Author: Bridget Fetsko

Montenegro and Beyond

The regional study tour at the beginning of this program seemed to split clearly into two sections. The first couple of days were spent mostly in Montenegro, although we began at Kruje Castle in Albania. Most of our time in Montenegro was spent seeing the old town sections of both Ulqin and Kotor, and visiting the beaches. Although Ulqin was absolutely beautiful, and I have one of a kind memories from our time there, Kotor blew me away.

I fell in love with everything about Kotor. I kept describing the view as sitting in a bowl of mountains. I loved the buildings, the people, the food, even the act of opening the window in the hostel (because I felt like a Disney princess in doing so). Every minute there was spent well. We saw the town and learned about its history and went to the beach several times. The night we spent in Kotor did not include ANY sleep, but it was filled with so many adventures. Dinner was amazing. I finally found good Caprese, we spoke with an English couple who was very excited about our study abroad program, and everyone at the restaurant was incredibly welcoming. After dinner, we explored the town some more and got to meet people from all over the place. We went back to the beach at night and got to talk to a bunch of people our age from England, Ukraine, and other areas.

We saw the town and learned about its history and went to the beach several times. The night we spent in Kotor did not include ANY sleep, but it was filled with so many adventures. Dinner was amazing. I finally found good Caprese, we spoke with an English couple, and every at the restaurant was incredibly welcoming. After dinner, we explored the town some more and got to meet people from all over the place. We went back to the beach at night and got to talk to a bunch of people our age from England, Ukraine, and other areas.

Then came 4am… we are crazy. We had originally decided to wake up at 4am for a sunrise hike, but instead, we just stayed up till 4am for a sunrise hike. The view at every point on the mountain was stunning. You could see the whole town, endless mountains, and endless water. Unfortunately, I had to listen to my knees and not go all the way to the top, but it is definitely a goal of mine to go back to Kotor and finish the hike.

The first couple days of the regional trip were also spent getting to know the group we were travelling with, and creating some very strong friendships. As a whole, our group functioned very well. I feel very lucky to be spending this time with such a great group of people. Although most of us are from RIT, we have students from all over, and with many different backgrounds. It has been interesting to learn about all of them while also learning about so many new places.

June 16, 2017

Although I have been out of the United States before, I have never been to Europe. I always assumed the first European country I’d visit would be England, Ireland, or Italy, so, in addition to the excitement of travelling to Europe, there is something unique about having my first European experience in the Balkans. I’m going to locations that stray from ordinary tourist destinations to do work that strays from ordinary as well.

I am hoping to spend the next six weeks learning as much as I can about documentary photography and more importantly, other people. In order to tell another person’s story fairly, accurately, and respectfully, you must work to understand them. My challenge during this program will be to let go of my pre-existing ideas and listen first.

In preparation for this course, we were asked to write about our expectations. I’ve thought a lot about this and I don’t have many specific ideas. I expect Kosovo to be reasonably modern and developed. Every country has its issues with crime, poverty, and infrastructure, but Kosovo’s past makes some of these more visible. I’m sure there will be things that are hard to see and hear, but I am trying to start out with an open mind and see things for myself. When I tell people I am going to Kosovo, many are shocked, scared, or confused. One of my goals on this trip is to be able to go home and give people new ideas of what Kosovo is like.