First Journey Day 36: Puddle Portals
Date: September 29, 2023
Location: Korçë, Albania
A rain-soft day in Korçë, Albania: cafés glowing warm against cobblestones, steeples veiled in mist, and the kind of quiet that invites sketching and slow attention.
Rainlight Over Korçë
The gentle patter of rain against the window pane created a rhythmic melody as I sat in a quaint cafe in the heart of Korçë. The day was enveloped in a soft gray hue, a stark contrast to the vibrant colors I've encountered on this journey so far. Yet, there was a comforting serenity in the monochrome scenery. The world seemed to slow down a bit, allowing space for reflection.
Quiet Moments in a Café
As I sipped on a warm cup of traditional Albanian coffee, its rich aroma mingling with the earthy scent of rain, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The simplicity of the moment was profoundly beautiful. I took out my sketchbook and began to capture the essence of the scene before me - the raindrops tracing delicate paths down the window, the old cobblestone streets glistening with a fresh sheen, and the few people who braved the rain, their umbrellas forming moving patches of color against the gray backdrop.
Drawing What the Rain Reveals
Each stroke of my pencil felt meditative, connecting me to the essence of Korçë, a city that holds tales of history, culture, and the simple joys of life. The calm ambiance of the cafe, the soft conversations in the background, and the soothing sound of rain created a perfect setting for artistic expression. Today wasn't about exploring new horizons, but about delving deeper into the present moment, finding beauty in the stillness, and letting the tranquility of Korçë inspire my soul.
After the Downpour
As I left the cafe, the rain had subsided, leaving behind a refreshed and serene world. The simplicity and calmness of today were a gentle reminder of the beauty in stillness, a lesson I will carry with me as I continue on this artistic voyage.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Overcast with gentle rain; around 15 °C. Cobblestones slick with puddles that mirrored pastel façades and a distant spire.
- Scents: Petrichor rising from stone, strong Albanian coffee, a hint of warm pastry drifting from nearby ovens.
- Sounds: Rain tapping the window, low café murmurs, the soft swish of umbrellas and shoes on wet streets.
- Reflection: A day for stillness—letting the city set the tempo and the sketch follow.
Continue the Journey
You may also enjoy lingering with yesterday’s “Mystical Rainfall” in Gjirokastër, or return to the first Albanian whispers in Tirana’s “Whispers of Water.”
