tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39540186545776529482024-03-13T10:26:47.485+01:00Travel to Belgrade with merkat travelerThis blog is about Belgrade, my hometown. It is dedicated to all travelers that want to spend their time in Belgrade. I recommend what to see, where to go, or no to go. I would be glad to answer your questions about Belgrade.merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-30758474100190541652010-05-25T09:51:00.001+02:002010-05-25T09:52:23.803+02:00HAPPY YOUTH DAY!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">HAPPY YOUTH DAY!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you have time today, go visit House of Flowers, there will be a bunch of interesting things to see:</span><br />
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<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At 10:00 30 bikers from Slovenia will put flowers on Tito's grave (it's already a traditional event)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At 11:00 many other people, including Tito's grandson, will put flowers on Tito's tomb</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At noon, youth batons (štafeta) from 6 ex-Yu cities will arrive on the plateau in front of museum 25th May. Tito's grandson will receive them.</span></li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Shm4Sn_mm0I/AAAAAAAAANo/fJ-8qqF7mVY/s1600/stafeta1980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Shm4Sn_mm0I/AAAAAAAAANo/fJ-8qqF7mVY/s400/stafeta1980.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-60819377371661432692010-05-18T16:56:00.001+02:002010-05-18T16:57:52.294+02:00Museum of African Art - something different<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1622019065">Museum</a></span></st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1622019065"> of </a></span><st1:placename w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.museumofafricanart.org/">Museum of African Art</a></span></st1:placename></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is unique in many ways. It is one of the few museums that are working on Mondays, it is located in the most luxurious residential area in </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Belgrade</span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and it is the only museum in the region of South East Europe completely dedicated to the African art and culture.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimages/62/34/6234257_l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muzej afričke umetnosti (Originalno (detalj, izgled))" border="0" height="238" src="http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimages/62/34/6234257_l.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Museum has its permanent display contains artifacts from the traditional societies of various ethnic groups from </span><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">West Africa</span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, which are sorted by material type and geographic origin. From objects for everyday use, musical instruments, decorations, to objects used in rituals, they are all breathtaking and beautiful, with striking simplicity, yet vivid appearance. Even barn doors are works of art, with carved motifs of women, or animals. Masks are various, and depending on their purpose, they are varying from very simple small masks, to more than one meter high 'sculptures'. One thing is common for all exhibits in this museum: it clearly shows the connection and love of those people with nature and everything originating from it - that is something that we have forgotten, living in big concrete cities.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Muzej afričke umetnosti (Okolina)" height="299" src="http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimages/62/33/6233949_l.jpeg" width="400" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is one more other thing that makes this museum so special: it has a beautiful and very spacious courtyard, where during the summer period museum organizes various events – concerts, various performances, bazaars… I always love to attend that kind of events, where you can enjoy different culture with all senses – to see beautiful handicrafts, paintings, and artworks, to smell and taste the food, to hear the music. On those days the museum is crowded with people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Apart from those occasional special events, museum organizes thematic exhibitions, lectures, film and video screenings, art and music workshops, so it is good to check their web site occasionally.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muzej afričke umetnosti (Originalno (detalj, izgled))" height="239" src="http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimages/62/34/6234205_l.jpeg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The entrance fee is symbolic (about 1 €), but still, there are no many visitors, maybe because it is completely out of the way from all cultural and other social focal points. However, it is quite near to House of Flowers and museum 25 May, so if you are going there, consider visiting this unique museum, as well – it is worth the time you'll spend there. Also from there, you can continue to Konak Kneza Miloša, which is just down the hill, in the same Topčider area. