点评:I don’t know how to explain how incredibly life changing this trip was for myself, and my three best friends - celebrating turning 30. We left the trip with one more pal - Donika! As an all-girl group trip, we felt incredibly lucky to be matched with Donika as our guide - we were put in a Whatsapp group ahead of arrival and were so excited to touch down in Albania. Before we arrived Adnan had sorted everything - EVERYTHING - packing lists, itineraries, a bespoke shorter route for us (5 days) to accommodate our needs and pace. We felt so reassured before we stepped foot in Albania!
Then, it all began. We finally met Donika and we started our trip of a lifetime. As a group who prioritised fun, rests and snacks, Donika really picked up on our vibe and seamlessly became one of the gang. From dawn til dusk our group of 4 became a group of 5, and it really made our trip. Donika is an expert on the trails - knowledgable, gentle, and so known and loved by the locals and guides. She had an unfathomable ability to somehow navigate the terrain, bring the joy, and teach us, all whilst also organising logistics on the go - silently and masterfully sorting pick-ups, food and route changes. We thought we’d leave a review for the mountains but in reality, our wonderful guide is what made this trip so memorable. Core memories were made, where our stomachs ached from laughing so hard, with the stunning Balkans peaks as the most jaw dropping backdrop.
The route, the mountains… just wow. The Balkans should not be missed in your lifetime. We saw panoramic paradises, bucolic scenery straight out of a fairytale, and hazy mountains folding miles and miles into the horizon. All as delicious rewards at the end of hours of challenging (but entirely possible) ascents!
The guesthouses… we expected basic and resigned ourselves to some nights without luxuries. We couldn’t believe the quality, hospitality and food! Everywhere was super comfortable. Vegetarian options were sensational (missing all the potato dishes already!). And guesthouse hosts - most likely because they loved Donika - were so welcoming and generous. Waking up in a local guesthouse, to the sun bursting over the mountains, with the only sound being the cows in the field nearby. Serenity. The guesthouse mornings and evenings were real highlights for us.
If you’re thinking about booking with Trek Balkan - DO IT. I thank my past self every day since returning home - my only regret is not doing a longer trip! We’re already planning how we can somehow return… for our 40th.
Adnan, thank you for setting up the behind-the-scenes to make this the smoothest trip. And Donika, thank you for adding the colour, joy and warmth to our trip. We’re beyond grateful for the many hours you endured our yapping, and even more grateful for how you welcomed us into the Balkans. We miss you - Kosovo trip next??
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!!
翻译:我不知该如何形容这次旅行对我以及我的三位挚友来说有多么具有改变人生的意义——我们当时正在庆祝各自30岁生日。这次旅行结束后,我们又多了一位新朋友——多妮卡!作为一次全程由女生组成的旅行,我们能与多妮卡这样优秀的导游组队真是无比幸运。出发前我们就被拉进了一个WhatsApp群,一想到即将踏上阿尔巴尼亚的土地,我们就兴奋不已。在我们抵达之前,阿德南已经把一切都安排妥当了——真的就是一切:行李清单、行程安排……为我们量身定制了一条更短的路线(5天),完美契合我们的需求与节奏。在踏上阿尔巴尼亚的土地之前,我们就倍感安心!
随后,一切正式开始。我们终于见到了多妮卡,开启了一段终生难忘的旅程。我们这群人最看重的就是乐趣、休息和吃零食,而多妮卡很好地领会了我们的氛围,自然而然地成了我们中的一员。从早到晚,原本只有4人的小团队变成了5人团,这真的让我们的旅程增色不少。多妮卡堪称徒步路线方面的专家——知识渊博又温文尔雅。她深受当地人和向导们的喜爱与认可。她拥有一种难以置信的能力:能在复杂的地形中自如前行,为我们带来欢乐,还耐心地教导我们;与此同时,她还能随机应变地安排各项后勤事宜——悄无声息却又出色地处理好接驳、餐饮以及路线调整等事务。我们原本打算为那些山脉写篇评论,但实际上,正是这位出色的向导让这次旅程如此难忘。我们留下了许多珍贵的回忆,笑到肚子都疼了呢。以巴尔干半岛上壮丽的山峰作为最令人叹为观止的背景。
沿途的路线与群山……真是令人惊叹不已。一生中绝对不能错过巴尔干半岛!我们欣赏到了如画般的全景风光、仿佛童话世界般恬静宜人的景色,还有绵延至天际的朦胧山脉。这一切都是历经数小时艰难攀登(不过其实完全可以完成!)后得到的丰厚奖赏!
至于那些民宿……我们原本预计条件会很简陋,也做好了要忍受几个无任何奢华享受的夜晚的心理准备。我们简直不敢相信这里的质量、待客之道以及食物!整个环境都极其舒适。素食选择也棒极了(我已经开始想念那些以土豆为原料的菜肴了!)。旅舍的主人们——很可能是因为他们喜欢多尼卡——热情又慷慨。清晨在当地的旅舍中醒来,看到阳光从山峦间洒下,耳边只有附近田野里牛群的叫声。真是宁静祥和啊。对我们而言,在旅舍度过的晨昏时光真是最美好的时刻。如果你正在考虑报名参加Trek Balkan的旅行——一定要去!自从回家后,我每天都感激当时的自己——唯一遗憾的是没能安排一次更长时间的旅行!我们现在已经在计划着如何以某种方式再回去……庆祝我们的40周年纪念日。
阿德南,感谢你精心安排一切,让这次旅行如此顺利。多妮卡,谢谢你为我们的旅程增添了色彩、欢乐与温暖。对于你们耐心聆听我们喋喋不休的闲聊所付出的大量时间,我们心怀无限感激。我们特别感激您把我们迎入巴尔干地区。我们想念您——下次去科索沃吗?
谢谢您所做的一切!!!!