Kool Kosovo

Day 1

Very early start left home at 2.30am, excellent service from Matt (Executive Event Transfers) who transported me to Heathrow Terminal 2. Arrived at 3.30am nothing was open not even security! Things started to open around 4.10am, flight was called at 5am. Austrian Airlines very slick and organised, only about 50 passengers on the flight. I had a very comfortable seats (row 5) as I needed to upfront as my connection in Vienna was very tight. Flight took off on time, arrived early which gave me additional time to make my connection, very easy to transfer in Vienna. Flight to Pristina was completely full, a lot of Military and NATO personal as well as the Latvian Basketball team! Flight time was 1hr 15mins. Immigration at Pristina was very smooth and quick, no stamp in the passport even though they aren’t in the EU.

My driver was waiting for me; he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend prebooking especially like me you had an early start, journey was approx. 1hr to Prizren. The cost was EUR80.00 I paid extra for English Speaker, again would recommend that also as he gave me some interesting facts and information about Kosovo. Arrived at my Guest House HAN I VJETER which is also an excellent restaurant.

Traditional Ottoman building with 2 guest rooms. My room was lovely, very spacious, huge balcony with great view. Excellent value for money EUR 117.00 for 2 nights including breakfast. Decided to take a leisurely stroll around the town. There were so many stray dogs, thankfully they are tagged so they are safe and well looked after. What a beautiful city, so much culture, amazing buildings, people were so friendly.

Visted Shadervan Square had a lovely lunch with good local wine at Restaurant Pashtrku all for EUR10.00. The Square is very lively with lots of restaurants, cafes and shops with Ottoman era charm. Visted the grounds of the old church of Our Lady of Ljevis (open Fri, Sat & Sun), just enjoyed walking around its very like Mostar especially down by the Stone Bridge. Came back to the Guesthouse had a glass of wine (Bodrunii Vjeter) on the balcony and the best night’s sleep in the most comfortable bed!

Day 2

Had a wonderful traditional Kosovan breakfast. Took a taxi to Prizren Castle (Fortress) don’t pay anymore than EUR20.00 for the return journey including waiting time of 20mins and only use authorised taxis from the rank. It’s a very steep journey with very winding roads; you can walk it although I wouldn’t recommend it! The Castle dates to 6^th century, was built by the Ottoman Empire, however the site dates to 2000BC. Then it was off to Sinan Pasha Mosque, again built by Ottoman Empire in 1615, it overlooks the main Street in Prizren and is a dominant feature in the town’s skyline. Stopped for a well-earned Aperol spritz at Code Café by the river, lovely setting and friendly staff. The Hammami Gazi Baths are under construction however they date back to 14^th century. Next it was to Dadodo Street full of glitzy dress and jewellery shops. Amazing dinner tonight at HAN I VJETER. The staff (Eris, Dienlza & Ari) are just amazing and can’t do enough for you.

Day 3

Checked out, I was left a breakfast box as it doesn’t start until 9am. Caught a taxi to the bus station approx. 10mins, cost EUR4.00 don’t pay anymore than EUR5.00. The bus station is very large with plenty of buses however very organised. I had prebooked my ticket (EUR5.00) you can purchase tickets onboard. Bus left on time takes 2hrs to Pristina as it takes the scenic route which I enjoyed as you get to see the countryside, lots of memorial sites from the War. Caught a cab from Pristina bus station to my hotel (EUR10.00) don’t pay anymore! Another little Gem is the Etnomania Hotel, would highly recommend, excellent value for money EUR44.00 including breakfast it was a small single room but did the job. The staff were so helpful even making me sandwiches on Wednesday at no additional charge as I wasn’t having breakfast on Thursday morning due to leaving at 2.10am! Walked around the city it seemed huge but wasn’t once you get your bearings. Visted Madeline Albright Square, Newborn Monument, the Monument of Heriot dedicated to the woman of Albania and Kosovo who were raped and tortured during the Balkan War and Bill Clinton Boulevard and Monument.  The main pedestrian street is Bulevardi Nene Tereza (Mother Teresa Boulevard) which is a vibrant hub for cafes, shops, restaurants and people watching and has a really nice atmosphere. Pristina is good for a day but doesn’t have the charm Prizren does.

Day 4

Was picked up at 2.10am by Taxi, I booked through the Hotel (EUR15.00) takes approx. 20mins at that time of the day. Pristina is a small but efficient airport, lots of eating places and duty free all open. Security and Passport Control well organised and slick. Flight took off early so I didn’t have to rush to make my connection in Vienna. The London bound flight was operated by Air Baltic who were excellent.