Unfinished interior of Cathedral of Saint Sava

8/28  Belgrade, Serbia  In the rain.  Toasted Pauline last night since several knew about cabbage rolls and we raved about hers.  Legacy of Tito – members of confederation were permitted to go their own way….and after he died, they did:  Croats, Serbs, Bosnians …. and then began the wars among them.  No good deed department.  I get the feeling he is well thought of; good politician who kept lines open with Russia and western Europe & the U.S.  Provided much national health care, old age pensions, public works projects.  Benign despot. Whereas Communists next made land owners give up farms, etc., and become factory workers to industrialize the country.  Failed. 7.5 million population.  Belgrade, Serbia leveled 44 times in wars. We use wheel chair for a.m. city tour –  and it was fine.  Bus itself took us to most of the city, we get off to see fortress and there, going up, the chair was invaluable.  Jeff and Katey watchful and willing to push if needed.  Surprising variety of architecture in what was a ‘closed’ city.  We tour huge Cathedral of Saint Sava; exterior complete, interior far from it ….but work is ongoing.

Cathedral of Saint Sava

Tour guide is excellent.  Humor, history, much political info and a good guy.  Stop for refreshment at Majestic Hotel, then buy souvenir.  Back to ship and lunch al fresco … and to nap. Ship has 110/220 outlets.  Eating too many  white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.  This ‘leg’ has included Katy and Jeff from Ormond Beach, Casey and Vickie, Patty, ‘Red’ and her Ma, Roger and Sylvia (Brits) and Bill and Midge from Utah.  Must be more than one-day tired. ‘Napped’ til ten of 7!  Up fast, jump into clothes and to dining room.  GW there ahead and was flagged by Jeff/Katey and a new couple, Linda and Peter.  Very nice chat and meal . . . though the ambient sound in the dining room is daunting at times.  In lieu of another folklorico show – this one Serbian; can Serbian be so different from Bulgarian?  Or ANY ? We retire to welcoming cabin for reading and movie.