I’m back in Prizren, home of the best “qebops” in Kosova. I had a long chat with my boss, Igo, on the road here. We passed by a torn structure that she explained was a former Serb, and then KFOR, checkpoint. She explained that by 1998 there were checkpoints everywhere along the road, and many roads were closed off as they led to areas that were under siege because of KLA activities. Meanwhile, people in these areas suffered shortages of everything, including medicines. More than once, Igo risked getting stopped while carrying medicines to Prizren and surrounding towns… This activity was prohibited, as Serb soldiers believed these provisions were for KLA fighters.
On a more positive note, the road is beautiful and pleasant with much fewer checkpoints. It is somewhat dangerous with only two lanes and drivers inspired by speed. The downside to fewer checkpoints is that drivers tend to speed more, and there are many more accidents. A piece of interesting trivia for women out there: last week, while reporting on accidents on the roads of Kosova, the police cautioned drivers to slow down and encouraged them to drive like women…women rarely cause accidents here. Good job.
Posted By Claudia Zambra (Kosovo)
Posted Jun 20th, 2003