2005-12-14

Greetings from Naissus!

I have to post in a hurry because the Nišlije are keeping me busy! Today was the first full working day of my stay here. The local sociologists are delighted with the books, thanks to everyone who made suggestions! There is a critical mass of ambitious young researchers at the sociology department here, who see an opportunity to do something of lasting value. This presents an energising contrast to the political situation, which is similar locally to what it is on the larger scale. Also, everything you have heard about the excellent barbecue in Niš is true (sadly, the same cannot be said for Niško pivo). We reached a compromise on language: I am permitted to lecture in my native tongue, with questions and answers in theirs. That leaves everyone a little confused, which is probably the goal of social science research anyway. More dispatches when I get a moment.

9 comments:

Katja R. said...

Hi Gordy! good to see that you are haveing a wonderful time in Nis! The solution to the beer problem is simple, simply drink wine, because anyplace in South East Europe has good wine, not every place has good beer, beer is kind of a non-native beverage, and nothing beats red wine with grilled meats! hiotuw is today's secret Klingon word it is a loan word for 'how to' as in 'how to book'

Eric Gordy said...

I have been happy to find a few good Serbian wines recently. There are several good Macedonian wines, and the Montenegrin Vranac and Krstac are always dependable and thoroughly drinkable, to say nothing of the many really fantastic Dalmatian ones and the Slovenian Teran. It is only in the last year or so that I have become aware of some good (mostly small scale) vineyards in Serbia, of which my favorites are Draganovic and Rskavica. The "Prince" wine by Rskavica is unique, has a bit of a clove and bayleaf flavor, really something worth seeking out.

Anonymous said...

Are you going to have a lecture or smth in Belgrade?

Eric Gordy said...

No, I'll just have a few days to rest up from Nis before I head back on the 24th. Probably I will do something public when I come again in the summer, May or early June.

Anonymous said...

give my best to everyone in Ниш!

Ed said...

Sorry you couldn't use the 'Postman Delivering' headline, looks like I struck while the iron was hot!

Take care,

Ed

Anonymous said...

Hi Eric,

I'm sorry I have to use the comments section for this but please would it be possible to know your email address? I'm working on a project I'd very much like you to be involved in.

You may post the address here or otherwise contact me at champeau |at| agoravox.com

Talk to you soon,
G.C.

Bora Zivkovic said...

And while Eric is gone, everyone go over to Wampum blog and nominate East Ethnia repeatedly for Koufax Awards....

Eric Gordy said...

Hey Ed, use any title you like, I am enjoying your blog!