On my way home from the store, I walk by Klaudio’s. On the terrace of the café I see Jozo Brandić reading a local newspaper. When I sit at his table, I see that he is reading an article about a well-publicized corruption case in Croatia. Having received nine years in jail for hefty tips received for untold operations, a surgeon from Rijeka recently fled to Bosnia, where he is originally from. The latest news is that Bosnia refuses to extradite him back to Croatia. “Ah,” Jozo waves his hand in disgust, “the Balkans!” When our eyes meet, he explains: “Either they sing, or they slay!” According to Jozo, these are the only two states of mind available to people in these parts. Often enough, singing and slaying come at each other’s heels.