Some things I have learned after living here for nine months.

So, when I first started this blog, I wrote about the things I noticed after living here for just a few short months. After nine months, most of them still apply, but I have a few more to add to the list. Here are the funny, weird, honest, true, heartfelt, and raw things that I have learned about Albania and Albanians since then.

1. Somehow everything relates to politics- you can make the most innocent or unrelated post and someone will manage to make it political regardless of the fact that you are an expat and have no political affiliation.
2. Earthquakes are a thing- more so than I realised. Most of the time you do not feel them but if you have a photo frame feature wall and OCD- you are going to have a bit of a hard time!
3. Albanian people like to protest. I think this is a great thing and I actively encourage more of it!
4. Tirana is a wonderful place and I love it dearly, but it is not the real Albania. What you see and experience here is a world away from the towns and villages- for good and for bad.
5. You cannot get a better cup of coffee than in a coffee house in Tirana- tried and tested- the rest of Europe has nothing on the coffee here.
6. If you are an expat, doing your shopping for food, the home, and other things in the Bllokku area will see you paying almost double for pretty much everything. Shop from little shops, stalls, and markets outside the centre and see a massive difference in cost and value.
7. Tipping isn’t much of a thing but do it anyway. Wages for those in hospitality are very low, I stick to 10% as a minimum and people appreciate it.
8. Fight your corner- whether it is unfair customs charges on a parcel, sloppy customer service, or being charged foreigner rates on a furgon, remain polite but firm at all times
9. Speaking of furgons, it is an experience you have to try and for a couple of hundred lek to most places in the country, why not give it a go?
10. If you are an expat- join an expat group because I guarantee that whatever you want to know, someone else has asked before. There are several great ones on Facebook for both Tirana and Albania.
11. You will probably start to drink less- whilst most people drink, there is not the getting drunk culture that is prevalent in Europe- this again is a good thing.
12. Regardless of what time of year it is, you should probably leave the house prepared for at least two different seasons. Layers that can be removed or put back on and an umbrella are essentials, even if the sun is out and the sky is blue.
13. Everyone will want to know your story and you will soon make friends with the people in your local shops and neighbourhood. In my block, there is an elderly woman who waves and says hello at me every day, I know all the people in the shops nearby and even if we cannot communicate in each other’s language, it doesn’t mean you cannot be pals!
14. Learn the language. Even if it is just the basics such as please and thank you, good morning, goodbye and how to order a coffee. Learn them and use them, Albanians really appreciate that you have made even a little bit of effort to learn their language.
15. Patience is a virtue- whether it comes to deliveries, immigration, or getting served in a restaurant, everything is done at a slower pace here (except for driving) and that is a good thing. Embrace it and feel your blood pressure levels drop.
16. There is quite literally an unlimited number of places you can explore and discover- mountains, valleys, rolling countryside, historical sites, glorious white beaches, islands, and beautiful towns and cities- I often say I think it would take me a lifetime to explore it all.
17. Eat local- ditch the brands and foods you eat abroad and immerse yourself in local cuisine. Buy seasonal fresh veg and fruit, try things you haven’t tried before, and attempt Albanian recipes when you are at home. The food is healthy, delicious, and great for those on a budget.
18. The people are extremely passionate- whether it is football, politics, the weather, coffee, food, or they are just happy to see each other, they talk loudly and in an animated manner. Their heart is in everything they do and say and this is something I love about them!
19. Don’t come here with any preconceptions. When you visit Albania come with an open mind, an open heart and an empty stomach. Don’t waste time trying to compare it to anywhere else because there is nowhere else quite like it. Whilst nowhere is perfect, this place will surprise you every second you are here.
20. Be respectful- Albanians are very proud people and rightly so. Respect their culture, history, and beliefs, and also respect the fact that not everyone has had such a privileged upbringing as the rest of Europe. Albanians will welcome you with open arms, but don’t patronise or condescend them because they will eat you alive!
21. Yes, there are problems here but things are changing. The people are becoming more aware of how they can have a part in making a difference and this combined with their national pride means that avash avash, every day, things are improving.
22. It is still the most awesome place I have ever lived and I want to stay here forever!