“Kosovo 🇽🇰 ~Getting Tested”
After our failed attempt to cross the border from Kosovo to Montenegro, we crossed back over into Kosovo, and back to Peja. We found a place to stay the night, to think on things and hopefully hatch a plan.
We “slept on it” and by this morning, we still wanted to go to Montenegro. In further research, calling the US Embassy in Montenegro, I learned it was only on the 22nd of July the border requirement changed; to now requiring the showing of a negative COVID19 test, within 48 hours of results. Yesterday was the 22nd, so we missed the easier border crossing by one day! Next, I began by calling the Peja Hospital, which was a ten minute drive away from where we were staying at that time. Not knowing how much they cost, I began by asking if they had COVID19 tests. I was told no.
Not easily deterred, we decided to drive the couple of hours to the capital; Pristina, in search of the hospital there, where we could get tested. The Spitali Amerikan Hospital is quite large and spread out, so it was a bit of a “thing” to find the right building for the proper testing. Before we were successful, we ended up in the actual COVID19 ward. 🙄 Good thing we’ve already had COVID19. Actually we were wearing the required masks, and never got close to another human, anyway. With some further guidance from more locals, we found the right building. As it turned out, we ended up at the WHO office; headquarters of Europe.
Next up, was communicating what we needed, without freaking anybody out. Speaking to those with limited English, and mentioning the need for COVID19 testing, I’m sure would have been the wrong approach, so I said; “we need to acquire a negative COVID19 test result, before we can cross the border to Montenegro. Might you help us?”
We were asked to wait, and soon a doctor came in to the room. He spoke pretty good English. He asked us if we were having symptoms. I assured him we were not. Then he asked what we needed the tests for. I explained we were turned away at the Montenegro border, yesterday, as we were unable to prove we did not have COVID19, and we’ve been trying to figure out how to get tested ever since.
Better than we could have imagined, the Doctor told us that normally the rules do not allow testing outside of ill patients, but he would make an exception in our case. I asked how many Euro the tests would cost. He told us it would be free. Wow, we did not expect that! 😮
Next, we were told if five minutes came and went, to get somebody’s attention. But, within that time, a nice young man came in, and took our names down; by me providing our passports, and I provided my Kosovo phone number, as well. We waited again, while he got us into the system. Very soon, with our paperwork in hand, we entered the testing room, and both got the deed done. OH my Goodness, having COVID19 was actually more comfortable than the test swab was; being shoved and swirled WAY up into what felt like our brains! 😳
The nice young man was kind enough to give me his phone number and name, plus he has my phone number. He also took a screenshot of our test document, so he could help us get our results as soon as they come in. We only have 48 hours to make it back to the Montenegro border and cross, based on the date and time of the results. Timing IS everything, here.
Since it can take up to 48 hours to get our results, we knew we would not go very far from the busy capital city. It was still afternoon, so we decided to make our way to the Bear Sanctuary, where about twenty bears have been rescued from lives in cages from around the Balkans. The “show bear” entertainment is now illegal. What a treat to see these beautiful bears, up close, and we always enjoy supporting a good cause for wildlife.
After the hike to see the bears in their habitat, it was time to find a place to stay for one or two nights. Not wanting to get into the heart of the city, we stayed to the outskirts and found another cabin. This one is a bit rustic, but we have A/C, internet and hot water. There is also an on-site restaurant. Perfect!
This evening, a thunder and lightening storm snuck in on us, and it was quite romantic, all snug as bugs in our cozy cabin ❤️
Tomorrow, we have some business to take care of back home, we can’t put off any longer, plus I need to connect with our web guy (he’s in India), and hopefully we will have time to connect with our sweet grand kiddos in the states.
Thank goodness for the internet, while we are out in the world, doing our thing!
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Hello and Welcome to our Travel Blog Website, We enjoy writing about our experiences and taking photos of our adventuring along the way. Our names are: Daryl and Pen, but Daryl calls me “Bunny.” We met, quite randomly, whilst both… Read More
Glad to hear your test results will be back so soon. My last test took 11 days. I even called the local news to complain. I heard a doctor say that it’s taking so long that by the time they come back you’re either over it or in the hospital.
Another thought, Gary. Did your rona set back your surgery at all? Hope not, and I’m glad your family is recovering.
Hope results are good ones. Yes you need to find a place in case of a second wave things change without much notice. Stay safe
We were wondering about the time of the results. We thought it might be a week. Of course we are waiting, and hoping it really is within the 48.
Every day we wonder if this will be the day for lockdown. Having a rental car we can’t return would be a concern. But we travel each day like things are normal, and it’s a great distraction!
The level of concern for the virus isn’t high where we are. Masks are worn more, here, but only around authorities, and of course the hospital. We did not see an overwhelmed hospital at all. Staff was busy with testing, though we feel so grateful we were given the chance to get tested.
The nasal swab is INSANE – as you said, I think the test is worse than the illness!! And what if they go a smidge too far?? I don’t enough brains to risk having any of them damaged by a 4-foot Q-tip…!! At least you didn’t have to pay for the test. Praying you get the results you need so “we” can move on to Montenegro!! Stay safe, y’all!! <3
Sounds like you’ve had the swab! Ugh! We only hope we don’t get caught up in the fake numbers game. Not sure that is happening here, but we will be glad to get our results we are praying for, and move on. The Kosovo people are so very nice. We have loved our time here, but it’s a very small country. We have to think about that “second wave,” if it’s coming, and make sure we are in a bigger country with more to see and do, if we get locked down again. We are so grateful we have the time to be flexible. Let’s all go to Montenegro!