Why Are We In Serbia?

This is the story of how we ended up in Serbia and why we decided to stay.

We were staying in Zagreb when one of our most faithful readers Michelle commented under one of our posts on Facebook tagging a guy called Matthew. She told Matthew that since we were in the neighborhood and that we intended to visit Serbia we should meet up. Few days passed with no reply and then Matthew contacted me and that's when our story began.

We shared few messages and a video call and by the end of it I was blown away: he is an environmentalist who's trying to establish a community built around sustainability and eco-practices in Serbia, and under a NGO he plans to grow organic food, honey, a sanctuary for animals, dive into permaculture, alternative energy, have enough land to support the community, sell the products, teach others how to do the same, host volunteers, have seminars, yoga classes, maybe a technology-free retreat up the mountains, basically everything I ever wished for.

We told him about our story and our intentions and he didn't hesitate one second to invite us to stay with him so he could show us around. After a very stressful time in Sarajevo, due to very bad accommodation, we were excited at the prospect of resting in the countryside. So we boarded a bus to Belgrade at 7 in the morning and we arrived at 5 in the afternoon. But our journey wasn't over because we had to reach the little town of Novi Sad, right on the Danube, 1.5 hours away from the capital. It didn't take us long to find a bus station and in 20 minutes we were on board of another bus.

Matthew came to pick us up and after a quick food shopping we went to his house. I never thought the sight of a house could give me so much joy! After 4 days into a stinky hostel, 12 hours on buses barely eating and drinking anything and even being frisked and searched at the Serbian boarder, his home looked like heaven.

In the next couple of days we were introduced to all the people who are helping Matthew fulfil his vision:

• Dusko and Vanjia, a lovely couple who are growing sustainable food in their farm and plan to help the community do the same; they want to live with the food they produce and share their knowledge through DIY videos and documentaries so that others can achieve the same.

• Milica, who has a master degree in Ecology and lived in an organic farm all her life is taking care of building an NGO which is going to encapsulate the variety of projects and initiatives of the community.

• Damir, the IT guy who is helping with systems and a Crypto currency portfolio.

• Max, a great photographer and video-maker who wants to start a brewery.

• Vivien & Kalki, who are building an Eco-Village around permaculture and film making in the lovely National Park of Fruska Gora; where Matthew would like to establish the community.

So we spent a week having barbecues, visiting farms, looking at lands, exploring possible homes for the community, meeting people, making friends, helping where possible, playing music, filming everything we did, and we just fell in love.

Here you can watch the video of our first week in Novi Sad:

We didn't really know what to expect before we arrived, but one thing was sure: after we arrived and met with everyone we knew we had to stay. We found such an incredible group of people and we resonated with everyone. It's so hard to find people who share the same passion, the same drive, and since eventually we want to build our very own eco-village this is the perfect opportunity to learn some skills. Also one of the intentions we set before leaving London was to get involved in sustainable projects and give our contribution.

So after a week we decided to move in with Dusko and Vanjia to help them prepare their land for the season, tilting land, fertilizing, transplanting vegetables, etc. while transforming their house on the Danube into a eco-home where volunteers could live and help the community. The house on the Danube doesn't have electricity or running water so that is the priority, and as soon as that is sorted we will move in and take care of the rest.

Dusko's brother gifted us two bicycles so we can come and go from place to place independently and come and help them during the day, while fixing the house in the evening. I will also help Dusko build a brand and website for his business, we will go and help Vivien and Kalki when they have big jobs in their home in Fruska Gora, and assist Matthew with everything we could need help with.

But it's not all hard work! We don't know exactly what is going to happen in the future, or what our long-term plan is, we just feel like our place now is here and we want to be part of this project because we know we can help as well as learn.