What a journey from Vinkovci. I’d bought a bus ticket to Tovarnik, just 2 km from the border. Only two of us were on board, so you can imagine my surprise when the driver suddenly stopped before the town and motioned for me to get off. No bad behaviour on my part — I was happily listening to my audiobook! But off I went, thinking, “Okay, I’ll just walk the rest.”
The border was only 3 km away, no problem. Nearly there, I spotted the toilets — perfect timing! Sadly, the women’s was locked. The men’s was wide open, but just as I considered sneaking in, a truck driver wandered in with a newspaper under his arm … clearly planning to settle in for a while.
Onward to immigration! I’d read it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the guard’s mood. To my surprise, there was no office at all — just me queuing up with the cars. Five minutes later, Croatia stamped me out. Another five and Serbia stamped me in. Easiest border crossing ever!
Unfortunately, unlike me, cars don’t need toilets. “No, we don’t have toilets for you,” was the cheerful verdict. And that promised taxi or bus from the border? Nope, not here. No footpaths either, so off I went, sharing the road with trucks and cars for the 4 km stroll into Šid.
At one point, bladder desperation struck. Let’s just say a ditch, a wave to a few surprised truck drivers, and even a cheeky toot or two were involved. Ah, the little things in life!
As I walked, I passed cornfields with loaves of bread or buns carefully placed at the edge of every crop. Rat buffet? Fertility offering? I have no idea. Answers on a postcard, please.
Finally, I met a Serbian corn farmer. We didn’t understand a word of each other, but he seemed baffled by my choice to walk. With his marching demonstration and his enormous smile, I got the gist. He refused a photo but left me with the memory of possibly the widest grin I’ve ever seen.
At last, I arrived at my cute little apartment in Šid — complete with a heater, baskets of chocolates, teas, and coffee. And yes, even a stove to cook up a giant bowl of veggies. What more could I ask for?
Tomorrow, I’ll start exploring Šid.