My Dear Friend of Democracy,
A small village in Croatia. Some houses have been waiting for renovation for decades, so the past is still visible to everyone. Hundreds of bullet holes have given those walls disorderly patterns. Down by the river, which is now the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina, villagers sacrifice Saturday to clear a small river island of undergrowth. Perhaps the "open-air swimming pool season" will open here tomorrow. Children will splash around, young people will test their courage by doing silly things, adults will laze around in the sun, and from early afternoon onwards, barbecues will be everywhere. This summer of 2024 seems to be peaceful in this little Croatian village. And maybe all houses will be renovated at some point.
See you in Europe,
Johannes
Greetings from Split! :)