Kosovo

Understand

The population of Kosovo is about 92% Albanian, who use the name Kosova in their Albanian tongue. Although the official name in English Republic of Kosovo is approved by Kosovo's Albanian-speaking authorities, the word Kosova still finds its way into the English vernacular of locals.

Many people in Kosovo can speak English and German; they are more than willing to help you and tell you their stories. As an outsider, you will get to hear both sides.

If you are interested in more than just seeing beautiful mountains and ancient ruins on your vacation to 'the region', Kosovo strongly recommends itself.

Seeing the UN and the international community in action or lack thereof is quite interesting.

Speaking to people in a post conflict environment is an eye opener that tends to cause a person to stop thinking of people in countries of civil conflict as simply nuts.

You'll get a first hand view of more than 6 different cultures Albanian, Serb, Roma, Ashkalia, Bosniak, and Turkish

You'll gain an understanding of what happens when governments allow industry to function when both environmental regulations and solid, defensible property rights are scarce.

You'll come to enjoy a lot of coffee-shops around Prishtina.

The Kosovars tend to be very friendly towards the USA for its support of their independence ie: they have "Bill Clinton Boulevard" in Prishtina, as well as a large picture mural of him on the side of a building. They also are very friendly to Western European and Middle Eastern countries.

Climate

The climate is continental, with very warm summers and cold and snowy winters.