Debs managed to eat a bit of dinner last night and had some breakfast this morning, so is on the road to recovery. Rather than put in a long day straight to Novi Sad, we decided to break the journey in two to give Debs a greater chance of getting better.
With thanks to google maps we navigated our way out of Sombor with ease along the A18(?) Our intention was to again take the road route rather than make a 20km detour back to the Danube. The traffic was not too bad although there did seem to be a huge amount of lorries on the road. Most drivers gave us a wide berth, but the odd one or two seemed to pass very close. The police made a habit of beeping at us as they drove past, hopefully in a friendly way. We had a discussion as we rode along as to whether you could beep your horn in a variety of manners and decided that you could!
Making good progress and with a not so tired Debs we arrived in Bač at about 12:30pm. All we had to do now was find a hotel, which proved remarkably difficult for such a small town. Firstly the tourist office was closed and then twice we were pointed in the direction of the hotel and still couldn't find it. If only we had realised that it would have no sign and you had to go into a restaurant to ask about a room then it would have been simple. Using my almost non existent Serbian and a trusty phrase book we managed to check into what turned out to be a really nice room. All we had to do was get our bikes into the lobby. There then followed, what I am ashamed to say, was a moment of male competitiveness. After the hotelier grabbed Debs' fully laden bike and lifted it up the flight of steps and into the lobby, I had no choice but to follow suit. It was a case of 'step aside Debs man stuff is occurring'. I would like it noted that I came out as the alpha male as my laden bike is heavier!
While Debs rested I went for a walk around the town. The tourist office was now open and although they didn't have a map, I did manage to pick up an out of date guide to Novi Sad. Getting directions to the Fort, I set off to have a look around, passing the remains of an old Turkish hammam (baths) on the way. Although mainly ruins the fort was well worth a look as was the rest of the town. I don't imagine many tourists stop here, but it is certainly worth an afternoon of anyone’s time.
After my sightseeing I went to get some supplies from the most poorly stocked supermarket we have been to yet. At least they had some beer and yoghurts or it would have been a total waste of time!
For anyone wishing to visit Bač we stayed at the Hotel 'Central Lux', you will know you have found it by the total lack of a sign or any indication that it is a hotel. It also has a 300 seater restaurant (260 of those seats are stacked in the lobby) which at least while we were there was closed.
Heaven knows what we will be doing for dinner tonight, Eastern Europe is definitely an adventure!
Additional:
Phrase book in hand we went down to the Hotel restaurant which was obviously closed. Using our phrase book we showed the young guy behind the bar/reception that we wanted to go to a restaurant. A brief look of understanding flashed on his face and he called his friend over from the back of the room. We assumed his friend spoke English, this however was not the case. They had a brief conversation, his friend got his coat and we were instructed to follow him. He then set off at break neck speed down the street with two bemused tourists trying to follow behind. When we started to head out of the town, we began to wonder where he was taking us to. Eventually he stopped outside a restaurant shook my hand and rushed back to the hotel. We rather tentatively went inside expecting to have to rely once again on the phrase book. Fortunately the waitress spoke English and we had a very nice meal. Debs recovery continued as she ate loads of dinner for the first time since she fell ill.
Heading back to the hotel at a more leisurely pace, we passed a bar full of what looked like hardened youths all glued to the TV showing 'Spongebob Squarepants'. It rather summed up a fun but strange evening!
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