This is likely my last post from Beograd aka београд aka the white city. (so named because the first people to 'discover' the city came from the west on the Danube, and the sun was shining off the limestone walls, making the city look white). On tuesday we continue on to Bosnia. I can not wait! It looks so interesting. We had a great chat about the politics ( a mess. Due in part to the US created Dayton accords.) But more about that later i suppose...
I am sad to be leaving Belgrade. This was a wonderful month of my life. I have learned so much, and even though we were insanely busy, it was all really fun. This city feels alive, and friendly, and functional. And it is only mildly overwhelming. I feel like i know most of the city now, even though i really just know the downtown area where i live and have class. Its very beautiful, but particularly unphotogenic. I will be walking on this gorgeous street, stop to take a picture and in the end it looks bleak, socialist, and grey. I don't know how it happens.
The other day i was walking home from class, and everyday i have been walking by this ruins- brick, covered in thick flora and fauna, and beautiful. For some reason they draw me in, and i have been wondering about them this whole time. Well- it turns out that it is the old library. They put up a giant sign the other day, and it starts with: Hey you! You wandering by wondering about this place...It is the library that was intentionally bombed and burned by the Nazi's when the Serbs didn't join up. So- for a month now the ruins of the Serbian national library- home of all historical archival Serbian documents have been calling to me. Anyone surprised?( Those are the pics up above.)
I have lots more to write, and tell you all about but I also have a paper and a research project proposal to write, so I have to get going. More to come I promise. xoxo!
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