Bukovo and Rakija Part Two
One fairly easy way to get domestic Rakija is to visit a Serbian Church or Monastery. While they all do not sell, and some only to the locals, many do, plus you get to view Serbian history when you visit. We chanced on Bukovo going on a trip and my wife who has never been there was into giving it a try.
Bukovo is a lovely small Monastery near Negotin Serbia. It was built sometime in the 12th to 13th century and is just a little delight. We walked around then went to the small gift shop where the attendant was a Religious Studies student from Belgrade who spoke perfect English. He took us again through the Sanctuary and showed us some of the special frescos. This is not one of the UNESCO sites so does not get the money that is needed to do a complete restoration. One of the arches in the church looks like it could fall any minute, but they keep on. Locally they try to support what they can. Selling wine and Rakija and other things in the gift shop and on the web probably helps. We actually found their Rakija at the local wine shop and we started to order it from them with the restriction for the virus.
If you stay only in Belgrade you can stop by Holy Apostles Peter and Paul which is just across the famous Adia bridge from New Belgrade near a number of Embassies and Embassy residences. They have a gift shop that carries Rakija from a few monasteries, no questions asked.
If you go there I suggest eating across the street in the park at Restoran Milosevkonak which has wonderful pig on the spit and a lovely patio with a lot of things for kids to do right nearby.
Finally, the local markets can also be a source, sometimes without speaking Serbian it might be hard to find but worth a try if you are visiting one to ask about.
And it was a fun place to visit, we tired one of their wines but will search for more thanks