Mains water is chlorinated and is fine for brushing teeth. However, bottled water is advised for drinking, especially outside Tirana. Brucellosis and tuberculosis are present in Albanian dairy cattle. Unpasteurised milk and homemade cheese should be avoided; however, in cafes and restaurants the milk is always UHT, and therefore safe.
The Albania culture has Greek, Roman, Italian, Byzantine, Turkish and Slavic influences.
Art - Painting was strongly influenced by Byzantine art between the V and the XV century, although by the end of the early Renaissance, between the XV and XVII centuries, the Italian influence was very strong.
Albanian cuisine is excellent, with both Ottoman and Italian influences evident. There are many good restaurants throughout the country, although obviously in smaller towns the choice is more limited than in the cities. Vegetarians will find themselves eating a lot of salad; luckily for them, Albanian tomatoes and cucumber are delicious.