Peja
(Pec)
On a nice
spring day we wandered into Pec/Peja looking for the Regovia Gorge as we hope
to do a back packing trip into the mountains from here in June. Pec/Peja is
in the western part of Kosovo, a two hour bus ride from Pristina, with large
mountains and it borders with Albania and Montenegro. The Regovia gorge is
a gap between the mountains with the only road leading into Montenegro.
 |
Of course on our way to the gorge, we wondered through town. Very colorful
market and a beautiful day.
Many of the markets we have explored in Kosovo are not very interesting
(from a Latin American sense) except for the vegetables. Many have a flee
market feel to them. This market was a bit of an exception. It made us
wonder if we need to get over to the west side of Kosovo more and see
if the culture changes.
|
| Ahhhhh the colorful veggie section! But there's a bit of that flee market
stuff hanging up in the background. |
 |
 |
This picture taken
from the center of town and this is the view up the gorge.
|
| At the beginning of
the gorge, right out of town, is the old Orthodox Patrijarsija Monastery.
The domes are from the 13th century! As with all Serbian-Christian Orthodox
churches, KFOR is protecting them and access is very limited. We wanted
to get in and tour the place, but with all of our best persuasion we couldn't
get past the Italian KFOR guards. So we could only peer through the barbed
wire. |
 |
 |
On the hike up the gorge, we scrambled up to some caves and old mining
cut outs. Made for more interesting views and intimacy with the rocks.
The rock reminded us of the Owyhees in southern Idaho/Oregon.
Even with the spring run-off, the water was glacial blue-definately had
the high mountain feel to it.
And yes, that is a road. It switches back and forth in the canyon and
is the only passage between Kosovo and Montenegro unless you go up into
Serbian and then come back down. Therefore, it is a very strategic area!
|
| Although a hazy day and the picture isn't real clear, you can get the
idea of how mountainous the area is. This is why that road is so important.
|
 |
 |
After about five hours of hiking and bouldering we were on the return
trek back down the gorge. What a wonderful place with tons of exploring
(side canyons) to do! If we stay in Kosovo, this would definitely be a place
to live! |