“Albania 🇦🇱 ~In Boge, a Funeral and Scenic Surroundings”

• July 8, 2020
• By Pen n Daryl
• 0 Comment

Since we learned the bridge to Theth National Park is closed for repair, and we have it on good authority it will be open tomorrow morning, we are spending a second night in this gorgeous setting. There is a gal who speaks a little English, here, and we are thankful she was able to tell us about the closure; saving us hours of driving. She has relatives who are working the repair job, so we feel confident we can go to the park, tomorrow, when she said it would re-open.

This morning, after a yummy nights sleep, I awoke to the sound of the nearby church bells. We so prefer this to the morning call to pray of the Muslim faith. I slowly and easily came to life, as I heard the roosters crowing, the chickens clucking as they laid their eggs. Somewhere nearby, I heard a donkey who was braying about something. Did you know that the bray of a donkey confuses and frightens wolfs and coyotes? This is the reason I had a donkey in my pastures, too. I had ducks and geese, which the coyotes loved to eat; especially the vulnerable babies. With a donkey around, my feathered friends were always safe. Perhaps with the wolves in the area, this is why the donkeys roam around, here. We also have seen several sheep dogs, guarding their flock, too. Anyway, After the church bells were silent, I could hear the jingle-jingle of the cow bells, once again.

While we were eating our delicious breakfast, I noticed a young man digging a grave, as an elder sat near him. Soon, we noticed many people walking up the road, dressed in funeral attire. At the outside table next to us, a group of elderly gents, dressed for the funeral, appeared to be toasting to the deceased one, and chatting it up. No English, but the oldest gent gestured and offered us a drink, so we could toast as well. We don’t drink, and I wasn’t sure how to decline his offer and not come across as disrespectful. I found the young gal; the one who cooks for us, who speaks some English, to be sure and translate to the man, why we declined, and that we so appreciated the gesture. When she did, everybody was all smiles again.

I did not take photos of the group of attendees or of the funeral on this day, as there was no subtle way at this time. Eventually, the locals came in droves. For such a remote location, I was surprised. Obviously, the person who passed, was well loved and respected.

I can see the cemetery from our room, so I was able to listen to the graveside ceremony. Again, I wanted to go watch, but did not, out of respect. There was a speaker that I can only assume might have been a priest. No singing, and no crying. It was just very quiet, till the group of mourners went on their way.

Now, the funeral is over, and most people have left. Only a few remain to visit, and drink to their friend or loved one.