I understand your logic very well, I too experience nostalgia (beautifull word by the way) - I just fear its mind playing tricks and not a true assesment of the state.

Feeling you feel is actually common with all imigrants everywhere around the world, I dont think its unique to Balkan.

Its a sad destiny as you end up stuck beetween the worlds.... You miss the world you left, your friends, family, country... which is normal - but often if you do go back you realize that that moment has passed and those people, places, way of life has been altered (as well as that you have romanticized things and forgoten about the negative aspects).

Canada made a sitcom about Koean imigrants and their adjustments to the Canadian culture/customs (Kim's convenience). It tells a story about Korean dad talking about Korea and their culture with more conservative stance and kids telling him he is out of touch. It was a great sucess in Canada. Funny enough when it aired in Korea it was a flop as most Koreans said its out of touch. -Turns out Korea has changed over the last few decaes and they do not think/act/see things the way that Korean imigrants do.

Same happens in all imigrant communities, they are stuck in time and place thinking of their country as it was - but as Heraclitus said "No man ever steps in the same river twice".

I miss few places where I lived (Greece included) but when I go back it often comes to me that what i miss may be what I had, and not the place (freedom, youth, relationships, lack of responsibility, moment in time really). I doubt that I could have it again if I went back.