tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40302362252257276532024-03-14T09:14:28.080-07:00Welcome to SerbiaNenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-3491391399505238132013-03-24T11:46:00.000-07:002013-03-24T11:54:29.802-07:00Driving in Serbia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJN2LednGA8fl-f11CGBvqabPwloWSSPCLNh-XyYsl3m7xh-u58TeEakk9sX24YhVjaqkq12_zJoPHWJgSY5zi8Zu5fbp-kIRRrYjS4k5PiQX-BOjQXL1q7M-6I5kQlulnlWgSMKB-ws/s1600/serbia+driving.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Serbia has a relax atmosphere that will make you want to go back for more. If you want to get in touch with nature you can find a number of calm and enchanting mountains, lakes and healing thermal spas. With so much to see and do, one of the best ways to get around is by car, leaving you flexible to move as and when you please.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Travelling through Serbia can often be an amazing experience, but getting around isn’t always the easiest thing. Driving in Serbia is probably more complicated and chaotic than in your own country (except for someone who is coming from India or some other similar country). Regulations could be different. People are much more aggressive when driving (Serbian drivers have a reputation for fast and sometimes reckless driving). Road rules are frequently ignored by drivers and pedestrians. For you, it is strongly recommended to drive defensively and follow all of the road signs. You need to be very cautious and totally aware of your surroundings. Some parts of the motorway between Belgrade and Novi Sad have two lanes with a hard shoulder on one side only. Some drivers will use the 'middle' lane for passing , forcing other drivers onto the hard shoulder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Generally it's safe to drive in Serbia, but due to some poorly maintained roads with conditions worse in rural areas, driving could be little bit nerve-racking experience. You should focus on the road and watch for the road bumps and adapt your speed. Much of the public transport is old and overcrowded although there have been improvements in the major cities. In rural areas, roads are often narrow with poor lighting. Be on the look out for pedestrians, farm animals and even agricultural vehicles that may block the road from time to time. The tractors and other heavy agricultural machines travelling at night may do so without proper lights and hard to see.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Road signs in Serbia follow international standards and most are picture signs, not written signs. This actually makes things easier for foreigners because most picture signs are self-evident. Major destinations and routes are signposted in Cyrillic and Latin letters, but sometimes signposts can be stolen (for scrap metal) and it is possible to miss a turn off. Familiarize yourself with road sign symbols before you come and also you would definitively need a road atlas as well as Google maps. You need to be wary of relying on Google maps because it can send you in the wrong direction and you may find yourself at the border with Kosovo or Bulgaria by mistake. Streets are not clearly marked and getting around could be a problem since you will be driving outside of the big cities where the locals mostly do not speak English.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Petrol service stations offer clean toilet and refreshment facilities along the way. Fuel in Serbia is lead free and available in the following octane levels: 92, 95 and 98. Diesel fuel is also widely available throughout the country. Many Serbians have converted their cars to run on propane gas, as this is far more economical than standard fuel. Almost all cars have manual transmissions. Be prepared to drive on two lane roads. Driving is on the right with passing on the left. Guarded parking places and garages are scarce in Serbia. Wheel clamps are not used, however, if you park your car incorrectly, it can be removed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDtiwUOqNpM2A203HkIbofXgoQeOVP0FH_skKG0bVG7UsMZCj5E_aLhrNq7HUT0_eMwIOcHnMsIDuHAY0D3S2fi80Oyv9xA6Iv5ymfwszyFjlslSU768uFyOvLjkv_AVPi7-fVVXmQ0w/s1600/serbia+driving+road.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Serbia, traffic law is very strict:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Adults and children must wear a seat belt, both in the front and in the back at all times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Children shorter than 150 cm and younger than 12 years old may not sit in the front passenger seat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Children under 12 and shorter than 150 cm should be seated in an appropriate car seat or booster seat in the back.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Children up to the age of 3 years old must be placed in a suitable child restraint. Child restraints must be homologated and bear the mark ECE R44/04.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- A person under the influence of alcohol is not permitted to travel in a vehicle as a front seat passenger.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- By default, you should always yield to the car coming from your right. Forget of the American rule of “first to the intersection has right of way” rule. Even if you arrived first at the intersection, if there's no yellow diamond sign, you must give way to any cars coming from the right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Only hands-free cell phones may be used while driving. You can’t have a cell phone in your hand while driving.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Horns must not be used in built up areas or at night except in cases of imminent danger.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Buses must not be overtaken when they stop for passengers to board or alight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- No turning on red. Sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget that a red means red in Serbia. So no right turns on a red light, unless you have a separate green arrow light.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- You must drive with dimmed headlights on during the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- The authorities at the frontier must certify any visible damage to a vehicle entering Serbia and a certificate obtained; this must be produced when leaving otherwise you may experience serious difficulties on leaving.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Rookie drivers need to have an experienced driver in the car if their driving experience is less than 5 years</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Must wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Fines are from €100 for smaller violations up to 60 days in prison and €5,000 for causing a larger traffic accident.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It would be hard to say “no” to the local beers and wines at very good prices but it could mean trouble if you are drinking and driving. The drink-driving limit is 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.03 per cent). Nil alcohol is permitted in the drivers’ blood for motorcyclists, novice and professional drivers. It’s the best idea for you to not consume any alcohol if you want to drive. You have try to fully obey the traffic law because the police could be very harsh towards foreigners resulting in a very big fines. Police often conduct routine roadside checks where breath-analysis tests are administered. You can’t get away with having a beer or wine with dinner and then driving home. It’s not just a fine or jail, it’s losing your license. A driver who refuses to be breathalyzed is automatically considered to be driving while under the influence.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ojmw_RrqK79a0t1q8KWTm33yCO7_SIj73szGuf4AGc2-7UVVRLprgZPpvPgVaTlvFLna9bRWyLjlYh35PLrnefauc05zUQda4WMD32C7lrQ88qf9iU-uttuF8VQIKTuYy6BUBVjNx1Q/s1600/serbia+driving+police.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Serbian police may stop you to check your documents (you must carry them on you at all times) or for committing an offence such as speeding, not wearing a seat belt etc. There are many notorious radar speed traps around the country. Oncoming motorists will warn you by flashing their headlights. Speed cameras have now been installed on main routes across the country, so if local drivers all conspicuously slow down you can be sure there is a speed camera or trap up ahead. The use or carriage of radar detectors is prohibited. Speed limits vary across Serbia, so check the signposts for maximum speeds. Generally, speed limits in Serbia are as follows: City 37mph (60km/h) Open Roads 62mph (100km/h) Highway 74mph (120km/h). Maximum speed limit in school areas 18 mph (30 km/h). Drivers who have held their licence for one year or less can drive at 90% of the speed limits detailed above. The conversion from kilometers to miles per hour is 1 km/h = 0.62 mph.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Should you be unlucky enough to be caught, you will get an immediate fine. Generally the traffic police in Serbia are friendly and polite and we recommend you remain likewise. Getting into an argument will only make matters worse for you. Most policemen don't speak English anyway. There are some corrupt police who pulling people over for breaking the speed limit when they were not - and demanding fines. If you are operating a vehicle with a foreign license plate you could be stopped by police and be fined on the spot for offences that you have not committed. There is still some corruption but in general the police in Serbia are still more reasonable than police elsewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dial 987 for roadside assistance. Other emergency numbers are police: 92; fire department: 93; ambulance: 94. There are tollbooths along the motorways. Foreign-registered vehicles are charged at a higher toll than local vehicles. The toll also depends on the size of a vehicle. You might have to pay motorway tolls around of €200, these are usually payable in cash so make sure you have some.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Compulsory equipment in Serbia:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- A valid, full driving licence - both the photo and paper parts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- An International Driving Permit (there is conflicting information about the validity of various licences in Serbia. There are reports of almost every licence being acceptable to none. