Kraguyevac

I spent the weekend in Kraguyevac, Serbia's fourth largest city. My guidebook notes that the city is known for the massive number of people murdered there under German occupation in WWII, a statue of an autoworker, and for a building that looks like a basalt crystal.

But I was not there for sightseeing.

WiB held a workshop "Dealing with the Past - a Feminist Approach." Part feminist conscious-raising, part post-conflict studies seminar, it was amazing. I spent the weekend intellectually stimulated (the list of authors I now must read is tremendous, as is the list of things to ponder) & emotionally satisfied. We spent hours discussing notions of collective responsibility & transitional justice. Such interesting discussion occurred, namely "what does it mean for me as a Serb that people jusified atrocities by saying they were acting in my interest?" Yes, I am a nerd. Yes, I get really excited about ideas.

And not only ideas. I like to be with good people. The love and support amongst these 40 women from all over Serbia was palpable. I recieved applause every time I joined the group discussion speaking Serbian. We spent Saturday night drinking wine and singing songs. The other American and I led a rousing rendition of 'American Pie' (at least the first 3 verses). A dance party followed in which The Doors were featured prominently. I sat down beside a woman I didn't know for lunch on Saturday & by the end of the meal she was making plans for my visit to her town in a few weeks.

I have had some small doubts about whether I should have signed up for 2 years in this sometimes-frustrating place. This weekend put them all to rest.