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="Muzej afričke umetnosti (Detalj)" height="320" src="http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimages/62/34/6234199_l.jpeg" width="240" /></span></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-57824821120735536042010-04-21T09:21:00.000+02:002010-04-21T09:21:57.867+02:00Avala Tower opening today!<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 href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S86m-A6kZcI/AAAAAAAABiQ/pnoc8NUj-Eo/s1600/toranj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S86m-A6kZcI/AAAAAAAABiQ/pnoc8NUj-Eo/s320/toranj.JPG" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avala Tower (source: RTS)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The long-time awaited opening ceremony of Avala Tower is scheduled today at 5 P.M. There is no possibility to attend the ceremony without invitation, but there will be a live broadcast on RTS 1. If you have a possibility, find a good spot for observing Avala Tower (like Vidikovac), because just before 8 P.M. a 'spectacular' fireworks is announced. I hope it will be spectacular, because I have just the right spot for watching it ;o)</span></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-81090084165770681152010-04-04T12:04:00.001+02:002010-04-04T12:04:44.121+02:00HRISTOS VOSKRESE!<div style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To all my friends and blog readers I wish HAPPY EASTER!</span></div><div style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Serbian: HRISTOS VOSKRESE!</span></div><div style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(If you want to reply in Serbian, it's "Vaistinu voskrese!".) </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv6L7SirK0eXa11YibXPl4ZIxZbizcaHP1t6s0N6UqSiYTBHglljBlGfsNKxpTnnoYpqk8vyu5jvZwxr3qleZWD_IP3NjlttlzkagQ_Weiw7xYNkafpyxL-1DiNfEphq_i4AmSSCoSsCp/s1600-h/jaja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv6L7SirK0eXa11YibXPl4ZIxZbizcaHP1t6s0N6UqSiYTBHglljBlGfsNKxpTnnoYpqk8vyu5jvZwxr3qleZWD_IP3NjlttlzkagQ_Weiw7xYNkafpyxL-1DiNfEphq_i4AmSSCoSsCp/s400/jaja.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-58921510606636567722010-03-26T23:19:00.004+01:002010-03-26T23:28:04.800+01:00Spring has come to Belgrade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60vA56_ocI/AAAAAAAABfA/edmL1GVmeQU/s1600-h/DSC00881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60vA56_ocI/AAAAAAAABfA/edmL1GVmeQU/s200/DSC00881.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Everything is blooming, even attractions are blooming. This spring will be full of events, so prepare yourself. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Every spring the <a href="http://www.beozoovrt.izlog.org/">Belgrade Zoo - Vrt Dobre Nade</a> - welcomes many newborn cubs, and you can see them in "Baby Zoo", after a nice walk in Kalemegdan (fortress founded by Celts), where you can also visit Church Ružica, Chapel of St. Petka and <a href="http://www.muzej.mod.gov.rs/">Military Museum</a> (with impressive collection of medieval arms and knights' gear).</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60x__1ZfQI/AAAAAAAABfg/T9E6xuwv0n4/s1600-h/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60x__1ZfQI/AAAAAAAABfg/T9E6xuwv0n4/s200/26.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60ylW9jP1I/AAAAAAAABfk/fT8-L94PSlA/s1600-h/turkish%20med%20arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60ylW9jP1I/AAAAAAAABfk/fT8-L94PSlA/s200/turkish%20med%20arm.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60vBkDtx-I/AAAAAAAABfI/YXcuNE23X88/s1600-h/enntrance%20is%20guarded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60vBkDtx-I/AAAAAAAABfI/YXcuNE23X88/s200/enntrance%20is%20guarded.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60vBMCryFI/AAAAAAAABfE/dsBfS2-TRaM/s1600-h/promoters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60vBMCryFI/AAAAAAAABfE/dsBfS2-TRaM/s200/promoters.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
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Belgrade is celebrating '<a href="http://www.danibeograda.org/">Belgrade Days</a>' from 16th - 19th April and many cultural events will be held on different locations. The Slav name "Belgrade" was first recorded on April 16th 878 in a letter from Pope John 8th to Bulgarian knez Boris and on 19th April 1867, Belgrade was officially at liberty after almost 350 years of Turkish occupation. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">After feeding your soul, you will need some exercise, so don't miss the XXIII International <a href="http://www.bgdmarathon.org/">Belgrade Marathon</a> is on 18 April. <a href="http://www.royalfamily.org/">Kraljevski Beli Dvo</a>r opens its gates for visitors in April, until October, so you can enjoy beauties of the <a href="http://www.royalfamily.org/">Royal Court</a>, but be sure to reserve your ticket in advance.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60xdr246MI/AAAAAAAABfU/PJaTUPYk90I/s1600-h/patke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60xdr246MI/AAAAAAAABfU/PJaTUPYk90I/s200/patke.jpg" width="200" /></a>Cafes and restaurants are opening their terraces and you can sit back and relax in the shade (or sun) while watching people passing by in Skadarlija, or Strahinjića Bana, or you can chill out and watch river from many cafes on the water in Ada Ciganlija or Sava river. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">In April <a href="http://www.hipodrombeograd.com/start.html">Belgrade Hippodrome</a> opens the season with regular Sunday's races, where ladies will wear their best hats - not quite as in Ascot, but worth seeing. <br />
