I spent 2 weeks, learning about the culture & history, while connecting with the people. I also went to the Kosovo Beerfest & the Prizen Dokufest.
After spending 2 weeks in Belgrade, Serbia, I took a 6 hour bus ride to Phristina, Kosovo. When I got to the capitals square I saw this statute with a man holding his arm up. Who is this fella? As I approach it becomes clear to me that is the one and only....BILL CLINTON! To make it even more interesting, I look around me and see that I am on BILL CLINTON BOULEVARD, the biggest street in the capital.
It turns out that the people of Kosovo love Americans! Kosovo considers the United States its greatest partner in gaining recognition from the rest of the world. According to a 2016 report by Gallup, Kosovo led the region and the world again in approval for the second consecutive year, with 85% approving of U.S. Leadership. This is because the US officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as a country, which declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, the next day. The US assisted the Albanians in fighting Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War by deploying military forces and aircraft. There is even a George W. Bush Street in Tirana!
My first encounter with a Kosovor, once he found out I was American he sang The Star-Spangled Banner!
Abandon Churches
Today, over 90% of Kosovo's population are from Muslim family backgrounds, most of whom are ethnic Albanians. Seems odd that this heavily Muslim country loves the US, wonder how that will change if Trump becomes President. Naturally, I snuck into a couple of Abandon Churches. Talk about an eerie place.
The view from Kalaja (Castle), in the City Prizen, Kosovo. The reconstruction is actually being funded by the United States. It was a mega-city in the Ottoman Empire and now one of the most beautiful in Kosovo. The sounds of the the Call to Prayer were intoxicating, all of the different Mosques blending together to create a cacophony of sounds. Beautiful Dissonance.
My typical meal - Muckalica, a stew made of barbecued meat and vegetables, with an assortments of grilled meats on a wooden plank, served with a cold Peja Beer.
Here is my Albanian friend, Barty, and I at the Kosovo Beerfest, $1 beers!
Me During a Massive Hailstorm in Phristina, Kosovo
I was treated with such friendly warmth in Kosovo, the exact opposite of xenophobia. I met countless people who were eager to talk to me, and was told by many that I was the first American they have ever met! Next stop, Albania!