Since the morning we ran out of the rat house, we have been staying at Hotel Orestiada. Kenric called them around 6:30 am asking for a room. When we arrived, they did not ask for our passports or credit cards. This is our 26th night and we have not paid a single cent. We have extended our stay multiple times and every time we extend, we offer to settle the bill for the nights we’ve stayed and our laundry fees. Each time, they would WhatsApp back and say to pay only when we leave. Other than Kenric’s WhatsApp, they have no other identifying information of ours.

This morning, the owner’s wife, through her daughter, told us she would make us a special traditional dinner. The table was set, a bottle of wine was chilling in the ice bucket, and we each got a plate that really reminded us of Thanksgiving. It was delicious. The people of Berat overwhelm us with their hospitality. Daylight savings time ended for Albania and other Balkan countries this morning. I am glad we’ve got an extra hour here, and these lovely people to fall back on.

Map of Places Visited