Aug 31, 2009 02:55 PM
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This is one review I have been trying to write for a long time but could not gather enough time to do so. I had visited Belgrade between August 9th and 12th 2009. I went there on business after finishing my business in Turkey.
The place is yet to get out of it's communist regime and after effects of NATO bombings ad the civil war. But the new generation is waking up to the reality and trying to over throw the old reminiscent of the awful political mistakes it's predecessors had left on this country.
When I landed on Nicola Tesla Airport, the first feeling I got was the bureaucracy is still not very friendly to the foreigners. Perhaps they don't get many. Bu when I went to the city , it was completely different. I was welcomed by my business partners and was shown around the city central part on day one, which was a little polluted but still beautiful.
The river Danube here meets with river Sava near the old fortress which was beautiful. The place is full of casinos , shops and there is definitely some night life for the owls. I was so moved to see the traditional hospitality when they present you with a sweet made up of strawberry after you visit them at their place and the way you are received, makes you feel someone special and yet very informal.
People are warm and friendly and definitely interested in taking the talks a mile forward , specially, when it comes to soccer. The old orthodox Christianity still alive in the orthodox churches which people follow. I went in the peak summers and the area was full of dense forests. Belgrade is a nice city to walk. You sill come across some signs of NATO bombing when you see the destructed buildings.
What more, I was truly surprised to see our Maruti 800 and Mahindra cars on the road though not in big numbers. The family values are intact and people are more family centric than other parts of Europe.The local drink Rakia is a form of a brandy and brandy lovers may enjoy that. It's a nice welcoming place which one can visit.
