It’s not even 10 AM yet and they’ve already busted through the door. Pero, The Woman in Red, and George. They are asking us if we want coffee and if we slept okay (I say yes although the answer is no).
Me, the special favorite, am asked twice more if I want coffee and once more if I slept well and where I went while in Montenegro and was I okay and a thousand other things. I started to make French toast and then there were a whole host of other questions, “Do you have oil?” and “What are the ingredients?” and “Do you need a pan?” and so many other unnecessary questions. 
I did need a pan and had actually gotten one out. The Woman in Red put it away, and then realizing I would need a pan, got out the same pan. She showed me how to make coffee the Bosnian way. It looked a lot like the American instant way, but whatever. 
The kitchen... yes, seriously, it is built to look like a boat. I was told that this is a typical Montenegrin kitchen...I finally finished making my French toast and sat down to eat. I didn’t allow myself to be trapped physically this time, but I was still definitely trapped. I ate quickly, but not quickly enough unfortunately. George told me about going to dinner at his sister’s house in Herzeg Novi. I politely said that it was nice he will get to see his sister. He hasn’t seen this sister in a year and a half.
Then, the worst thing possible happened. George asked me to go to his sister’s house with him for dinner. What could I do? I did the only thing I could think of to do, I said that I wasn’t sure, but I thought I had plans with the Serbian sisters. They kindly backed me up, but George didn't back down. He tried to convince me to go with him, telling me that it would be an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Montenegrin hospitality. That may be true, and I am sure his family is nice, but I don't think I am willing to be trapped on a bus next to George for an hour, then at his sister's house for a couple more hours, and then an hour on the returning bus. I think I would lose my mind. In fact, I know I would. I was desperately close this morning. I considered jumping out the window to escape him. I knew I would break myself, but breaking myself may be preferable to going insane. And besides, if he hasn't seen his sister in a year and a half and the only others at this get together are going to be family members, then I would not only feel awkward, but intrusive as well.
He asked again, insisted really, and again I said I thought I had plans. The Serbian sisters backed me up again saying I would see them off (they leave today). George, feeling trapped I suppose, invited them too. "I guess you can come too." As in, if he couldn't separate me from them, he would invite them too, but only if he had to and not because he wanted to.
Fortunately, the Woman in Red told him to go to the other hostel. I was safe for the moment. I left the hostel soon after and came to the restaurant (where I can connect for free). I must remain hidden for a few more hours. I want George to be safely on his way to his sister's. He can't find me, or else he will force me to go with him. He said we could go at 4 (it's 3.10 now), but when I told him I had plans at 4 he said we could go another time... whatever time is good for me.
I have every intention of leaving Kotor as early as I can in the morning, preferably before the workers barge in.
From Kotor, I'm off to Herzeg Novi for a few hours, and then back to Dubrovnik, Croatia to the airport. Tomorrow night, I'm flying to London, will stay until Wednesday, and then fly back to Austin. I am ready. I wasn't ready a week ago, but because of my insane experiences here, I'm totally ready.
who was the great photographer in those first two pictures :) :)
ReplyDeletei love how "women in red" is dead staring at you ... CREEPY
The whole thing was creepy. And thank you mooches for helping me out with the photographs. I definitely couldn't have done it without you.
ReplyDelete