Europe’s Newest Kid on the Block

A small country with big conversations

Kosovo might be the most misunderstood in the Western world. (Just my opinion and perception from my experiences). Misunderstood because of how the media narratives control the thoughts of the nations. Let me explain, when I told people that I was travelling to Eastern Europe, and more specifically Serbia, Albania, & Kosovo, the typical reaction was the question “Why? It’s so dangerous!” My initial responses was “No, no, that’s in the past…” and after defending my destination choices for so long, my typical response morphed into…”Why Not? Do you know something I don’t know? Are your opinions based on something other than how the movies portray it?”

Yet, I don’t see anyone batting an eye or raising an eyebrow at travelling to the US or Mexico, UK or Japan. WHY? because you have been jaded by pop culture and write them off. It’s too bad because you are you missing out on a cultural experience you can only get in the Balkans. Rant over!

Historically yes, there has been turmoil

It’s History

Kosovo is still so young and only celebrated its 10th year as a country after declaring independence from Serbia in 2008 a handful of years ago. But Kosovo isn’t the only country to form during the past couple of decades.

Many of the countries’ transitions into statehood have been met with significant challenges. Some have been met with political violence and turmoil, while others struggle to be recognized as independent by other nations.

There are a handful of countries that still to this day don’t recognize Kosovo as independent and some of those are surprising with different reasons of their own. To name a few: Spain, Romania, Russia, China, India…but if you look at the top 9 nations that don’t support the independence, they make up for nearly 50% of the world population. (Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa) Some of the reasons are fear of their own internal turmoil prompting separatists to arise and of course the age old classic…Well I am friends with Serbia therefore I can’t support you.

While I was travelling in Serbia, there are propaganda signs everywhere declaring ownership of Kosovo. It was very interesting to travel Serbia first, then experience Kosovo and learn both sides of the story. As we know, there is always more than one story. The main languages are Albanian and Serbian which was good for me because I had picked up some Serbian while living there plus I was actively studying Albanian.

Incredible Nature

Rivers, Mountains, Plains

Surrounded by lush nature, much like the rest of the Balkans the summers are hot and the winters cold. With mountains and waterfalls everywhere, it is a nature lover’s dream come true. Kosovo is about the same size as Jamaica. Jamaica is10,990 square km and Kosovo is 10,910 square km. That’s pretty close in comparison, although Jamaica has over 1 million more people.

Three-fourths of the country is 1,600—5,000 feet above sea level. For some perspective, the Haleakalā Volcano in Maui is 10,000 feet. Grouse Mountain in Vancouver is about 4,000 feet.