The American incarnation brings together turkey, pumpkin pie and the pigskin variety of football to vaguely commemorate a feast held by pilgrims in what became the United States. It is a time for gluttony and possibly reflection as we take stock of the things for which we’re grateful.  In that tradition, here are a few things I’m thankful for as resident of Pristina municipality.

• Crows: Pristina’s outspoken interlocutors also communicate brilliantly from their backsides.
• Packs of sketchy dudes in restaurants and cafes: They number between three and five as an establishment’s only patrons. Coffee, cigarettes and some gold chains mingle for hours on end. Actually knowing what they’re up to would ruin the fun.
• Magic Park: Most definitely not a park but frequently confused with the nearby miniature amusement park, Fantasy Land, this place is nothing short of magic. It’s part indoor playground, part café/restaurant. But the biggest draw, if you’re to believe the billboards around town, is its large banquet tent. Perfect for weddings and cooperate luncheons — though there happens to be a skating rink there now.
• Promenading on Mother Teresa: Purpose-driven leisure finds its spiritual home on a pedestrian street.
• Peja from the tap: Kosovo’s increasingly serviceable beer becomes even more drinkable fresh out of the keg. Brewery privatization never tasted so good.
• Traffic direction: God bless these police officers who are under the impression that they can bring order to the vehicular and pedestrian anarchy.
• Hamburgers: The secret to their deliciousness is that the meat is identical to that used for cevapi.
• Sunsets: This city’s abysmal air quality is a small price to pay for the spectacular transition to twilight.
• Lip-syncing: Awkward dancing and non-vocalized mouth movements masquerading as singing help to punctuate a wide spectrum of TV programming from game shows to fashion shows.
• Macchiatos: Last but not least, Pristina’s signature beverage. Perhaps part of the draw is that these macchiatos don’t exactly sync up with their Italian inspiration. But they’re cheap and sometimes extremely delicious. Most importantly, they take the guilt from doing absolutely nothing.

The text was originally written in English. 

Photo credit:Sandy Kim