An Albanian woman married a Serb from Golija, but she only cried for 3 months

Influenced by strange social norms that stigmatize single women, In recent years, many Albanian women have decided to seek happiness outside the borders of their country. Traveling far from their homes, they often married Serbs.

And Serbian bachelors, mostly from rural areas in Serbia and the region, seek happiness with Albanian women whom they bring to the countryside to marry.

So almost 16 years ago, Viktorija Vida Jakovljević left Skadar and moved to the village of Srednja Reka in Golija, where she married Dragan and turned her life around.

It’s not easy for women from Albania who get married hundreds of kilometers from their birthplace, but few have asked what it’s like for them when they first come to Serbia.

– When I came here for three months, I cried every day. You know how we come to someone else’s house, we don’t know the language or anything. I know everything in Albanian, but how do I know what a “glass” is – says Victoria for “Prva”.

Dragan adds that it was not easy for him at the very beginning of their life together, but the effort and dedication quickly paid off.

– It was quite difficult for me, but I tried to be as strong mentally as possible and to be the best pedagogue for her, in order to get her out and instill her confidence – Dragan Jakovljević.

When Vida mastered the language, everything became easier and she adapted to the new environment faster.

– I like Serbia now, I’m used to both laughing and cursing. I know all that very well! I know how to swear the worst – says Vida with a laugh.

Then she learned to cook traditional Serbian dishes.

– I know pies, walnut baklava, apple pies. I know all that – she claims.

Since Vida came, Dragan’s house has blossomed. Now they do all the work together.

– I go more for mushrooms now, I prefer mushrooms, it doesn’t scare me and if a bear comes, it won’t eat me. He eats these skinny ones, he doesn’t want me – Victoria joked.

There is no doubt that it was Albanian women who saved many Serbian village schools from being closed, which is also confirmed by Dragan, who is not the only one from this village who married an Albanian woman.

– I have a cousin down there, who went there the same year, also got married and has three children. I would advise everyone to get involved in this – he concludes.

Style/150 minutes

( LV )