Balkans Reflections

I sit faced with the task of enumerating my reflections upon the time we spent in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia last month. As I have enthusiastically shared stories and lessons from the Balkans with my friends and family here at home, I have undoubtedly had the content and time needed for proper reflection. And yet, when the experience at hand is as multi-faceted as what we did (outdoor-adventuring and travelling with a group of 20 college students in three foreign countries), it is difficult to make sense of a mellifluous “final reflection” that resonates above the noise of our trip. There is a part of me that hesitates and has trouble locating what about me, if any, has changed. Should I be changed from what I thought, saw, and did? It would, perhaps, suffice (or, be obvious) to say that the changes that occurred in me are consequences of my new experiences—which are now memories. Consequently, perhaps a good place for me to start would be some of the strongest memories I will bring moving forward from this trip.

I won’t forget the sinking feeling of losing one’s luggage for the first time. I also won’t forget the positivity and support that my fellow travelers displayed in my inconvenience.

I won’t forget the lovely group of rock-climbing socialites with whom we shared a campsite. “There is no respect in the Balkans.” For the record, I went up to them the next morning, and they were (already inebriated and) really nice to me. They offered me beer when I told them my birthday was coming up.

I won’t forget the trek up to “Bull-jima”, and the euphoria of having reached the pass to our shelter.

I won’t forget the beautiful scenery that surrounded us as we kayaked from/around Skradin, Sibenik, and Prvic Luka. I most certainly won’t forget the wonderful food and hospitality we received on our island paradise of Hotel Maestro.

I won’t forget Livno and the young people who felt trapped by a stagnant economy in a small town. I also won’t forget how strikingly beautiful the town’s natural environment and cultural diversity was.

I won’t forget Sarajevo and the synagogue, mosque, cathedral, and church that we visited. I won’t forget the recent bloodshed that weighed heavily on the people, the town, and its culture. I won’t forget the shock, horror, and despair I felt listening to the testimonials from those affected by the Srebrenica massacre. I won’t forget the fact that there is nothing humane about war and that even in areas of great ethnic tension and disparity, a mutual hatred for violence can be a strong preserver of peace.

I won’t forget the hours we spent in Belegrade. The late all-nighter we spent all hanging out in the hostel was an undoubtedly appropriate way to conclude the social dynamic of our trip. Which, perhaps most of all, leads me to how I won’t forget what an enjoyable group of students the ASK Balkans crew was. I enjoyed the presence of each and every student, and we were fortunate enough to be provided the time and environs for genuine yet varied interaction that cultivates bonds.

I could not be more thankful for those that made this trip happen. The adults that accompanied us young-adults were fine leaders, resources, and travel companions. Pursuing a Tech education with the President’s Scholarship has continued to prove itself to be one of the smartest choices I have ever made, and I most certainly will not forget what it, the Stamps Scholarship, the Fleet Scholarship, and the ASK Program has done for me during my time here at Tech.