Elisabeth Grezda has lived in Albania for over 20 years, built a family, learned the language, and embraced many traditions. But despite it all, she says: “I’ve realized I will never truly become Albanian.”

In an appearance on Aldo Morning Show on TV Klan, Elisabeth, who was born near Albany, New York, shared her journey of how she met her Albanian husband, Niku, while studying in the U.S. Raised in Nepal, she first learned about Albania through Time and Newsweek magazines brought by her father. When she met Niku, she was immediately impressed by how well he had adapted to American culture.

After four years together, the couple got married—first meeting Elisabeth’s parents in Thailand, then holding weddings in both New York and Albania. From her first arrival, Elisabeth remembers the warmth of Albanians and the hospitality she received.

Today, the couple has three children. Elisabeth has learned to cook traditional dishes and speaks fondly of the Albanian sense of humor and open conversations. However, she admits that she still feels like a foreigner.

“It’s easier for an Albanian to become American than the other way around,” she said. “America is a mix of everything—you can become American in six months. Albanians pick up the language like natives. But even after 20 years, I still feel like a guest in Albania.”