Neither my imagination nor any picture in a travelogue matched the reality of the Dalmatian Coast. Most impressive was the drive along the coast from Split to Dubrovnik in Croatia and then through the checkpoint into Bosnia. It was difficult to fathom what this amazing area looked liked during the war. And once in Dubrovnik the reality of what these people experienced during the war began to sink in. Walking the wall around the old city it was evident the number of new roofs necessary to replace the devastated old structures. The war memorial honored those Croatians who lost lives during the siege by the Serbs. And pictures showed the rubble in the streets left by the bombs dropped on this city. The “Pearl of the Adriatic” belonged to the world and the world was outraged when Dubrovnik was under attack.
The owner of the sobe where I rented a room told me that she stayed through most of the war protecting her home and caring for her community but even she had to leave for a two month period during the most horrific times. I ask her how one heals from such pain and she tells me it has not been easy. She did not lose family but knows many who did and though she is able to host Serbs visiting Dubrovnik from Bosnia or Montenegro it is with a heavy heart. Perhaps with time she says, then stops mid sentence. I am sure she wonders if that is true.
It was a short trip this time and though there were moments along the way to pause and digest the experience it was on the flight home that I went back to that original question. So what does intrigue me so much about travel? Part of the draw is the human spirit. No matter where I travel I am reminded how similar we are as humans. It is no longer of interest to me to note the differences though those are visible. I am now more curious about our similarities. The underlying themes of love and fear drive so much of human behavior. The other piece is seeing more clearly who I am. Wherever I go I am always there and without the trappings of familiarity and routine the view is clearer. Some of those personality traits I like. Some I wish were different. But most have been with me a lifetime. When on the road my understanding of self is deepened and stretched by those I encounter. My hope is that I also touch those who share a moment in time with me.
