It was truly fascinating and interesting to read Eliza Dushku’s (actress) perspective on her visit and discovery of being an Albanian. Below is an excerpt from the article on Huffington Post.
“Looking back at the recent weeks we’ve spent there, I feel foolish for anticipating I could understand Albania in less than a life time, but the process has been exciting, and at the same time humbling.
…
“It gets under your skin.” My “Albanian-ness” goes deeper as I spend time there. The more often I go, the more I realize there is more to the story. There are so many stories to tell — most are full of a kind of ancient mystery that requires a wider and deeper lens. I did feel something quite different on this trip to the “Home Country.” After countless conversations with open and passionate people who feel deep ties to Albania, for the first time I could imagine saying that “I know what it feels like to be Albanian.” I am coming to understand the complexity of the mixture of pride and sadness over what so many have lived through, or heard repeated in their tender youthful ears by those they loved, about the triumphs and the defeats this nation has experienced — as individuals and as a community.
Thus, when I was generously invited to become an Albanian citizen, I felt no reluctance. I felt honored and able to accept this gift. I felt even more like who I am. I retain, of course, my American citizenship. I am that, too. But it is no stretch for me to proclaim that as of August 17, 2011, I, Eliza Patricia Dushku, am an Albanian-American.”
