“Albania Destination, Boge Village”

• July 7, 2020
• By Daryl
• 0 Comment

Traveling from mountain to mountain, through canyons, past valleys and on to Boge village.

Stone walkways whisper the histories of time past, with close ties to the people of the present, and the past. The mountains also move us, with the canyons that push us forward, past lakes and moving roadways, which show damage from heaving and twist with the earth movements

The roads, once smooth, have areas with mounds and depressions from the tectonic movements creating potholes. The lakes are so beautiful with a blue-green color and crystal clear waters. One side of the lake, the mountains rise rich with granite. The side, that we are on, is shale and mica; sedimentary rocks formed millions of years ago in oceans.

We traveled through one canyon that led to another upper reservoir through a cave, made to divert the river for construction of the dam. An amazing feat digging through the rock. The waters are just as beautiful. They have boats that take tourist up to the shallows, with a hostel for an over-night stay. The price for the trip and stay was close to 300 euros. A little too high for enjoyment. Too bad, for we wanted the experience.

We headed towards a National Park which was up different canyons. The twisting roads took us past grapevines and olive trees, straddling fences of weaved wood and stone. Small villages, with one church and terra-cotta roofed homes we past, reveal rural living that brings the best out of people. Each village sports a cemetery and a gathering place. The green hillsides and mountains with bare stone cliffs are exposed. Creeks and rivers with white stones lined beds cross the roads. The Matriarch sheep leads, mustering grasses along the road. A family of three pigs follow the road with a piglet in tow. More churches on the peaks of the hill come to view. The roads are so narrow we must come to a crawl to let oncoming traffic pass. The air is fresh and sun is bright. 

The day is coming to an end and we were weary, as a homestay, across from a cemetery came to view. We stop and a room is available, the only one they have. The rest of their available space is for camping spots. As we gather our bags and walk to our cottage, we see some cows, pigs, chickens and a garden. A breakfast and dinner is included in the 20 euros a night per person. Dinner is served right away with everything homemade. Feta cheese, boiled eggs, fried pork, bread, butter, yogurt, pickles, pickled cabbage and fried potatoes; all from their own plot of land. Never have I seen the whole dinner come exclusively from a plot of land. The food was great and so flavorful. 

The next morning the water was empty in our cottage. I needed it. I go to the restaurant, a local meeting spot, to request a refill. Some old boys were hanging out and invited me to have a drink with them. A strong cup of Joe and some tortured broken conversation led me to an English-speaking man, who was a road worker and a family member of the homestay. Having worked in Michigan for ten years, as well as England, his English rolled off his tongue, easily. He ordered up some water for our room and informed me that the bridge was being repaired, leading to the National Park. He would be finished by 6PM and we could make our way after that. We will plan a morning exit, tomorrow.

Our breakfast was served, and soon the funeral was about to start so everyone left for the home. Our stay was extended, so we had to find an ATM, that turned into a several hour excursion to and from a town we had been to several times.