We have our first major winter storm right now with really cold temperatures and lots of ice and snow. When I first moved here I was amazed at the "technique" the Kosovars used while walking in the snow and ice. It is a kind of shuffle step and slide motion. I haven't tried this technique yet, as I am pretty sure I will be on some body part other than my feet. Even with my hiking boots.
When the snow and ice first came on Wednesday, it was about an hour before the students got out of classes. In Malishevë, the high school students commute by bus and they go past my apartment to get to the bus station. I watched from my window as they were slipping and sliding, and having too much fun. Most of the guys would run and then slide on the sidewalks about 10-15feet, which only made the sidewalks icier for the other students. I saw several students who had umbrellas, since it was still snowing, and they would try some creative style techniques on the icy streets. Hmmm...maybe a new Olympic sport?
I used to think that this shuffle/slide step was an acquired skill just for fun. Someone shared with me that it is a survival skill for ice and snow in Kosova. Come to think of it...I didn't see anyone falling.
I was in Prishtina yesterday...and did not like negotiating the ice/snow covered steps. Handrails are often not included. I am so careful because I do not want to fall. (I have fallen in the past, and it provided entertainment for those around me...not a pretty sight!)
The Kosovars...well they just keep shuffling and sliding.
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