Kosovo
Although it’s been 20 years since the Kosovo War, Kosovo’s political and ethnic differences remain a sensitive subject even today. In 2018 Kosovo declared independence from Serbia which was recognised by the USA and most of the EU countries, but not by Serbia, Russia, China and few others.
I was very curious as to what Kosovo looked like these days…
The border crossing was the usual procedure. Passport check, bike documents check and I’m in!
From the moment I entered Kosovo, I observed all the details… new buildings, new petrol stations, modern shopping centres, roads in good condition… just like any country in the Balkans or Eastern Europe. And no sign of the war to be seen.
The majority of the city is Albanian so there are plenty of restaurants and cafes serving Albanian dishes and damn they are yummy! There are no skyscrapers in Pristina but it’s a rather low key major city – a mixture of heritage and modern architecture.
Next stop was Prizen a little historic town near the border with Macedonia, just 85 km away from the capital. The rain followed me pretty much most of the way…
…so the moment I got to my hostel room, I hung everything around the room for it to dry. Luckily I was the only one to see this mess!
The rain finally stopped in the afternoon and I could comfortably do my routine of a little walk around town.
Prizen is much smaller than Pristina. It’s actually my favourite size of town – not too big so you don’t have to walk heaps to see it all! The charming little old town is located along the river, there are lots of nice restaurants and cafes and it’s got a great little vibe.
And that’s all of my experiences from Kosovo. The next morning I headed straight to the Macedonian border. A short but very interesting visit to a country that’s risen well from the traumas of war.
In Numbers:
Duration: 3 days (29 -31st October 2018)
Total km’s: 208km
The “Are We There Yet” World Tour is about more than just me seeing the world on a motorcycle. Throughout my journey I’m raising money for a young disabled child in Poland named Franek. Franek was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (weakness of the entire right side of the body) and he will require constant rehabilitation for the rest of his life. All the money raised will go directly to helping Franek and his family lead as normal a life as possible so please donate generously:
www.gogetfunding.com/arewethereyet
nice travel, Kinga! Japan has no border, so i attracted that. thanks for photos, diaries, and your adventure. “Are we there yet ! “
Heyy Kinga And Chilli*** Its Friday Uk 6.45am Brilliant To get Ya latest Vlog Hope the trip SDown south Still On schedual… A great Country and I am Glad its recovering But I think the scare”s will stay For ever*** Not sure were you are But best wishes stay safe.. Hugs tc uk xx x
Hi, Kinga. I love your blog! next week me and my girlfriend we will make a trip from Romania to North Macedonia, Kosovo, Coast of Albania and Greece. Just a small correction: Kosovo gain independence in 2008 not 2018. Greetings from Romania!
I love your project, your travels, your routes, your way of seeing the world. I was in Kosovo in 2003 as part of the Spanish military contingent, and seeing that place through you has touched my heart. Sometimes you visit places that remain inside you forever, and Kosovo is one of them. Thank you for making me breathe again your environment and walk your paths. In Spain you have a friend.
In Spanish: “Me encanta tu proyecto, tus viajes, tus rutas, tu forma de ver el mundo. Estuve en Kosovo en 2003 como parte del contingente militar español, y ver ese lugar a través de ti ha tocado mi corazón. A veces visitas lugares que permanecen dentro de ti para siempre, y Kosovo es uno de ellos. Gracias por hacerme respirar de nuevo su entorno y recorrer sus caminos. En España tienes un amigo”.
Wow, very interesting
Thank you sharing…..
awesome ! hi from Turkiye ! very good places i like balkans and looking o your cam is makes more beautiful