Zet Says!

A Quick introduction is in order. My name is Daryl Fidelak, a 34 year-old Canadian based in Belgrade who was once described as a Yugophile! Of course, as all things in this part of the world, that moniker has been widdled down as various bits and pieces of Yugo Land have gone their separate ways. I've been describing myself as Srpski Zet for some time & well, more recently, been sticking with Sumadijski Zet.
Now I have to tell you, "Sumadijski Zet" has been my little "in" with all things, well, "Things"... here in Serbia. When ever in a bit of a tricky spot, whether concerning the renewing of a visa, sorting out a work permit, roadside speed checks or when encountering a group of slightly "Rakijaed Up" young men not too fond of hearing the English language, a quick; "Ja sam Sumadijski Zet!", does the trick!
Funny thing, this Zet vibe extends throughout the region... Or at least Tito's envisioned region. Last year while on a trip to Montenegro with my wife, son Tyler Vuk (oh, you'll be hearing more about our 19 month old dark eyed red curly haired fusion son in the very near future... ), we stopped for lamb at the rather well known kafana on Lake Zabljak. We were also travelling with a Polish based American friend and his Polish lady friend. So, the language mix of the conversation was "interesting" to the say the least. This attracted the attention of a table full of rather large Montenegrin men... Now, years of being in Central Europe, mostly Poland, has taught me to keep a lower profile when a table full of "locals" take too much of an interest in you.
Well, in this case, they were simply interested in finding out who we were and, of course, to hear how much we love Montenegro. Within 10 minutes, we were sitting together enjoying drinks bought by our new Monti friends. They pointed out, that since crossing the border, I was now a Crnogorski Zet.
Fast-forward to a hockey tournament in Budapest six months later. An American buddy, also a Zet, & myself travelled up to the city to support a Serbian & Montenegro team playing in the tournament. One evening found us at the door of a um, "Night Club", owned by a Budapest based Canadian hockey player (I mean, who else!?!). We'd been "warned" that the door man was a retired Croatian Army soldier and to stay VERY North American as we entered. Well, overcome by our Zetness... Or was it the beer?... we greeted the large doorman with; "'Desi Brate"... With perceived tension-ness, and using my new found Croatian language skills learned on TeleTubbies on HRT1 (early mornings with my son), I continued with; "Um, Bog... We're Srpski Zets"... Well, a few brief stories from the doorman about being a soldier and then how he misses Belgrade and the women... Congratulated us on choosing to marry and live there and then bought us a couple rounds of beer. Of course, he added; "Tonight, you are Croatian Zets"!
So, the stories are in the many and in healthy lengths. Not sure how this blog will evolve. Simply, one Zet's view on life here and surroundings. So, welcome to what I hope you find enjoyable, my blog... "ZET SAYS!"
Daryl "Dragce" Fidelak
NOTE: remind me to tell just how I got the name Dragce... It involves a Folk-Punk band from Sabac, an Alt Rock music festival in Mladenovac in '96 and 12+ beer coupons...