The Appearance of the Skoupshtina
The Skoupshtina, Serbia’s Parliament, is quite plain and unremarkable. It is built from lath and plaster, and its walls are covered in whitewash. In front and on the sides of the building, there are lime trees. Under these trees, Serbian men gather, each dressed in different styles. Town men often wear clothes that look like those in Western Europe, while men from the countryside sport brown homespun jackets and bright, floral shirts. Their trousers are tight-fitting and made from the same rough material, and many wear simple sandals made by hand.
Others are dressed in loose white clothing, with trousers that appear to have shrunk in the wash and shirts that hang down to their knees. It often seems as if these men have forgotten to tuck in their shirts. Despite their varied outfits, almost everyone can be seen smoking cigarettes, creating a relaxed atmosphere around the Parliament Scenes from the Balkans.
The Atmosphere and Security
Near the entrance, a couple of policemen in blue uniforms lounge around. They wear peaked caps, tall boots, and have bulging holsters for their revolvers. Although they appear intimidating, they seem friendly and approachable.
A Conversation at the Window
Through an open window, I struck up a conversation with a man who looked like he came from Moscow. He had a cropped haircut and a bushy black beard that spread out like a fan from his chin. As we talked, he frequently sneezed, which he explained was due to his hay fever. Our conversation began cold but quickly warmed up, turning into a pleasant exchange.
Gaining Access to the Debate
I had a special message from an important person, asking that I be allowed to listen to the parliamentary debate. When I made my request, the man at the window responded graciously, saying that it would be his honor to grant me access. He handed me a card, and shortly after, I heard a bell ring Istanbul Daily Tours.
Entering the Parliament
At that moment, two attendants arrived to assist me. One was a small, wiry man who moved around me like a dance instructor, opening doors and bowing repeatedly. His excessive politeness made me feel important, almost like a pasha, but it also made me a bit uncomfortable.
The second attendant was a large policeman who looked unsure about letting a foreigner into the discussions. He seemed to wonder if I might be an unwelcome visitor, perhaps even an Austrian or a Bulgarian, both of whom were not looked upon favorably.
Observing the Debate
As I entered the Parliament, I was struck by the contrast between the lively discussions taking place inside and the simple, humble setting of the Skoupshtina. This was a place where serious matters were debated, yet it was filled with a sense of community and culture. The conversations around me highlighted the unique blend of tradition and modernity in Serbia.