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit to accompany you current licence)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Your motor insurance certificate and V5 registration document or hire car paperwork</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- A Green Card - it's a useful back-up to your motor insurance documents and shows you've got the minimum legal level of cover. (The green card is no longer necessary for drivers of total of 33 countries of Europe when traveling to Serbia. Starting from January 2012, the agreement is implemented in the 27 countries of the European Union, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Island, Andorra, Croatia and Montenegro.). Not all insurers cover driving in Serbia so check before you go.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- A sticker of your country on the back of your car - even if your car has 'Euro-plates'</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- If you coming from driving-left-side country you will need headlamp converters (stickers you put on your headlights when you're driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- First aid kit (Type A for motorcycles, type B for other vehicles).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Warning triangle (two if towing a trailer. Not required for two wheeled vehicles).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Winter tires must be fitted on the drive wheels of all motor vehicles from November 1st to the April 1st and must have a minimum of 4mm tread. If there is snow or ice on the road this period may be extended.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Snow chains must always be carried in the vehicle as their use may become compulsory if the International “snow chains” sign is displayed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Reflective jacket. The jacket must be worn when exiting the vehicle and should therefore be kept within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Spare wheel must be of the same dimensions and load of those fitted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Towing rope or tow bar, minimum 3m (around 10 feet)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Spare bulbs for your car's external lights</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- A fire extinguisher</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for at least 2 years. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. You will have to return the car to the same location or face a significantly higher charge - so make applicable plans. Remember that you are likely to get the better prices and the better cars by booking in advance. Here is an randomly chosen rent a car address: <a href="http://www.rentacar-beograd.rs/" target="_blank">http://www.rentacar-beograd.rs/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSMVPASkeGB3wAkqhJYwRyNuHYTsKj14oXZ8YSLA8dkIO0nHZGCZX5GsUnYs3Rm2sxN7cZCATCPlD3LPYOekXmHje3tqfv1Q6-9FAj2nRaSRkgvLdNMdoHbn8DCc9DKk2v_ejzujZS_k/s1600/serbia.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-8313551281840768822013-03-17T22:59:00.001-07:002013-03-17T22:59:02.180-07:00St. Patrick's Day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBGysBe58tpnqvFaXO216tMsehK1QLqASbd5Tp398N7SM6LeD-v-JmD5gYQWbwSwAJ9u8txGVjwdcg9LxyVxaF28JIOt7bm67VAmIOdcDthNcyfI3yfGq8d1Edf-j5SgZCKtMrOct1t8/s1600/patrick1.png" /></a></div>
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday celebrated on 17 March. St. Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early seventeenth century and during that time it had gradually become more of a celebration of Irish culture. The day generally involves parades, festivals and wearing green.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pSytBMZfFyewWyAALcRWC9bo4YwTZsMN9VGL8SqIPF11duzarsee6QDtzM9PpM4DSHpubGd84NGpYYOP2RRhxg_oyklDfNZXA72Rpziv6BGdBSCAOlBLle3jt0TBDs4wsYfuweXTzBM/s1600/patrick.png" /></a></div>
<br />
In 2004, the CelticFest Vancouver Society created an annual festival in downtown Vancouver to celebrate the Celtic Nations and their culture. This event, which includes a parade, occurs the weekend closest to St. Patrick's Day. The parade includes dozens of marching bands/pipers in traditional costume, unicyclists, stilt walkers, Irish and Scottish dancers, multicultural floats, music performers and more. After the parade, there are plenty of performances on the street.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOwgGHtm6Fl1pYZf7xeqaVw3HIOkBLtvrCu0bRcFJuR0CM87tu9Z-tMk4s5mcQvZL0dSkR3N2d80faTx6GGCiu9ZOBdc2c1dNbOEoMNIhyABVf3xABW5L4jVIyq6DAopIwVE0uhWdd9s/s1600/patrick2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
This St. Patrick's Day, the TV media in Vancouver was using advertising from a Guinness's 2012 Arthur's Day spot. This Guinness's “Paint The Town Black” ad, showed Romanians going berserk, dousing anything they can get their hands on in pots of black paint. This music was performed by the Romanian band “Fanfare Ciocarlia”. To see the video, <a href="http://youtu.be/KRT483Eu2rs" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
Their musical style stems primarily from the traditions of Romanian folk dance music, but they also borrow freely from SERBIAN, Bulgarian and Macedonian musical styles. I wonder why Guinness used this song for the soundtrack instead of Celtic music. Also, if you see the next video about the Guča Festival in Serbia, you will see where this Romanian band found inspiration for this song. To see the video, <a href="http://youtu.be/s0wk-Cnwe4M" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Also, approaching St.Patrick’s Day, a ad coincided for the new Joe Fresh Spring 2013 campaign. Music for this ad was performed by the United Kingdom band <a href="http://youtu.be/Qsy7kJyizoc" target="_blank">“Sam and the Womp”</a>. Their music mixes trumpets inspired by traditional Serbian music, aka “trubači”, with modern electronic and dance elements. So, it’s about Guča Festival again. Serbia's famous trumpet festival is held every year at the beginning of August. Although Guča has a population of only 2,000, more than 600,000 people usually attend the Guča festival each year. People from abroad also come to enjoy the music and festivities. To see a sample of the music from Guča, <a href="http://youtu.be/QV6HrABMXak" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-65444784982875035542013-03-10T17:37:00.005-07:002013-03-10T17:45:56.395-07:00Fresh Herbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH8D3VvcXl2ne9FCXp49elCZXJo_Q_kD9wnqeW3gQurcWvzkbxJWPr72Ic-PdIQG8J_PTOKJAbrpEhdm0HqjWD6O88JMDKVXVIKv6jef7zjR1ec89zk30sddELVNbt24Kx0B89Sgc2Gk/s1600/herbs-zlatibor.jpg" height="329" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Zlatibor Mountain (Serbia) and the surrounding area have great choices of interesting, rare and medicinal herbs. Some of them are:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Gentiana lutea (lincura) is good for stomach problems</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Teuricium montanum (trava iva, ivica, gorski cmilj) is an antiseptic which is good for stomach and intestine diseases.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Achillea millefolium (hajducka trava) is medicinal and good for honey</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Thymus serpyllum (majcina dusica) has a calming and salutary effect</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Centarium erythraea (kicica) improves digestion</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Symphytum officiale (gaves) is for healing wounds and bone fractures</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Sorbus aucuparia (jarebika) is a nice decorative bush or tree</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Narcissus poeticus (narcis, zelenkada) is decorative meadow flowers, and many more ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You don’t need to live on the mountain to be able to have fresh herbs. Most people have a sunny spot on their deck or patio for a pot of homegrown herbs. Use the natural benefits of these plants by creating a kitchen garden. They look good, smell good and herbs can also do you good. Anyone with a container and a bag of soil can grow herbs. Follow these simple steps:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Sow seeds in a seed-starting mix in early spring. After the danger of frost is past, transplant seedlings outdoors to pots (with drainage holes) filled with all-purpose potting soil.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Plant herbs where they’ll receive 6 or more hours of full sun each day. Indoors, a south or west facing window is best.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Allow soil to dry between waterings. Most herbs dislike wet feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Before the first fall frost, bring tender perennials, such as rosemary, oregano, thyme and marjoram - indoors for the winter. Use or freeze all annual herbs such as lemon basil.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx1kmhtDGWCC56PvNcAiPHL3WvzZ0uS1o24DIgaDDEDXZ9FWmHf3oN4oqLYXzk-aRBtWMgn4ejfvrk9sGcdvQKrt2EavQfSkGntlq_NhFDPRBeIS7U5GlvxlI7xyCei8zVDclxWcnAqM/s1600/herb-lavender-bicycle-conta.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can have herbs every season: fresh, dried and frozen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Fresh: Just-picked herbs offer superior flavor. Chop fresh leaves, such a parsley, chives, dill and mint as you need them. Refrigerate leftover leaves in green plastic produce bags - these allow ethylene gas (which hastens decay) to escape.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Dried: To dry herbs with essential oils, such as lavender, sage, thyme and rosemary, hang bunches secured with rubber bands upside down in a dry place. Store dried leaves in jars for up to a year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Frozen: Preserve the fresh flavors of herbs, such as parsley, basil and chives for later use by freezing them in ice cube trays. Place several leaves (or a spoonful of chopped leaves) in each cell, add water and freeze. Pop out cubes as needed for recipes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsYvsAlODr4EjdNoTN7Fw6Akz5_OjsKnGbFgGJzx2wyebpbwlw_2_lySECqJnSAytAn9zNHbQSHajTR7NZjcnTuug85E5KN0FXWOpqIPCDGZrxyEhYFfvMLmBFFNEaRg23b9VRENfwvo/s1600/herb_pots.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The closer herbs are to the kitchen, the more you’ll use them. There are many ways to use them, such as:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Adding herbs to salads. They give a better taste to a salad and helps to stimulate digestion. Some of them are also good for healthy skin, hair and nails.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Making a herbal tea. Use either a sprig of fresh leaves or 2 tsp dried herbs. Add boiled water, cover and leave to brew for 5 minutes. Strain if necessary. Try rosemary to help boost your memory and mood.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Fragrance your home with relaxing herbal scents. The easiest way is to add herbs such as mint, for example, to flower arrangements. Stand them on a sunny windowsill as the sun helps bring essential oils to the surface of the leaves.</div>
