Eleanor during the two pas de deux (dance with two)
Today dawned bright and fresh. Eleanor went on to dance and I slept in. Around 11AM, Lynda ran out to find the photomat and get some pictures printed of the group to give to them at the performance this afternoon and I took a shower. When I got out of the shower, it was pouring! Eleanor and Allie came running in, dripping wet, asking to change clothes and have some money for lunch. I asked them to give me 10 minutes and I'd take them to lunch. We met Lynda and Amanda on our way out and Lynda joined us for lunch.
After lunch, we went to get a little more cash (not too much though since I don't want to try and trade it back in--that rate is always unfavorable) and then popped into a souvenir shop again. This time I was very tempted. She had some original oil paintings of scenes of Novi Sad. One of the fortress was particularly pretty and cost 6000 dinars (about $120). I resisted temptation, but it was difficult because it really was beautifully done and would look lovely on my living room wall....we'll just have to come back I guess!
We then made our way to the market to find some roses for the dancers at their performance this afternoon. It was rain washed and lovely. Lynda bought some blackberries (the sweetest I've ever had) and I bought some little berries on twigs that I have no idea what it is called. It is a little sour and a little sweet. I'll have to take some pictures and see if I can figure out what it is called.
We have about an hour until we need to leave for their performance so I am hanging out here and writing this. I should be starting on my packing since we leave for London in the morning. Maybe in a minute... :-) Separating dirty clothes from clean in our suitcases shouldn't take but a moment and so I really don't anticipate this taking too long. I might be wrong though...... I'll let you know later. I did arrange for a car to pick us up at Heathrow and take us to our apartment in London though. It wasn't much more than taking the Heathrow Express and it will deliver us straight to our door.
Back again.....
The performance was good. I got what I hope will be some good pictures. I plan to upload a couple here tonight. There was a little party after the performance with food prepared by Stevan's niece Zlata. She made an absolutely wonderful cake that her daughter Sondra called the 15 minute cake. It was made with biscuits, whipping cream, fresh blackberries and fresh raspberries. It was heavenly and I am skeptical of it only taking 15 minutes to create!
After the party, I headed back to the dorm alone and started organizing my world to pack. Eleanor showed up about 30 minutes later, just in time to talk with her father for a short while on Skype, take a shower and inform me she was going to spend the evening with the young people....which I expected. They went to dinner on their own and then were going out to a cafe to have cokes and dance. She did pack first though! :-)
I went out to dinner with Lynda and Amanda at a little fish restaurant that we passed the other day around the corner from our hostel. It was absolutely charming. When we arrived, there was no one else there. We chose the largest table which was in front of the front window, and included a window bench seat in the open window--which is where I sat, partially because it was just fun and partially to protect myself from what I expected would be cigarette fumes as others arrived. The waitress, luckily, spoke English. I say luckily because these menus (unlike others we have experienced) did not have any English. I had salmon in a cream sauce as did Amanda. Lynda ordered a chicken dish which she said was wonderful. Because both Lynda and I had started out requesting something different....and because I think they just wanted to please new patrons, they brought us an appetizer plate of some different local cuisine at no charge. They also ended the meal with some fresh fruit (watermelon and pears) drizzled in honey and either cinnamon or nutmeg. The really interesting thing about the restaurant though was that the kitchen was across the lane from the restaurant, so our waitress had to walk across the street to give our order and get our food. It is probably the most expensive meal we have had so far. We decided to just split the bill 3 ways rather than trying to figure out each person's share. The total was 3800 dinars, which is about $76. It was also the best restaurant meal I've had while I've been here though. It was magnificent. Lynda, Amanda and I then walked to the square to have some gelato (just because I've only had it once) and walked for a little while through the park before heading home.
I'm packed, with the exception of the clothes I'm presently wearing and my toiletries, so I'm good to go in the morning. Stevan is going to pick us up at 8:15AM which would put us at the airport around 9:15 or so. Our flight is at 10:40. I hope that is enough of a margin. I told him I'd be ready by 8:00!
So, for now I'll say "dovejenia" (butchered spelling). It means "see you later" in Serbian!
P.S. We walked in the door and within 5 minutes, it started raining. Talk about excellent timing!
No comments:
Post a Comment