The Majestic Sharri Mountains of Kosovo

• HelloTungjatjeta
  [toon-yaht-yet-ah]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [meer-oo-pahf-sheem]
• YesPo
  [poh]
• NoJo
  [yoh]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loo-tem]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fah-leh-meen-deh-reet]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [mah fahl-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see yeh-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [meer-uh. thay yoo]
• Do you speak English?A flisni anglisht?
  [ah flees-nee ahng-leesht]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koopt-oy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDo të doja të shikoja menunë, ju lutem
  [doh tuh doh-yah tuh shee-koh-yah meh-noo-nuh, yoo loo-tem]
• I don't eat meatNuk ha mish
  [nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [geh-zoo-ar]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDo të doja të paguaja, ju lutem
  [doh tuh doh-yah tuh pah-goo-ah-yah, yoo loo-tem]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [ndee-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [shkoh lahr-g]
• Call the Police!Thirr policinë!
  [theer poh-lee-tsee-nuh]
• Call a doctor!Thirr një mjek!
  [theer nyuh myek]
• I'm lostJam i humbur
  [yam ee hoom-boor]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yam ee sahm-oo-ruh]

• I'd like to buy...Do të doja të blija...
  [doh tuh doh-yah tuh bleeh-ah]
• I'm just lookingPo shoh vetëm
  [poh shoh veh-tuhm]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah koo-shton]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [kyoh uhs-htuh shoo-muh eh shtrehn-jteh]
• Can you lower the price?Mund të ulni çmimin?
  [moond tuh ool-nee chmee-meen]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah uhs-htuh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një ora
  [uhs-htuh nyuh oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Njëzet e gjysmë
  [nyuh-zet eh gyees-muh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-jes]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-dee-teh]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [uhm-bruhm-yeh]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [soht]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-sahr]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [kah-tuhr]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-suh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsht]
• 7Shtatë
  [shtah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-tuh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nuhn-tuh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [dyeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një...
  [koo uhs-htuh nyuh]
• What's the address?Cila është adresa?
  [chee-lah uhs-htuh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moond tuh muh troh-nee (nuh hahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi tjetër?
  [koor uhs-htuh ow-toh-boo-see tyet-uhr]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-tuh (nuh)]

The Sharri Mountains were once home to ancient Illyrian tribes, who established settlements throughout the region. These indigenous people are considered some of the earliest inhabitants of the Balkans, leaving behind traces of their existence in the form of archaeological artifacts such as pottery, tools, and remnants of their fortresses.

During the Roman era, the Sharri Mountains became an important region for the empire. The Romans built roads and fortifications to secure their control over the area and facilitate trade and military movements. The remains of Roman roads and outposts can still be found scattered throughout the mountains, providing a glimpse into the region's strategic importance in antiquity.

In the medieval period, the Sharri Mountains were incorporated into the Serbian Kingdom. This era saw the construction of numerous monasteries and churches as the region became a spiritual and cultural center. Notable examples include the Monastery of St. Archangels, which showcases the architectural and artistic achievements of the time.

The Sharri Mountains came under Ottoman control in the 15th century, a period that lasted for several centuries. The Ottomans left a significant mark on the region, influencing its architecture, culture, and way of life. Ottoman-era bridges, baths, and mosques can still be seen, reflecting the extensive integration of Ottoman culture into the local fabric.

During World War II, the Sharri Mountains served as a stronghold for partisan fighters resisting Axis forces. The rugged terrain provided a natural refuge for these guerilla units, who played a crucial role in the broader resistance movement across the Balkans. Memorials and monuments in the region honor the sacrifices and bravery of these fighters.

In the late 20th century, the Sharri Mountains witnessed significant conflict during the Kosovo War. The mountains were both a battleground and a refuge for those fleeing the violence. The scars of this conflict are still evident, and the region has since become a symbol of resilience and recovery. Efforts to preserve and promote the natural and cultural heritage of the Sharri Mountains have gained momentum in the post-war period.

The Sharri Mountains can be accessed from several key points in Kosovo. The nearest international airport is Pristina International Airport 'Adem Jashari', located approximately 70 kilometers from the mountains. From Pristina, you can rent a car or take a bus to the town of Prizren, which is a common gateway to the Sharri Mountains. The journey by road typically takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for a more direct and convenient route.

Once in Prizren, you can use local buses and taxis to reach various parts of the Sharri Mountains. For exploring the mountains and remote areas, renting a car or hiring a local guide with a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. There are also some organized tours that offer transportation and guided hikes. Public transport is less frequent in remote areas, so planning your trips carefully is essential.

The official currency in Kosovo is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns like Prizren, but it is advisable to carry cash when traveling to more remote areas. ATMs are available in Prizren and other larger towns. Be sure to have sufficient cash before heading into the mountains, as ATMs and card payment options are limited.

The Sharri Mountains are generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always inform someone of your travel plans. Be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended. It's also wise to check for any travel advisories before your trip.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest major hospital is in Prizren, and there are smaller medical facilities in other towns near the Sharri Mountains. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Prizren and other larger towns.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and sturdy footwear for hiking. Dress in layers, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially in villages. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A simple 'Mirëmëngjes' (Good morning) or 'Përshëndetje' (Hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience the Sharri Mountains like a local, visit the traditional villages and interact with the local inhabitants. Participate in activities such as cheese-making or shepherding if the opportunity arises. Try the local cuisine, including specialties like Sharri cheese and lamb dishes. For a unique experience, attend local festivals or events that may be happening during your visit. Always be respectful and open to learning about the local way of life.