Hi Maria, I have been to Serbia 4 times in the last 5 years. First visit was in 2009. Although we occasionally run into a slight off key remark, for the most part, the people have been wonderful. Just remember, some areas are still very poor and some villages are very sad looking. I would also recommend a translator. Rita Colorado and Jabuka > From: Maria.Moore@sas.com > To: donauschwaben-villages@rootsweb.com > Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:22:34 +0000 > Subject: [DVHH] Visiting Serbia/Romania > > I've been reading the list for about a year now and learning so much. Just recently I got brave enough to ask for help with my search. I was shocked by the wealth of information I received. I went from very little and thinking I had unsurmountable road blocks, to lots of information to keep me busy for some time. I'm grateful for everyone who has shared information with me. > > Both my grandparents died while I was very young so I barely remember them. Older cousins either didn't care of had incorrect information. In fact one cousin was quite upset with me when I 'claimed' they came from Austria Hungary. Since Grandma always said they were German, they must have come from Germany! (The kittens being born in the barn analogy was terrific.) Depending on when the legal documents were filled out, my Grandfather claimed he came from Hungary, Yugoslavia, or Serbia. > > Now based on records, pictures, and stories, I am trying to piece together the past - just like all of you. Being able to connect with a piece of the past and bring it to life is often emotional. My grandparents came from Nagykikinda and Soltour with their ancestors living in Marienfeld and other surrounding villages. I would love to visit the area now in Serbia and Romania. Being able to walk the streets, visit the cemeteries where ancestors are buried and make that connection would be priceless. In 2008 we were in Budapest but were told that Americans visiting Serbia wouldn't be very welcome at that time. Does anyone know what the political climate is at this time? Our son, age 21, will be in Budapest this summer. He has expressed interest in seeing where his ancestors came from. But I wasn't sure if I should encourage him at this point or not. Of course I'll be jealous if he makes it there before I do! > > Thanks to all for sharing your memories and insight with the rest of us, > Maria > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DONAUSCHWABEN-VILLAGES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message