crowded weekend: episode 3

Later on Saturday, I attended the Serbian version of a FlashMob. A sms message was sent out telling people to assemble in the main square and bring a balloon when Milosevic's funeral was scheduled to start. A few thousand people were there holding and shaking balloons, blowing on whistles, and dancing, chanting "gotov je" and "prolece" (that's "he's finished" and "spring" (the season, not the source of water or the metal thing in one's mattress -- they rhyme in Serbian).

I don't know quite how I feel about having a party because someone died - it seems morbid. I understand the need for it, though. It's important to respond to the crowds gathered earlier, to give the international press an easy "on the other hand. . ." to incorporate into their stories. It's good to not feel so isolated, as though everyone is a instantly a Milosevic fan because he died.

And it was really fun.

This is the Serbia that I like.