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Migrants, locals, and angry dogs

June 14, 2019 (Night)

Exercise Type: Run

Comments:
Went for a night run under less than ideal circumstances. Ever since Croatia (which is in the EU) closed its borders and began sending migrants back to Bosnia (which is not), migrants have piled up here in Velika Kladusa, Bosnia's western-most district. At night, you see groups of Pakistani young men all over town sleeping outside or talking and eating together. I can see why the locals are frightened of them--groups of homeless, unemployed young men with no means of putting bread on the table are not exactly reassuring to homeowners...or anyone walking down the street at night for that matter. None of them gave me any trouble however- it was a Bosnia who did. I had stopped to look at the stars and this guy came out of his house and angrily demanded to know what I was up to and when I said "training" asked why I'd be doing it at 1 am. He had a point. I tried to explain that it was too hot during the day, but ultimately settled on running away was the best reply. What was most alarming however was the dogs. They were not caged on or slinking away in a docile manner but racing around in large packs barking furiously. I did my best to avoid whatever streets they were hanging out on. On the whole, if you find yourself in a place like this at night, I would not recommend going for a run.