Day 1: Moving Day – Kosovo

Weather Update: Cloudy, High: 16°C

Elevation Above Sea Level: 652 Metres (2139 ft)

Navigating the Journey

An early start led me to the bus station, an easy enough journey. A short 250-metre walk to the top of the street brought me to the number 95 bus stop, which conveniently dropped me near the station. A good tip for travellers—local buses here are free.

At the station, the information desk pointed me to platform 36 for the 10:40 AM departure. However, even with a ticket in hand, I had to pay an extra 300 Serbian dinars (€2.50 / NZD 4.82) just to access the platform. Another minor toll came in the form of public toilets—100 dinars to use the facilities. These little fees can add up, something to keep in mind when budgeting.

The Road to Kosovo

The six-hour journey was largely uneventful, but one thing stood out—fly-tipping. Rubbish seemed to be dumped carelessly along roadsides, an unfortunate sight that has become so common it almost seems accepted. Out of sight, out of mind, but it lingers as a stark reminder of neglect.

As we neared the border, the ride became a test of endurance. The road surface turned into an obstacle course of potholes, shaking the bus with every jolt. Mile after mile, we bounced along until we finally reached the border crossing. Here, a staggering number of lorries—easily a hundred or more—lined up, waiting their turn for inspection. The sheer scale of the backlog was astonishing.

First Impressions of Pristina

Arriving at Pristina’s bus station, I faced a choice: a 3.7 km walk or a taxi ride through gridlocked traffic. The city streets were jammed with vehicles barely moving, so instead of watching the taxi meter climb, I opted to walk.

My first glimpse of Kosovo’s capital was dominated by towering concrete apartment blocks sprawled across the hillsides. Not the most inviting sight. However, I noticed large-scale roadworks on the outskirts—perhaps a much-needed solution to the congestion issues.

Exploring the City on Foot

The walk to my hostel took about an hour, cutting through Pristina’s central streets. Shops lined the Mother Terasas boulevard in all directions, an endless stretch of commerce. Unexpectedly, Christmas lights still hung overhead, adding an oddly charming touch to my evening stroll. Though seemingly out of season, they gave the city a warm, welcoming glow. Arriving late I did not take any photos my attention was getting to the hostel.

Settling In

Finding my hostel was straightforward, and the welcome was as warm as the glowing city lights. I kicked back with a beer at the hostel bar—just €1.50 (NZD 2.85)—before settling into bed at 9 PM to unwind with a football match.

Tomorrow holds new roads and new adventures. Stay tuned.

Andrew