Serbia
From Budapest a ticket with the rather slow train to Serbia costs 15 €. There are 3 trains per day and the journey takes about 12 hours. I chose the morning train to see at least a bit of the hinterland on my rushy little Balkan tour. Since Serbia is not a member in the EU I finally received again a little stamp in my passport. Arriving on train in Serbia s‘ Capital Belgrade in the late afternoon I saw for the first time in Europe slums. Not as spread out as in India of course, but in the way the little desperate shacks looked like – very similar to those in India. Made from trash and garbage. Had the feeling they were mostly occupied by Gypsies!
For just one day I had a glimpse into Belgrade and its‘ history. Beside some nice architecture from the heydays of Belgrade you will encounter a few mosques and the countries currency is named Dinar. This combined with the smell of the numerous kebab shops gives‘ you a bit of an oriental feeling. Prices are quite similar to those in Hungary. For some reason you will find pretty tasty slices of pizza on virtually every corner for just 0,75 €.
Putin seen in Beograd
Noticeable are also the many sex toy shops around downtown! More sex shops than Bakeries – and there are a whole lot of bakeries in Belgrade. BTW, Belgrade is also famous on the Balkan for it’s lively nightlife, which I missed since I left the place after a night – cause my hostel felt a bit like a refuge camp?!
Belgrade’s population same as in Hungary appearers very mixed with a rather darkish influence. The white tall Serbians stand out of the crowd and I got the feeling they want to. I guess I never have seen so many tall woman in my life!