I love food. Let me say that again: I LOVE FOOD. I get more excited about food than almost anything else…with the possible exception of sports (real ones, not like golf or soccer), baby animals, and the occasion that someone understands my 30 Rock references. To me, those fitness freaks who live off of almonds and kale are sad idiots. Food is not just fuel for me, it’s also fun.

When I first applied for the Peace Corps, part of me wanted to help those in need and aid diplomacy and world peace ‘n’ stuff, but mostly I was just thinking about all the exotic food I would get to eat. (Bëj shaka!) When I got my invitation to Albania I immediately googled what the eats would be like there. I was disappointed about not finding the words “curry” or “chocolate” on any of the Albanian cuisine articles I came…