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Got up bright and early and put on my running shoes. Ivan's like: Ben, it's too cold for running. Just walk! So I walk down John Kennedy St. in this, the "nice" neighborhood. And it struck me as well right when I got off the plane. Ivana: Yes, we have dogs. And so they do! All over the damn place, just walking down the street, minding their own business. Thankfully the ones going around are of the smaller variety. The one a disturbed coming into the apartment I mistook at first for a cat! But in any event, there were the cannines, indulging themselves on some bones or something. And even the crows, one large one sitting on a car, taking the meat off the bone. My, oh my, thought I, what have a gotten myself into this time! But that was all one, for the river was soon to be found, lying only 15 min. walk away and yes, there were joggers at this hour of the morning in this cold. Joy! And jog Benito did down the thoroughfare where little white cars scooted on by and the glory of the Danube was there for all to see! Past the Casino Benito went, promising himself to spend perhaps 100 euro in there, which is roughly 1,000,000 or so dinar. Yeah, I'm a rich man! In any case, bought some bananas from the stand on the way back, after taking in the river and the ducks and the dog fights going on nearby. Not properly, just running around and barking and yelling going on, so that bystanders stopped to watch. And there was some structure that looked like a castle that Benito mistook at first glance for a skateboarder park and some statue that may have been a remnent of some Soviet past, but these little houses on the water. Cafe's and such were really quite nice to take a date. (Maybe Ivana and her sister!) But in any case, this was the first scouting expedition. A man spoke to Benito in Serbian, but Benito paid him no heed, having vowed to disengage from the homeless, as he can help everyone with a dime every time and again. Was he really asking for directions? Nobody knows, but Benito was not getting involved this time around.
Coming back to the house, he was surprised to find his shower was a handheld one in all cases. Benito was astounded, forgoing the nice-sized shower back in Germany, but he would make do! There was also a large water heater right above the faucet, which certainly did make the water warm for all of ten minutes, which was enough to run a nice bath for himself. Soon he was enjoying himself in it. Then Ivana's sister woke up and they enjoyed some coffee together as Benito explained his literary ambitions, as well as his plans to take over the world! (One woman at a time...) But in any case, it was quite pleasant, and then Benito showed her his college website and they played domino's, then chess. Ivana's like: You could just do that at home! Well, maybe not with my sister, but still. Well, they did get out after a time and saw the great Orthodox church in all its glory. Then they went to a birthday party and Benito learned his first words in Serbian: "Sredah Rodendah!" Happy Birthday! And there was much celebration with Serbian hip-hop music playing in the background. Benito bobbed his head to the music, much to the delight of all in attendance. So that was that. They ate their special Greek cake and departed in fine fashion. (Did I mention that it was snowing?) The snow continued to fall.>> After another crammed ride on the (free) bus/ tram ride, they arrived at their respective destinations: Ivana to teach a small little girl and Benito back home. So completed day #2.
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