Torgelow News
Schloss Torgelow Boarding School on the move: Team project “Outdoor” in Albania
Paddling together, laughing, improvising – and experiencing a lot: The team project trip to Albania became an unforgettable adventure for our group amidst sunshine, rain, team spirit, and the impressive nature of the Balkans.
Our trip to Albania was eventful, as despite all the difficulties, we always managed to stick together. The first challenges began at the airport in Berlin: Our flight was delayed by three hours, causing us to arrive in Shkodër late.
On the first night, we stayed in a hostel called “mi casa es tu casa,” where we also slept on the last night. In the evening, we took the opportunity to explore the city a bit. We particularly noticed the many Germans we encountered. The next morning, before we were taken to the kayak rental, we got to try authentic Albanian food – very delicious!
In the afternoon, we set out from Shkodër, the sun was blazing from the sky. Hardly had we been on the water when it happened: after about 30 minutes, someone unexpectedly fell into the water – a harmless incident that immediately caused a lot of laughter. The mood was carefree, and we continued paddling downstream.
Except for two of us, everyone slept under tarps – simple sheets that protected us from wind and weather. We spent the first night not at a proper campsite, but on the island of a friendly Albanian. No comfort, but that was precisely what made the adventure. We set up our tarps, which provided us with a cozy shelter.
Rolf was our undisputed head chef. Every evening, he magically prepared our meals with a lot of patience and skill. We supported him by chopping vegetables, fetching water, or simply standing by with encouraging words. Cooking together became a ritual that rounded off the day and brought the group even closer together.
The days on the water passed with relaxed paddling, small breaks, and the constant change between tranquil river sections and picturesque shore landscapes. Occasionally, there were one or two challenging spots, but we conquered them together. Gradually, ten individuals became a community that relied on each other and helped one another.
The overnight stays at simple campsites by the riverside gave us peace and time to catch our breath. On the last day, we reached Pulaj, where our journey ended – not directly at the open sea, but close enough, at a police station. From there, we drove by car to the last stop, our final campsite. Compared to the previous nights, this one was pure luxury: good showers, toilets, and even washing machines. And yet, this night turned out to be the wildest – food poisoning, torn tarps, wet sleeping bags, and an icy cold morning.
This journey was more than just paddling. It was a shared adventure, marked by small challenges, team spirit, and the stunning beauty of Albania.
