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| Gjergji showing the map of Albania in his restaurant in Chişinău |
A map of Albania is placed at the entrance of a restaurant in Chișinău, Moldova.
It's not there by chance. Gjergji has lived his entire life in Moldova, but as you can understand from his name, he is of Albanian origin. He says that 250 years have passed since his ancestors left Albania.
"I am Albanian, we say that blood doesn't turn into water. Or not? I am Albanian, a patriot of Albania, and I am proud to be Albanian," says Gjergji.
He continues to be a "fanatic" of his origin. Not wanting to lose any trace of his country's traditions, he has built an Albanian restaurant in the Moldovan capital.
"I have an idea. I want to place Albanian traditional costumes with mannequins here on the sides," he explained.
"Moldovans say how good it is, they like Albanian cuisine, the foods of Albania and the Balkans, they enjoy coming here to the restaurant," Gjergji added.
His love for his country is like wine. The more he stays away from Albania, the more he misses it.
"Every year I take my vacations in Albania. Shëngjin, Sarandë, Vlora, Durrës, the entire coastline. Every year my family asks me, and I tell them we will go to Albania. This year we will go to Vlorë and Shëngjin," expressed Gjergji.
He has built his family in Moldova. The desire to teach his children Albanian is strong.
"They have learned very little, they know English, and they tell me, 'Dad, let us speak English, no problem.' But I want them to learn Albanian," Gjergji explained.
This month, the Albanian national football team will play against Moldova. Amidst the two tough choices, Gjergji doesn't hesitate with his answer; he cheers for Albania.