Politics all over the region are completely dysfunctional, and I think most/many people recognise this. Most people I speak to in ex-Yu look favourably on the socialist years (except in Croatia, and possibly Slovenia - I didn’t ask anybody there so I can’t comment). It’s taken me years to understand the layers of complexity, and I don’t doubt that there will be many more again to understand.
Having an opinion as a foreigner is OK I think, as long as you don’t insist that “West is Best”. Understand why you don’t want to publish things about it, though! Whenever I go near the topic I am at pains to make sure that I have footnotes galore to try to mitigate any perceived offence to one of the many views out there
Hello there. Its the only way to go here. I have seen too many instances of foreigners trying to "West is Best" it. Always failed. Sad. Of course I dont ignore politics here but I only discuss inside a family forum. TBH its not my place to get involved.
It’s increasingly obvious that West isn’t best and, in fact, it was my study of the former Yugoslav countries that opened my eyes to many of the simmering resentments that many/some have on geopolitical relations.
What’s that old adage about dinner parties? Never discuss religion, politics and something else that I can’t remember!
Its a different story from everybody in the Balkans, and its been fractured a lot. My first stop was Kosovo and they dislike the Serbs. Then you go up into Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia and its all a part of former yugoslavia. Kinda like England and Scotland and Ireland. Anyways, I think youre a good writer, even though you say you arent!
I love the way you focus on the positive in your writing and films, David. There is so much to appreciate in the culture, people heritage, and landscape. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Even when your job is to cover politics in this region, as my husband does, it is important to give voice to many perspectives and respect the complexities.
When traveling to different locations it is wise to dispel all that one has heard about a country through media. There is nothing like "boots on the ground" and engaging with locals. What we are told is through the perception of others, but our personal experience may be totally different. I first visited Bosnia in 2018 as a volunteer on an archaeological project. Flying over the mountains and into the city of Sarajevo, my heart was filled with awe at the beauty. It almost felt like I was coming home. Since then I have visited Bosnia twice and have several friends who live there. It is an amazing country on many levels and David you are correct--the people are generous beyond belief.
Politics all over the region are completely dysfunctional, and I think most/many people recognise this. Most people I speak to in ex-Yu look favourably on the socialist years (except in Croatia, and possibly Slovenia - I didn’t ask anybody there so I can’t comment). It’s taken me years to understand the layers of complexity, and I don’t doubt that there will be many more again to understand.
Having an opinion as a foreigner is OK I think, as long as you don’t insist that “West is Best”. Understand why you don’t want to publish things about it, though! Whenever I go near the topic I am at pains to make sure that I have footnotes galore to try to mitigate any perceived offence to one of the many views out there
Hello there. Its the only way to go here. I have seen too many instances of foreigners trying to "West is Best" it. Always failed. Sad. Of course I dont ignore politics here but I only discuss inside a family forum. TBH its not my place to get involved.
It’s increasingly obvious that West isn’t best and, in fact, it was my study of the former Yugoslav countries that opened my eyes to many of the simmering resentments that many/some have on geopolitical relations.
What’s that old adage about dinner parties? Never discuss religion, politics and something else that I can’t remember!
Its a different story from everybody in the Balkans, and its been fractured a lot. My first stop was Kosovo and they dislike the Serbs. Then you go up into Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia and its all a part of former yugoslavia. Kinda like England and Scotland and Ireland. Anyways, I think youre a good writer, even though you say you arent!
Carlos, thanks for the kind comments AND for taking the time to reply. It means a lot. And yep, its like Britain in so many ways, tribally
I love the way you focus on the positive in your writing and films, David. There is so much to appreciate in the culture, people heritage, and landscape. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Even when your job is to cover politics in this region, as my husband does, it is important to give voice to many perspectives and respect the complexities.
When traveling to different locations it is wise to dispel all that one has heard about a country through media. There is nothing like "boots on the ground" and engaging with locals. What we are told is through the perception of others, but our personal experience may be totally different. I first visited Bosnia in 2018 as a volunteer on an archaeological project. Flying over the mountains and into the city of Sarajevo, my heart was filled with awe at the beauty. It almost felt like I was coming home. Since then I have visited Bosnia twice and have several friends who live there. It is an amazing country on many levels and David you are correct--the people are generous beyond belief.