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Published: November 7th 2006
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Bombed building
An example of one of the places hit with NATO bombs. The ones hit were all government and military buildings and they were usually accurate, only usually though. After deciding that we'd spent more time than was needed chilling by the "beach" in Montenegro, the group thought that it may be fun to check out Serbia. I don't think that anyone really knew what to expect from a place like Belgrade but whatever our expectations, they were certainly surpassed. Considering Belgrade got it's arse severely kicked in 1999 when NATO bombed the crap out of it for pissing off its neighboring countries, the city had a lot to offer. Arriving in the morning after a 12 hour overnight bus, we checked into our hostel. It was a converted penthouse apartment and definately one of the strangest setups I've seen in a hostel but a very good atmostphere. Deciding we were all hungry, we left to find whatever for Serbia had to offer in the way of food. Promptly it started to rain like I've never seen it rain before and a torrent flowing down our hilly street making walking, let alone staying dry, next to impossible. Luckily our mood improved when we discovered one of our new favourite foods- the Burek. Its pie looking food consisting partly of pastry, partly of meat and entirely of grease. After eating a
The boys and 'The Fiv'
At one of the party barges slice bigger than recommended by any doctor, Shatters promptly stated that he needed another shower, the grease was almost too much to handle. Yet it was somehow delicious.
After getting over our grease hangovers, we got stuck into drinking at the hostel. Luke had an internet friend who was a local Belgradian and offered to arrange our social outings for the time were we there. Let me tell you that this guy, Philip Vudovich or 'The Fiv', was the funniest and strangest character I've met in my 11 months away. He walked into the hostel and loudly announced "Who is Lucas... Ok, lets go!" From then on we were at the mercy of this crazy Serbian accountant, son of a diplomat, with the most abrupt and blunt mannerisms of anyone I have met. He took us to an Irish bar and, as they say, 'it was on'. A few beers later, we headed for the party barges- basically floating cube clubs lining the river. Here we met a number of the crazy Serbs friends and everyone proceeded to get silly. I'm not sure what else to say about this night except that it was certainly an experience. The locals were
very friendly and they knew how to have fun but there were some definate cultural differences.
The next day, after getting over the night before with a decent Italian meal and some decent wine which we could not pronounce the name of, we prepared for another night out with the crazy Serbs. The others decided they could not take another night like the last so it was left to Luke and I to head out again with our new friends. The nights activity- a rave in a 14th century castle an hour and a half outside of Belgrade. The convey of cars arrived and we all walked into the castle. It was a legitimate tourist attraction during the day but that night was decked out with bars, a huge sound system and plenty of crazy lights. It was strangest contrast between old and new, seeing an abundance of Red Bull advertising against a backdrop of an ancient Eastern European fortress. We partied the night away and were still there at 9am to watch the sun rise. After picking up some drinking yogurt and more Burek, we made the drive home and let me tell you it was not the safest
Party barge madness
Austrlians and Serbians having a good time. Also notice my Mohawk trip I've ever taken. The Fiv's driving after many 'party accessories' and a few spliffs was marginal at best. Firstly we were tailed by a police car and we'd forgotten to turn the hazard lights off. Then we got lost and I was the only one capable of following the signs back to Belgrade so I became the designated navigator. Then the whole way home we drove half in the emergency lane with our fingers crossed. Needless to say we lived but certainly one of the most memorable nights I've had.
The rest of our time in Belgrade was more sedate, mostly consisting of eating in good restaurants, sightseeing and playing scrabble. In the end we were only there for 3 or 4 days but it seems so much longer in my memory. Belgrade itself was actually quite nice and worth looking around. The were several castles and it was sobering to see all the buildings with huge holes in as a result of the NATO bombings 7 years ago. Definately one of the highlights of our European adventure.
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Clive
non-member comment
nice
LOL.. I love the Belgrade fashion.. phil