Wait A Minute

I've been here for a while and now things are beginning to get a little clearer. One thing that has been brought home to me lately is that some people here think I am a RICH American. Omigod...funny.

For some reason (I don't know...maybe TV, movies???) some people think I had a big home back in Louisiana (try about 1600 sq. ft. asbestos shingled 3 bdr. 1 bath), big fancy car (2001 Toyota), and lots of money (family business, kid in college, lots of debt).

What I did own is now food for lawyers in my divorce and will likely be sold to pay towards my share of child support. My clothes have been given to Goodwill. My personal books, music, pictures...the things that I took for granted are gone. My Mom was able to grab a few bags of my best clothes for me but shipping them here from Texas would cost more than they are worth.

I know that these things are more than most average Serbians can claim. I'm not going to apologize for that. But, rich? Hardly. I was middle class in America. That means I had stuff, courtesy of credit cards and debt. I worked hard to get the things I had. My EX and I had 20+ yr. old furniture and our house needed lots of "fixing up".

The reason I bring this up is because of this wrong impression, these people seem to think that I should be able to buy whatever they are selling. We should be able to lend money to them...whatever. We live on my fiance's salary which is basically the same small salary that everyone else gets. How do I know this? Because, EVERYONE I have met here who works has told me what his/her salary is in our first conversation.

I came here with a few hundred dollars. That's all I have to my name. I don't have a job. All I own now came with me in 2 suitcases and one carry on bag.

I try not to lump all Serbians into one stereotype - I know they are individuals. I wish people here would do the same for Americans.

Foods I Miss

Today is the 4th of July. The first one I have ever spent away from the US, and I miss the celebrations, the food and of course, my family.

However, I can't really dwell on that.

Instead, I am thinking of some of the foods that I miss from "back home". While I love the food here in Novi Sad - sarma, fish stew, goulash, etc., I am craving the following dishes (in no particular order):

1. A big thick Whataburger hamburger and fries. Hell, I'd even go the "whole hog" and get it with cheese. Yes, I know there is a McDonald's here in Novi Sad, but I hated that crap in the US and I still don't want it.

2. Micheal Angelo's frozen vegetable lasagne. This is so good. You put a little extra mozzarella on the top and "zap" it in the microwave.

3. A big box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Wow, I really am pitiful. Not exactly gourmet stuff.

4. I am from Louisiana, so of course boiled crawfish must be included in this wish list. With new potatoes and corn on the cob cooked in with the crawdaddies.

5. Some California Rose wine. I really love this, but rose here is expensive and rare. Plenty of good and cheap whites and reds, but not much in blush or rose.

6. Some Bar-B-Q ... anything. Pork ribs, chicken leg quarters, sausage...I'm not picky.

Well, I think that is plenty for now. I really need to stop thinking about it and just go enjoy my day.

Happy 4th to anyone who is American and might be reading this blog today.

Saturday Weddings

It's a little after 2:30 in the afternoon on a Saturday and I hear outside my window cars going by and horns honking. I know without looking that someone else has married today.
People here drive their cars, in a line (like we in the US do for funerals) with the lights on, horns honking and flying large Serbian flags out of the window. The car carrying the bride and groom is usually decorated with white ribbon, etc. like the cars of bridal parties in the US. Those of us walking on the street smile and wave to them. It is a happy time for all.

Problems Back Home

I called my Dad for Father's Day and got some upsetting news. My Mom had another "mini-stroke" last week. These are times when she goes totally blank. Can't remember where she has been, what she has been doing. She had gone to the Gynecologist with my daughter and evidently "woke up" not knowing what had happened. She told me she had her doctor's new RX's in her purse and everything, but couldn't remember anything.

I wrote my daughter an email asking for more information. She was there, she could help me to understand what goes on when this happens. Since Mom doesn't want to worry me, she gives only the minimum of info, but I have received no answer, no acknowledgment of my email...nothing. The "freeze" continues.

My brother, having heard that I spoke to Mom and Dad DID send me an email telling me that he thinks this is Mom's reaction to stress. He says my Mom's regular doctor told her to get some psychiatric counseling. My Dad has had some health problems the last few years and she worries about that and one of her sisters with whom she had reconnected after many years died of breast cancer. And, of course....last but NOT LEAST - STRESS caused by ME. Great.

Everything bad that happens in my family from now on will, I suppose, be my fault.

I am very worried. I don't have the money to just fly home and visit and then return. Even if I did, it will mess up my proof of residency that I am establishing so that I can marry my fiance here and then return to America. I want to be closer to my family, things like this just reinforce that desire. I don't think it will matter to my kids, but I know it will to my parents.

So, I worry, feel guilty, and bask in the glow of the hate coming my way from my kids. And how is your day?

Stomach Virus From Hell

I've been out of it for two days and now my love is sick from some kind of stomach virus from hell. Luckily, our doctor has given his advice on what to do and what to take and I feel better today, at least I am out of bed and have showered.

My love just returned from work and is sleeping. I knew when he awoke last night and had to call on the porcelain telephone that this was not good. Now, it is my turn to care for him. He has been my lifeline that past few days.

Gotta go....

Bean Festival in Temerin

This past weekend we attended the "Pasulj i Jada" in Temerin, Vojvodina. Over 100 cooks participated in this contest to cook the best beans. They worked in teams and represented various firms and groups. Most of the ones I saw were men and the women helped keep the food and drink flowing to the guests at each tent. The winning group were our friends from Novi Sad...BRAVO!

Naturally, there was music and dancing in the large grassy area in the middle of the festival site. Here's a picture of some kids who entertained the crowd:



Native crafts were sold as well, beautiful laces, embroidery, handmade jewelry (made from beans), paintings, cotton rugs and purses and delicious wines from Temerin.

There were red, white and rose wines, as well as a wine made from jabuka (apples).
I met lots of very friendly people who were happy to supply me with all of the food and wine I could possibly drink. I posed for pictures with vintners, cooks and locals dressed in costume. Here's a great picture of me with a local vintner who had some fabulous white wine:

An Evening Out

Recently, we went out to eat at the Fontana Restaurant in Novi Sad. It is located in the town center area. Delicious food and wonderful Cerni (Red)Vino. I had the chicken...a huge piece of chicken breast, cooked and covered with cheese, accompanied with fried potatoes and a tasty salad:



While we were there, a young couple was holding their wedding reception. As we ate, the wedding cake passed by and I took a quick photo:



The young couple had a Roma band playing. There were several horns and a drummer. The music was very interesting and our host, the owner's son, took me to the room where the reception was being held and I was able to watch and listen for a few minutes. The people were dancing and having a wonderful time.