The view down Mother Theresa Square, from the Swiss Diamond hotel
404 - Room not found. Made me chuckle in my nerdy way.
The "Newborn" monument, constructed when Kosovo declared their independence in 2008, being repainted with the flags of every nation that has supported their statehood world wide.
"Bad news Mister Brennan, but the President has cancelled her interview." After a 15 minute rush lighting setup in a hotel room we blagged, we get the word.
Kosovo soldiers preparing to parade for the anniversary celebrations
Two friendly Albanian gents insisted I take their picture. How could I resist?
Soldiers lining up in the frigid February wind for the celebrations
Kosovo only maintains a small military force, with a majority of their force provided by NATO countries under UN resolution 1244.
Crowds lined up to watch the parade in Mother Theresa Square, Pristinë, Kosovo
A young girl holds both a Kosovan flag, and an Albanian flag at the celebrations
From the press section, looking onto the official delegation during the parade in Pristinë, Kosovo
Me, in the press area of the parade. My expression only indicates how cold it was. It was actually quite fun to be there.
At the evening concert in Mother Theresa Square, a group of people dance in a circle around some Albanian musicians
Crowds gathering in front of the Swiss Diamond hotel for the concert. Portraits of current Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi can be seen in the background
A man wearing an Albanian scarf makes his way through the crowd
Crowds gathering to get viewpoints wherever they can to watch the concert
Crowds gathering under the Kosovo flag in Mother Theresa Square, Pristinë, Kosovo
The sign shown throughout the country to celebrate the 5th anniversary of independence
People climbed poles, trees and shelters to get a better view.
Fairy lights, Kosovan flags and Hashim Thaçi look down on the crowds
I have no idea who the man on the right with the backwards cap is, but the crowd went nuts when he walked down from the hotel.
Crowds await the start of the show
A young child brings a sword to the concert, which surprisingly wasn't the first toy that could be seen as a weapon, that I saw that day as part of the celebrations
Fighting for the best view in Mother Theresa Square
Children waving at the first performers appearing on stage
Crowds packed in deep for the concert in the winter cold.
I don't know who this man was, but his Jamaican inspired outfit might imply his background. Either way he seemed popular. Also it seems to be a Kosovar thing to play 30 seconds of a song, then change it to another. Which I, and others found particularly annoying.
Children watching on as a mix of Western and Kosovan music is played.
Children taking the brunt of the crowds against the barriers at the concert
Security was tight for the family concert in Pristinë, but I managed to get in front of the stage carrying my camera, and flashing my UK Press ID. WIth a smile naturally.
Our performer in front of the big screen for the celebrations
Crowds gathered all the way down Mother Theresa Square for the concernt
This man was looking incredibly glum at the front of the concert. When I showed him what photo I was going for, he changed his appearance, as seen in the next photo.
Looking much happier under the Kosovan flag. Glad he put on a show.
A young couple celebrating independence in Pristinë, Kosovo
A restaurant named "Nom Nom". Seemed to be worth a photo.
The bar which hosted the President on the night of the celebrations, which we just happened to find ourselves in. They had a London Underground themed wall with various stations on it. Sadly I didn't take enough photos, but it was a funny thing to see in Pristinë.
