For many in Kosovo, myself included, traveling abroad has long been more of a distant dream than a realistic possibility. Prolonged visa procedures, endless waiting and high costs have often made it nearly impossible for us to experience the world beyond our borders, no matter how much we’ve yearned to do so.

I have considered applying for a visa several times, but I have faced difficulties in meeting the requirements: an invitation from someone, a guarantor, and complex procedures that offered no certainty of success.

It might be amusing to some — especially those who have traveled frequently from an early age — but despite experiencing many things by the age of 23, I have never known the feeling of being above the clouds, seeing the world from that perspective.

I’ve been to the airport many times — watching family members leave and waiting for their return. I would watch planes take off and always wonder what happens on the other side of the airport: where were those people going? Were they excited to travel? They would experience what, for me, was only a dream — holding a ticket in hand for a journey somewhere far away.

When the visa regime was lifted in January 2024, I spent hours browsing airline websites, exploring flights and dreaming about where I might go.

It was a new and powerful feeling — the realization that I could finally choose a place on the map and say, “I’m going here.” I wanted to experience everything: savor pizza in Italy, taste wine in France, enjoy the sea in Spain and visit family in Germany.

First ticket

In April 2024, I booked my first flight. It was a quick decision, but one I would never regret. My preference had been to see something historic, something old. So, I chose to visit Catania, a city in Sicily, Italy.

From the day I booked my flight, I had a month to prepare for my journey. I watched every video I could find about Catania, checked my flight ticket online a hundred times and reviewed every document over and over again.

I felt like a child, facing the unknown. I wanted everything to go perfectly, especially since it was my first time experiencing something like this. I organized every detail of the trip on my own. Some might not understand, but for me, it felt like the butterflies of a first day at school, work or any highly anticipated moment.

The day of the trip arrived. Stressed, I convinced my boyfriend, who was traveling with me, to go to the airport five hours early. Our flight was from Tirana, and I was worried about long lines, crowded terminals and potential issues at the border. A fear loomed that everything that could go wrong would, in fact, go wrong.

When we arrived at the airport, I looked around to see if others were as excited as I was, but most seemed used to flying — some were tired and sleeping in their seats. Not me. As our flight was early in the morning, I had a sleepless night, arriving at the airport at 2 a.m.. Yet I found energy to enjoy every moment and every emotion, the hugs of people reuniting and the tears of those parting.

It was raining that day, but that didn’t spoil my mood. When I crossed to the other side of the airport and saw the plane, I took pictures as if I hadn’t ever seen one before. Once on board, I sat with my eyes glued to the window. I watched the mountains, the sea and felt free.

Arriving in Catania, I found the city exactly as I had imagined: a blend of everything — Sicilian culture embodying an old soul and a vibrant and special atmosphere in every turn of the cobblestone streets. I explored it like a map come to life, walking through churches and squares, absorbing the history that surrounded me. The majestic views of Mount Etna were another marvel that left me speechless.

Every turn offered something new: a story, a taste, a view. I photographed every corner, every souvenir, every flower, every market, every alley, every church — everything — thinking that I didn’t have enough time to explore it all.

I walked every corner of the city, savoring every dish — from the traditional Pasta alla Norma Catanese to the endless seafood from the fish market. The coffee in corner cafés, and the sounds of music followed me as I strolled at night, hand in hand with my partner, embracing the Italian romance I had only seen in movies.

My trip to Catania made me realize that the world is much bigger than it seems when viewed from above, wrapped in clouds. For those yearning to experience Italian culture, this city is a great opportunity, with bustling squares, delicious street food and a lively atmosphere that draws you in. And beyond being a beautiful place, it is also economically accessible.

There, I realized how much the stagnation of the visa liberalization process had deprived us. Viewing the city for the last time from the plane window, I understood that infinite opportunities had slipped through our fingers.

My next trip is already planned for the end of the year. I’m going to Budapest, Hungary. Awaiting me is a walk along the Danube River, a visit to the Christmas markets and the feeling of the festive lights on my face. Nothing is as distant as it once was. For too long, we couldn’t see how big and beautiful the world is. Now that we can, I can’t wait.

Feature Image: Atdhe Mulla / K2.0

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This blog was published with the financial support of the European Union as part of the project “Diversifying voices in journalism.” Its contents are the sole responsibility of Kosovo 2.0 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.