Kosovo

Last week was spent entirely in Pristina, Kosovo which for us on this study abroad staying in a place for more than a few nights is a rare occurrence.  This week was a nice "breather" from the rest of the trip getting to relax more because there were less touristy things to do while in Pristina.  While we were jam packed with various briefings from different missions in Kosovo, most of my free time this week was spent enjoying long meals and coffee with other members of our group.  We also had two day trips this week with one to visit our TA's hometown in Macedonia and meet his family and the other to Mitrovica in northern  Kosovo.

Highlights of the Week:

Day trip to Tetovo, Macedonia

  After a longer than expected bus ride (due to some unpleasant border patrols) we made it up into the moutains of Tetovo to enjoy a feast at Sharri's Restaurant.  This restaurant had one of the most beautiful views looking out over the entire city.  It also had a garden in the back with chickens and peacocks adding to the view.  Not only was the view great from this place, but the food was by far the best meal I've ever had!  We're talking starting off with bread the length of an arm, roasted peppers with cheese, three types of salad, and cheese all just for the appetizer.  Then I got a mushroom sauce beeftek (aka a steak, but if you say steak here you get chicken, confusing I know) with vegetables.  Sorry Mom but this steak was the best steak I have ever eaten.  After clearly over stuffing ourselves we took a walk around the garden to look at the peacocks and chickens while they cleared our table for yes more food, dessert.  The dessert ended up being a sugar cookie soaked in sugar water, delicious!  So basically the moral of this story is if you are ever in Tetovot, Macedonia or really anywhere by there go to Sharri's you will not regret it!

Since Sharri's was in the mountains they gave us all blankets to keep warm



View from dinner at Sharris

Our TA Bessir's Highschool

 

First mosque I've ever been inside!

 

Now back to Pristina:

Old Empty Orthodox Church

Library

At the front entrance of the Library

Statue of Bill Clinton on Bill Clinton Blvd.

Dress store located next to Bill Clinton statue

NEWBORN sign built after Kosovo gained independence in 2008

4th of July Concert

4th of July Fireworks

 

Not sure if you can tell but from the previous pictures most of the people of Kosovo love Americans, so it was a great place to be able to celebrate the 4th of July!  We got to attend a concert with many Kosovar pop stars singing a mix of popular American and Kosovar songs, while constantly being told "Happy Birthday."  This concert was topped off with a fireworks display and the entire crowd cheering.  So although I wish I was home to celebrate Independence Day in the good old US of A I'd have to say Pristina, Kosovo was a phenomenal second best option!

Our second day trip was to Mitrovica, Kosovo.  This is the city in Kosovo with the most tension and possible conflict flare ups.  We had several meetings with International Organizations stationed here and unfortunately due to precautions were not allowed to go on the other side of the bridge.  In the picture above it shows the roadblock that was built to separate the northern and southern Kosovo.  While it does not seem that impressive seeing as though one can easily walk around or over the roadblock its symbolism carries the impressive nature. 

Yes, they love SpongeBob in Pristina too!

Just one of many uplifting graffiti's displayed throughout the city!

 

So if you're reading this it means you are more than likely keeping up with my blog, so firstly thank you and secondly stay tuned because a Vienna and Budapest post will be up in the near future!