But Sass, when you are not in Serbia, where are you?

Good question, my friend. For the most part, when I am not in Serbia, I am somewhere else in Southeast Europe, like one of the places on this map. This is the region that I work in, but I do go to places other than the capitals, and once in a while make it to other parts of the world (more on this soon!).

From September to December, I will be on the road, to these places. A lot. This Saturday I am leaving for ten fun-filled days in Bosnia. And then I go to Vranje, in southern Serbia, and then Kosovo, and then Kosovo again, and then Macedonia, and then it will be the end of the year!

Look back soon for updates (and pictures) about Prague, poop, and my Best of Belgrade list!

Whew. Another one of those times when Sass has not been in Serbia much.

August was HECTIC. I spent a total of six days in Belgrade, and visited six different countries. I made my first trip (of what looks to be many) to Sofia, Bulgaria, I was a trainer at a conference in Kyiv, Ukraine. I passed through Skopje, Macedonia just long enough to visit my friend and colleague and to have a few meetings. I attended another conference in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. The conferences offered a rare opportunity for my colleagues from the region to come together. I have not laughed so hard so much in a long time. While I enjoyed most of it, it was exhausting.

September brings a little rest. This coming week I have one day trip to Sofia, and then I am taking a long weekend to meet friends in Prague. The Fackler clan, Jason R. and I are meeting there next Friday. I am excited to see the gang, to see Prague, and to have some personal work-free travel! I have also felt for some time that I am the ONLY American who has traveled to Europe and never been to Prague. I get to see what all the fuss is about.

Now I am trying to catch up with housework and personal stuff that has been neglected for a month- laundry, dusting, throwing away what were once (briefly) thriving herbs, a fall cleaning of sorts. I would start putting away the summer clothes, but the forecast for the weekend is in the nineties. Woohoo!