A little respect for the elderly: Školj speaks out

You wonder how my voice managed to reach you people. Please don't look down on those who are not reaching for artificial intelligence today!

Lulled by a rut, I was jolted by news of some kind of construction, of setting up a camp on my shoulders. I broke out in a sweat from fear of what you, the individuals, had imagined this time. The lethargy that had long since gripped most people and only a few news stories on the portals about plans that were being prepared for me, further discouraged me. And so, struggling with my own self-confidence, I remembered artificial intelligence. Like a drowning man clutching at a straw, I cautiously approached her and asked if she could write a letter so that people would understand me, to which she kindly and warmly replied in the affirmative. That's how it came into being.

So, the reason for my address is the news about the project to build a camp on Školje, brought in accordance with laws and regulations, but without my knowledge. Campers on my land are offered peace, untouched nature and wonderful beaches. Let me tell you something about peace and tranquility: I have been doing this job for thousands of years, and completely free of charge. Do you mean since the time of the Illyrians or when the Phoenician Cadmus rode his chariot across this sky and when Budva was being built? No, I have been here since the time when you did not walk this earth.

And then - yes, I will mention people known and unknown... Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs - you all directed your ships towards me, seeking safety and guidance in my arms. I showed my most beautiful face to Venetian draftsmen while they carefully engraved my image (along with the city) on copper plates. That's how I appeared in the atlases of the then known world. The word about the stately island of Školjić, as they called me out of kindness, spread far and wide.

But not everything went smoothly with the people. I was the first line of defense when the plague raged, so I voluntarily provided shelter to the sick and put myself in danger so that the people of Budva could survive. When pirates and enemy ships came, I was a shield for the people of Stari Grad. I took the blows of the waves so that the sailors in the harbor could calmly drop anchor and drink a glass of wine. The fishermen looked at me fondly when I directed schools of fish into their nets. On my shore, the church of St. Nicholas was built, around which many people of Budva have found eternal peace...

I was most proud when you lifted the doce on my back, carefully planting vegetables, fruit, olives and vines. I devotedly nurtured that green splendor, eagerly awaiting the hardworking hands of the fruit pickers I had created. I must admit that my ego enjoyed the role of nurturer. It was a magnificent sight, which even numerous photographers could not resist. What a time!

I don't want to brag, but I've been sung and written about (deservedly). You already know about the stories of Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša, but admit it, you've forgotten that Njegoš wrote the epic "Svobodijada" and some parts of "Gorski vijenac" while thoughtfully looking at me from the Podostrog monastery. And Šćepan Mali, while tiredly collecting medicinal herbs in Maine and Pobori, would stop and rest, following me with his gaze.

You will say that I am quite vain for an island called Školj (another name for an islet, but more on that another time) and that I sound like a mastodon. You are wrong, it is you people who are talking about my charisma (albeit from the other side of the world). Let me remind you, please, that Huawei chose my photo to adorn the screens of their mobile phone users. Since then, millions of people around the world have admired my unique beauty, without me moving from my place.

I would have much more to tell you, but artificial intelligence warned me that people today do not have time for long stories. With this address, I wanted to remind you that our destinies are intertwined and that we are obliged to respect each other. This is what a charming gentleman who values ​​his dignity and heritage, believing that you do too.

PS If reading these lines you instinctively looked up at Školj, I will use the opportunity to lure you to my sorrow. The sun, my ally, will defile you and momentarily force you to turn your back on it and look at the shape of your own land. This time you will move. Instead of strung vines and olive trees from tourist brochures of the "queen of tourism" and from pre-election videos, you will be amazed at the concrete-glass cubes scattered across the fields and hills, all the way to the mountain tops. Then you will be overcome with restlessness. But don't worry, I'll be there to hug you, as I've done countless times in the past. Infected with the timeless love of a Skolje, the decision about the path you will take next will be easy.

Citizen Milena VRZIĆ