When I first arrived in Tirana six years ago, I knew very little about Albania. I came with curiosity, open eyes, and an open heart – but I never imagined how deeply I would be touched by the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Albania has a wordless kindness that you can feel in daily life – in a neighbor’s smile, in the kind waiters from the coffee shop at the corner of my street who remember me, my favorite drink, and even how I like it served. This generosity of spirit is not just habit – it is part of an ancient tradition.
The roots of Albanian hospitality run deep, connected to Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit – the traditional code of honor that has guided Albanian life for centuries. One of its most famous rules says, “The house of the Albanian belongs to God and the guest.” This means that every guest, even a stranger, must be treated with the highest respect and care, as if sent by heaven itself. Though modern life has changed, this principle still lives strongly in the Albanian heart.
As a Chinese woman living in Tirana, I have always felt this kindness personally. From the very first day, people made me feel not like a foreigner, but like a friend. Whether I was trying to find an address and someone offered not only to show me the way but to walk with me, or when clients at my massage parlour show small gestures of friendship – it always warms my heart. One of my long-time guests, for example, often brings me my favorite cake, asks about my family, and sincerely cares for my well-being. It is a kind of human connection that goes far beyond business – it feels like friendship, like belonging.
What also surprises many foreigners is how safe Albania feels – especially for women. When occasionally I had to walk alone at night through the lively streets of Blloku or near Skanderbeg Square, I never felt threatened or uncomfortable. Respect runs deep in this culture; when you treat Albanians with kindness and dignity, they respond with genuine care and protection.
Tirana today is a beautiful mix of tradition and modern energy – full of cafés, laughter, and life. But beneath this modern face still beats the heart of an old world value: the sacred duty to welcome and protect the guest.
I often tell my friends back in China and other countries: Come to Albania, visit Tirana, and feel this warmth yourself. You will not only discover mountains, sea, and history – you will discover a nation that still believes that friendship begins with an open door and a full heart.
After six years, Tirana has become more than where I live – it has become my home.
— Yang Wang
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