<br />
More about <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/search/label/Herbs%20and%20spices" target="_blank">herbs and spices</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPHQr5PYyIghT1mRXukjYnow-bWcb221wsJytZZjuK4ADpUIBhCBFDsEU_KwWasFyHzk9hvWnIqY_6hcpVJvkfJ_5iuzT2xnS8V3JOqj-RMMeFTlNj4dYv4NfZrRgzY3xo-a_qupebgg/s1600/narcis.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-59244883044721840992013-02-11T15:09:00.000-08:002013-02-11T15:27:04.886-08:00Nature is medicine<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijR7_mXUHyRI-bYqi-kcnMJyaGYW93nncmO_MY2G96G6DTi6CIdquvIm8hyphenhyphen23xRYYg0jau39MrsvOlmf_POMR3-BlR26B6EUAacBmACRLvRGjJqoWCPMgMcUrgj0RMDj59zfTbKoM62o/s1600/omorike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pančić Spruce<br />(Serbian: Pančićeva omorika)<br />is a living fossil of the plant kingdom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">No one can go back and change his start ... but anyone can start today and change his finish! Caring about and maintaining our health is very important. We only have one body, so it's our job to keep it running in the best way we can, by paying attention to and working to improve our mental and physical health. Serbia has 5 national parks and 22 nature reserves. Over 31% of Serbia is covered by forest. National parks take up 10% of the country's territory.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Nature is medicine. The natural environment offers many benefits for health and well-being. Taking a walk or a hike to enjoy the scenery in the fresh air can help in calming and clearing the mind. It can manage stress and depression and improve one's overall health. It can prevent disease and help people recover from illness. Experiencing nature can help tackle obesity, coronary heart disease and mental health problems. People live longer if they live near areas of green space. It gives you the feeling of being energized and having more vitality.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Being in nature helps people improve their focus and memory. Memory can be improved by walking, or even just by looking at an image of a natural scene. A walk in the woods can be very calming and relaxing, a fantastic stress-reliever. It can also be an opportunity to challenge yourself physically. Using the trails or hills will give you more intense workout. Nature walking takes you away from the traffic and pollution and let's you slow down and breathe clean air. Where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man, you will find beauty everywhere.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv6ZDCf5wXywE5Du6xJPH8AN0oiXXtQdN25uWZasIG_taMvNIHnk5pE5Dnh1NgPHDCZ0R1_lYW6Q1jvOQgBXlcW-av1IRtMd5jKODIQRCIIm1s09VTmFBntnLdlk76LD3M2Ygi5WpFxc/s1600/nature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-23787299489241260252013-01-27T19:55:00.003-08:002013-01-27T19:55:31.125-08:00Border between Russia and China<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7DyMqi0oMYTkOQJ587Cc7wNyZhxoZcDYkSW_NHleVUhzgV5qquS1wImNg6JrY_AMpfbUCKiaRmjd7zJfo5MIlj6Qy-WBCMyC02TDspdVXf5Yp3-JcfUZehAo4x6-9WIkuhPATXiLx4s/s1600/Sava.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sava Vladislavić, born in 1668 in Herzegovina, was a Serbian who entered into history as an intelligence officer about 200 years before James Bond (the fictional character inspired by Serbian double agent <a href="http://getretreat-travel.blogspot.ca/2012/10/007-james-bond.html" target="_blank">Dusko Popov</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the 17th century he founded the Russian intelligence service. In his report, "Secret Information About the Power of the Chinese State", he dealt with everything from genealogy of the Chinese Dynasty to geography, ethnology, trade and military. The Report was created after years of travelling. Along the way he created a modern intelligence network by building caravan stations and monasteries from which his associates were sent information for analysis and predictions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His "Secret report on the Black Sea" fascinated the Emperor. Sava moved to St. Petersburg in 1709 and received the title of the first secret advisor. The Emperor even built a palace for Sava next to the castle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sava Vladislavić had a decisive role in the victory of Russia over Sweden in the famous Battle of Poltava in 1709. After that Sweden lost the status of being the great European forces. Sava designed a strategy that was later applied by the military leader Suvorov against Napoleon. On Sava’s advise the bulk of the Russian army did not enter into direct conflict with the attackers but retreated while flying raids attacked the Swedish supply lines. When the Russians decided to engage in battle, the Swedish Army was so exhausted and ill supplied that the defeat was catastrophic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He was also very instrumental in the peace making process in 1711 that ended the Russian-Turkish War. His impact was evident because his signature is on the pacification agreement next to the signatures of both Emperors. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the late 17th century the problems between Russia and China increased. Russian diplomacy was sought to mediate disputes. The relations between the two countries were so strained that they formally decided to legalize land boundaries. Several Russian delegations failed to find the problems. These two territorial colossus had the longest border in the world but it was not precisely mapped.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1oM9dW0vLT30jwMol5MPK0NGNB_kvA11ho0Uup6UZp0dTp-HQNB6W6tFkx02OHbcBGqBvBdcrU1dXz00ZN1Ol_EbjReTUrgsrysmNSRrbExxqiieaWDvfAvLbT902aK_xH2FP6iKYF8/s1600/St.-Petersburg.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sava’s greatest achievement was his visit to China in 1725. It took him three years to end the Russian-Chinese tension. The agreement that was signed resulted in creating a distinct border between the two countries which is a distance more than 6,000 miles. That border is basically the same today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Count Sava Vladislavić died in St. Petersburg in 1738. He was buried with full honours at the Church of the Annunciation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An interesting fact about Sava:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While he was in Constantinople he had bought an African slave (Abram Gannibal) and saved him from the ugly fate of black slaves from that era. He then donated him as a gift to the Russian Emperor. The Emperor Peter the Great adopted and raised him together with his own children. He became a major-general, a military engineer, Governor of Reval and a nobleman of the Russian Empire. He is best known today as the great-grandfather of Alexander Pushkin who is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-53898047575233769362013-01-06T14:09:00.000-08:002013-05-11T11:01:22.846-07:00Christmas time<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gppr3qXBMg-8L9lxe_mKFRIkuZUa-trGVCD5s2cb1hM6edq-cSErS19Hfpci2kD3WpTV-YU68Ydv1nbdUMTnEMRUwqw7db8putMAPmXmccjzhzso8PmJz-iuGSNNKhYii0YNCRaJfVc/s1600/christmas.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For many Christians Christmas Day is over. This Monday comes the holiday known as Christmas for the Orthodox community.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar was in use at the time of the birth of Christ and is presently 13 days behind the civil Gregorian calendar. That means Jan. 7, on the civil Gregorian calendar is Dec. 25, Christmas, on the Julian calendar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas time is surely the most cheerful time of the year and is celebrated by all Christians around the world. There are many reasons to celebrate Christmas: most people celebrate the holiday because it allows us to spend some cheerful time with families and have the pleasure to give and receive gifts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’m the one who usually runs straight home after work. I don't like to shop. Up to Christmas Day the malls are usually filled with bright lights and thousands of people in motion, people who can’t be still, people who are never satisfied. You can look out the window at all the people, all ages and races, lost in a search. They all look like pleasure seekers in an aquarium swimming from place to place, like scavengers, in search of food. They actually are looking for perfect gifts or something to make them feel good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ9vYVUgaQm5uXSaHbcL6vTM2E-4u1GYbXggrFoecsF_82yYlsV2BecJyQwU8cA3jAShSeOrNa6lHG_6Bt1moy89VgqQO_V8787aG69eVuSnvJcTplcuNm-qWS7mjxxJ-x-jgTXfVyrU/s1600/bozic.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For Orthodox Christians Christmas Day is not about giving and receiving gifts. That is what thay do on January 1st. Christmas Day is a time to heal the soul. It is also a time of peace and unity. They are reviving traditions learned during their own childhood and have passed on to their own children. It is a celebration time prefaced by 40 days of fasting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas Eve services traditionally begin with the blessing and burning of the Badnjak, or yule log, along with the traditional Christmas vigil service. Grejana Rakija, traditional hot drinks will be served following the services - a beverage composed of sugar, hot water and plum brandy. The traditional Christmas feast includes a centerpiece of green wheat symbolizing life and rebirth, and cesnica, or the traditional round bread, which is baked with a coin inside. The person who finds the coin is said to have special blessings throughout the year.</div>
<br />
If you like to learn more about this tradition and to see nice pictures - please visit this address:<br />
<a href="http://yankee-in-belgrade.blogspot.ca/2009/01/burning-yule-branch.html" target="_blank">http://yankee-in-belgrade.blogspot.ca/2009/01/burning-yule-branch.html</a><br />
<br />
If you like poetry and speak Serbian or German - please visit this address:<br />
<a href="http://miroslavdusaniclyrik.blogspot.ca/2010/01/blog-post_26.html" target="_blank">http://miroslavdusaniclyrik.blogspot.ca/2010/01/blog-post_26.html</a>
