A short business trip to Kikinda, the city of owls in Serbia

A few days before I traveled to Croatia on vacation, I had the chance to visit Kikinda, a small town in northern Serbia, for a short business trip.

My schedule was packed, but I managed to catch a quick glimpse of the town and it left a good impression.

Kikinda is best known as the "city of owls." In the main square, I spotted several sculptures dedicated to these fascinating birds. I didn't know this until my colleague told me that this place is home to one of the largest gatherings of owls in the world. It felt unique and charming and it was easy to conclude that owls are part of Kikinda's identity and everyday life.

During my quick walk through the center, I enjoyed the calm atmosphere. The streets are wide, the buildings carry a mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture.

Although I didn't have much time, the city gave off a sense of friendliness and I felt it. I liked the rows of trees with tall trees in the wide streets the most.

Of course, no trip is complete without a taste of local flavors. While we were sitting, my colleagues and I saw a pastry shop with tempting homemade ice cream and wanted to try it.

Homemade ice cream turned out to be a highlight of the afternoon. It was simple, refreshing, tasty and served with a smile. That made us feel very welcome.

Even though my visit was short and mostly work-related, I felt the spirit of the town and would like to stay longer next time.

And I hope to return not only for business but also to discover more of what this "city of owls" where bicycles are the main means of transportation has to offer. I am sure there is a lot to see.

Thank you for reading.

Jelena