Day 42 - More Novi Sad

Today I needed to prepare myself for cycling again, both mentally after two days of rest and practically. I packed my bags with fresh clean clothes, leaving out a few items that would be taken back to the UK. I checked my bike and then dropped it off at a nearby bike shop to have the chain properly cleaned and lubricated. And I carried on relaxing.

Early afternoon Beatriz and I walked to the nearby Dunavski Park, 'one of Novi Sad's finest' although I am not sure what that says about the others. It was busy with families out enjoying the hot weekend weather and had one or two interesting statues of Serbian writers and poets but it is small and it took no time at all to walk around. To fill time before lunch we visited the Novi Sad museum opposite expecting to find out about the history of the city. Instead it turned out to contain more art, although most of the museum was shut for refurbishment. Only the ground floor was open showing an exhibition on the life and work of a local artist and collector. 

We whiled away the rest of a hot afternoon on the Strand, a sandy Danube beach on the bank of the river a half hour's walk back from where I had cycled two days ago. We paid our thirty pence entry fee and headed away from the bars, ice cream stalls and thumping music to join those relaxing in the shade of trees at the quieter end of the long beach. A few people were swimming but most were just relaxing in the sun. It is a very pleasant spot looking across to the mostly wooded opposite bank although the far end of the beach lies in the shadow of a major road bridge that spans the Danube and spoils the setting somewhat.

Having removed fine sand from clothes and body it was back down to the old town for one final dinner. Again the streets were lively with families and people of all ages. Tomorrow I may be setting out again to continue my journey but Novi Sad will stick in my memory as a vibrant place, good for a night out and where I have enjoyed excellent food. 

The other side of Novi Sad