THINGS TO DO

Kosovo (Adea's home)

As I was writing this piece for Kosovo, I quickly realized that it did not appear on the drop-down list of this website. Quite ironic but that is the reality of our beloved homeland. So everything I list in this website will say Albania! Independent since 2008, Kosovo still faces many issues of international recognition for its statehood. A landlocked country of just about 2 million people, Kosovo has seen some hardship but it is as resilient as they come. The youngest country in Europe -both in terms of demographics and statehood ! I often say "it's a small land with a big heart," and I hope the hospitality of my family, friends and everyone around us will make you feel welcome and convince you to come back again. Should you wish to plan trips to neighboring countries, including to Albania (3hrs drive), Montenegro (~4/5hrs), N. Macedonia (1hr), or even Greece (4hrs) and Croatia (~6+ hrs), please email us -we'd be glad to help! The summer is a wonderful place to visit the region.

Mother Teresa Cathedral, Prishtina

Did you know that Mother Teresa was Albanian ? Thought so :). Kosovo has consecrated a Roman Catholic cathedral for Mother Teresa in 2007. If you have time to go up the cathedral staircase, the view of the city is lovely!

The National University Library of Kosovo "Pjetër Bogdani"

Scanderbeg monument and Mother Teresa main street, Prishtina

Prishtina is the capital of coffee! Seriously best coffee in the planet. You won't go wrong. I will list some of my favorite bars and restaurants and cafes below, but in this main street you can wander and see the National Theater, Government buildings, Scanderbeg statue (Albanian national hero from 15th century), and countless cafes and shops. It's also parallel to the street where Adea's family lives.

Ethnological Museum of Kosovo (under repair but still worth a quick visit), Prishtina

The NEWBORN sign, created for our independence, Prishtina

Imperial Mosque

The Imperial Mosque was built in 1461 by Sultan Mehmet II Fati.

Favorite Prishtina cafes and restaurants

We have added all our favorites on the google map shared, but also listing here. Everything is walking distance in the city, and cafe-hopping is a very popular sport :). If lost, ask anyone in the street -95% chance they'll speak English (and about 50% change they'll speak German/Italian/French). Coffee/Bar 1. SOMA cafe and bookstore & SOMA Slow Food 2. BON VIVANT (our fave for going out + daytime) 3. Remember Me (our fave lil chocolate/tea/coffee spot) 4. Trosha (for beakfast and tea) 5. SONDER (garden, brunch &coffee) ...honestly coffee is good anywhere in town --even gas stations :) 6. Stepia d'arra 7. BAGOLINA eatery 8. MEZZERIA 9. HANA ne PARK 10. URBAN GASTROLOUNGE Restaurants: 1. RRON restaurant (outside of town) -beautiful and well-known 2. Sirius hotel restaurant (rooftop) 3. Basilico italian restaurant 4. Qebaptore Sarajeva (a MUST-DO for any meat lover) 5. TIFFANYS for traditional food --delicious 6. Renaissance (needs to be booked ahead)

Town of GJAKOVA- where Adea's family is from

Gjakova was severely hit from the war of 1999 and has not bounced back as quickly as some other towns. It is, however, the town of Adea's family- both from mother's and father's side. It was once -and remains- the intellectual cradle of Kosovo, with some of the most well known academics, politicians, teachers (including adeas grandparents) and fighters in the country. While Adea's family's home was destroyed during the war, there are still houses in the neighborhood that resemble the old arhcitecture, as well as a Museum-Tower in the name of her family's Ancestor -Abdullah Pashe Drenit. Adea's father's family -the Kryezius- have the equivalent title of Lords in Kosovo (or Bey, during the Ottoman times) and it would be impossible to walk the streets of Gjakova, mention the last name and not have everyone recognize it. If you have time to go to Gjakova, we recommend Lunch/Coffee at CARSHIA E JUPAVE (which is the area where adea grew up).

Town of PRIZREN

Our favorite Kosovar city, with a gorgeous Fortress up-top, many old ottoman mosques thorughout and charming cafe's and ice-cream places along the river.

Town of PEJA and the Rugova Canyon

Stone Castle Winery, Rahovec

Lovely winery in the Rahovec region, famous for its vineyards. This particular winery has a lovely tasting room inside -we'll be serving their wines at the reception as well.

Tour of Albania

Tirana + Vlora + Berat + Gjirokaster + southern beaches... Get in touch with Adea&Tom for more ideas and recommendations

Hiking in Northern Albania

Theth National Park and Valbone valley- truly breathtaking....

Unbelievable (and most still wild) beaches of Southern Albania

Gjipe Beach; Drymades; Greencoast resort area; Himara beaches etc etc