DEGREE PROJECT // THE QUESTION, almost

Original Question:
How can design bring Serbians together in a moment of appreciation by constructing a visual narrative to create nostalgia for their culture.

Current Situation:
So of course my time in Belgrade, Serbia was amazing. It's a new culture, new people, and exciting things to see and eat. Of course the first question people ask me is, "What was your favorite part?"  I reply by saying a couple things. First, that my favorite thing is or was the people. I hate to compare things, but the things we pick up are based on prior experiences (which in my opinion can sometimes hinder an experience). My first trip to Europe was to France. Paris being the New York of Europe what I consider it anyways, is overflowing with things to see and do, take pictures, and explore. When I went to Paris is was based around the city. I didn't know anyone that lived there and was never forced to really make friends with the Parisians. My time is Belgrade was completely different.
(Maybe everything I am saying is obvious to some, but it will lead to something soon I promise)

Now, Belgrade is a beautiful city full of old architecture (by the way there are essentially two parts to Belgrade, New Belgrade and Old Belgrade) and the cobble stone roads. Now, I am not talking down on Belgrade by any means, but we compare things to prior experiences like I said before.  Belgrade is not chalk full of monuments to see or famous museums to go to. There are these things of course, but it is not a city that calls you out everyday because there are millions of things to see. I think we all know what an old streets with a cobble stone roads look like. 

With this being said, the people on the other hand are everything I imagined them to be and even more. They are excited about life and so proud of being a Serbian. Yes, I had to get used them always having a very straight look on their faces, but once you start a conversation they seem to always be very open to conversation. This trip for me was about the people. When I went to France it was about the city. This trip I got to eat dinner in people's homes and for the most part, have conversations with them.

So what does this all have to do with my degree project? Honestly, I guess I figured that some of the people would have been more affected by the war or that they might have wanted things to go back to being a certain way. But I believe it might be the opposite. I think I was focused on the past and reflection, but I found that people are looking to future. They want what is best for their country. They are proud of being Serbian and their customs. Every time I met someone new they were so interested in what I had to say about being in Belgrade so far. They have a desire to learn and grow and become educated.

I know I could say a lot more concerning the culture- but I am at a bit of a road block as of now...