What The Hell, Belgrade?!

Belgrade, Serbia - January 2024

As I sit in the airport in Belgrade waiting for my connection to Albania, I have some thoughts. 

1. Why is it so freaking hot in here? It’s only 52 degrees outside. Why is the damn heat on?  I. Am. Melting. My hotel early this morning was the same. And no thermostat in the room to change it. I had to lay naked, uncovered with the window partially opened. Which brings me to…

2. After a long and sleepless flight from JFK, I had an 8 hour layover in Serbia before my flight to Albania. The young woman at the check-in desk kindly upgraded me to Comfort Plus and put me in a window seat with no one next to me. I was so optimistic that I’d get some rest. No. Even though I doubled up on sleeping meds. So after getting through customs (quickly, US) I decide to go to a nearby hotel to sleep. All I can say about this hotel is I’m glad I wasn’t murdered. I literally said out loud as I lay in bed, I hope no one gets in here and slits my throat. Also, when you read that the shuttle to/from airport is free make sure you confirm that when booking. I left for the airport with no makeup and my hair unbrushed.  I don’t even care. 

3. Let me backtrack a minute. The flight on Air Serbia was otherwise not bad. They fed us like every hour and cocktails were free. I couldn't understand a thing they said but they were smiling so it seemed fine. 

4. I’m now sitting in an airport restaurant after another quick spin through customs, and I can’t read the damn signs. Almost nothing in English, which surprises me. I make it to a cafe and order what appears to be a grilled ham and cheese. Unlike our American version, the cheese is on the outside of top, which looks amazing, the bottom is buttered and super “wet”, but the ham inside was good. I tore it in two so it would be easier to eat but that didn’t help. I have no idea what it cost, because I can’t read the signs, so I just hit tap and made my way to a table with a banquette. 

5. I think I may pass out from heat exhaustion. 

6. The Duty Free shops are impressive and the female airline employees are super glamorous. 

7. They don’t use ice in drinks, even if you ask.

8. I have another 90 minutes before my flight leaves. Hope I haven’t been rushed to the hospital before then. 

9. I decide to quit bitching, go with the flow and look forward to my final destination of Sarande, Albania. Which I won’t reach until about 7:00pm tonight after leaving for the Orlando airport at 5:45 yesterday morning. So I will likely sleep a big chunk of my day away tomorrow. If you know me, you know this isn’t unusual. Besides, I’m retired and in Europe!  I can do whatever the hell I want.