soundbytes from serbia

i’ve recently met some new friends. though i know them for a short time, they’ve inspired me in many ways, therefore, here they are:

v. is….a repat from canada (returning expat to serbia, like myself). she is a journalist (one of my favorite professions!). very quirky and unusual  - collects all the branded pens from corporate press conferences in a jar on her work desk! very playful and direct - when i first met her, she asked me “so, how do you like serbian men?”. sometimes she is busy to call back or answer text messages, but then she surprises me with a lovely encouraging sms or calls until she reaches me just to say hi. very good listener and follows up each time we meet with things that are important to me. her strongest serbian traits: caring and direct.

j. is….also a repat, from usa. she is very friendly, passionate, enthusiastic and genuine. she has such a lovely smile that makes me feel as if i know her for ages! j. is very full of positive energy, and has a ton of great ideas that she is not afraid to try out! she launched a hamburger stall, a kindergarten and a very successful happy hour - monthly gatherings for repats to serbia! she is a connector and likes to connect friends to each other. always wants to show belgrade in best light to friends who are visiting, always cares to make sure no one is left unattended. a natural host. her strongest serbian traits: warmth and hospitality.

d. is….daugther of my mom’s friend, which makes her even more dear to me, since our friendships span across generations. though she is a bit quiet, calm and composed, whenever she talks, she giggles at her own funny stories and makes all the other listeners giggle along. she is a bit of a geek, works in IT. d. is not afraid to laugh at herself and often talks about skiing (she’s a big fan) and her ski adventures that i love to listen to! her strongest serbian traits: humor and common sense (street smarts).

here’s to friends, old and new, who make my life rich and colorful!