Navigating unfamiliar landscapes often brings unexpected encounters, and our cycling trip through Serbia was no exception. Thinking we’d found a secluded spot deep within the forest to set up camp, we were quickly proven wrong. As we hauled our bikes through the trees, a figure emerged – a man standing beside a tied-up barge on the riverbank, his moped parked nearby. A quick glance exchanged with my companion, Beck, and we decided to play it cool, busying ourselves with the pretense of starting dinner.
After a moment of silent observation, the man swung onto his moped and disappeared into the dense forest. We waited, listening to the sputtering engine fade into the distance, a shared sense of unease lingering in the air. Feeling a mix of nerves and resignation, we began the task of pitching our tent. Just as we were making progress, the distinct sound of the moped engine echoed through the trees once more.
Returning from the opposite direction he had initially left, the man approached us again. He spoke to us in Serbian. “Um, English sorry,” I replied, a little apprehensive. “Ahh,” he responded in a cheerful tone, switching off his engine. My mind raced, and I confess, my initial thoughts were far from optimistic. Perhaps this was the prelude to a less-than-pleasant encounter, a scenario played out in countless travel anxieties.
However, my worries were immediately dispelled. In flawless English, he introduced himself as the park ranger, though his attire lacked any official insignia. He then offered an unexpected suggestion: we should set up our tent on the barge itself, explaining it was national park property and a safer, more comfortable option. Relief washed over us. We gratefully accepted his generous offer, quickly shifting our gear onto the barge.
Perhaps sensing our lighter mood, he added a final, slightly peculiar note before departing, mentioning the unusual smell along the riverbank was due to “a lot of dead animals here.” With that, he left us to the tranquility of the riverside, our initial apprehension replaced by gratitude for the unexpected kindness of the Serbian park ranger and the unique experience of camping on a barge in Serbia. For travelers exploring Serbia, even those budgeting their trip in euros, such local encounters often become the most memorable and enriching aspects of the journey.