<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-65724952734328938672012-12-06T20:59:00.005-08:002012-12-08T10:05:51.592-08:005 comparable facts about 2 new bridges on opposite sides of our planet<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkTYjsbhp3n3SZVpivVVyJm9NVxkCeFHkyfpuORlyfSEhgRdEskWoyuxYRE3LsFjoN4ixVi8jDnqlR_GCJh3b6zv2NKxZqK5qHD3gFQKXwjp7CZWhofuacFE6HNWchnS2WHAhTQmHuCQ/s1600/bridge+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vancouver, Canada </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNl151ap776cz1_6DvKuLW12Zapfy3mY_q8H5l0FsL1nHWwWPMIVesqR3oWGJvwHGGcXPvCyY4snMw1DZqk5dxes3cRi9eGYsLlqdloUdvol9GQcryDOW9SgoVVB-m00KA9y4BDl3v4Q/s1600/bridge+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u style="font-style: italic;">Canada:</u> Port Mann Bridge near Vancouver is a steel tied arch bridge and its current traffic volume is 127,000 trips per day. Approximately eight percent of the traffic on the Port Mann bridge is truck traffic. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i><u>Serbia:</u></i> The new Ada Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Sava river in Belgrade, Serbia. The bridge pylon is located on the tip of the island which has been reinforced with large amounts of concrete and has been slightly enlarged to provide stronger foundations. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
2.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Canada:</u></i> Total length: 2,020 m ; Width: 65 m ; Height: 163 m. The bridge is the longest arch bridge in Canada and 15th longest in the world. This is the widest bridge in the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i><u>Serbia:</u></i> Total length: 996 m ; Width: 45 m ; Height: 200 m. This is the largest bridge surface in the world suspended by just one pylon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
3.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Canada:</u></i> Construction began in 2009 and the bridge opened on September 18, 2012. During construction of the replacement bridge, a crane collapsed on February 10, 2012 causing a 90-tonne concrete section of bridge decking to drop into the water below.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i><u>Serbia:</u></i> Construction began in 2008 and the bridge opened on January 1, 2012. There were no construction accidents during construction of this bridge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
4.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Canada:</u></i> The old orange bridge, a symbol of that area, will be eventually torn down. This is very sad and unacceptable to me. A bridge should definitely outlast its builders (it was built in 1964).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i><u>Serbia:</u></i> Not one old bridge will be torn down because of this new bridge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
5.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Canada:</u></i> Cars are now tolled $1.50 each way and will increase to $3 on March 1st 2013. Cars pulling trailers or light trucks pay an introductory rate of $4.50 and also will increase to $6 on March 1st 2013.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i><u>Serbia:</u></i> The bridge is free to use.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9zYGUksgAWlVVBxjmoYVEcxpb3OM9OhQ0bjx8Qe3ZU70awUU0-T-hqaR4M78Er6M2hk5amLxhzOuGGQ4RGpuILQ6iXZ_o7D-eNLPxu-A3lAV8dAzAIG5oXQdF1F9tEMAqqLXR3YS6_E/s1600/bridge+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Belgrade, Serbia </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMbLwmpG_zugnfWrhOefprcmeuEhvA5mnBLCxkU41M-Gz7AM3l8M9IZa9wqUtk5o3QEHVhx56NYduw_v8Vn_bteeOOw6jMJYJJfatWKL0SJkXUaJPT9MoLAOr-Aeo2RUusCMK2gD2OcA/s1600/bridge+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ_AG4gSbPYKAQS3duUBFivBIZXtJhSSAjsKMODa3Zy1dZbBWu2O-a2HIqE7muzBpNl28XTTYvWBiUgyMg_i3d0KRAivKfLdld1bxFe36CWA2-WeT193Z8qsy7rKFOqG4-9Tl8n18Ngo/s1600/bridge.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-25355937818684627262012-11-25T21:29:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:16:01.071-08:00Granville Island, Vancouver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVQaYLkpdDCLZ6THZRVvQwLhmu6FxkcCCyedWko_lC0dGi-bU6ipgSQRLVB4zQkNvMM0M01KGNaVtszw2Fdgndo0CGVu9ZoADlKbCBIGqS_Jj75KyJnnZgqmAu1fIbNf1Dc1StW2K-rE/s1600/ptice.jpg" /></a></div>
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKqxho_RnHi3cxvJY_-MbZW0gMBmWR7di9f_TLWkkrnosTntueqyGxYc2Cpylf1hC766W2PRA8Erso65q-pJ1EWOk4IAUJT3_aoV88KFd07r91z-cbujfVjgDQYJW3LFmoe16qpuk68o/s1600/granville.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
This island is rich in North American history. Its industry boomed in the ‘20s and ‘30s but after the war many of the large plants left. It remained unnoticed until 1973 when the federal government got involved. Most of the remaining industries were persuaded to leave but the buildings were kept and given a facelift. Granville Island is now a hub of color and creativity, producing things like pottery, plays, children’s toys and chocolates. The heart of Granville island is the Public Market where specialty foods, fresh from the farm, overflow from every stall. It is a people place. It is not too trendy or touristy and there is more to do than just shop. In the courtyard people enjoy lunch on their laps, entertained by performers from the Folk, Jazz, Evergreen and Comedy Festivals. One can spend hours wandering the craft and art galleries, enjoying the waterfront scenes and simply being part of the easygoing atmosphere. You can purchase gifts that are common to B.C., such as native masks or jewellery, locally made pottery or weaving. The Island has boat rentals and there are a few houseboat communities where the residents of the island live. As well as the many take-out stands in the market (you can get fish and chips, deli fare, Japanese ...) there are restaurants on the island. Two companies run small ferries from downtown to the island. Today was cold and the Canadian football championship game is scheduled to start soon but there were still a lot of people there. We live just across the bridge from Granville Island and we like to come there even just for a short visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNRhEbGgdz5pZb6520aiJoUfWgYuyvM400y-OptbHinBUZNqhHhIAtap8r2_ERHhdgKJHlXHnQUjOJyRx13zyTw-96eenN0Xl_JZrlIwfP9jTtv7TBinykDu7G7qoWC4yhtk0OapWb_U/s1600/island.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRLn-tp_2T7zdKn0SF2yQpy36UOmRVP6rJGjg8178YkRYYwqFEXn39PMypW5Bq1O56aaSDfSgHnGtqJzj59x7tBguamJK9m9bvMrntvAhG0CB146YA2y3CcqKfkdGtQ4mzqRlAc_tAMw/s1600/market.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEmM10P33h1UQtc45Lza56Xy3p_p6Tl9saAyUyb7HxU6cEiNdk41zzK3foYKQ3qveOYi9wgpahvQc_SC2e5IEBb9-CStqY6WEMSHo_BmsWVQFiDK_w1YvemFnr60hy9BjM1kyUl5sZ0A/s1600/bay.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-44684051598383904912012-11-22T18:05:00.002-08:002012-11-22T18:07:53.975-08:00R.I.P. Summer of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5isrKcgvNTThzifRGZW-gCRhHS3E5A9ySmRiNHlcnsumB0f0pheZA2FNQ2DzGmties-HoY-dAPyW_dEWxiaHR0YQkfSwrgp-M9zyYgX9XqR5bm0icbAPSwFKcr9mOTmyhxEp9WBOMMdw/s1600/summer.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
After celebrating the 40th Anniversary in 2009 the longstanding Kitsilano Summer of Love Festival (formerly known as Hippie Daze) is no longer. Even though the festival was small, it was nicely put together. It will be missed by the locals since it did bring money into the community even if it was just for a weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFKcyfK5eG2xgl67b4dVE7sbTZh9ephTZOrMnjndukPfmKszvchQbe90xawlePE5wTf5liWIDTgamTiVdyB2VvMLlr4hOkOI3Ye5XKRltzoBX9HiFBoGT20MKAm0HRsguYU2Iq2JSB58/s1600/old+cars.png" /></a></div>
<br />Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-1496119258904815612012-11-18T15:10:00.003-08:002012-11-18T15:15:10.870-08:00The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IwParDoR4C-gZm_j-5C5hhzntZHIOEKjiAz9R3pSe3DFbXu6uV73e_FgOhtJ1OykAjjHFM_0RHZFr-KXTBX9tD6rpyrIQm7nTJJ_vQTCFAqQsR7TRdJhCTbrzwPwGHlxUfyng_evqxA/s1600/pirate.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was originally classified as an agricultural fair but it is much more. The PNE has been held every summer since 1910. This fair is one of the largest in North America. It is an enormous summer fair with more than 50 rides and attractions, nightly concerts, live performances, agricultural and animal displays, games and food. The PNE is very crowded with long lineups for the food and rides. Half of the time you are at playland you are in the lineups. Many people come to the fair for the food. They love the deep fried stuff, hot dogs, mini donuts, Indian food, funnel cakes, seafood, pizza and more. I’m not so excited about that because I don’t like that kind of food but I like to try everything. Bring cash because most vendors only accept cash.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This playland is really expensive. For a park that is definitely showing its age, you pay a lot of money for the privilege of going on some very old rides. The PNE is more for the kids and for their parents who can’t say NO to them when they are little. It is a great summer job for students. In Toronto, Ontario there is a comparable summer fair known as the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXb3XofzxwC8GbnspmwibRS0IGrr5GTjx7zREJt8F0MBXeHSbpXAj2nEx8K3kKBED-F9bC5Wx2hX6u61Imp1T8EoVX3PT-iFklOqMm__7CuxDvVjb9CmC7rEv_AiWo6im68RyEBY08zs/s1600/PNE.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-13514639288927982862012-11-17T14:31:00.001-08:002012-11-18T12:40:46.173-08:00Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stanley Park is very popular in Vancouver, Canada. This park is very large (400 ha). While it has the lawns, picnic tables, civic monuments and gardens that you usually find in a civic park, it also has the wilderness and the ocean. The ocean almost encircles the park and along the shore are sandy beaches and a sea-walk that offers spectacular views. Stanley park is one of the largest inner-city parks on the North American continent and it is a mere 15-minute walk from downtown. It is not advisable to take your car into the park on summer weekends unless the weather is bad. If you do drive around the park, remember that vehicle traffic runs one way, counterclockwise and the same rule is for cyclists too. Park attractions are well marked. The park is a peninsula rimmed by a seawall. The seawall path is clearly divided - one side for pedestrians and the other side for cyclists.</div>
<br />
