Room and Board

We are living a relatively simple life, and I am surprised how much I do NOT miss at the "stuff" we have at our home at the Cape. Our bedroom is large enough for a queen bed. Nothing else.  With a fabulous view of the mountains. 

The second bedroom is Stephen's 'Man Cave". He is taking two online classes (one on film history and one on Great Decisions in foreign policy)....and still doing some pro bono legal work. There are two, twin beds in that room that are more like cots, single mattress, no box spring, close to the floor. There is a massive closet full of linens and towels to serve an army. But the best feature is the little walk out porch. Today we had the doors and windows fully open (no screens) and let the sun dry our laundry. 

I brought minimal clothing options, and unfortunately, I had planned for a long, cold winter, which we have not experienced, so the winter clothes will go home with Stephen when he leaves in April and I'll be shopping in Skopje for warm weather duds. And I only teach once a week, so I can get away with only a few outfits to get me to June.

The kitchen /living room area is relatively simple and Stephen is cooking some interesting vegetarian meals.We are surrounded by restaurants but have only been to a few. All spectacular. But most are meat-centric. We did go to a fish place and I inadvertently ordered the entire fish, eyes, fins and all.....If I didn't have to look at it, I would have enjoyed it more. 

The best/worst thing is being half a block from a 24-hour bakery. Silbo! The first few times I went in, I only noticed breads and savory pastries like spinach pie and other local delicacies. But last time I went, Christina, the other Fulbrighter, pointed out these long brown things and said "try one". It was a croissant, filled with Nutella, and the whole thing is dunked into dark chocolate. I am doing tons of walking, but someohw haven't lost too much weight. I wonder why!  Stephen also found a "donut" shop, but it sold pastries on a popsicle stick dipped in white or dark chocolate. No Dunkin's here! 

The food that I am truly addicted to is skopska salad, diced tomatoes and cucumbers smothered with shredded feta-like cheese. I have this multiple times a week.... or day.