07. Sep 2023

Kruja - Tirana

Photo 1: I took the mountain path from Kruja to Tirana at the suggestion of the innkeeper where I stayed the night. It added a few kilometers to the hike, but it was well worth it. No traffic, not much garbage along the way, and spectacular views (photos 2+4). The path also led by this Ottoman bridge from the 15th century (photo 3).

Walking through the city of Tirana, on the other hand, was a test of endurance: loud, traffic, garbage, dust from the dry weather and many construction sites. I had mapped out a stretch towards the end of the hike that went by Lake Tirana and a park area leading towards where the Bible School is where I would spend the next two nights. What a relief! And then my green line led to a large locked gate. There was no way to get through. I found an alternative route on my hiking app that seemed to lead around the fenced off area. After about 1 kilometer I came to another entry and was met there by a security guard (photo 5). He let me know that I could not continue. I called my colleague Kurt Plagenhof who has lived and worked in Albania for thirty years. He arranged for me to stay at the Bible School and to speak at a church in Tirana the next day. Kurt could not convince him to let me continue on. To go back or around a different way would cost me too much time and energy. Daylight was slowly giving way to darkness. The security guard offered to call a taxi to which I not so happily agreed. It would be the first time I ever took a taxi as a pilgrim. After waiting a half hour, the guard called a second taxi company. While waiting we tried to communicate the best we could. I told him that I was a Christian "Imam", married and have two children and two cats. He is married and has three children and no cats. After over an hour and no taxi, the guard mentioned for me to take my backpack and follow him. It was now dark. He left his post and took me with with his car to the general area where the Bible School is. I still had about two kilometers to go. Was I ever happy when I finally arrived! ...and without taking a taxi ...and a warm meal was waiting for me. God is good!!!