Totem poles represents different BC First Nations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEPHflAaRtuTzc1dD3cT_Ukw5C4PfTx2J85xlWBG2ZMMVSlOWPq6xRF5KwlvfwM6A-lyADn4wC78ZnT4M6Y1xTtPeknQSjfxQO28YYZiH8cfXbJzqJVcvIW-4rCUAZNU36C6TpGsKTLE/s1600/totems.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Girl in a Wetsuit statue. This is similar to the famous mermaid statue in the Copenhagen Harbour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGYtx5hzcAF3fPbHCfqWPdYTo1FGck0aVLmQBokaII1uKp-rKk-l_yDF1fs0F03kIPIuuL_tp07OGTXMiR-gwJQksckpqe2_JH4GUXPCRO1s5fOyXvkoZozywwe7wI4C2eNyBzkhiNdw/s1600/sculpture.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lions Gate Bridge marks the halfway point of the walk around the park.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFKDip5_4Qyy9NslaF5i7dK05auw3MdPiVzAFusxnJQut8wXxNbvmU6RaT0IKEk32hM_t-dAZOxp2AkHzwaK3Ud0y1Rjn99GcIkf0Q0A36OILNMbkBioNX5MwZu88moC0IJKTEdFYSXc/s1600/bridge.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Siwash Rock is a popular stop for cyclists, anglers, walkers and joggers. Picture right is Siwash Rock together with Third Beach when the tide is in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQfpglZXRQ-QdllnAPRhAOW2Cf6q0EY6ILIIwwxeIJemET-zcdPy46cmOwZ6-rOho2YPrIYSHwzW2BID9KURhvXNskFwtHMo1o5AxCJ_YbiI4tYForsc5_WkqhvSkoG4NDw7-qg95jcA/s1600/Siwash+Rock.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The seawall, a 8.8 km (5½ mile) paved path along the shore of Stanley Park, is a wonderful bike ride because of the spectacular views. I have noticed that a lot of tourists paid more attention to the traffic then enjoying the view. The seawall is divided in two: one side is for cyclists, the other for pedestrians. The cyclists must ride counterclockwise around the park and must dismount at a few designated busy spots. If you want to ride on the weekends when the park is very busy, you have to be patient and careful. I’m from Serbia but in Vancouver I don’t feel like a tourist, so I don’t use the busy tourists paths. Not only tourists but also Vancouverites avoid going deep into Stanley Park’s rainforest because they don’t feel safe. People feel more comfortable with others more then being alone in the middle of the wilderness. The natural rainforest in the park has lot of paths that I used a lot but not anymore because I gave my bicycle away as a present. For the next few winter months I wouldn’t need it and after that I would be going to Serbia anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiqx_HkDcVghd4P1_HqIAbIrPkDdae_jPjoVOnbrIe8Be2ybB960i3ZtP6c1JBpF_T3FcFQL4MZcTspEkko83kJgdCSpHysQZ8tavlBasUucLr4SSewu4Lidq3V_e7hH0LyBz90iVJic/s1600/adrenalin.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-1771187489736582012012-11-11T12:43:00.000-08:002013-05-20T14:16:46.935-07:00Serbian Green Market - Pijaca<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
The tomato originates from Peru where it grew wild. There still are 8 species of wild tomatoes in the Andes. After colonization of the continent, tomatoes came to Europe. In Europe, it was thought that its fruit was toxic and used only as an ornamental plant. The Serbian word for tomato is “paradajz”. It was believed that tomatoes lead to your death so the tomato plant was called paradajz (paradise). It is roughly pronounced “paradise” and when you taste one that is what it tastes like. The Mediterranean climate proved to be ideal for this plant. The tomatoes bought in North America at a supermarket have a plastic taste even when they are “organic”. They look lovely but lack the taste of a garden grown with love and care.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQDfPwObQGTMU5YTwQMg2CunaDw1yxEGmnhKpn0Ch2qtlyCGew66yl2WciX4LSCKcG8rNdYB20mgnLIQ2danfBlu5tO9UShK6lCRsB_eeFceS-l0MpBj7JW0YzYlfebVZN7O3je8BJoA/s1600/tomato.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes on our balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to have our own tomato garden on our balcony in a heart of downtown Vancouver, Canada. We bought the seeds, pots, soil, tools and were looking forward to “the back breaking labor of gardening.” It took a long time before the flowers came out indicating we should get the tomatoes soon but it seemed like forever before we saw the first tomato .We had nice tall plants, the tomatoes looked good and they smelled good when they finally arrived in August after planting them in March. We were hoping that our tomatoes will have a more natural taste but they were was exactly like from the store - tasteless. Maybe this is just not the right climate for this plant.<br />
<br />
In Serbia, every town has a green market (pijaca) with real organic products. Products are often grown in the area immediately around the city. Open air markets are a tradition but also an everyday necessity for many. The variety of goods for sale at the average market is always impressive. It is possible to get a great bargain on most products, if you’re a shrewd negotiator. Pijaca is a vibrant and exciting place to explore even if you aren't looking to buy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALKdSELcsX3Pei2HW8oUDgRdoJ4CNcQDp2I0Kgve_R4nnxf6d28xoDRZkVG-PksrfXnDcDMBH2wY7m7ppsiiVlT7_rEyxdXF46zFuiwhKPvjL6jmBQSlujQiME_ZsVqpe_a6S3jmrw2U/s1600/salata.png" /></a></div>
If you’re in Serbia you have to eat a šopska salata. It’s great salad, with nothing but tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and hot peppers, topped with a Serbian cheese that tastes similar to grated feta. In Serbia, one šopska is large enough to be dinner, but actually it is just an appetizer.<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-1672386970161779592012-11-08T20:07:00.001-08:002012-11-08T20:13:08.763-08:00A Living Museum<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8syn66UOf_0UE_SNu-mjbftSkvnOaBLRv1z7dRguXMAEDtw5Ukp0ksLt_0d2EnjhrXes88uKbNHniErLfQwWUsBIMQvGurtNDctJBatCBR2eoqPpdKtJvRCyR93UVKTbby0E6LjZ3S-c/s1600/tvrdjava.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Fortress in Niš is one of the best preserved and most beautiful medieval fortresses in the central Balkans. It was build by the Romans and restored a number of times, by the Byzantines, ancient Slavs, Turks and Serbs. The Fortress covers 22 hectares and originally was surrounded by a water-filled ditch. It rises on the right bank of the Nišava River and overlooks an area that has been habited for longer than two millenniums. Apart from the well preserved stone walls and gates, the Fortress today still exhibits numerous reminders of the turbulent history of Niš. Most of it still remains underground. Some of the tombstones that are found in the fortress date back to the Roman era. They are now exposed in an open air lapidarium inside the fortress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxME5BmmNj72UGgj9SD2UptEvbWHJ0sSZtnHfWMu9ARDTr52KtaofClGUl6vnfamsv20PT8Pimb5rdulx9RFT2rdikDExQjsITr24aufn5JeCdfXL1Z00YIJQYHVAe6ZvGTdG3SkBzB0g/s1600/nis.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today the access to the Fortress is free of charge. It is a big park with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Tourists usually don’t explore the whole Fortress because of its size and there are no guided tours. I studied civil engineering in Niš and the fastest way to go from downtown to the college on foot was right through the Fortress. It was my route to the college for years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTVEbWusPlybcmohNh62ri3gx1-Hu8V30nS-R7bCLA6N7Qe7YZYkLBt9ODTEvT0lwt_IDHfr01VzpsO-wbYywYIWo1z5nPeXtURjZITVVS2DyAkRBLSXDTfjgXMVgya87R28cpstlLEo/s1600/Niska+tvrdjava.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-52716763272578803392012-11-04T11:12:00.002-08:002012-11-04T11:16:15.475-08:00A prayer for Serbia<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
молитва за србију<br />
<br />
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpHajAzBCf1fukZKeaB1fRKAeOx9KJ6j8u9b1Zmavg6QKAVs_CKez9OtrxsMxy0ZLWyJzEmTudTzYyX5IqOTpwC6nTWY7xsToRU0smzlU0gwACyft2wuPtTaSNzOdzGfzac4jYN2PJNA/s1600/Miroslav.jpg" /></a>још удишем вјетрове сјеверне<br />
из очију хладне кише лију<br />
прсте ломим као суво грање<br />
не престајем молит‘ за србију<br />
<br />
ко јој узе осмијехе са лица<br />
па нам сада намрштено сања<br />
ко јој гуши храброст и пркосе<br />
таму сије а свјетлост прогања<br />
<br />
ко јој претке славне прећуткује<br />
нашим старим смије се у лице<br />
ко јој бије младост и затвара<br />
са улице гони у тамнице ...<br />
<br />
још удишем вјетрове сјеверне<br />
палим свијеће и молим господа<br />
да уништи коров у коријену<br />
за добробит српскога народа<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Miroslav B. Dušanić was born in 1961 in Pojezna / Derventa (BiH). Before his exile he was living and working in Belgrade until 1990. He was published in literary magazines in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (Schnippsel, Die Brucke, schrieb, Dulzinea ...) and is represented in numerous anthologies and books. He won first prize in poetry from “Library and Museum of Zurich” and third prize from the renowned journal "Die Berliner Literaturkritik". He was the editor of the poetry journal "schrieb" from Erdingena and his poetry has been translated into other languages. While living in Germany he is created a blog <a href="http://miroslavdusaniclyrik.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">"Lyrik - Lyric - Poezija"</a> which is actually his virtual homeland.</div>
<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-31674983816033483782012-11-03T18:11:00.002-07:002013-05-13T16:50:24.753-07:00“Beogradska Rolerijada”, Serbia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_hTjcw4oTAzoQKAh-9q71MeD94vShtVDxAFeifcfgrR8r_TTrf7A3bkoyDJx17xpA4Vh6_BIsskcuG4UUNGYTQpX2NsuApOgnx1DxK5DIcP_8EXEHfbHS4QOjXRS20SvgTuD04VNFiQ/s1600/Beogradska+rolerijada.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On September 9 the fifteenth annual skating competition known as “Beogradska Rolerijada” gathered with more than two thousand participants of all ages. There were races downtown for the youngest participants, a marathon, a 100 meter race and family races. The first Belgrade skating race was created as a promotion of an adventure movie playing in Belgrade cinemas and drew around 10.000 skaters.</div>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-70095465519379053112012-11-01T17:59:00.000-07:002012-11-20T19:44:42.015-08:00What is right - left or right?<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTux-P03N6NuH9oQ8dhWjCFAcpE7fJ-entW9D-hjPpAE9ymN4Rp1iaKOdUkxbXmxnz7PC5lecIMi8XGnJx-_QdrvaB2gVAXUMxyu7xxhx4T1eA3baN4dFFW1vDqwoqjGV0SetxdC_5zs/s1600/fasada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some things shouldn’t depend on personal preferences. However, just try to imagine this situation: There are two buildings across from each other. Both buildings are in the same condition, apartments have the same value and the same maintenance fees. One of them is built with style and character. It is such a wonderful looking building that tourists take pictures of it on a regular basis. The other building, just across the street, no one notices it because it has a plain exterior with no character.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, here is my question: Which of these two buildings would you live in? Have a look at these two buildings below:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsfR12_dWuliX9VGLrzcdLBubNLJQPxKQPBtMnn2cojhgAvaOFYXDfr7qyXJQfS3a-Qg3JYB4WlNlglu1mP4IbatjNiV_CMvTmz73FIIO4f_arFz2G5tkJbO4Cer1Zisz1qsyPRfOcZ4/s1600/staro+i+novo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Consider all the important things you want when you are looking for the perfect building to have your apartment in. I will tell you without hesitation what is my choice. I would definitely choose to live in the ugly building. Why? Because if I choose the beautiful one I will have a big problem: Every day I will have to look at the ugly building across the street.