Bare Necessities

Don’t let the title mislead you, this blog is not about diving into the topic of the bare necessities of life.
Or is it?
 
For me, it was necessary to see the bears at a restaurant my grandfather used to take me to during my childhood, so I guess you could say that bears have always been my best friends.
From Baloo to Winnie the Pooh, Brother Bear to Tangerine bear, whether real or a toy, there was nothing that could give me the comfort of a friend like the softness of a bear.
 
You can imagine my delight when only a bus ride away from my home a sanctuary full of these furry creatures was created, and knowing that they were not deprived of their bare necessities of life gave both my inner child and my current self pure joy and content.
The forest around is green, full of life and the bears have a lot of space to roam and prowl to their hearts content.
They’re fed and taken care of much better than at their previous residences, one of which being the restaurant of my childhood, and it feels very sentimental to think about the fact that some of the bears in the Bear Sanctuary are the same ones I loved and marveled at all those years ago.
 
The Sanctuary itself is not only kind to its animal population but also their human visitors.
There is a café/restaurant, gift shop, a little children’s area and even a photo booth where you can take pictures to commemorate your eventful day.
With a informational boards on the bears themselves from time to time there is never a dull moment during your 1 kilometer walk around the forest, especially with the bears being named adorable names such as Nala, Mira, Hope, Tomi and more…




So, not only do you learn about the beauties Kosovo offers, both nature and animal wise, you also exercise along the way, walking and hiking and in some cases even running.
Do be mindful and keep your eyes peeled for other little friends you may come across during the day like a squirrel or a woodpecker and many friendly dogs!
The Sanctuary is a place worth visiting, if not for its furry creatures then definitely for the beautiful views it has to provide and the clean air only a scenic mountain can offer. Families, especially, highly frequent the Bear Sanctuary as it is a memorable experience for children of any and all ages with many activities to keep the whole family occupied, interested and fascinated throughout their day.


 
For me, every spring and summer since the opening of the Sanctuary in 2013, consists of multiple visits to the forest with my family and friends.
It never gets old or boring, nature always has more to show.
As I walk the path of the forest I become a child once again,
Bears living freely and dearly in my heart.
    

                                                                                                             -Vesa Pasjaqa