Bobsled track in Sarajevo
I’m just over halfway through my trip and I think I’ve gotten a little smarter. I’m definitely still dumb in areas, but I think I have a better handle of things than I did a month ago. Here are some tips in no order, just as they come to me.
Buses
buses have been a great, and often the necessary way to move through the Balkans. But there are some things to know or that may help.
– seat number (listed under Sjediste if in a south Slavic speaking country) doesn’t usually matter here. Just sit wherever, and unlike me, try and sit on the side with the view. Right now I have a great view of rocks to my left and the Adriatic is across the aisle behind some Russian’s heads.
– bus terminal (Peron) is the same thing, check the bus sign and ask the driver or ticket usher, because it won’t/can’t always park where the ticket sometimes says
– have a rough idea of how long the trip will be, same goes for trains. Some train stations and seemingly all bus stations are poorly signed, you don’t want to get off at the wrong stop
– if you put a bag under the bus (which you’ll often have to pay a dollar for) make sure its the first thing you grab when you get off. I’ve almost forgotten my bag, which I blame it on the stress I endured on the tumultuous bus ride on the way back to Kotor from Zabljak. Yeah that’s it.
Trains
I haven’t been on too many trains, but this is my experience:
– seat number matters here, you often pay extra to reserve it. They will have little cards outside the cabin door that says if its reserved or not, use that as evidence if someone stubborn doesn’t want to move from your seat in the train car full of british bebs
– as before pay attention to signs and time as the announcements are garbled and all spoken in a language that isn’t English
– keep your eye on your bag, don’t leave it unattended. If you sleep, somehow keep it on you so no one can snag it. Only if you’re in a cabin full of aforementioned British girls can you leave it on your seat for a minute
Other
– if you need to use the laundry service that’s offered by a hostel, do it as soon as you arrive. When they say it’ll be done to when it’ll actually be done doesn’t always line up. Better be safe than have a backpack full of wet clothes. Also check to make sure all your clothes are there, socks are easy to be left behind!
– if you get pick of a bed at a hostel, claim it by throwing the sheet on it. Rakija makes top bunks difficult to navigate but they do make me feel 19 again*
Basically be proactive, use your head as best you can and pay attention to all details. This is something I hope I’m getting better at! But most important is to be able to roll with the punches. Life is no fun without a little bit of challenge. Adapt and don’t let a mistake bum you out!
