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As i left Gyirokaster in a tatty bus packed with locals i scanned my eyes continuously cross the mountains. The view was so rich in greens and life, which i am unsure why, but was completly not my expectation of Albania. The majority of the mountains have been completly untouched, with only a odd concrete bunker left as both a nusiance to the farmer and as a reminder of the troubles Albania has had to deal with. When dropped off in Barat i follow my direction 'sixth sense' and found a Travel Advice centre where they showed me how to get to the hostel. The cobbled paths and the living and breathing houses of age and history gave the atmosphere a feel sense of walking back into time. The hostel itself was spotless and modernly designed, by far the best i have been to so far! Barat itself had a stunning picture of white houses resting on each other as they slowly climbed the hillside, full of life from the years but too weary to stand alone. I decided to take a walk up the road behind the hostel, as i passed five dead snakes and two very big insects, the rain was unleashed by the dull grey storm cloud as it attempted to liven up their presence with lights, dancing and music, in the form of a storm. Running back to the hostel, i enjoyed the contrast of the cold, wet sensation of the weather compared the the hot and steamy temperture of my body. I got talking to a french family in the hostel who had been travelling nearly a year together with four children. I was inspired. This is one thing that i have had on my mind before, travelling as a family, but have come across countless opinions saying how its not easy, and no one who has done it. Just as a reminded that i should not listen to the pesimistic points of views and always reach for my dreams. Although i believe i need a family first ... not on the agenda anytime soon!! The following day i made my way to the waterfalls, aquiring a self invited albania young man. The exerpience at the waterfalls should have been peaceful, with time to contemplate, listening to the rushing water. Instead i had to listen to countless lies of his 'business' investments and persistent marriage preposals ... 6,000 euro was the highest offer!!! Well, i managed a free Frappe!! It was the journey back to Barat which was something special, perhaps it was the fact i was alone again or perhaps the scenery, but this one and a half trip turned my thoughts into a colony of bees heading for the wildest, purest and most loveliest pollen in so many directions. I thought about all the possibilities that lie, unknown, hidden under the carpet of time, only to be discovered at the most unusual moments. I dreamed of adventures in Africa, backpacking Asia, skydiving in New Zealand, volunteering in a Kibbutz, charity work which makes a difference. My thoughts wondered into the direction of my future, realising that although i have no true career or path, i think big, i want success and i need ambition which will last and stay strong. I was artistically inspired by both the sights and sounds of Barat and the continously flow of thoughts, i sat and drew the 'City of a thousand window', immersing myself into the dull grey graphite pencil giving breathing life to the off white paper. The evening time in Barat was something that summed up my day perfectly, taking the nightly 'Giro' with the locals as they walk up and down the streets to greet their friends, interesting conversations with an ex teacher fom england - who has given up the rat race in order to travel with her israli husband - and a couple of hours listening to a relaxed improvised guitar sessions on the couches (with the late 60 year old accompaning guitar with the clasternerets! .... ). My days in Barat had the most beautiful, inspiring moments which will not even compare to the contreted colourful buildings of Tirane, my next stop.
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Gary W It's wonderful to know you are fulfilling your dreams and have overcome the obstacles that most people would have given up. You carry on girl, I for one, am very proud of you. Lots of love n hugs Gary & Jodi xx