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The buildings above are actually one building photographed years apart. The building is in the city of Niš and it was hit by bombs during World War II. The left picture was taken before the war. After the ravages of war, the city authorities didn’t care about the architecture anymore so they just reconstructed the building with a plain ugly facade. Here is one more bad reconstruction example in the same city:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJbqFzXreg0XND4XXSF5_RJcwbgAulWG8e5MLdEl5VUoqJ633gEXoTLlxf1u4X7-ie0RYsX-ya54AUGHjho89MTOIzqPLo3WsoELf4o6rE3ZJRjWIbkCynKPcQdAixOi0Bopb-qVpEfA/s1600/staro+novo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-87501700964037293652012-10-29T22:49:00.001-07:002012-10-29T22:52:09.673-07:00Pirot Rug<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JKNdu-2Gcc5qr-wqEyWlWjhz102PAYwShApCtuyO9nV1a_zQtGagTDJcEA7u28zIGNAGwe2kGqUYS1rzxIFBjlKGEDmyeAT9Ga6ZPIKTl_l38FcAIgflaVUv6wMWgZ43dA63NrGyp2c/s1600/pirotski-cilim.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rug-making is one of the oldest crafts known to humankind and can be traced back through the ages to various civilizations and societies. Carpets have been used throughout civilization to make homes more inviting and charming. The weaving of rugs is a rather strenuous and long process. For centuries, women have been weaving messages and symbols into the rugs. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hand weaving of rugs and mats is an important part of Serbian cultural heritage. This traditional activity began in the 16th century and two centuries later became the main economy of many towns across the country. Rug weaving is one of the most ancient crafts in these regions, especially in the town of Pirot, near the Bulgarian border. Recently, the Pirot rug became protected as intellectual property. A Pirot rug is also manufactured in other regions of Serbia, but weavers are respecting the technique of craftsmanship and use specified colors, wool, dimensions and looms. The Pirot rug is made as a single piece item, out of the natural wool, thin and light. You will know for sure it is from Pirot if it has no backside but two front sides instead.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The best-known native textile art in North America is the weaving of Navajo Indian rugs. The original function of Navajo weaving was to produce clothing. Toward the end of the 19th century, weavers began to make rugs for tourism and export. Here is a little mix of Serbian and Navajo Indian rugs. Can you tell which ones are Serbian and which ones are Navajo?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9M0M24oqZ1B54ysp8847mW9snMIWELMhAmJdJHjKLiCeN0i7K98KZj6j4w6762hOAPfEYpenoqYO2KFc4oT8_KsX-7b2d_lI4t77cv9ieh597EPyY2Ni292occ9eQ8AJJFa9iNU6OSg/s1600/Navajo+and+pirot+rugs.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-449739819099583932012-10-26T22:05:00.001-07:002013-05-18T08:29:52.526-07:00Serbian Appetizers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrac5HbE3gPWv6ZLtw5kr2098LYpKkeH4zMpgZUecf7Xt8ePt6u0VY5-Hc-yxtmjG3V4kxPzukffiUQqJDg_5UBPxKZ7dRG93oKpVGK-XDyAGgSJ5LY_hrIvCrb462aM8Uw-RtY-OaFlA/s1600/appetizers+Rtanj.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Among the appetizers served in Serbian cuisine, the salads and soups are the most significant ones. The meal is usually served in four consecutive courses, salads, soup, main course, and dessert. Snacks can also considered an appetizer in Serbian cuisine and served in-between meals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gibanica - Pastry leaves mixed with eggs, cheese and then baked</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gibanica is a traditional dish served in Serbia and elsewhere in the Balkans. A similar dish can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia and Bulgaria but it is commonly called Banica. This is one of the most popular and distinctive pastry dishes in the Balkans. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/08/gibanica-is-traditional-dish-served-in.html" target="_blank">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Burek</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Burek is a product that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or as a snack. It’s made using flakey pastry and filled with a mixture of lamb & beef mincemeat or cheese and vegetables. Burek originated in Turkey but now is very popular in the Balkan region. In Serbia, burek is served in specialized stores called Burekdzinice, that sell burek and yogurt exclusively. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/ingredients-1-cup-butter-3-medium.html" target="_blank">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Proja - Corn bread<br />
This is a traditional Serbian bread. It is served with yogurt, white cheese and smoked dried meat. It is ideal for breakfast and supper on cold days. You can bake this when you have leftover cheese, almost ready to go bad. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/11/proja-corn-bread.html" target="_blank">Here is the recipe ...</a><br />
<br />
Pihtije</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pogača - Traditional bread</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Svrljiški belmuž s kajmakom</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Čvarci - crispy bits that remain after rendering fat from the meat took especially after sacrificing a pig. These crispy bits are served as snacks with lots of slat rubbed into them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ajvar - Vegetable mixture made of red peppers and eggplants</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kajmak - A tasteful smear made of cream and butter, with salt</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sirevi (sjenički, zlatarski, pirotski..) - Serbian cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Užička pršuta</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suva pita s orasima </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Čorba od sremuša</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turšija<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnuMAfI1SuRFMaUnF7YITMvjp-ccdnpr4RIuw975HGfCn9Nse4C9WgD7mYGOpNrT3ZqMHLv_BS9501AhmMZWWsoA_6c7sxSL4Ag5aXJ2WYXa33wYGBvoji8BA8UtW_1WLvHMjHmK2LKA/s1600/appetizers.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-58160660000863433892012-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:002012-10-21T21:55:21.396-07:00Halloween has lasted for five centuries<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4V_UxUQj7Fmgxei7hTxay6_LHHYeiYRnM-USpTy-uGihA60JYbsmfmj6joBo2pM0ZeQrf-NmZRQJD9hRSELuc8QPabCFQLX-j9D-807u1RNDUh8D9C2jMGYfSzOrJ5OLW63NSsTOQlI/s1600/cele.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We gratefully acknowledge this picture contribution from <a href="http://yankee-in-belgrade.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Pat Andjelković</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Mankind's history is full of wars, killing and destruction. There are always powerful countries and greedy leaders who want more. In their pursuit for land, gold and slaves, they create chaos wherever they go. Before they are banished back to their home country, they leave behind proof of their cruelty. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1389 in Kosovo, the Serbians tried to stop the Ottoman Empire from invading their land even knowing their plan would be futile. The Ottoman Empire had the largest and cruelest army of its time. The Serbians had the initial advantage after their first charge and later killed the Turkish Sultan Murat. When the first news of the Battle of Kosovo came into Western Europe, telling of the victorious Serbian army against the Ottoman Turks, the bells of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang out joyously in celebration. Actually by that time the battle had already been lost by the Serbians. The Turkish army later re-grouped and overpowered the Serbians. They captured the Serbian army commander Prince Lazar alive then beheaded him. The whole Kosovo Field was littered with dead bodies from both sides and the victory of course went to the army with the most warriors. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JLXJt83SC22hTBNPEmx70Jy8V7endE2ttNM1ePu2njxdglAchGPOUTsKc48-vL6OiOdbhVH1VxzgqpWMplmwXcUIO-4QUDu_Q6Oo1b5EUYhKIly9qXTTn4S5dCl4sBamyA33cwc4pFI/s1600/Boj+na+Kosovu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Serbian medieval “Golden Age” was destroyed on Kosovo Field and started the Ottoman rule, with all of its horrors. During almost five centuries under Turkish tyranny, Serbians lived as second-class citizens in their own country. The Serbian population was heavily taxed to support the Turkish imperial machinery. The most tragic was the blood tax. Serbian families were forced to give up some male children to be taken to Turkey, converted to Islam and raised to be Turkish soldiers.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs3HA0SkARjJw9y4X0wIU6PFkKf9xBLkHLU9jYLBVwHIqSGWV_4BkbA6ZXDB3Klxq4saElhZOLJyKUIbViJdWiyFOHLc8SYp8_YSugjsPb3OxaKtKPIxRtBo0OOk_tU3wpzNNFVXcsWI/s1600/Boj+na+Cegru.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the Ottoman era, my hometown of Niš was the seat of the military and administrative authorities for this part of the Balkans. The first time the Liberation of Niš was attempted was 1809 and it was part of the First Serbian Uprising. The most prominent trench was on Čegar Hill and under the command of Stevan Sindelic. When it came under attack by hundreds of Ottoman soldiers, Stevan realized that his brigade had no hope of staving off the offensive. He devised a plan to fire his pistol into a pile of gunpowder kegs. When the Ottomans swarmed the trench from all sides and approached him, Stevan squeezed the trigger. The ensuing explosion killed everyone in the trench. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgWzbrQUbfwrisJbCzjQmZs7b-6k2Yeq46MxNHCwItHSgaHd6UrfDEyA2eoOVnFp7fcGkcRDDlyJi3GSQk_leWPmHtmAw01HZmaMF317ap7Wq36mNb7lruqKAaQPPL2gPi9pane9ic3c/s1600/cele+kula.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After this battle the Turkish commander ordered that the heads of the killed Serbs be mounted on a tower beside the road to Constantinople to serve as a warning. In the years immediately following the building of the tower, the families of the deceased rebels have chiseled away some of the skulls in order to give them proper burials. From the original 952 skulls , today only 58 skulls remain on the tower. Serbs rebelled again in 1815 and this time were successful. This tower is very unique and known as the Skull Tower (Ćele Kula). In 1892 the Serbian authorities built a chapel around the tower to preserve this monument and its representation to the nation's bravery and endless sufferings. