Novi Sad, Serbia

Didn't know this was the second largest city in Serbia (we're at the 1st, Belgrade, the capital, tomorrow) as well as a non-EU country so we have to keep our passports on us. Also has been voted a cultural capital of Europe, whatever that means. Walking tour through a market with a stop for fried dough, pedestrian old town, past Serbian Orthodox church (they are not part of other Orthodox sects); past their very nice theatre with commemorative plates for key things in Serbian history or key people. (Albert Einstein's first wife and Monica Seles were from here; and Nikola Tesla, another Novi Sad honorary citizen.)

Then they hosted a wonderful concert in a synagogue with a violin, viola, and singer. Nice selection of songs including theme from Schindler's List, Fiddler, and Hava Nagila (what a throw back to when Wendy learned on the piano! And why do I still remember all the words!) The synagogue is no longer used as a Jewish meeting place (70% of Novi Sad's Jews were killed), but the acoustics are so good they use it for concerts.

Sun came out and we went on the sundeck with our Canadian friends. Then back out to the city to revisit the beautiful park we'd raced through before and to see the theatre area also. Getting a little lost showed us some of the "other" streets.Read more