In the evenings,
the locals like to walk. But it’s not just a walk. Known as
xhiro, it’s an official evening walk where every resident
comes out to stretch their legs and catch up with their neighbours.
In many towns, the roads close to cars for certain hours! Apartment
blocks empty and everyone gathers at various places, walking and
talking until nightfall.
When
an Albanian is agreeing with you, he or she will shake their head,
and when they are disagreeing with you they will nod. Be warned
and avoid confusion. Yes means no and no means yes.
You’re
likely to notice a large number of scarecrows in odd places. Albanians
believe that a scarecrow placed on a home or other building while
it’s under construction will ward off envy from the neighbours.
Sometimes you’ll see a teddy bear serving the same purpose.
The odd part is that the scarecrow or the teddy bear will be impaled
on a rod or hung by a rope like a noose. Some also say that these
talismans bring good luck.
The
heroine of Albania is Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Better known
to the rest of the world as Mother Teresa. She was born in Skopje,
which is now a part of North Macedonia. She is the only Albanian
to win a Nobel prize.
In
1995 a law was passed requiring citizens to pay taxes on traffic-lights
in their home towns. The residents of Shkodra were taxed, just like
all cities, but staged a protest. Their reason? Shkodra has no traffic
lights. It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe and the fifth
largest in Albania. With a wonderful Old Town worth visiting, history
buffs will love the restoration that’s happening. Also, the
Rozafa Fortress offers incredible views over the lake.
The highest
point in Albania is Maje e Korabit, or Golem Korab. At over 2,700
metres, this peak sits directly on the border with North Macedonia
– making the highest point for both countries. Golem Korab
attracts many tourists, particularly outdoor adventurers. From June
to September, hikers and climbers make their way to this great peak
for the challenge and the natural surrounding beauty.
Currently,
there are more Albanians living outside the country than living
inside it. As you travel around the Balkans, you’ll see tons
of qeleshes – the brimless felt hats that are a part of traditional
Albanian dress. The estimates range from seven to ten million Albanians
living throughout Europe, primarily in North Macedonia, Montenegro,
Kosovo, and Greece. Only three million Albanians actually live within
its borders.
Albania
has over 750,000 bunkers spread out across the land. They are hard
to miss and can be a nice car game (Be the first to spot the bunker!).
They were all built during the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha in order
to protect the country from an invasion. An invasion which never
actually happened. Most are a bit of an eyesore and many Albanians
dislike them because they are a reminder of 50+ years of isolation.
But a few have been repurposed into cultural museums, artistic canvases,
and business ventures.
Tirana, the capital is surprisingly sheik. For a country that’s
had some stark years, the truly Albanian spirit can be seen in modern
Tirana. You might expect it to be dominated by grey concrete (like
other Post-Communist European cities), but there’s a ton of
green space, and, of course, lots of colour. The inspiration behind
the reinvention of the city is Edi Rama. A painter and a politician,
Rama was mayor of the city for 11 years (2000-2011). Though some
have criticized him for not paying more attention to infrastructure
issues, most agree that the effects of having a lively city go a
long way towards motivating people and inspiring even more change.
Raki is the national drink, but be warned! Raki made out in the
villages is equal to about three normal drinks. If you’ve
travelled in the Balkans, you’ve probably come across rakija
or rakia. But the Albanian versus is quite unique. It’s an
old school moonshine made from grapes that is incredibly strong.
You’ll find it in most bars but be sure to pay attention to
its source. If it comes out of a repurposed plastic bottle or plain
glass jug, you’re liking getting a home-brew likely to put
hair on your chest (as the saying goes!).
The traditional dress of Albania uses wool, cotton, and silk, with
embroidered patterns and symbols like the silver and gold Albanian
eagle. Other symbols are pagan in origin and include moons, stars,
suns, and snakes. Each region has its own traditions and would be
happy to explain the subtle differences. If you’re looking
for a good gift to take home, try buying a pair of Opinga –
the traditional shoe worn by both men and women.
Source
to get more information
Albanian
people called their nation Arber during the middle ages.
The most popular sport in Albania is soccer.
The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek.
Nodding
the head in Albania is a disagreement while shaking the head means
"yes".
The national airport of Albania is named after Mother Teresa. The
full name of the the airport is Tirana International Nene Tereza.
Shqiperia is Albania in Albanian language. The official name for
Albania is "Republika e Shqiperise" meaning the Republic
of Albania.
Albania gained its independence in 1912 but was not recognized by
a lot of countries till 1913.
The literacy rate is 93% for men and 80% for women.
The population in Albania is estimated to be 3.5 million only.
