When the time came to leave my Balkan place of exile several people made the process harder than it might have been. For a while it seemed as if someone might have laid a legal minefield. However a search has revealed no such thing, founded as it would have been upon someone's dishonesty but awkward for me nonetheless. Well, that is a weight off my mind. I'm not thrilled that one individual whom I counted as a friend lied to me, claiming that supposed problems were real, however he was somewhat of a conspiracy theorist. Perhaps in his mind the inner satisfaction he gained from fabricating tales about "reports" and "dossiers" outweighed the worry he caused me - and indeed the moral wrong. Anyway, the air is clear: and it always was. So I can look back on exile a little more rationally. I had a very interesting time of it, notwithstanding some difficult bits, and saw sights that I shall never forget. And now I know that exile has no sting in its tail. Indeed it was a time of personal growth. There is no rational reason for fear. No, I should be proud of what I achieved.
There are those who don't want me to re-visit my place of exile. Not even fleetingly. Why? It's all clear for me to go if I wish. I can think of just one answer. Fear that I shall rekindle nostalgia for a lost lifestyle. perhaps I shall uncover a little longing. However I wouldn't like to try and earn my living out there now. For one thing I can't ride six hours a day without suffering. For that matter I don't want to. I've a satisfying job here. I get to ride about as much as I want to. I get to enjoy listening to live music and making a little of my own. There are diverse cultural attractions to appreciate. Of course I would appreciate spending a week or two each year amongst mountains and draught horses, outdoor people and old traditions. And I'd like to do so unrestrained by projected irrational fear. Why is it so hard to escape fear? Why do some thrive on fear whilst others amongst us strive for freedom?
If you ever want to organize a trip of a week or so I'd love to hear about it. I regretted not going on one of your rides before you left.
Posted by: Joanne | October 29, 2014 at 08:30 PM
I'd like to, but I'm pretty short of contacts now. You could try booking with Count Tibor Kalnoky or Mugur Pop - both accessible via the web or Facebook, I'm sure.
Posted by: White Horse Pilgrim | October 30, 2014 at 11:29 PM