Niš
My last night’s premonition turned out to be true. Good luck does not last forever.
In the morning my gold earring went down the drain in the shower, literally. It was inexpensive, just a long earring shaped like an icicle, but I liked those earrings.
Trying not to dwell on the loss, I had an excellent buffet breakfast at the hotel and checked out. The hotel receptionist confirmed that they registered me with police which is a requirement for all foreigners arriving to Serbia. This must be done within 24 hours after crossing the border. Hotels do this for their guests. If staying at a private house visitors must submit registration forms themselves.
The only attraction that I saw in Niš was the fortress. The entrance to it looked promising.
Inside it was simply a city park to where the locals come for a stroll. A few structures within the remnants of the fortification walls were mostly rundown. Here is a sample of what is located in the fortress.
Instead of trying to see more of Niš I treated myself to a nutritious lunch. Later it proved to be a good move because I had no dinner and this lunch was the last meal of the day.
On the way to the bus station I bought from a local artist a pair of simple silver earrings to replace the lost ones. My ears were pierced when I was 10 years old. Since then I always wear earrings and without them it feels like I am not fully dressed.
After 3 hours on the bus I was in Smederevo. Two things that I wanted to see brought me here – a medieval fortress and the Danube river. I had to take a taxi from the bus station to the hotel. First I tried to walk to it as I often do, then I got hopelessly lost and gave up. My room was in a regular Serbian house that the family rented out for some extra income. The guesthouse Maslina Rooms had excellent reviews online, location and all, but it was a big difference from my luxurious and modern accommodation last night. Oh, well, these are the ups and downs of living on the road.
