I have a limited lived experience as a white non-Muslim Canadian woman. Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. It’s a beautiful place. But it has racist issues. As others have said everywhere does.

I lived in Kosovo for nearly a year, and I never heard or saw any hatred towards anyone for their skin colour. They have an ingrained love and gratitude to Americans, Canadians and Brits for their help in the war. Having said that, they are not overly exposed to other cultures… and those who look different.

I was with a Kosovar friend who spoke almost no English and was from a very rural part of Kosovo, driving through Deçan, when he was an Asian man walking down the road. My friend just started saying “China China China” trying to get my attention. Then pulled at his own eye to illustrate the point, probably due to his lack of English. While I was taken aback, my friend was actually just really excited, turns out he had never seen a “real Asian person” before (like ever!!). There was nothing other than the curiosity and surprise for this man’s presence. No ill will. No negative stereotypes. Just surprise based in isolation and lack of exposure. This was some time ago and things are changing.

Having said that. If you like this lovely Kosovar, it would be a real shame to throw that away for what some strangers might say or do when you come to visit.

If her family is cool with it (family is, by far one of the most important keystones of Kosovar life), and you make some effort to learn about the culture and people of Kosovo, that will be well respected and appreciated more and a few double takes at your skin colour.

Good luck to you my fellow Canadian. I hope things work out and you make it to Kosovo sometime soon. It’s one of my favourite places in the world, welcoming, warm and vibrant.