As I brace myself for the immensity of the journey ahead, I look back to my roots; I was born in Germany, with Parents both from Former Yugoslavia. I had the privilege of growing up both in Germany, and the USA, however only visiting the Former Yugoslav region a few times.
As I get ready to pack my bags and leave the country for upwards of 3 months, I took the time to rethink what this trip really means to me. It’s so much more than just the chance to visit a country where my roots lie. I get to see, feel, breathe the air that my ancestors had. I get to experience the culture that my parents try to instill in me from an early age.
I spent much of my time reading, and doing research papers on a far away distant place in my mind that I could only classify through statistics, 1st-person accounts, and my parents’ stories. It’s one thing to read, and write about a land for many years, but another to experience it first hand and truly take in what the land has to offer.
As time slowly passes, and the plane ride to Serbia is ever closer, I remain here wondering what will come to pass. But for now, it may be more imperative to focus on the present, and how I still have to buy practically everything this following week. I am as unprepared for this trip as the world was for a Taken trilogy.
To Serbia and beyond,
-B
Best of luck, brother! I want to hear stories and be educated about Serbia when we return.