It's not the most pristine monument of Pristina or anywhere else for that matter. Thus its rather neglected presentation was surprising for such a symbolic landmark of the nation. Instead marked by graffiti and marginally weatherworn, it still stands proudly and is a popular backdrop for tourists and excitable kids wishing to clamber on it. The monument was erected at the start of Kosovo's independence in 2008 and cleverly changes its lettering from time to time. As such, it continues to project similar messages to the world; 'We are independent'. When I rocked up the letters of NEWBORN were rearranged to read NO NEW BR with the last two being an acronym for Broken Republic. I hadn't expected it to see it by a busy main road but then again what should one expect from a visit to Kosovo's capital. At dusk it projects a certain energy perhaps generated from the coffee aficionados in the outside seating adjacent it or the constant shuffle of passersby and photographers. #monument #funforteens #familyfriendly #kidslearning #art #free #kosovo