The alarm buzzed at 5 a.m., and despite the darkness outside, I felt a surge of excitement. Today was the day—a long-anticipated hike to Maja Gurit with 15 fellow adventurers. The bags were packed, the boots ready, and the coffee brewed. By 6 a.m., we were all gathered in Tirana, a mix of sleepy faces and wide grins, bundled up against the cold and eager to start our journey.