I landed in Belgrade yesterday and I’m currently sitting in the Women in Black (WIB) office! I haven’t seen too much of the city yet but have gotten glimpses on the way from the airport and on the way to the office. It seems like a nice city but it will take some time to get used to and some time to get to know my way around. I can already tell that it will be a challenge being a pescetarian here!
Donna (my co-fellow) and I are currently staying with Jennifer, who also works at Women in Black. We are going apartment hunting today and tomorrow and hoping to have something set by this weekend. But let’s see how long it takes.
I slept for about 12 hours last night to get over my jet-lag, but I’m apparently still tired. I think it’ll take a few days to get adjusted. But right now I’m enjoying a cup of black coffee (another thing that will take me time to get used to!) that was just given to me. In Belgrade it is assumed that if you’re at the office, you want a cup of coffee at multiple points in the day.
I came into the office briefly yesterday but today will be my first full day. I’m going to be spending a good part of my day reading through Women in Black’s literature to get myself more acquainted with the organization. I have yet to meet Stasa, who founded the Belgrade division of Women in Black, but I have met other office staff and I’m already looking forward to working with them. Once I meet and sit down with Stasa, my priorities and responsibilities for the next two months should become clearer.
But I’m already excited for this weekend because we’ll be making a trip with WIB to South Serbia on Friday. WIB will be conducting street performances and a series of educational seminars on militarism and women’s fight against militarism around the world. Donna and I will be documenting their efforts this weekend and bringing them to light in the U.S. I can’t wait to see, and be part of, my first Women in Black on-the-street demonstration!
I’m sure I’ll have lots to share with you this weekend from South Serbia, and even next week once I’m all settled in and have time to explore Belgrade. Will keep you posted!
Street Corner
Posted By Simran Sachdev
Posted Jun 3rd, 2009
250 Comments
rachael
June 4, 2009
Sim –
Sounds incredible so far. Women in Black seems like an amazing organization and I can’t wait to learn more about it. Great that you slept for 12 hours upon arriving – you’ll probably adjust to the time change quickly – remember, no naps! I think I’m most looking forward to reading about the city and the cultural differences over there through your blog entries. I don’t know all that much about that part of the world. Keep writing and be safe 🙂
miss you,
R
Danielle
June 4, 2009
Glad to hear you made it! The demonstration sounds exciting, can’t wait to see pictures.