The Simplicity Of Now

“I was told of the castle you could hike to for the sunset, around an hour's walk from the city. I’d been in Europe so long that I didn’t care to see another castle. Essentially, I immediately discarded any interest in this sunset hike in Sarande, Albania.

I should have known better. Life has always had her way of bringing me to where I am meant to be.

I’d been in Sarande for 3 days. I started my explorations in Albania with no fucking clue why I was in the country to begin with. I hadn’t seen the viral reels about how underrated it was to travel. I was nearby and working my way towards Turkey.

Still, life always has her way of making sure I end up where I need to be.

Within those 3 days, I was gifted a precious group of solo travellers. On the third night, the group headed to the 16th-century castle to see the infamous sunset.

Resting just under the castle is a lighthouse overlooking the Mediterranean, with a perfect view of the Greek island Corfu, surrounded by bursts of light from the wild yellow orchids that bloom all around Albania.

When the sun began her descent, I invited a few of my new friends to join me at the lighthouse.

Rachael said, 'Who was playing the music at the hostel earlier? That was such a vibe!' Giddy, I queued the album I had been playing earlier that day on my phone.

As the sun went down and delightfully painted the sky, our group grew more and more silent, reflective, and present.

‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson softly serenaded us as the moment brought us to fully feel the preciousness of our own lives wash over us. We held our reverence until the song finished and the sun had completely disappeared.

Serendipity cannot find you when you are hiding. Next time someone recommends a place to go watch the sunset, listen to them."

~~~

In this recount of her travels, Riley Reign reminds us that happiness and peace are available when we slow down and appreciate the simple experiences in life.