Serbia Day

Early start this morning with a 5am call from EE. I think Vera either rejects the call or it rings out.

She phones customer services three hours later and gets put through, eventually, to Christian in the technical support team. He asks various questions and requests attempts at calling UK and Canadian numbers. During this we lose contact with him entirely. Vera's phone is now unable to either make or receive calls, access the internet, or call the customer services number. It's at its lowest ebb so far.

But the holiday must go on, so I go down to the basement of Mike's building where there is a big, bright, communal laundry. We don't seem to have much to wash for two people for two weeks.

While the wash is going round in the machine I try and find an email address for EE with no success. I do see a chat option. We've not tried this yet, so more in hope than anticipation I say hello to the chat bot.

Impersonating Vera I get through to Rajiv, who doesn't take very long to sort out the issue, removing an additional travel pass or something and getting Vera to switch off automatic network selection. Vera is now a much happier bunny

This afternoon is the annual Serbian community picnic. In years gone by this has attracted up to 10,000 people, but this year it is a much smaller affair. George had been there since 7am to secure and hold tables, located in the welcome shade of trees. It was another chance to meet the Vesich and Kenezevic clans. 

Roast lamb and pork was available by the kilo, the cooked animals being cut up into handy sized pieces with a bandsaw. There was also cevapi - a type of sausage that is a Serbian speciality. 

People had also brought a range of salads, and dips, beers, wines, and the eating and drinking went on through the afternoon and into the evening, music floating across from nearby tables and a stage area. I felt totally welcomed

Melanie taught us how to make Spritz Veneziano, and we were soon putting our knowledge to practical use.

Slivovica is another Balcan speciality, a fiery plum brandy. Very tasty

We stayed until dusk, leaving just after sundown. Sometimes these events have gone on into the early hours of the morning, but I don't think that will be happening this year

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