Wrapping up: the end

This has been a wonderful trip filled with fascinating  history and many opportunities to meet local people.  Each of the Balkan countries has its own language and currency which has made things even more interesting.  And every country in the region is struggling to find its unique identity and future.  The people here remind us that they have been independent for only a few decades, not centuries, something we need to keep in mind.

The John Lennon Wall was a protest symbol 

During the Communist regime protesters would risk prosecution by painting his face and song lyrics on this wall.  The police would paint over it with white paint, but the protesters would find ways to sneak in and re-paint it.