Into the Heart of Zagoria

The journey began in the historic town of Gjirokaster, a place that seemed to whisper tales of the past with every cobblestone. As I climbed into the rugged off-road vehicle, I felt a familiar thrill, reminiscent of my Arctic expeditions. The vehicle roared to life, and we set off towards the ex-communist villages of Valare, Shen Thodher, and Erind. These villages, once shrouded in the shadows of a bygone era, now stood as silent sentinels of history, their stories etched into the very fabric of the landscape.

The road twisted and turned, each bend revealing a new vista more breathtaking than the last. The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and the promise of adventure. As we ascended to the field of Cajupi, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the vast expanse of the valley below. Here, at the spring of Brat, we paused to drink in the view and the cool, refreshing water. It was a moment of tranquility, a brief respite before the journey continued.

Echoes of the Past

Our next stop was a luxurious shepherd’s hut, where we were treated to a shepherd’s style breakfast. The simplicity of the meal, coupled with the grandeur of the surroundings, was a reminder of the beauty that lies in the unadorned. As I savored the flavors, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the survival meals I had shared with my team in the Arctic, where every bite was a testament to resilience and resourcefulness.

We pressed on through the region of Zagoria, arriving at an abandoned bridge dating back to 1777. The bridge, a magnificent relic of the past, stood defiantly against the ravages of time. It was here that I felt the weight of history, the stories of those who had crossed its stones echoing in the silence. The bridge was a testament to human ingenuity and endurance, much like the ice bridges I had encountered in the polar regions.

Nature’s Masterpiece

Our journey culminated at the Holy Apostles Church in Hoshteve, a sanctuary of art and spirituality. The paintings inside were breathtaking, each stroke a vivid portrayal of faith and devotion. It was a place that demanded reverence, a reminder of the power of belief in the face of adversity.

Lunch was a feast of bio products at Policani village, a celebration of the land’s bounty. The flavors were rich and earthy, a testament to the region’s fertile soil and the dedication of its people. As I enjoyed the meal, I was reminded of the simple yet profound connection between nature and sustenance, a theme that resonates deeply with my experiences in the Arctic.

Our final stop was the waterfall of Selcka, a natural wonder that defied description. The water cascaded down in a symphony of sound and motion, creating an unbelievable swimming pool at its base. It was a fitting end to a day filled with discovery and awe, a reminder of the raw beauty that exists in the world, waiting to be explored.

This journey through Zagoria was a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of its people. It was a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, there is beauty to be found, stories to be told, and adventures to be had. Zagoria Adventure