On the Catwalk Baby

I have finally figured out the national pastime that links all the Balkan countries together. It is the nightly ritual of heading down to the central pedestrian walks present in all cities (to a much lesser degree in Kosovo) with your kids or friends and 'cruising' up and down the streets to check everyone out, run into friends, window shop and usually grab an ice cream, machiatto or beer (more men than women). As normal and worldly as this seems, the Balkans just seem to do it a bit better.

First off, this is not just a 'walk' for the women. This must require at least several outfit changes, an hour to apply make-up, then a reassessment of the clothing based on what their friends are wearing (or the latest MTV video). The women, of all ages look fantastic. As good as any Fashion TV episode I have seen. They know it, the men know it, and the other women know it. It is not just the outfits but they way they walk, look and just strut their stuff. There are usually a ton of cafes along these streets where (mostly the men) grab a table, beer, smoke and just watch the women walk by. I won't even begin to pretend that I understand how some of these outfits work (many many don't) but maybe I just love the fact that I feel as if in the middle of an 80's hairband video. 'Why don't you use it...Try not to bruise it'.

The men on the other hand don't do much. Usually bluejeans, t-shirts, smokes and an attitude. The families enjoy letting their kids run around bouncing off the shops, other people and each other. Disciple is VERY lax in this part of the world, especially for the boys. So they are pretty much in control of the show...

A video would have brought this to life quite well but showing any photos of this activity might have gotten me in trouble with many of the subject's boyfriends, brothers, elders or friends...