Is there such thing as a Balkan Saint? Ain’t necessarily. The Balkans are a rough place. So rough, in fact, that pretty much any able-bodied person, as soon as he or she (we don’t have other pronouns) is baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, starts making plans to leave.
Those plans are typically quite successfully carried out.
So successfully, in fact,that we have about twice as many faithful, active members that have ever been baptized in the Balkan area living outside the Balkans than those living within.
Maybe even three times as many, if we include their spouses and children.
Maybe even four times as many.
So, what’s so rough about the Balkans?
Well, I could tell you, but if I told you, I would then have to manslaughter you.
What happens in the Balkans, stays in the Balkans. I’m terribly sorry, that’s our culture.
So, instead of telling you outright, you will have to read between the lines.
This is a shameless pitch for you to read more posts here.
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Before I close, let me answer one final question.
Have I, the author of these words, as well moved out of the Balkans?
The answer to that question is rather tricky. Almost like a trick question.
Technically, the answer is – yes. I did move out of the Balkans.
The Balkans have certain boundaries, although, the Balkaneers argue quite fiercely where it’s Northern and/or Western borders actually run.
So, to be on a safe side, I moved out of the Balkans beyond the most expansionist version of the border line advocated by the most imperialist Balkaneers.
However, that most extreme version of the border line is only 5 miles (8 kilometers) away from the current place of my residence.
In some sense, I live in the outskirts of the Balkans.
Not quite inside. Not quite out.
Inside just enough, so that I can enjoy all the benefits of the Balkans.
Yet, just enough outside so that, when I become (sick &) tired of it, I can properly unwind.
Here, you will be able to read more about both.
So, buckle up, we’re taking off.