Flying Dutchman Pat

Kosovo is a country which technically isn’t. It’s under United Nations administration for a very very long time and therefor not officially recognized as a country (yet). And they deserve to be independent after all they’ve been through. Kosovo is still ‘governed’ by Serbia, even though they have their own flag, currency and language (Albanian). Kosovo uses the Euro, but it’s not part of the EU. So, let’s just say it’s difficult to place Kosovo in a category, but that’s definitely not the case for the beauty of this nation! Kosovo is gorgeous and I met some of the friendliest people ever!

The road between Montenegro and Kosovo.

Welcome to Prizren!

Facts

• Capital: Pristina
• Language: Albanian, Serbian
• Currency: Euro
• Part of EU: No
• Population: 1.8 million
• Size: 10.887 km² (¼ of Holland)
• Daylight saving time: Yes
• Visas: Not required for most European citizens
• Best time to visit: May – Sep (European summer)
• Visited: 2016 (part of Balkan trip)

From the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica I took a bus into Kosovo. This drive was absolutely stunning! You will be rewarded with amazing views on the many snow capped mountains. I never thought that Kosovo would be so mountainous. I was pleasantly surprised! The border crossing between Montenegro and Kosovo is high up in the mountains. While they were stamping my passport I was enjoying the breathtaking 360 degree views. After 7 hours I arrived in Prizren with a short stopover in Peja.

Prizren

Prizren is very picturesque with lovely bridges, mosques, little shops and food stalls. The Ottoman bridge and Sinan Pasha mosque are the biggest draws here.

Picturesque Prizren.

Bridge of Love.

Take the 20 minutes ‘hike’ up to the fortress which overlooks beautiful Prizren. Go up, relax and wait for the sunset, you will not be disappointed!

The view from the fortress.

The fortress is a great place for sunsets.

I stayed at Driza’s House, which I can absolutely recommend! This hostel is cozy, clean, has great breakfast and the owner is super friendly. I was listening nonstop to the stories Driza was sharing with me. He was pretty open about the war between Serbia and Kosovo and all the terrible things that happened when he was younger. I couldn’t believe my ears when he told me what he and his family had to go through. It was horrible and couldn’t understand how a human being can do those things to another human. It made me uncomfortable, but sadly it’s part of the history of this nation.

A stroll along the canal.

The synagogue of Prizren.

For me food is very important during traveling, it really helps me to connect with the country. I love to be surprised with new flavors! You will find kebab all over the Balkans, but sofar the best kebab I had was in Kosovo. Check out Te Syla Alhambra for some amazing kebab! The location is perfect with great views overlooking the river.

The famous stone bridge.

It’s always a good time for kebab!

Although my time in Kosovo was short; I was overwhelmed by this nation! To be honest I only knew Kosovo from what I saw on tv when I was still a young boy. When I thought about Kosovo I thought about the war, but the war has been over for a very very long time. I thought I would see the leftovers of buildings or evidence that would remind you of the war, but none of this all. Kosovo is an uprising nation and the people are proud of their nation. Kosovo is alive with life and they are trying to promote their nation for tourism. It’s difficult to get rid of the ‘war-coat’ Kosovo is wearing, but I hope by writing this blog the world will see how beautiful this nation is. It was great to see Kosovo in such a good shape just over a decade after the terrible war between Serbia and Kosovo. Everything had to be rebuild and the people in Kosovo really did everything they can to make it work!

I didn’t have time to check out the capital of Kosovo, Pristina, I will save that for next time! After Prizren I took the bus to Macedonia!

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