NOVI SAD: A ROMANTIC TRAVEL DESTINATION FOR THE YEARNING SEEKER IN YOU

Ok you Aquarians, we know you’re open minded and experimental, so here you go to the ancient city of Novi Sad, capital of the Serbian province of Vojvodina. We also know you’ve seen a lot, so there are few things that will be new to you in your travels. Maybe in Novi Sad, there are only three: its incredible rivers, its ravishing sky and its friendly, openhearted people.   The river is the mighty Danube, which begins as a trickle of water in the German Black Forest town of Donaueschingen. It gives little intimation there of the greatness that is yet to come. But at Novi Sad, it has culminated in its one-mile wide majesty. And here at Novi Sad, the ancient fortress of Petrovaradinska Tvrdja overlooks this colossus of water.

Let’s start the day at the center of this Aquarius city that was founded in the 16th century. The small square is full of hotels and restaurants where you can have a hearty breakfast with meat.  Prepare yourself, however, for the biggest meal of the day from 3-to 6 in the afternoon. I hope you’re geared up for huge quantities of soup, roasted meat and potatoes and a pickle salad as a side dish. Yum.

Novi Sad is the second biggest city in Serbia, with a population of almost 200,000 people. Its architecture was greatly influenced by the mighty Magyar warriors of Hungary.  The first impression you get about Novi Sad is how calm it is. Very calm. At some point, though, you will become aware that the calmness contains great passion and power. From the Magyar legacy? The thought drifts through you that this combination of passion and power may well revitalize your Novi Sad experience and your questing consciousness.  Then someone tells you that the nightlife in Novi Sad is more than vivid and that people from all over Serbia come to Novi Sad looking for fun. For a while, the deeper part of you is content to silently accompany you on your visit Novi Sad’s sights, sounds and food.

In the center of the city is Dunavska Street. Beautiful. Beautiful. It looks like time has stopped there and it is still the 16th  or 17th ht century. One look at this short sweet street takes your breath away. And then it’s straight on to Dunavski Park. One beauty after another.

We wander now into the outskirts of the city and admire the broad meandering rivers and fertile plains. It’s almost too much to take in in one day. Then it’s back for an early dinner that we spoke about and then to think about sleep. Your senses are almost overloaded. But it is a good overload. Perhaps in your room before you sleep, you will see the moon rise and you are there, alert, relaxed, tired – the uncovered you, the unguarded you, receptive to the uniqueness of your real Aquarius self.

Take courage from this steadfast city of Novi Sad, a romantic travel destination par excellence and also a city that has gone through its share of sorrow and joys, with its residents clinging to her and protecting her at the same time.   I think you will leave Novi Sad with the full understanding of what thousands of visitors before you meant when they said about this peaceful vibrant city:  “I know I have to go back. Whenever I am here a sense of newness, discovery and creativity emerges in me.”