Korita

I woke up well-rested in my comfortable hostel bed this morning. My only room mate was Lothar from Germany. He did some backpacking with his son in Albania and was about to catch his flight back home. We had breakfast together that was prepared from Fatima with much love. Eggs from their chickens, cheese from a local supplier, freshly baked bread and self-made fig jam - yummy! Fatima is the hostel owner and like a mommy. She makes sure that everyone has a decent meal and feels like home. As Lothar wanted me to leave with enough energy for the day, he shared half of his breakfast with me. Thanks again Lothar!
Fully energized and thrilled about the upcoming day, I left the hostel in pouring rain. Not so fast! Fatima is waiting for me outside - lovely hug, kiss on the cheek and off I am.
It didn’t take long and I was soaked again. I don’t mind the cold and rain very much. I know that my panniers keep my stuff dry and I will have a hot meal for dinner and a dry tent for the night. So, I had great fun today like a little kid playing in water puddles. The construction workers on the side of the road were just shaking their heads.
It was also nice to be accompanied by an elderly couple from Zurich in their Jeep. I met them in the hostel as well and they waited for me twice on the side of the road. Come and have a coffee and snack with us in a warm restaurant! Thanks again Verena and Hans. I thankfully refused the invitation as I was making good progress and in my flow (never break the flow).
When I reached the summit, I had a brilliant view over Lake Ohrid and it stopped raining. That was pure magic.
Then I went to a bakery to spend my last Albanian Lek on Burek, Donuts and Croissants - awwwr that’s so much food today! But I needed it for the mountain climb on the other side of the lake. Having arrived there, the temperature dropped significantly. It was up to 30 degrees the previous days and up here on 1500m it’s only 3 degrees. Massive drop! But I can finally get out my warm clothes and sleeping bag. One of the best days including the longest climb.

Thanks Albania! I felt super safe here on the road. The traffic was so much better than expected and you crazy horn abusers motivated me non-stop. Loved it!Read more