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I was born in 1962 and our family house is near to this monument. This is my son Emilijan in front of the Skull Tower when he was a child. He is wearing “opanci” (traditional Serbian shoes) and it looks like he is praying that something like this never happens again.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZduEII4bd2EJR_TwcIMvefdDMFUk4LlN5jJwZIcf-0zJOMi51fSFGbA6Mp-piLfuIrtzWHoqQDOsUPRwaiQ2WlnDhNWETiKtzNhcqw9wOHXCKee511XIBDa7KUiVu1mk90SSMdwXR8Rc/s1600/molitva+ispred+cele+kule.jpg" width="543" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>It makes me think about what could have happened to him during the Ottoman Era. He would have been the age where he could have been taken from the only family he knew. He would have his language, his religion and his culture stripped from him. They could have made him a Turkish soldier and would be trained to fight against his own birth country someday. It is important that the children of Serbian know what sacrifices had to be made to be a free country.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-85152858294245702132012-10-17T19:42:00.000-07:002012-10-17T19:46:56.434-07:00Roman heritage of Niš, Serbia<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUj39hpI6JwMzNI0Iwkw1LZ8kU49As0Kw_ecy6nBczlrMr1apLyMPI99A_4rWTggXUXfVDMePrCCh-g0RYd-eu-SCOxeSTbR53lsae2euenrd-tfK-SMz2_6JY7nqBp-STKK-G49aFhGg/s1600/mediana1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niš is the third-largest city in Serbia (after Belgrade and Novi Sad). It is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and Europe. It has been since ancient times considered a gateway between the East and the West. Niš has been inhabited for more than two thousand years. It was named Naissus by the Celtic Scordisci in 279 BC, after an invasion of the Balkans. The Scordisci were an Iron Age tribe centred in the territory of present-day Serbia. Naissus was an important strategic spot thanks to its extraordinary geographic position at the crossroads. The city was among several taken in the Roman conquest in 75 BC. In 214 AD the Roman Emperor Claudius II was born near Niš.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>NOTE: In 3rd and 4th century eighteen Roman Emperors were born in the territory of Serbia. This is 20% of all the rulers of the Roman Empire.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Naissus became one of Rome’s key towns. It was the birthplace of Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor. Constantine the Great (280 - 337 AD) was raised in Naissus. His mother’s name was Helena and his father was Flavius Valerius Constantinus Hlorus. Constantine the Great ruled the Roman Empire from 306 to 337AD. He made Naissus (Niš) an important economic, military and administrative centre. World history remembers him also as the person who pulled Christianity out of the 'catacombs and gladiator arenas'.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUVghl_bajCMhHrCUW3IJZxoz-bGxq-gHjcX-v9aWQD-vvk1Iby5d9R63Vadl9wEWFHTZrl9u3yC5sH2gHIrZ6Sa1B1MDWCT6LRS7WlJRm3FwicoXKNcNQzAXQ7fKUz3DZq6ujtENIr8/s1600/mediana2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a powerful Emperor, Constantine did not forget his birthplace. He erected a majestic residence in one of the luxurious suburbs of Ancient Niš - Mediana, where he often resided and attended to state affairs. It was constructed as a luxury residence and used Roman emperors while they were visiting Naissus. Mediana occupies 40 hectares and still exhibits the remnants of the estate.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SmATZUqhPkK1hd7bP_UY3ly8F0LPXrLbhVRxyuO2Reo0L3uxHWDbqI46BsrSA5pbmweqaIBGhqKIsFTqM6JcUnAfORZQKeWalAwY-14rWBhbRR5mBZY832y5n1LqHq02ujzDMXNx6jk/s1600/mediana3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Roman emperor Contantine III was born in Niš and ruled from 421 AD. Niš almost burnt down during Attila's campaign and was ravaged by the Huns. Niš was besieged, raided, sacked, ravaged and burned to the ground several times in its long and turbulent history. In 450 AD Byzantine Emperor Justinian I was born near Niš. He needed to rebuild Niš again. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>NOTE: In 2013 Niš will host the Ecumenical Assembly of Christian Churches which will mark 1700 years of Constantine’s Edict of Milan.</i></div>
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-69973979531576542272012-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:002013-05-21T21:46:44.439-07:00Serbian Entrees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQGYDy1hBTixeC1rnbUwy2U_54RJKljurIyy_-gD_v_G9DPhSRxaWBhAw7nlwqPnFnggFubERumjP2XNBDeIJ1dr9tlxKtMLCOAmTMocFPA_VF050Kbe_IAHnZN-RdMdn50nJYBl3bZY/s1600/entrees.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prebranac - Serbian style baked beans</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prebranac is a favorite Serbian oven-baked bean dish. Prebranac is ideal for the fasting period and can be served hot, baked in a clay pot or cold as a starter. This is basic food that will not punish you if your ingredients are not measured exactly. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/09/prebranac-serbian-style-baked-beans.html">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Karađorđeva šnicla - Karadjordje’s steak</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The steak was created by chef Mića Stojanović in 1959 who, when needed to prepare Chicken Kiev for a distinguished visitor from Russia, was faced with lack of poultry. He used veal instead of chicken. Not fully satisfied with the result, he poured tartar sauce over it and decorated it with a slice of lemon and pieces of tomato, which resembled Karadjordje's star decoration and thus the steak was named. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/karadjordjes-steak-karaoreva-snicla-is.html">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sarma - cabbage rolls</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The origin of this meal is Turkish and means wrapping or rolling. It is traditionally prepared in all of the Balkan countries. Most Serbians use sour cabbage (sauerkraut) that gives the sarma an unique savory taste. The best cooking method is slow boiling in large clay pots. Sarma is a very filling dish and it is usually eaten during winter. Traditionally sarma is served along with polenta, potatoes or sour cream. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/10/sarma-cabbage-rolls.html">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ćevapčići - small rolls of mixed minced meat</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ćevapčići has its origins in the Balkans during the Ottoman expansion into southeastern Europe and developed through the Middle Ages into a regional specialty. Ćevapčići is traditionally prepared by pounding meat with spices. Lamb, pork or beef may be used according to preferences. If You happen to be in Serbia and want to taste good local food, this is the must. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/ingredients-1-lb-ground-lamb-1-lb.html">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Čorbast pasulj - White bean soup</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is one of the most popular traditional dishes in Serbia. Pasulj is usually cooked with onion, bay leaves, red paprika, black pepper and meat and thickened with browned flour. White Bean Soup is perfect to make ahead for work day lunches, no matter what the temperature is outside. It’s simple, but flavorful and delicious. <a href="http://getretreat-recipes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/white-bean-soup-pasulj.html">Here is the recipe ...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Punjene paprike</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bećarac</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mućkalica</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Svadbarski kupus</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jagnjetina ispod sača</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pečeno prase (mangulica)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sremska kobasica</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Banatski domaći rezanci s sirom</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alaska riblja čorba</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dimljena rečna riba</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Teleća glava u škembetu</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jagnjeća sarma sa kiselim mlekom</div>
<div>
</div>
Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-60578788240807337322012-10-13T10:38:00.002-07:002012-11-04T11:19:41.885-08:00007 James Bond<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did you know the “real” James Bond was Serbian? Ian Fleming was the writer for Reuters and earned his fame for his writings on the “show trials” in Russia of several Royal Engineers up on espionage charges. He was fascinated by a Serbian double agent named Dušan Popov. Popov spoke fluent German and was recruited to work for the Nazi intelligence group. He notified his friend in British Intelligence because he had a secret hatred for the Nazis. The friend signed him up to work for his agency. Dušan provided the Nazis just enough approved material to keep them happy and shared numerous bits of information to the Allies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3D4Xkuatfqo/UGhop5mbXkI/AAAAAAAAF1M/7WNXp76WU-I/s640/Dusan+Popov.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dušan was very well paid from both sides and developed a playboy lifestyle. He stayed at the best hotels, ate at top restaurants and frequented casinos. His hedonism and adventurist lifestyle didn’t fit the cliché of the profession, and he often attracted attention. He was noted as a womanizer and was dating many famous actresses (some of them were Hollywood stars). He loved to live the high life and is said to have developed the code name Tricycle because his love for threesome sex.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1941 Dušan Popov warned the FBI about an impending attack on Pearl Harbor. Popov handed the information to the FBI on August 12, 1941, almost four months before the attack. But unlike the Brits, who had so much confidence in Popov, the FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover didn’t trust him. Hoover thought Popov was “just a Serbian playboy” and didn’t want anything to do with him, or his intelligence information. Either Hoover didn’t pass on the information to his superiors or they didn’t take it as a serious threat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
