The journey that changed me.
In 2018, we travelled to the Republic of Kosovo — a trip that opened my eyes to my past and to my future.
To my past, because when I was 23, a law student in Berlin, the war in Kosovo broke out. I still remember the images on TV — bearded men in camouflage, people fleeing their homes, convoys heading out of the country.
Many Kosovars sought refuge across the world — many of them in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany — building new lives while carrying the weight of loss and resilience. I am full of admiration.
I admit, I looked away at the time. It felt wrong. I remember thinking:
„𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰? 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴.“
Nearly two decades later, I found myself in Kosovo for the first time — thanks to my dear friend and colleague Petrit Elshani, who has worked with us for almost ten years and with his warmhearted kindness and patience waited for me to say:
“𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺.”
He did. Petrit planned everything meticulously. I met incredible people. I was invited into homes. I tasted unforgettable food. I heard stories of heartbreak — and stories of hope, of new beginnings.
We didn’t just visit; we established a relationship with Kosovo, with its people, and meanwhile also in its neighboring states Albania and North Macedonia. The journey continues, and we continue to spread our law firm wings to and through the Balkans.
This story is of serendipity and humanity. About turning both into action with love, care and appreciation. I’ve been privileged to have many people in my life who reached out — guided me by the hand — and showed me their world. One of them is Petrit.
Why am I calling this post “Flying with the Eagles”? Go to the Albanian Alps and find out for yourself. Eat flia, drink raki, smile, and dance the traditional dance hand in hand.
🙏 My gratitude goes to Petrit, to his wonderful family and community who welcomed us, and to everyone who trusted in this new connection. Faleminderit Shumë.
🔜 Next stop: Reflection #16 – My EUkulele.
20YearsInPractice Arbitration Kosova Gëzuar Balkans Serendipity Humanity Opportunity WagArb WagnerArbitration Arbitrattoria MyAmericanGuitar