Zarko’s friend Raisa was standing there. He met warmly but does not know English. He hired a taxi and we come to city centre. Then went to local YHA Office. An old lady Muriana who was working in the Office and knew good English became my guide and a good friend. She took me to a tour of Novosad downtown area. As usual there are restaurants, shops and a cathedral orthodox and catholic church both are there. We took another road and went to a big book store. The owner has stored many books from India. I saw Mahabharatha in Serbian language. He presented me with some cards and a tomato from the bag in which he bought vegetables. It was nice of him. He had a desire to come to India once in his lifetime. In fact everyone whom I met young or old wished to come to India.
We walked out to the main square. Raisa asked for a Pizza and we ate some pieces of it. I wanted to take a bus back to Belgrade but Raisa arranged a taxi going to Belgrade Airport to drop two passengers from Novosad. Taxi came at 2.45 p.m. and I bade good bye to Raisa and the old lady Mariana who gave me a walking tour. They waited till the taxi left. Two passengers who were picked up from the city chatted with me all long. They had started their business and named it “Phulki” and one is getting lots of customers from India. I told them that “Phulkari” is an Indian word. The driver after leaving them at Belgrade airport, drove me to the town. It was a rush time. I spoke to Zarko and he told the driver to drop me to some place. Zarko came there and now we reached YHA association office on 2nd Floor. It is a Govt. building in which some area was given to them. The Office is not in a very good condition. Furniture needs repairing or needs to be changed. Zarko told that they don’t have money for that. I thought over and then asked him to apply for Richard Schirrmann grant. He should send the request with a proper budget through Igor. Nicola came and we chatted many different topics. Then he said he would come in 30 minutes. Another person Goran, asked me if I would join their tour. I was tired and declined the offer. Zarko and I went to a place where large number of restaurants like food bazaar were there. Live music in some restaurants and girls standing at the entrance with menu cards. We took a round and then sat in an open area of the restaurant. Zarko’s cousin had come from USA and they met here only. We drank Rakia and then wine. Rakia or Raki is homemade grape brandy which is very popular in all these countries. Nicola joined us. I ate a small amount of grilled meat and Nicola finished all. Zarko dropped me in the bus near the hostel. It was 12.20 a.m. Some shops were still open and I bought toothpaste at a 24 hrs mini market. This was an enjoyable day.
Yes when we were sitting in the Zarko’s Office, he did lot of internet search for me. First the bus timetable and then hostel accommodation in Prinstina, Kosovo. Kosovo is in South of Serbia, a self proclaimed country. Serbia has not recognized it as a separate country while most of the Europe and other countries have recognized it. India has not recognized it and that was my problem to go there. I was apprehensive if I would be allowed to enter or not. He spoke to the owner Prof. Ida and booked one room for me. Then we made our programme for further visit. I will go to Albania and Mecedonia from here to Istanbul. But the main question is to go Kosovo and go to Pristina. Let’s see. Yesterday, Naveen Saxena, 1st Secretary of Indian Embassy told me that I would manage. I phoned him in the evening to thank him but he was in Serbian Parliament watching inaugural/Swearing in ceremony, the new Parliament of Serbia. He spoke in hushed voice and I thanked him for the dinner.
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