Filling My Cup In Albania

I was feeling empty and falling behind

A look at the Albanian Alps in Theth. Photo by the author

I turned the ignition for the third time. Nothing. The host from the guesthouse saw me pacing by the car as she tended the garden. The Albanian Alps loomed over the valley, appearing as sheer rock walls. I tilted back, catching glimpses of clouds dancing across frosted mountain caps. I let out a sigh.

The November wind offered winter warnings. The host walked over. Moments later, people emerged from their houses. A handful of Theth's 370 inhabitants soon surrounded the car. One neighbor brought an old power supply box, and another came with extension cords. Soon, electricity was dripping into the car.

A few new Albanian friends, born out of a four-hour game of Monopoly the night before, played translator. Even in Albania, the game never ends.

A neighbor connecting a power box to the car. Photo by the author

It would take a few hours to revive the battery. I told a neighbor my plans to hike to the famous Blue Eye natural pool. He offered to give me a ride to the trailhead. Moments later, we were off.

And so it was in Albania — one act of kindness after another, strung together like a squirming coil of extension cords.