We woke in a leisurely way — kind of works well when we are now with others, including some children! After a bit of time we had our coffee (“mocha” here in Kosovo doesn’t mean chocolate and coffee, btw.) and shortly after we ate outside for breakfast.
Eventually we headed out, for to the town of Peja, where we walked a bit (including a mosque) and eventually had lunch, and then we headed to the mountains. I’d love to tell you what the place was called but I can’t remember! I can tell you it took eons to get through and park: the line of cars getting in and those attempting to get out was a bit of a mad house. We had two cars and we ended up in different locations but we managed to connect and walk up on a path. What a huge crowd! I guess everyone in the area heads to this place on a weekend. But we had a nice walk, and then went back to a place right there for dinner. Believe it or not … I ate too much! I know that comes as a complete surprise.
When we got back to the house we were greeted but a number of people already there and so we ended up sitting around a table outside. There was a lot of conversation of which I could understand virtually nothing! It’s interesting to be the outsider as I am. Dan can catch bits of sentences and figure out what they are talking about, but I sure can’t. Ah well. I can smile. I can nod my head. And I can enjoy that they are enjoying each other’s company!
Sooo … while on the road it hasn’t been easy to write, due to a number of things. We are no longer on our own, and I don’t want to leave our happy group just to write. I also am pretty darn weary after long travel days. So I am going to try and write about the past two travel days and see if I can get it right (I’m sure I’ve already forgotten things!).
OH … and “last night’s” post was written so late it was today already. In case there was any confusion.
So back to our travels. I did write about getting to Hungary, but left it rather short. Greg drove (this would be on Friday, August 18. We planned on taking shifts, but it just didn’t happen. He drove fast, as one does (because one can) on the Autobahn. They have smart rules, like only passing on the left and getting out of the fast lane when you aren’t going as fast (or something like that), and it really does make sense. We left Germany, went into Austria, and then it was Hungary. Nothing of great significance to report, honestly … just lots of country to see, and it seems like both days we traveled were full of corn and sunflowers. I honestly can’t remember crossing the borders (even while I did note that we crossed them on Facebook). I’ve read that one doesn’t have to show a passport when going through Schengen countries. Funny that we DID have to show ours going to Austria on the train!
When we arrived at our Friday night hotel in Hungary we opted to eat right there for dinner (no more driving for Greg!), and then we ate breakfast there as well on the 19th. Then it was back in the car for a long drive again. As we got out to the car we saw an ominous sky. Sure enough, we had rain at the start, but we were driving out of it and it ended somewhat soon.
Going from Hungary into Serbia we were required to show passports. The lines to do that weren’t too long, but there were people selling various things — sunglasses, games, and who knows what else — none of which were of interest to us. You show your passport to both Hungary border control and then Serbia. (Okay, I think I’m getting that right … but my car companions can correct me if I’m wrong!) At some point we got gas and were very likely ripped off (well, Greg was), told it was cash only and no change was given to him. Odds are we should have refused the guy’s help, but we really didn’t know the rules there. We also had a bite to eat and that was the last stop we made for food until we arrived at the house in Kosovo.
While I say it wasn’t a long wait to get through border control for us, it was horrendous going the other direction! Those poor people in line were most likely there all day if not longer. People are coming back from vacations, and I just can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to get home.
Next up was getting from Serbia to Kosovo. Again, there were very few cars in front of us, but it took us over forty minutes to get through. For us it was just showing passports and being told to go to the next border control, but some cars in front of us took eons. No clue why. After getting in to Kosovo we pulled over so Greg could get the necessary insurance, and a man came and chatted with us. They love Americans, it’s clear. When they heard Greg was associated with the military one guy bowed … they loved him the best. As you drive through Kosovo you see their flag, and frequently the American as well.
We had directions to the house where we are staying, but the car took us to a different spot, having not plugged in the spots between the final destination. Turns out there are a few places with the same name. So when we thought we had arrived we had about another hour and a half to go. Even then we were unable to locate the mosque that was to be the spot where my niece would meet up with us so we shared our location on WhatsApp and she did manage to get to use and lead us to the house.
We are staying at Vanessa’s husband Avni’s father’s house. Vanessa, Avni, and their three adorable kids are here as well. There is room for all of us, as Avni’s siblings who live here (sometimes? always? I don’t know!), are gone for the time we are here.
We had dinner out on the back patio, and talked for a long time. Then we went into the living room and talked even longer. It’s just so great to see everyone! (But I’m missing other family members and I hope they know we would have loved to be with them as well. NEXT TIME, everyone?!)
Then to bed with us. After midnight.
This morning at about 7:45 there was what I am assuming was a call to prayer at the mosque. When I looked that up, though, the times were different, so I’m not sure if that’s what it’s called. We are still hanging out in our room … but it’s after 8:00 now and I’m getting anxious so I think I’ll get dressed and go downstairs to see what the plan is for today.
Now … photos … hm … only have things from the car. Nothing great. But it’s all I’ve got! The first images are in Belgrade. The last is the border control from Serbia to Kosovo. I promise I’ll eventually get back to better photos. I hope!
I will have to save writing more for tomorrow, but today we went from Hungary, into Serbia, and finally to Kosovo, where we are staying in a house with extended family. It was quite a long day (and again Greg drove, for which I’m thankful!), and the border entries were interesting. So was filling the tank at one spot, but more on that later. If I don’t get to sleep soon I’ll go nuts with my antsy legs.
