A Letter from Our Expert in Kosovo – Valentina Imeraj
Dear Travelers,
As we prepare for our journey through Kosovo this fall, I’d like to share some reflections from our recent planning trip in Kosovo that gave me a deeper sense of what awaits you.
For me, this is more than a professional program—it is a personal homecoming. I was born in Kosovo, raised in a diverse cultural setting, left as a refugee during the war, and later returned. Experiencing this itinerary allowed me to see my country with new eyes. Meeting the people who shaped its modern history and listening to their firsthand stories gave me a fresh perspective on freedom and democracy—concepts I once took for granted, but now understand in a much deeper way.
Our days were filled with encounters that will soon be yours to experience:
We enjoyed dinner at Soma Slow Food, a restaurant set in Prishtina’s Germia Park with a magical ambiance and locally inspired cuisine. The next morning, over our first coffee at Soma Book Station—a charming spot in the heart of Prishtina with a beautiful garden—we spoke with Naim Rashiti, a leading political analyst whose work has been central to Kosovo’s reconciliation and state-building since the war.
At the Reporting House Museum, founded by journalist Jeta Xharra, we walked through history captured on camera—war zone recordings, protests, and the stories behind them—guided by Jeta herself, whose fearless reporting has shaped Kosovo’s media landscape.
We met with former President Atifete Jahjaga, Kosovo’s first female head of state, who reflected on her years of institution-building and her ongoing advocacy for social justice and survivors of wartime sexual violence.
A visit to the Independence Museum, dedicated to Ibrahim Rugova, traced Kosovo’s journey from life under Yugoslavia through peaceful resistance, armed struggle, and the eventual declaration of independence in 2008.
Beyond Prishtina, the journey deepened:
In Prizren, the cultural heart of Kosovo, we walked among mosques, churches, synagogues, and Ottoman-era landmarks, experiencing the layers of a city where diversity has long been its strength.
Mayor Shaqir Totaj welcomed us to his office, sharing his vision for participatory governance and how institutions can earn citizens’ trust through transparency.
With Anton Quni, a former KLA commander and Minister of Defense, we heard the personal stories of resistance and the transformation of Kosovo’s security forces, including historic cooperation with U.S. troops.
In Krusha e Madhe, we sat with Fahrije Hoti, whose resilience in the face of unimaginable loss led to the creation of a women-led agricultural cooperative that now empowers her entire community.
Finally, at the serene Decani Monastery, Father Sava reminded us of the power of interfaith dialogue and the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage in a divided society.
Each encounter was a window into the living story of Kosovo: its struggles, resilience, and democratic aspirations.
That is the essence of Democracy Journeys—not sightseeing but meaning-making.
Together we will share meals, stories, and experiences that will leave us changed, carrying home not just memories, but insights and connections that matter.
I look forward to discovering this journey alongside you.
Sincerely,