First Journey Day 34: Wet Window Wonders

September 27, 2023

Wet Window Wonders — a rain-blurred view of Saranda’s pastel waterfront and its reflections across the Ionian Bay, painted from a window during a storm. — “Wet Window Wonders” — Saranda’s harbor lights ripple through rain and sea.

Date: September 27, 2023
Location: Saranda, Albania

A rain-soaked pause in Saranda, on the Ionian edge of Albania. The coast exhaled a cool calm as showers softened the hills and blurred sea and sky into one quiet horizon.

Rain on the Windowpane

The rhythm of rain against the window pane created a serene ambiance, a gentle reminder of nature's presence amidst the quiet solitude of my room. Saranda, with its coastal charm, seemed to embrace the rain with a calm acceptance. The grey skies mingled with the calm sea, blurring the horizon into a soft haze.

A Canvas and Its Companions

I spent the day indoors, a canvas before me, the soft brushes, and the vibrant colors my companions. The rain seemed to stir something within, a flow of emotions that found expression on the blank canvas. The solitude provided a space for reflection, a moment to pause and delve into the depths of creative expression. The painting that emerged was one of fluidity and grace, much like the gentle rain that inspired it.

Verses in the Downpour

I also penned down some verses, the words flowing with ease, mirroring the rain's gentle descent. The day unfolded at its own pace, unhurried, providing a much-needed respite to the whirlwind of experiences the journey has entailed so far.

A City in Sync with Rain

As the evening descended, the rain eased, and I ventured out for a brief walk. The fresh, rain-kissed air was rejuvenating. The streets, washed clean, seemed to sparkle under the soft glow of the street lamps. The quaint charm of Saranda, enhanced by the rain, left a lasting impression as I retreated back to the warmth of my room, a sense of contentment enveloping the heart.

Choosing Stillness Over Sketching

Today was a day of quiet contemplation, of allowing the rain to wash over the soul, cleansing and rejuvenating the spirit. It was a day that echoed the beauty of solitude and the profound impact it has on the creative soul.

Travel Notes

Weather: Rainy, high 18 °C / low 13 °C; soft grey skies, sea haze; steady percussion of drops on glass and ripples across the bay.
Scents: Petrichor threaded with briny Ionian air, a hint of coffee drifting up from nearby cafés.
Sounds: Rain tapping on the window, distant gulls, the hush of tires on wet streets.
Reflection: A restorative pause—letting paint and words move at their own pace as the city slowed to listen to the weather.