I did not go for breakfast instead made a cup of tea and some snacks. I am shifted to the top floor. It is Luxury apartment. A big bedroom, very well furnished drawing room, kitchen, very modern bathroom and balcony on both sides. Last night the other German boys in my room kept on disturbing with their loud chats till morning.
I have given all my clothes except what I was wearing to Natasha, the receptionist for washing.
Zarko came at 10.30 a.m. to the hostel. We then walked to the main orthodox church of Belgrade which is near to the Hostel. He was keen that I should see this. We then, walked to the Bus Stand and went near the Indian Embassy stop.
The Embassy is on the main road. A small building with an Indian flag outside, that needs a replacement. The gate opened automatically and we both went inside. The receptionist knew our coming and asked us to wait. Then I went to meet Mr. Navin Saxena, 1st Secretary. He is a nice young person and met warmly. We chatted for some time and then we were served with tea. After a few minutes, Zarko also joined us. Navin invited us for dinner at 8 p.m. to his house. Zarko asked me if Nicola could also join. Navin readily agreed. Zarko told me that Nicola’s wife will drive us to Navin’s house and will go back. I was not comfortable with this. She should also join the dinner. I phoned Navin and he graciously agreed. Now we walked quite a bit to Marshall Tito’s grave and museum. I saw a big photograph of non-aligned countries leaders including Nehruji and took some pictures. In the museum, I saw gifts given to Tito by various countries including Indian “Pagri” and 6-7 garlands which had become black now. Zarko is a great follower of Tito. He used to organize Youth rallies in his young age and was a leader and member of communist party. He gave me good explanation of many happenings in former Yugoslavia. His knowledge of events and dates is brilliant.
We walked down and then boarded a bus. Zarko showed me some buildings which were bombed during the war and later we walked to see T.V. Station’s bombed building. We then went to the fortress and had much in the restaurant where we were last night at the time of rain. It was good, food of baked vegetable and mushroom with rice and one Serbian dish of stuffed Paprikan with meat. We then walked up to the fort and saw beautiful view of confluence of river Sava with Danue. Then we walked back to the downtown area which was crowded today and took a bus for hostel. Zarko will come back at 7.30 p.m.
I came and took a nap for 30 minutes and then shower. Zarko came at 7.45 p.m. Nicola and his wife were outside with car. Nicola’s wife was driving the car and I sat in front. We found the house of Navin Saxena which was on the road and just near to International School. Navin and his wife welcomed us warmly. They have two daughters studying in 8th and 9th class. They came to greet us and then moved back to their rooms. We sat in the drawing room. Drinks were served and we enjoyed talking to each other. Nicola is a young man and with good business sense. He also runs a travel agency. Dinner was served in some time. It was Indian Puri, Rice, Black grams, Potatoes, Chicken Curry, Raita, Salad and Mango Chutney. Everyone enjoyed the food. It was not spicy. Nicola and his wife are fond of Indian food and go to Indian restaurant once in a month. We had red wine and Zarko drank whisky. We thanked Navin and his wife for the lovely evening and excellent dinner.
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