Things I won't miss about Serbia

And finally, since I'm a bit anal, and I like complete blocks, I had to have a final list.

Moving to another country is hard. Especially when it is a country that doesn't have a lot of foreigners. I often get the feeling that I'm the only non-Serb in all of Belgrade. It is a strange feeling indeed. But by muddling about, I have managed to survive happily for over 4 months and I would happily stay here for another year if I could. But of course, there are some things that I really don't like and won't miss them when I leave. So here is that list:

1. Smoking everywhere

2. Being alone at work - I know my team is a call away, but there is something to be said for interacting with people during the day in person!

3. Slavija - otherwise known as the Roundabout of Death

4. Rakija - it is supposed to be plum brandy, but tastes like I imagine lighter fluid would taste. I guess it's an acquired taste

5. The fact that shops close at 3pm on Sunday so if you happen to be getting back late from a weekend trip, you are out of luck!

6. The Gazella Bridge - it might fall into the Sava and the traffic is always backed up for no reason

7. Bureaucracy - though to be fair, I think it is much worse for people that are expats in the US

8. Not understanding what is going on most of the time - however, this isn't all bad!

9. Everything is hidden away - you have to know what you are looking for and have a local guide. I actually rather like this about Belgrade, but it is hard when you are a foreigner and don't have a local guide.

10. Little Roma kids begging and knocking on your car windows at stop lights and their parents digging through the trash - it is very upsetting to me, but I guess that is how they live their life.