Korçë has the first Albanian school. The Mësonjëtorja (it means “classrooms”) opened in of 1887, and was the first place where the written Albanian alphabet was taught to students. The building is now a museum.

Knowledge is power, and the occupying Ottomans and the Greeks did not want Shqip (the Albanian word for the Albanian language) to be taught. The museum contains artifacts from the early teachers, and the plaques describe them as belonging to “heroes,” “patriots,” and “martyrs.” Those who attended Albania’s first schools went on to be important revolutionaries and renaissance makers for Albania.

I dined at the restaurant next door to the museum. It is also named Mësonjëtorja. I ordered food and worked on my computer there for a couple of hours.

The weather in Korçë was quite rainy the few days I was there. I did not venture into the nearby villages. Next time, I will wander around more. I believe I will return there.

Luckily, I was staying at an amazing hostel during the rainy times. ‘At Home’ hostel truly felt like home. There were 2 rooms containing a total of 7 beds. This coziness was a refreshing contrast to the large hostels I recently stayed at.

I chilled out with Ilir, the host who is local; Mike, an Irish man who has been living in Albania for a little bit; Alan, a bikepacker from Scottland; some of Ilir’s local friends; and Ilir’s cat, Vicky. We shared meals, drinks, ideas, and memories.

I had originally planned to head to Beret, Vlorë, Sarandë, and Corfu, BUT I decided to cancel my next 2 or so weeks of scheduled accommodation and just play things by ear. Free cancelation for the win! There are so many beautiful places to go.

I bought a tent! I will head to Përmeti for hot springs and camping with Ilir and a few friends. After that, perhaps, Gjirokastër, and then maybe rent a car and head around the coast for a bit. I am enjoying the untouched beauty of Albania and want to cherish it during this trip before too many tourists find it! I know, I’m also a tourist, but…