On the 8th of december I went back to Serbia, for the second time in my life and this year. I couchsurfed with new and old friends, slept on sofas, beds and a combination of both. I spent nights in the fanciest hotel aswell as the cheapest hostel, and I met so many wonderful people. Since before I came home yesterday I wanted to tell you all about it, but I was too damn tired!
I'm so happy for all the beautiful moments I had these past 11 days. For people staying up late to spend time with me, the parents/friends/classmates I was introduced to, for delicious home cooked mushrooms, being taken care of and spoiled, for the hostel with friendly staff but an uncomfortable bed, for being shown another serbian fortress, for laughing and crying, for feeling safe and constantly entertained. Belgrade was wonderful this time too just a lot snowier, Niš was so much fun, but Novi Sad has a very special place in my heart. (It's like Malmö, but with less falafel and swedes.)
Thank you Radoš you for inviting me back even though I timed my visit in Belgrade very poorly. I'm glad that I got to see you again and catch up, and talk about all the weird things in life, even though you should have been sleeping and preparing for your trip. Rakija and cookies again some time?
The same thing goes for Zlatan, for spending the snowiest night in Belgrade with me discussing politics and showing me your drawings. It's a shame we couldn't hang out more, but I'm sure there will be a next time. Thank you Anja (and your lovely mother) for taking me in and giving me a place to sleep, a dog to cuddle, serbian childrens songs and most of all your awesome company. Stevan, the best companion one can have for Protest-hunting on a freakishly cold day. I like the way you think and hearing about it while eating chineese food on the bus station is something I will remember.
Jovana, you are a lovely person and really fun to be around. I wish that I had more time to spend with you in Niš, to laugh and eat creepy looking desserts in trains. I expect you to honor your promise to entertain me with strange popular culture and facts about your country until I return to terrorise Serbia again.
Thank you Maja for giving me a wider perspective on some of the political issues in Serbia, warming my sick throat with tea and for bringing me to my new favorite bazaar. Thank you Milica too, even though we didn't get to see each other this time because of my poor planning. Thank you to everyone that I had the pleasure to meet, and everyone that sent me messages or in other ways wanted to help me out while I was travelling.