lt was a possibility that the US government didn’t act on the intelligence precisely because the president was looking for an excuse to bring Americans into a war he had promised not to involve them in. Even though Hoover may not have liked or trusted anyone personally, if he was given such important and valuable information such as this, he would’nt have dared not to report this to his superiors. Who knows if things would have been any different but the USA lost 2,402 military personnel and civilians on Sunday, December 7th, 1941. This date will forever be remembered by Americans throughout the country.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu8rqHh1j9s/UGhpsSgmIMI/AAAAAAAAF1c/ZP5hdQcte-I/s320/dusko+popov.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dušan Popov had made a massive contribution to the Allied War effort against Hitler:<br />
- told the British about the invasion of France<br />
- informed them how the Germans did not have enough troops to invade Britain<br />
- warned the Americans about Pearl Harbour – though they chose to ignore the information<br />
- was a key part of the XX Committee which led to the successful landings in Normandy on “D-day”<br />
In recognition of all this and more, Dušan was awarded The Order of the British Empire.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KYuVe0ZmiA/UHTNFqXDloI/AAAAAAAAGQg/Wvjjnqd9rR4/s640/007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-92132216676254461762012-10-10T18:24:00.000-07:002012-10-16T19:21:27.483-07:00Niagara Falls in the winter<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLIyL4hw6irrMN1Q6YyL4qeeBGn-MLY-ELhQlVDvMC4RKodTYejggWvBTFaq2xNNAXkW5U0KV964LINrnxJuMEg6INZ7HplAttLejAaOAQ1uuXjAXbITfMMsDC7BVT2nnfdJ1HuQ-xZo/s1600/Niagra+Fall.png" width="640"></img></a></div>
<br />
Visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is a different experience. While the thunder and spray of the falls is probably the same as in summer, the winter wonderland around the falls gives it a totally different look and feel. It's so cold that the spray from the falls freezes on the trees and branches. You will witness the clinging spray of the Falls as it blankets the trees and the rocks. Lake Erie, which drains into the Niagara River, is large but rather shallow. By the end of December the entire lake surface is frozen.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Interesting shapes can be seen thanks to winter:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6S59azmppSkdsNyd5FtGWwdGUDGPKj9p5IXjCNvA6ixl1AxwzIXfYldORnhl3JiWC79O2pF2CbHbiC6gY_IGYg0-GMFW-6ab1dYZJmSpN-ptEQZcutGlyNNBHhSSuRDvC8zUxfOnbNs/s1600/ice.png" width="640"></img></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On that day the Olympic Torch was at Niagara Falls on its journey across Canada to Vancouver and I had it in my hands 3 months before the start of the Winter Olympic Games:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWIK1eb9tn0wo14-rREDz9g8_LnAnSGCStIw6Gm334XldlDHCblhUteA3mJ7RwUSzu3MS8R7f62hziTFuv39kGpDkqr-H7-4QlAavK6OUAMcXaCFUUb16WfLYv8pqKNsOt7WzJ2VmqUc/s1600/Niagara+torch.jpg" width="640"></img></a></div>
<br />
If Nik Wallenda (the man who walked over the Falls on a tight rope in 2012 from USA to Canada) comes to mind when someone mentions Niagara Falls - then you need to read my post about <a href="http://getretreat-travel.blogspot.ca/2012/09/who-made-it-possible-for-new-york-to-be.html">NIKOLA TESLA</a>. At Niagara Falls you can find a monument of this Serbian-American inventor. Nikola Tesla designed the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, which started producing electrical power in 1895. This was the beginning of the electrification of the United States and the rest of the world.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7F6GWndwWpglbd3FNeMUCw3_62UqwGDon30FuXGDRZJ0Po22PDVXI2u7748qQGQNhXhvZIFV8co-W1uYcsVMzf5hYXBlv1O-yFSSTz_iWZzgct0gsVuSFRpFs5hocOHlB2epZ3e7MOWk/s1600/Niagara.JPG" width="640"></img></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
OK, that was it, I’m getting cold ... bye for now</div>
<br />
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-68314085661154900352012-10-06T19:13:00.000-07:002012-11-04T11:20:05.665-08:00The Nobel Prize in Literature 1961<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Serbo-Croatian is a Slavic language spoken by Serbians, Croatians and Bosnians. This is more than 20 million people altogether. Since the cultures have gone their separate ways, they prefer to consider themselves speakers of separate languages. The main difference is that Serbians use the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets but Croatian and Bosnians use only the Latin one. Due to the Balkan conflict, the different national groups established their own official languages. Croatians have made entirely new words and Bosnians have peppered their speech with some Turkic terms and phrases. Even though the languages have different names the people still understand each other perfectly well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Up to the mid 19th century there was no standard written form of the Serbian language but there was extensive literature. The reformer of the Serbian language, Vuk Karadžić, came up with the concept of “write as you speak and read as its written”. The Serbian alphabet is very consistent and precise: one letter per sound, with very few exceptions. The Cyrillic alphabet consists of 30 letters. Most Serbian surnames have the surname suffix -ić. Other common surname suffixes are -ov, -ev, -in and -ski. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokbPR4906VxW0JOAanHY5pCrWHehQ9plOofuxTvrj2GnZobU1ptSDg5224UwUCXBhKyKPsmvxPVit4mcv4EuN3AmT1xpAz5kvg0y3qWBMpuUr325bl4eIvCJIfhKWqqkyZe-SVG5Gu24/s1600/ivo+andric.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Nobel Prize in Literature 1961 was awarded to Serbian writer Ivo Andrić for the novel “The Bridge on the Drina” (Na Drini ćuprija). Ivo Andrić is also remembered as a diplomat of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia who lived in Germany and refused to except the offer of the Nazi government to take refuge in Switzerland during the World War II. Andrić was born in Bosnia. That country was his great love and endless inspiration during his whole life. He originated from a Croatian family but he declared himself a Serbian. He spent the most of his life in Belgrade and he wrote his works in Cyrillic.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UBH0IWLKU5korDXwN4LQaUjS6cWXiDwKiU84yb8CY-OyHwha8KYA4YHcqhKmsjUJ5h7pb5e27fJVAsv7GSRZ4-3HXOfctmCNmDmEDtV2AnLSmdW_4ClXhSvDv-EXlvHdMUQh_RAKqHA/s1600/paprika+peper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PEPPERS<br />
are irreplaceable ingredients<br />
to many Serbian dishes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy7gVfcR6decylACZq398OMUQAaILW6OnuzijGCNJND0OuoOgOiwBE8H0OJ2QTjcJnVERxi7ijQHas-y18Rt4Cynu8j5tUj9hi6we1dHUqq2IOFAQZ0JsS82bVNElB7Xcz8AaPEwtBsw/s1600/vampire.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">“The VAMPIRE Diaries”<br />
is a television drama series.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Serbian is a very difficult language to learn. Serbian contains many words from the Greek and Turkish languages. Two Serbian words that are used in many of the world's languages are vampire and paprika. Slivovitz and ćevapčići are Serbian words referring to a traditional drink and food. Paprika in English is a powder made from sweet red chillies that have been dried and finely ground but in a Serbian it means both - paprika and the pepper plant.</div>
<br />
</body>Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030236225225727653.post-80700166847399743062012-10-03T20:35:00.000-07:002013-05-11T10:54:52.904-07:00The Mileseva monastery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dFFXsIB5jf6BcLhqiv4HFCC0NfU1LTyxDAVOLHFhXREiQN3ricg8cMaZGEDpf_Jhk5hrJdP0DKF6A_LXmUrWWiFH7ga8Nt9G1MJaqecy8-_HHLCwQ1Ni8CvmAXLY4Cw0vCkLZyVGHNU/s400/Mileseva.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mileseva monastery was founded between 1234 and 1236 by Serbian King Vladislav. The monastery is situated in a valley of the Mileseva river, near Prijepolje, Serbia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first group of frescoes were produced in the 1230s. These thirteenth century frescoes may be considered to be the supreme achievement of all the paintings in Europe of that time. In 1459, the Turks set the monastery on fire, but it was soon restored.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Monastery was also famous as a printing centre at the time of the Turkish occupation. In the first half of the sixteenth century, the first books were produced there. One of the oldest schools also existed in the monastery.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In later times, after several Turkish demolitions, a new restoration was undertaken in 1863, when the church considerably changed in appearance. In the domes and around several other places, frescoes had large pieces missing. Many of the figures’ eyes had been gouged or obliterated by the Turks. The church’s most famous fresco is the White Angel.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Byzantine art style lasted from the 4th to the 15th century. It began in Greece and spread to the rest of Europe. Thousand years old Serbian monasteries carry some of the most majestic iconographic masterpieces in the fresco technique. Fresco is a mural painting executed upon freshly laid lime plaster. Water is used as the vehicle for the pigment and with the setting of the plaster, the painting becomes an integral part of the wall.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UlgC3iTFsPMjE1KdBmeR9PQj33ZyHGrsYi34bNb_P4tTHEFIQ8E2tbMQcO2jx8kuk70MszMi0I2TYaPdkLnofJ0sEjwsMfHMtywAKa26dNGDF0B_EJWyCCKTZpjheBfy841komuSyus/s1600/mileseva+beli_andjeo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The White Angel is part of a bigger art composition, “Mironosice at the tomb of Christ”. Often during the reconstruction of the monastery it was plastered over and made into a new fresco. It was in the first half of the twentieth century when that plaster fell off and revealed the untouched face of the White Angel. <b><u>This fresco has become so famous that even in 1963 the first satellite broadcast signal from Europe to America included the image of the White Angel.</u></b> In this way, Europe presented itself to America. Some time later a second signal with the same content was sent into space to whomever or whatever was out there. So far this signal has not been answered.The White Angel has been recently adopted as the emblem of the United Nations.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbc77fQQZffIOasFfBzkndU1Uic9oergPXkQbwuLkljoZQVs683MZw4Oy04GmWBrd2HXISS8QG_1wby8hLjfAsJ2B4_9dpM0LqDlNISQK0CRHv-W7hMKtLsMDtpN-olZgyedTg1ASavo/s640/Freske.jpg" height="187" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the centuries different religion occupations (mostly Turks) damaged many Serbian monasteries.<br />
Today, inside of the Mileseva monastery, visitors are not allowed even to take pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Nenadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671385340002299216noreply@blogger.com0