I had seen a lot of pictures from Prokletije mountain and had an idea of what it was about, but I admit, what I saw with my own eyes there exceeded my expectations many times. The label "Albanian Alps" is not at all ironic, just on the contrary - huge rock massifs that start from the low, deep and picturesque valleys surrounded by steep limestone slopes, small stone houses that can only be reached on foot or by mule. Despite its growing popularity and the increasing number of tourists, you still feel the mountain somehow deserted and empty, excluding the most popular route from Tet to Valbona, on the way to any other peak you may not meet any human. Local people are friendly and hospitable, but at the same time tough. Apparently, this harsh nature has built their hard and unyielding character. On my way down the mountain one day, in a small village I met a young girl with a camera who was interviewing local elders. It turned out that she was making a documentary about an old Albanian customary law called "kanun", which is practically a right of bloody revenge when someone's honor is insulted or a life was taken. This unwritten law is still in effect, and as absurd as it sounds, there are even children in these lands who live in complete isolation because they can fall victim to the sins of their parents. But as my new friend said - the mountain protects the spirit and traditions of Albania.
