08/22/2026
Just a day before I was scheduled to leave the US to travel back to Europe, my friend Marian’s grandson called me.
“Marian’s in her last days,” he said. “You should come.”
I immediately changed my plans and drove across the state to see my dear friend.
When I opened the door to her room, she was sleeping. She looked so small and frail. Her 101-year-old body was getting tired. I wondered if she’d wake up, or even recognize me
Read more
https://dawnpickbenson.substack.com/p/my-marian
08/07/2026
Attending and want to explore a bit more of Kosovo? 🇽🇰 This might be a Nice little day trip to the country’s wine region 🍷
Kosovo Wine, Cheese & Rakija Tour — Saturday, August 15th
Join us on Saturday, August 15 for an unforgettable one-day tour through Rahovec, Kosovo’s picturesque wine region, where you’ll visit local boutique wineries and experience the country’s rich wine-making tradition.
What’s included:
• Round-trip transport (Prishtina & Prizren pickup)
• Wine tastings + charcuterie at 2 selected local boutique wineries
• Professional guide throughout the day
Price: €95 per person
Departure:
08:30 — Pickup in Prishtina
09:45 — Pickup in Prizren
Return:
Prizren — approx. 17:00
Prishtina — approx. 18:30-19:00
📩 Spots are limited — message us by August 12 to reserve your seat.
07/27/2026
🌍 Did You Know? 🇽🇰
Kosovo is a country in Southeastern Europe, located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. Known for its rich cultural heritage, mountainous landscapes, and historic significance, Kosovo has long been a crossroads of civilizations, where different cultures, religions, and traditions have met over the centuries.
The country is famous for its medieval monasteries, vibrant traditions, scenic mountains, and young population, making it one of the most unique destinations in the Balkans.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
📍 General Facts
🇽🇰 Country: Kosovo
🏙️ Capital: Pristina
👥 Population: Approximately 1.6 million people
🌎 Location: Southeastern Europe (Balkan Peninsula)
🌊 Coastline: None (landlocked country)
💰 Currency: Euro (€)
🌤️ Climate: Continental, with Mediterranean influences in some regions
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🏙️ Major Cities
🏛️ Pristina – The capital and largest city, known for its modern atmosphere and cultural institutions.
🏰 Prizren – Historic city famous for its Ottoman architecture and multicultural heritage.
🏭 Peja – Gateway to the Rugova Mountains and a popular destination for outdoor activities.
⛰️ Gjakova – One of Kosovo's oldest cities, known for its historic bazaar and cultural traditions.
🌿 Mitrovica – Major city located on the Ibar River with historical and economic importance.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🌍 10 Interesting Facts About Kosovo
1️⃣ 🏔️ Kosovo is one of the youngest countries in Europe, having declared independence in 2008.
2️⃣ 🌍 It is a landlocked country surrounded by Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia.
3️⃣ ⛪ Kosovo is home to several medieval Serbian Orthodox monasteries recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
4️⃣ 🏰 The historic city of Prizren is considered one of the cultural capitals of the Balkans.
5️⃣ 🌲 The Rugova Mountains offer spectacular hiking, climbing, and winter sports opportunities.
6️⃣ 💶 Kosovo uses the euro (€) as its official currency, although it is not a member of the Eurozone.
7️⃣ 👥 Kosovo has one of the youngest populations in Europe.
8️⃣ 🎭 Traditional music, dance, and festivals remain an important part of Kosovo's cultural identity.
9️⃣ ☕ Café culture is deeply rooted in daily life, especially in Pristina and Prizren.
🔟 🌄 Despite its small size, Kosovo features diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, forests, and fertile valleys.
07/11/2026
Join me for a thoughtful, story-filled session about what a cathedral in Paris taught me about identity, intuition, and why travel can become one of our greatest teachers during seasons of change.
Thursday, July 16 at 12 noon EST
I’ll be talking about …
The Journey Before the Journey
During this conversation, I’ll discuss:
Why destination is the last question you should ask when planning your next journey.
What if the journey you’re longing for is really about who you’re becoming?
Why you should stop choosing trips based on what everyone else says you should do.
How to start listening for the journey that’s calling you.
Thursday, July 16th | 12:00-1:00pm EST
This conversation is part of the Prince Agency Third Thursday event!
Mark your calendar!
Link to join in comments!
07/04/2026
Today is the 4th of July, and I’m not in America.
One would assume there are no fireworks.
No American flags waving.
No patriotic music or celebrations.
But here is what I saw today as I walked on the Shesh, the main downtown promenade in Kosovo’s capital city of Prishtina.
Why?
https://dawnpickbenson.substack.com/p/why-does-a-tiny-country-in-europe
06/28/2026
06/17/2026