I have quite a few dear friends from the Croatian islands and I have long had a hankering to take a cruise to the Dalmatian coast. So obviously I didn't use to feel this way, and to be honest I don't even now.
I refuse to believe that some of these posters are representative of this area of Europe. It is highly unfortunate, however, that so many of our posters from that area present such a terrible image of the people of the Balkans.
Actually, lately, from what I have gathered. It seems that the Slovenes and Croats are fairing well in their relations with the Serbs, and their neighbors. Although there is still lots of tension, understandably so.
What happened to my acquiantance, was not an unusual occurence, and it actually happens a lot in that general area. (Balkans)
If you go to the Balkans you must be careful of certain people. I am sorry to say this Angela but I find you to be quite naive and sheltered. It is almost like going into a ghetto in the USA and not expecting to get dirty-looks from gangsters. It is not racist or nationalist to say this, it is just the truth. Obviously you are someone who has no connections to people in Law enforcement or in the Military.
The Balkans is a really neat place to visit, but there ARE lots of thugs and crooks out in the Balkans with their own agendas.
For the record, I used to have a Croatian (female) acquiantance who now lives in the Netherlands, and she wanted Yugoslavia to reform; but although, even she admitted to me that she still had some ill-feelings against the Serbs.
Most of you misinterpret my messages and try to make it look like I am deliberately trying to start a flame war; when that is not my intention. You guys are hyping up the Balkans like it is some fairy-tale land, when it does, indeed, have lots of issues. That tourists must especially be aware of.
I, as a North American, have had actual experience with these people, so I would know. You
Angela, and
kamani, are just making baseless accusations against me for the most part and are assuming things about the Balkanic region predetermined, that isn't true.
I admit my information was a little too graphic. But this thread was started by someone who wanted insight into ghettos in Europe and places not to venture into, and I was just contributing that insight for everyone. But since most of you are too immature and irresponsible to acknowledge the real world; I suggest that many of you to stay out of this thread and not comment. Or alternatively, this post will be locked, by a Moderator.