The name of this blog is pronounced L-oh-p MEER, and it's Ship for Good Cow. Ship is the language spoken here in Albania. I say "Good cow" because I have had the coolest honor of getting to milk a cow every day for the past week. Lara. And she is a good cow.
Our contact George set up this appointment for me. I had asked specifically to have the opportunity to milk a cow, and he had responded with "The girl down the street provides milk and cheese for us everyday- we can put you to together and you can help her milk the cow."
Color me happy!
The first night I went, I was so excited. The girl, Matilda, is lovely- really kind and generous and warm-hearted. She patiently explained every step of the process, laughing gently at mistakes, and always speaking encouragement. I went with Emma and Ben, and the three of us did in one hour what it takes Matilda 15 minutes to do.
She invited us to her house afterward and served us little cakes and a bit of coke. She kept refilling out glasses, and handing out more cakes. We had such sweet conversation that I have gone back every night since to take new people to try their hand at milking, but mainly to spend more time with her. She invites me specifically to help milk every night I come, even though I'm really there to have good conversation and to make sure the new people get to and from safely. And it's so much fun every time!
I kind of feel like a pioneer woman. I kind of feel like I could live on a farm for a minute. I could own a cow. Or a goat. And have milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt from it every day. There is just something really earthy and old-timey and natural about being with animals in such a symbiotic way. You really feel like it's the way life is supposed to be. I take care of cow, cow takes care of me. I take care of husband, husband takes care of me. It works in all areas!
Matilda even gave me a traditional Albanian headwrap.
I was totes legit.
