Belgrade FoamFest

I’ve already been to Belgrade. Of all the unexplored cities and countries in this part of the world, why would I choose to come here – a bustling capital renowned for its nightlife? Surely this isn’t the right place to come and be productive?

No, it isn’t. But I do have a reason.

Foamfest, the biggest foam party in the world 😀

52 DJs. 18,000 fans. 200,000 hectolitres of foam. Although I am still ages behind on everything, how could I pass up an opportunity like this – especially considering I was a mere $80 flight away at the exact right time of year!

So after sleeping the whole way from Sweden, I landed at Nikola Tesla airport just before midnight. I took a prearranged WizzAir taxi to the hostel, knocked out, woke up early, and started rallying the troops.

(Aside: Spirit Hostel in Belgrade is now right up there at the top of my “all-time favorites” list. It’s a bit pricey, but easily one of the cleanest, most well-maintained and well-equipped hostels I’ve ever been to. With free breakfast, a fantastic English-speaking staff, and even your own bathrobe…it wouldn’t be fair to rate it anything but A+).

Anyway, so how was FoamFest?

Just so-so. I’d go again, but only if I were already in Serbia. Maybe it would’ve been better if I’d been with my regular crew, or maybe I’m just spoiled after the craziness of Kazantip. In any case, I am still glad I came.

Other than FoamFest I spent a total of five days in Belgrade. It really is an amazingly vibrant city – I just love how there are people out and about during all hours of the day. And contrary to my memory from last summer, the English is actually quite good. I guess perception makes a huge difference when you’re coming from the East rather than West 😛

I was also a bit surprised to find just how well I knew the city. There are a few of places in the world where I consider myself particularly familiar – Los Angeles, San Diego, Kyoto, Osaka, Tel Aviv, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok, Melaka, …

…ok, so I guess there are more than a few 😛 But I never thought Belgrade was one of them.

In fact just during my five days there I saw not one but four people I knew: a guy working at the tourist information office, a girl at the MTS cellphone shop, the hairstylist where Peder had gotten his haircut, and Jeca, a friend I specifically came to visit. All of them remembered me.

How nice.

Anyway, while I do actually have a full five days of blog notes, this is going to be one of those times when, in favor of being efficient, I’ll cut it off here.

Next up: A quiet town to catch up on work. For real this time! 😆

Note: These posts are behind realtime; the above took place during the first week of September, 2011.