Albania Local Customs

  Cattle market
by JLBG
 
  • Cattle market
      Cattle market
    by JLBG
  • Cattle market
      Cattle market
    by JLBG
  • Cattle market
      Cattle market
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  • Cattle market
      Cattle market
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  • I love Çameria !
      I love Çameria !
    by JLBG
 
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Raki Rrushi

by illumina

I was introduced to this drink in Tani's bar in Ksamili. It's a clear brandy made from grapes (rrushi), and is completely different to Turkish and Greek raki which tastes of aniseed - this doesn't. It's pretty strong, and does take a bit of getting used to. The major problem for me was that an Albanian 'shot' is about 3 or 4 times the amount you get in a British shot measure, and once you've had a couple you forget that. So after about 6.......let's just say the morning after was quiet!

Tirana beer

by JLBG

In 2005, from what I have seen in Shkodër (limited experience!) cafes sell Tirana beer, a local beer and Niksicko beer, coming from Montenegro. We have tried Tirana beer. It is a light beer, not unpleasant to drink when it is hot outside but I preferred the Niksicko that has more flavor.

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Banknotes

by JLBG

The money of Albania is the lek. The international abbreviation is ALL, for ALbanian Lek.One Euro is worth around 140 lekOne US Dollar is worth around 120 lekThere are certainly other banknotes but I have in 2005 seen notes of 100, 500 and 1000 lek.The 100 lek bears the figure of Fan S. Noli, 1882-1965.The 500 lek bears the figure of Naim Frasheri, 1846-1900.The 1000 lek bears the figure of Pjeter Bogdani, 1625-1689.The 100 and 1000 lek are of the same set while the 500 is of an older issue. This is even more evident when looking at the other side of the notes (second photo)

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Vine growing over the houses!

by JLBG

Both in the city or in the country, there are often vine rooted in front of the houses and growing on top of the roof. In 1988, our Albanian guide explained us that the people could not own privately more than 100 m2 of land, including the house and that, like that, even with a 1m strip of land around the house, they could make their own "raki" anyway!

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Turkish coffee

by JLBG

As in many places in the Balkans, Turkish coffee is traditionally done in pots of the shape shown on the photo. I do not know if in Albania it is still called Turkish coffee or if it has been renamed in the same way then the Greek that call it "Greek coffee"! Finely ground coffee is added with water and sugar, brought to the boil for a few minutes and poured delicately in a glass or a cup. You must then wait a few minutes to allow the powder to settle at the bottom. You can also add some cold water that will sediment faster. Anyway, never drink the bottom or you would not "drink" but "eat"!

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Field writing

by JLBG

Field writing was in 1988 widely practiced.First photo : 6-Dershor Kongresi 10 BGSHIn the foreground, an older inscription is hardly visible. The stones must have been used for the new one.Second and third photo (enlargement) :populi

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Stars of the 80s

by JLBG

In 1988, the communist red star was everywhere.The first photo shows it built on the soil with pebbles, framed by hammers. In the center, this is not the little red book but its Albanian equivalent, the works of Comrade Enver.The second and third photo shows a 8 meters high standing star that commemorates the liberation of the country in 1944. There was a celebration for May 1st and I shot the photo from our bus.

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Bunkers of the 50s

by JLBG

In the 50s, Albania was more and more isolated. Enver Hoxha feared an invasion either (or both) by its neighbors and by the Allies. He initiated the building of hundred of thousands of small bunkers, growing like mushrooms everywhere in the country, built by the people of each village on almost the same plan. They are estimated between 100,000 and 600,000.Most of them are remaining today and are either just staying in the landscape or used as a shelter for animals, when they are close to a farm. The photos show various aspects and various situations. Photos 1 to 4 were taken in 1988, the last one in 2005.

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Sell your old car in Albania?

by Tobias_Plieninger

Old cars especially Mercedes and German cars are very welcome in Albania.If you want to go to Albania to sell your old car on a high price this could be possible.But you have to put in mind that your car number is written in your passport.If you want to leave the country without your car you need an allowness from the ministery.

No Problems at the border

by Tobias_Plieninger

If you want to travel to Albania the border will be no prolem at all.If you come by car you have to pay a road tax 1.- ? for one day.Alle foreigners have to pay an immigration fee of 10,- ? -> take single 10 ? note with you!After passing through the immegration you pass through the toll.If you come by car you need to show your card id and your green card.Than you will get a receipt for taking in your car and a notice in your passport.That means that you have to travel out with your car.The border procedure will take some time. So be patient.Don't be angry if Albanians will forwarded before you thats usual.

Local traditions and culture in Albania

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Local Customs: Cities in Albania
  1. Tirana Local Customs
  2. Shkoder Local Customs
  3. Sarande Local Customs
  4. Berat Local Customs
  5. Vlore Local Customs
  6. Korce Local Customs
  7. Gjirokaster Local Customs
  8. Kruje Local Customs
  9. Lezhe Local Customs
  10. Butrint Local Customs
  11. Voskopoje Local Customs
  12. Pogradec Local Customs
  13. Burrel Local Customs
  14. Lukove Local Customs

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Questions and Answers

Drugness profile photo

Q:  Hello all I'm planning to visit Albania in 2012 and i need every bit of advice going. There doesn't seem to be a huge amount of... 

cachaseiro profile photo

A: I have been to Albania several times over the years and i would say you should try and make a visit to Berat aswell as Girokaster. These places are very scenic places... 

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