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Timothy-Hao-Chi Ho

We met Muhamet Trepci, a stoic olive wood craftsman hailing from the town of

Shkodra on a summer evening. He's been practicing his craft for 20+ years. Perhaps his most infamous works are cross-sections of olive wood exhibiting resplendent, naturally-occuring wood grain patterns- which he would artistically interpret.

"This is a sullen woman. This is the head of a geese. This is a man holding up a globe."

Mother Nature's emergent properties, as art. As he proudly showed us his pieces, he

would often solemnly declare, "It is as I see it.

In the moment, both Alssa Yang and I had to run due to a commitment. In spite of

Our persistent gratitude to Muhamet for his time, he demonstrated yet another

striking gesture of generosity by gifting us each heart-shaped olive wood pendants.

It will forever be a keepsake of our time in Abania.

We felt indebted to Muhamet. So, to return even just a small favour, we left a review

on his Google Map pin I wrote a heartfelt message which ended up being the 3rd

review. Coincidentally, this triggered the stars to finally display on his pin. If

anything, it was the least we couid do. I was contented.

The next morning as we were strolling, we ran into Muhamet again

on his bike. With dignified excitement he shows us his phone: Did you write this review? He then flips to his messages. His 3 daughters & his family had received notifications of my

review the previous evening. It had became the talk of their circle, with the daughters even having translated what I had written.

"If you will, please, come with me back to my shop." There, Muhamet wanted to

express another heartfelt gratitude for the review. And here is where his words reall

struck me. Paraphrasing: "It's not often people listen with spirit. When I speak to my

friends, they do not listen. But you, you listen with spirit. And the way you write, it is

with spirit. You can sense spirit in someone when you are in their presence."

Acknowledqing my superpower of listening & writing in a way that leaves an

ndelible mark on someone, their family, their art-now that is a deeply rewarding

travel experience.

Thank you, friend. May the spirit of creation bless you.




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