Kosovo - Prizren

19.07.23

I'm returning again...

Even though my motivation is still lost somewhere in Shkodra and hasn't resurfaced, I'm here to write a blog post...

This time from the beautiful, yet completely unknown to me, Kosovo.

After almost 2 months in Albania, the Peaks of the Balkans, volunteering in a hostel in Shkodra, a festival, and many other wonderful experiences, I am once again traveling alone - back on the road. I almost lack words to describe all the beautiful moments and encounters in Albania. A country that has taken a special place in my travel heart. But it's not just the country itself that has made a lasting impression. It's mainly the people you meet. Some even became friends. That makes me really happy.

Similar to Albania, Kosovo has sparked my interest. Especially because it is not (yet) one of the typical vacation countries and is less touristy compared to other Balkan countries, but still unique and exciting.

Just considering the history of this small country with two million inhabitants, there is a lot to tell. Without having delved into it, you still come across it quite often in everyday life, especially in conversations with people here. The same happened on my first morning, at some gas station near Prizren. They asked me directly if I'm from Germany, as if I had those black-red-golden stripes on my face and one of those cool flags on my car windows.

Actually, I'm always very happy when I start a conversation with people and they are interested. Because I am interested too, and it's always a joy to somehow communicate with each other.

In any case, they immediately invited me for a coffee and the former soldier talked about the division of Albania. Ultimately, it wasn't easy to follow him, but it wasn't because of the language. His German was good. The Serbs didn't come out well, that's as much as I remember.

The communication has been super easy so far because many people here speak German. Not surprising to me, considering that almost half of the population now lives abroad, especially in Switzerland and Germany.

About 30 km from the Albanian border lies the city of Prizren, which was recommended to me in advance and should be my first stop in Kosovo. The city in the south of the country has 85,000 inhabitants and is worth seeing with its mosques, Orthodox cathedrals, and synagogues. The river Prizrenzka Bistrica flows underneath ancient stone bridges, through the charming, lively city center. You can enjoy a splendid view from the Kalaja Fortress, located slightly above the city. In the center itself, there are once again plenty of cafes and restaurants. The touristic side of the city is also reflected in the many small souvenir shops and jewelry stores.

I'm spending one night in a well-visited parking lot right next to a park. It's also very popular among the locals and is perfect for visiting some of the cafes, a mini amusement park for children, and the city center.

In the mornings and evenings, people also go for walks here. Regardless of age, with or without sportswear, once it's not scorching hot anymore, people use the park to move around. Everyone does it. There are also a few outdated fitness equipment pieces that seem to be particularly popular among the over 70-year-olds. A picture that still brings a smile to my face. They all eagerly occupied the area with the fitness equipment. Even in slow motion, they were all active and on the move.

Speaking of movement. To be honest, I'm moving around in slow motion now too, because everything else is too hot. Most of the time, I escape to as shady places as possible or somewhere near water. Nevertheless, I dragged myself up to the fortress in what felt like 48 degrees. I had hoped to at least cool off my feet a bit in the nearby river and also wash them, but you'll search in vain for bathing spots here. The only leisure activities listed here are drinking coffee, shopping, and walking. The first one is now part of me too. I already miss swimming or the sea.

Even though the city and the parking lot were ultimately too chaotic for me, I still arrived well in the land of emigrants. I'm looking forward to more impressions and encounters.

Tomorrow, I will go to the capital, Pristina.