First Journey Day 35: Mystical Rainfall
Date: September 28, 2023
Location: Gjirokastër, Albania
In Gjirokastër, Albania, rain drifts over slate roofs and Ottoman-era stone houses, turning the old town’s cobbles into mirrors. A cool autumn shower set the tempo for a quiet, inward day.
Rain Over Stone
The rain in Gjirokastër has a poetic quality to it. It gently taps on the window pane, creating a rhythm that resonates through the quaint room I find myself in. The sky is a soft grey, almost blending with the ancient stone structures that make this town a living museum. Today, I chose to stay indoors, letting the rain inspire a new creation on canvas.
Brushstrokes of History
As the brush danced on the canvas, I found myself lost in the layers of history that Gjirokastër holds. Each stroke felt like a journey back in time, each color chosen seemed to hold stories of the bygone era. The solitude brought by the rain allowed a deep communion with my thoughts, and the canvas soon became a reflection of the old town outside, yet with a touch of my own interpretation.
Tea Between Showers
I took breaks, sipping on the warm herbal tea I had prepared, looking out as the rain washed the cobbled streets, giving them a fresh, gleaming look. The solitude was a companion, giving space for reflection on the journey so far. The day passed in a blend of creativity, contemplation, and a quiet appreciation of the moment.
A City in Sync with Rain
As the evening approached, the rain eased, and I stepped out for a brief walk. The air felt fresh, the town seemed to have embraced the rain, just as I did. The day was a beautiful blend of inward and outward exploration, a quiet yet profound experience in the heart of Gjirokastër.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Rainy, ~15°C; cool air, silver light through cloud, slick cobblestones beading with water.
- Scents: Steam from herbal tea, wet limestone and wood, a faint trace of damp earth.
- Sounds: Rain tapping on the window, soft street murmurs between showers, footsteps on stone.
- Reflection: The rain opened a quiet corridor for painting—an inward journey that met the city’s calm, rinsed face at dusk.
Continue the Journey
You might also enjoy yesterday’s rain-lit pause in Saranda, or the next day’s puddle play in Korçë.
