This evening I went for a walk, determined to enjoy the beautiful weather despite an onslaught of pollen allergy symptoms. I enjoy walking in my neighborhood in Senjak, an area of Belgrade that once was the home of the princes and other elite. Now it is a mixture of expats, embassies (or ambassador residences), wealthier Serbs, and a few residents from olden days. Homes range from the cute and simple white cottages with aging tile roofs to the turreted former palaces, to the tacky mafia-like structures that look totally out of place.
Right next to my apartment building (which is less than 5 years old) is a small brick shack. Its roof, damaged two winters ago in a fire (likely because the owner was trying to heat it using wood) now has a large large plastic sheet over the hole held down with bricks. The yard is full of items rescued from the dumpster, including broken baby strollers, chairs without backs, potted plant carcasses, clothing remnants, and much more. I like it when the trees green out, as I don't have to see the rubbish when look outside my window.
This evening as I walked past the Hungarian Embassy, I saw a short person standing on a wooden crate and trying to reach into the garbage dumpster. Suddenly he reached in further, his whole upper body now out of sight. Such "involvement" was a bit unusual, as I typically would see the dumpster "divers" simply picking through the top with their hands or a stick. Emerging with some "treasure," when the man turned around I recognized the man as my Roma neighbor - otherwise known as a "gypsy." Smiling politely and saying "dobar dan," I greeted him and moved on.
I wonder what treasure will be added to the yard next....
No comments:
Post a Comment