A Journey to the City of Flowers

The road to Permet, the so-called City of Flowers, is a winding path through the heart of southern Albania. As I traveled, the landscape unfolded like a forgotten poem, each line revealing a new stanza of beauty. The town itself, nestled amidst the mountains, is a place where time seems to slow, allowing the soul to catch up with the body.

Permet is renowned for its folk music, a haunting melody that echoes through the streets, and its literary heritage, which speaks to the heart of a writer like me. The air is filled with the scent of flowers and the promise of discovery. I wandered through the town, tasting the local sweets known as ‘gliko,’ each bite a reminder of the sweetness that life can offer if we only take the time to savor it.

The people of Permet welcomed me with open arms, their warmth as comforting as the sun that bathed the town in golden light. I found solace in their stories, each one a thread in the rich tapestry of this place. It was here, amidst the flowers and the music, that I began to feel a sense of peace that had eluded me for so long.

The Healing Waters of Benje

Leaving the town behind, I ventured to the Benje Thermal Baths, a place where the earth itself seems to offer a healing embrace. The baths are fed by geothermal waters, their warmth a balm for the weary traveler. As I soaked in the pools, I felt the tension of the past months begin to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of calm.

The bridge of Mesi, standing sentinel near the baths, is a testament to the enduring strength of this land. It is a place where history and nature converge, offering a moment of reflection for those who pause to listen. I found myself lost in thought, the water lapping gently around me, as if whispering secrets of the ages.

In the quiet of the baths, I realized that this journey was not just about exploring a new place, but about finding a part of myself that I had long forgotten. The warmth of the water, the beauty of the landscape, and the kindness of the people all conspired to remind me of the simple joys that life can offer.

Reflections on a Journey

As I made my way back to Tirana, the memories of Permet and Benje lingered in my mind like a cherished dream. This journey had been more than just a trip; it was a pilgrimage of the soul, a chance to reconnect with the world and with myself.

Traveling through Eastern Europe has always been a journey of self-discovery for me, each city and town offering a new perspective on life. Permet, with its flowers and music, and Benje, with its healing waters, had opened my eyes to the beauty that exists in the world and within myself.

I returned to my writing with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the stories I had heard and the experiences I had lived. This journey, like so many others, had taught me that the path to self-discovery is often found in the most unexpected places. And so, I continue to wander, seeking out the hidden corners of the world and the hidden corners of my own heart.