Saying that Albania is unique would be an understatement. This relatively small country is large on activity and a selection of biodiversity that anyone would die for. The sceneries that are in some parts of this tourist jewel attract thousands every year who come here to awe at the country’s rich topography. As if that is not enough, the country’s has a history that would leave anyone gasping for air and spellbound yearning to learn more. However, most tourists have been more than often caught off guard by some of the habits and cultures of the Albanians which to them may seem peculiar yet to the nationals these are typical and very common occurrences. Here are some of the things you need to know about Albania and what you should expect when you arrive and during your visit.

Watering the pavement

While visiting Albania, you may realize their passion for watering the pavements that the locals have. This to you may seem like a good way to harbor mosquitoes but to this people it is anything but that. Albanians do this as a way of being able to sweep the streets without raising dust which would otherwise be a nuisance. In simple terms, it is a necessary evil to help keep their pavements clean and dust free. In the event that you’re walking down the street and you happen to witness this, worry not you will be excused though it would also be nice to be courteous and try not to over step on the area being walked on.

Opposite headshake

Supposing you were walking down the street and got lost and stopped a stranger for directions, in Albania this could be the root of a total misunderstanding especially if the stranger or the local likes using signs rather than talking. Most of us are used to the up-down head shake as a way of agreeing to something or even showing that you’re listening or concurring to something. In Albania, this is the opposite. Expect a person to give you the side to side headshake if they agree with you or as a sign of showing that they’re are following or understanding what you’re saying and the up-down head shake is used to show the person is not in agreement.

Bunkers

While here, you may note an odd scenario of small looking houses that look like the huts back in Africa. These are a result of the communist rule of Enver Hoxsha under which Albania underwent bunkerisation. In total the country has an excess of 700,000 bunkers and are located in every corner of the country. From the corners of the larger cities to the smallest villages that adorn the country’s topography. As such you are bound to see several of this during your visit and should hence not be alarmed. Rather be happy that you saw what bunkers looked like back then.

The haircut culture

This is one of those habits which after reading you will want to rush to the barber shop around the corner and get a haircut or even have to do yourself while in Albania if you get the information too late. Originally you would expect the barber to pat your head with a grin of satisfaction on his face as he waits on you to pay for the service. In Albania, the barber will give you a generous slap on the back of your neck and then utter some words that translate to “on your health.” This should not be a bother. As much as it may seem rude, it is a way of wishing you the best for the locals.

After reading this, you will be able to get a better grip of things that you would have otherwise found offensive and that would have made you hate the country which is otherwise a great place to visit. Having an ESTA application in the event that you would want to traverse through USA will make things easier for you and also smoother even on your return trip.