The first day: Unveiling the vibrant heart of Kosovo

By Josie Piëch

 

Amsterdam > Pristina - Tuesday, 13 June 2023

 

The long-awaited day had finally arrived. With eager anticipation and excitement bubbling within us, we embarked on a journey to Pristina, the vibrant capital of Kosovo. From the moment we set foot outside the Burger King at Schiphol, the echoes of our planned meeting point, "2.30pm on Tuesday," resonated in our minds. We gathered at Schiphol Airport, each member of our group brimming with anticipation. With passports in hand and hearts full of wanderlust, we boarded our first flight to Vienna, ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure. As our plane touched down in Vienna, we realised the fatigue that had accumulated after a gruelling exam the day before. Despite our weariness, we embarked on a brief layover and found ourselves dining at the airport, albeit with a twinge of regret at the expense. Rejuvenated by a somewhat satisfying meal, we embarked on the next leg of our journey - a flight to Pristina, Kosovo's lively capital. It was roughly 11pm as we disembarked at Pristina Airport. The air was tinged with a mix of exhaustion and excitement, amplifying the sense of adventure that enveloped us. We finally arrived at our cosy hostel just minutes before midnight. The sight of our comfortable rooms beckoned to us, and with heavy eyelids, we succumbed to the embrace of sleep, eagerly anticipating the dawn of a new day. 

 

Pristina - Wednesday, 14 June 2023 

 

Our adventure kicked off with an early morning wake-up call and a mad scramble for showers. Bleary-eyed but determined, we set off to explore Pristina's bustling streets. Our destination was set - a meeting point at the iconic "Newborn" sign. However, as we approached the site, we were taken aback by an unexpected change. The sign no longer read "Newborn" but instead displayed "NoNewBR" (no new broken republic). 

The transformation sparked curiosity and ignited conversations among our group, leaving us pondering the significance of this alteration. Eager to satisfy our growling stomachs, we sought refuge in a cafe. With prices that seemed too good to be true - 1 euro for a coffee - we settled down to enjoy a delightful morning feast. However, our enthusiasm overshadowed our awareness of time. Realising that 20 breakfast orders within a tight 20-minute window was an ambitious feat, we quickly improvised, requesting our meals to-go, and hustled towards our first meeting destination. The Centre for Social Group Development (CSGD), an LGBTQ+ activist organisation, beckoned us with open arms. Sarah presented the details of our meeting, highlighting the significance of CSGD as one of only two organisations of its kind in all of Kosovo. As we stepped into the realm of passionate activism, Erik, introducing himself as Anne's husband, unknowingly sparked a memorable exchange, evoking laughter and setting the tone for the day. Read Sarah's blog for a deeper dive into our meeting with CSGD and the powerful stories that unfolded.

 

Taking advantage of the free time that followed, we immersed ourselves in the city's rich history and culture. From statues of notable figures to mesmerising churches, every corner of Pristina exuded a sense of heritage and pride. 

Along the way, we indulged in the local cuisine, savouring delectable treats from cosy bakeries, all at astonishingly affordable prices. Energised and content, we rendezvoused once again at the iconic "Newborn" sign, eagerly anticipating our next adventure. I gave the pre-meeting presentation for our second meeting of the day for the Prishtina Shapers a group of youth peacebuilders. The ambiance at the meeting with the Prishtina Shapers was set with a breathtaking performance by a talented student, who graced us with five classical piano pieces by Albanian composers. Deepening our connection with the Prishtina Shapers, one of their members sat down with us, unveiling the essence of their organisation, which we were captivated to learn about. The Prishtina Shapers are a group of inspiring young individuals striving to create positive change in their community by aspiring to create social impact through youth empowerment. With the conclusion of our engaging Q&A session, our newfound friends from the Prishtina Shapers extended a warm invitation to join them for drinks. Eagerly accepting, we embarked on an enchanting journey to a delightful restaurant. Settling in, we found ourselves immersed in a tapestry of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, as stories flowed freely, and connections deepened. After a few hours of drinks and time spent with the Prishtina Shapers, the night was far from over. Led by our hunger for both food and stimulating conversation, we made our way to Rings, a charming restaurant nestled close to our hostel. 

The day wouldn't be complete without experiencing Pristina's vibrant nightlife. We embraced the invitation to join one of the Prishtina Shapers for drinks after dinner and ventured into a lively bar district. Laughter, drinks, and heartfelt conversations flowed freely, creating bonds of friendship that transcended borders. It was a night of celebration, forging connections, and immersing ourselves in the local culture. As our eventful first day in Pristina drew to a close, we reflected on the incredible moments we had experienced. From encounters with passionate activists to engaging discussions with the Prishtina Shapers, our journey had already exceeded expectations. Pristina had revealed itself as a city bursting with vibrant energy, rich history, and a profound sense of community. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the wonders of Pristina, unearthing stories that will leave you inspired and captivated.