Another former Soviet state full of contrasts. Almost 95% of the world's raspberries come from Serbia.  It was the home of Nikola Tesla and between the 3rd and 4th centuries a total of 18 Roman emperors came from these soils. But, of course there was the turbulent break-up of the former Yugoslavia in which ethic tensions resulted in a terrible war. We've been to all the Yugoslav countries now and we have found that they all still harbor some resentment.

 

We spent 7 wonderful days in the bucolic Southern Serbia (Zlatibor region).  Our farmstay was in a beautiful rural valley, where the locals are experts at making rakia (a strong spirit based on plums, that can also be used to remove paint). Of course, Robyn loves the stuff!  Favorite memories - picking fruit everywhere, the enormous home cooked breakfasts (with strong coffee and rakia), walking to the local village, the Mokra Gora figure 8 mountain railway, picnic on Zlatibor mountain, and fried garlic trout.  We also spent two days exploring Belgrade.  A nice city located at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers.