They walk toward tomorrow carrying old songs,
Cathedrals in their shadows,, phones in their hands.
The world moves fast- still they keep a place
For bread, for prayer, for names history almost erased.
Recently returning from a journey through several Eastern European countries trying to climb out of the communist mentality into the modern day world …some facts we learned from our guides and our own observations (gleaned in the short time we had…)
After communism collapsed in Eastern Europe around 1989-1991, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria changed dramatically. These countries moved from state-controlled economies and restricted freedoms toward democracy, capitalism and closer ties with Europe. This is what it looked like…TAP ON PICTURE WHEN YOU WANT TO SEE WHOLE IMAGE!
ROMANIA: modernized quickly after the fall of NICOLAE Ceauseacu. Cities like Bucharest have become centers for technology and business while rural areas remain poorer. Romania is a beautiful, ancient city and the people are warm, friendly and many are English-speaking.
HUNGARY: This country developed into a strong European country with a strong economy and vibrant capital city with stunning ancient architecture along side communist housing still existing and in use.
SERBIA: This country faced wars and economic hardship during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990’s. Today, several of the cities are lively and somewhat modern, though it seems that many of the older folks are still nostalgic for the old Yugoslavia….better days?
CROATIA: This country embraced tourism and joined thee European Union in 2013. Its Adriatic Sea coast has become a major destination, helping the country grow more prosperous. We, however, saw the more agricultural part of the country…the part that’s still struggling to step out of the poverty realm. Interesting and more intimate, nevertheless!
BULGARIA: This country is still struggling economically but is gradually modernizing. This is the country that is least ready for tourists as almost no one speaks English. It’s wonderful to visit because everyone you see is busy just living his or her everyday life…it’s the most real. As Michael and I walked around, we found a group of 4 young girls (about 9th grade age) with one little brother just walking around. We tried to ask directions to a market and in doing that, we made 5 new friends…they spoke a bit of English so we were able to communicate. They were a highlight in our journey and I gained a pen pal!!
Today these countries try to combine traces of their communist past with modern European life (as best they can.) Older apartment blocks (reminiscent of the communist era,) traditional culture, modern business and Western influence all exist side by side…but people are people…we all have the same heart! Thanks for the welcome, Eastern Europe!