Again I have positioned myself to be the outsider. After a five hour walking tour while in a jet lagged state, I assured my landlady that I was confident enough to walk to my new apartment on my own. I just kept repeating her words, "Go straight and turn right." I could do this. There was enough light in the sky and I had over 4000 Dinars in my pocket...I had 95% confidence in my navigational skills.
I walked straight for a while. Probably too straight. I realized I was in an area that we hadn't walked through before. My heart rate increased. The sky was a little darker than before. Confidence level: 80%
I retrace my steps. I note stores that I saw earlier. Where was I going wrong? I showed a newspaper kiosk lady my police registration with my address on it. She came out of her booth and spoke in Serbian while gesturing down a road and then at some point turning left. I thanked her and noticed that I still haven't lost my Asian bow. She just looked at me funny...or maybe sympathetically. Confidence level: 50%
I walked in some circles and then ventured down a road. After a block, the area looked like something I had seen before. I continued down the road. Once I saw the market on the corner of my block, I heaved a big sigh, said a small prayer of thanks and gave myself a small pat on the back for making it through the first day. Confidence level: 95%
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Jaime...
If we don't hear from you for a couple of days in a row, should we assume you took the wrong turn? What is the police registration all about? Something Serbia or just a good idea when traveling abroad?
I'm glad you're getting settled.
Confidence level in Jaime: 100
Hey Aunt Linda!
From what I was told, the police monitor who is living in the area. Every time you stay at a hotel or hostel, you have to show or give them your passport so that you are recorded in the system. It can help catching criminals and for your own personal safety. Today's confidence level: 125%!
Hey Jaime!
I'm really enjoyed your blog. Sounds you've been having quite adventurous and exciting days in Serbia. If you have some spare time, please put some pictures of your area there. I've seen what looks like the city you live on Google map, and all I can see was a bunch of red-roofed houses. I'm curious to know about your new adventure in Seribia!
Post a Comment