COS consists of for us in Kosovo is as follows:
- Apply for COS Dates: In Mid-April we provided our names and our top 3 dates for COS to our DPT
- Our site was allowed 3 specific dates due to the fact of scheduling iwth medical - each country's process is different.
- there were 3 dates and a maximum of 11 people per day if the slots were over the number allowed a lottery occurred and those who didn't make those first slots were pushed to the next etc.
- After the announcement of COS dates forms were asked to be filled which were due no later than the COS Conference.
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| Slideshow of our two years in Kosova |
We convened in Pristina, Kosovo for a 3 day conference which closed with a BBQ Luncheon at the US Ambassador's Residence. Throughout the conference we talked about how to stay focused and finish out our service, how to start disconnecting from our lives here and say good-byes, as well as inform PCVs on resources and options post-service. One evening we had a PCV only "game night" where we played a crossword search matching clues with last names on random positive facts per volunteer; we did a bingo game on dates and places in Kosovo and finally an anonymous positive statement about another volunteer. The COS Conference offered more than just information. It was a (more than likely) final time for all of us to get together, as a whole, and socialize, support and enjoy what we have, what we've been through as well as prepare for what we will go through. One constant theme throughout the conference was that we are forever connected. No one will understand, support and realize what we've been through but us. The power of the bond between Peace Corps volunteers is unmatchable and often times misunderstood. Yet this bond will take us through life phases, through struggles and joyous moments - its a lifetime commitment.
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| Stuck in the Hotel's Elevator after session |
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Once we finished our conference a small group of us got together to have a little outing doing something new and create one last experience together. We went and visited a local Kosovar Brewery (which is also very popular amongst volunteers) that was created and is run by an American. Sabaja Brewery is located right outside Pristina in Gracanice, Kosovo and though small in size offers great quality products. Having recently celebrated their 4 year anniversary we were delighted to have the opportunity to further celebrate with Alex, the brewery's founder. Through their company Alex and his wife are also making an impact on Kosovar society and bringing a little more of America to Kosovar society. Our tour lasted about 30 minutes and included a description of processes, sampling of various product as well as fun facts.
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| Alex and myself at the Brewery |
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| Beers produced at Sabaja |
The tour was free as well as the welcome tasting of either their IPA (Indian Pale Ale) or their Smoked Porter [ my personal favorite], all beers thereafter are 1 Euro each (this includes bottles to take and drafts)! Though most people filtered out within an hour or two after the tour a couple of us decided to stay a little longer and got to know "The Boss" better. Alex was interesting, funny, kind and a really dope guy, he's also from NY but I SWEAR I'm not biased. I highly recommend if you are in Kosovo for a visit you pop by his brewery (you need to make a call first as he is also working as a teacher) and enjoy an American's taste on Kosovo; and if you aren't able to visit the brewery find a place to enjoy his product. Below you will find some brewery links on social media.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SabajaCraftBrewery/
Less than 80 days left to go, these two years move fast.
Shihemi se Shpejti (See you soon)!