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Orthodox Easter is on April 3rd - join us for eggs breaking contest and many other joyful events celebrating this sacred Holliday. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60xdrv5rWI/AAAAAAAABfY/Zq6XYHsOXLw/s1600-h/fight5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S60xdrv5rWI/AAAAAAAABfY/Zq6XYHsOXLw/s200/fight5.jpg" width="150" /></a>May starts with different attractions: on May 4th, just after the Labor's Day, and on 25 May (former Youth Day) many tourists from all around the world come to visit <a href="http://www.mij.rs/">Kuća Cveća</a>, to honor the former Yugoslav president, Josip Broz Tito. Other, merrier event is 'Fantasy Wedding', collective wedding ceremony in front of Stari Dvor, first time organized during NATO bombing in 1999, and became the tradition. <a href="http://www.nocmuzeja.rs/">Museum Night</a> starts on 15 May. From May 21 - 23 you can see <a href="http://www.svibor.org/">Svibor</a> International Knight's tournament in Kalemegdan.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
June starts with Spasovdan (5th June), Belgrade slava (day of St. protector of the city), and you can watch the holy procession on the streets of Belgrade. </div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-6312064314537593812010-01-05T15:04:00.008+01:002010-02-03T21:38:12.822+01:00Orthodox Christmas<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas Eve</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Photo: www.hramsvetogsave.com</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S0NGIPvaXoI/AAAAAAAABcY/acG1RfdOKwI/s1600-h/02_BADNJAK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S0NGIPvaXoI/AAAAAAAABcY/acG1RfdOKwI/s320/02_BADNJAK.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Christmas Eve, in Serbian <i>Badnje veče</i> (pronounced as <i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">badnye veche</i>) is celebrated on 6th of January. Instead of Chrismas tree, Orthodoxs have <i>badnjak </i>(<i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">badnyak</i>), which symbolizes the wood that shepherds brought to Joseph to stoke the fire to warm the cave where Christ was born. On Christmas Eve, before the sunrise, male members of the family should go to collect badnjak in the woods, which they bring in house in the evening, together with straw and roasted pork. Of course, nowadays this tradition has changed, so it is usual that they buy already prepared oak tree leaves on branches, tied with red, blue and white ribbons, and mostly decorated with small bags with wheat and corn. Straw is symbolizing the straw where baby Jesus was laying - it should be spread on the house floor, especially below dining table, where it should be mixed with sweets, dried fruits and small presents, for children. Children should make noise like chicks, while looking for presents. After that, the family joins at the dining table for the Lenten dinner. Badnjak was supposed to be burnt in a fireplace, or a stove, but since most of people don't have it anymore, it can be burnt outside the house, or in church.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">People go to church to attend the Midnight Christmas Liturgy. After the first part of the Christmas Liturgy in the Church, everyone, including the choir, follow the priest outside to walk around the church three times before burning badnjak. After burning of badnjak, people return into church for continuation of the Liturgy and more singing. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: sonja r. @flickr</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S0NGrBUUktI/AAAAAAAABck/hEBUGAmx6JA/s1600-h/psenica%20by%20sonja%20r.%20@%20flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S0NGrBUUktI/AAAAAAAABck/hEBUGAmx6JA/s320/psenica%20by%20sonja%20r.%20@%20flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: pelagija @flickr</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S0NGhJgUWYI/AAAAAAAABcc/vSF2pVRQKfg/s1600-h/cesnica%20by%20pelagija%20at%20flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/S0NGhJgUWYI/AAAAAAAABcc/vSF2pVRQKfg/s320/cesnica%20by%20pelagija%20at%20flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">On Christmas Day, 7th January, family goes to church and upon return home the most festive meal of the year is served. The father lights a candle and incense, and says a prayer. Family turns <i>česnica (<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">chesnitsa</span>) </i>from left to right singing <i>Roždestvo Tvoje</i>, the Christmas hymn glorifying the birth of Christ, and then break <i>česnica</i>, so each member of the family receives a piece, leaving one portion for an unexpected guest. Česnica is a round bread, baked from wheat flour (nowadays, people usually buy it form bakery store). A coin is placed inside česnica to bring good luck throughout the year to the person who finds it. Each person kisses the person next to him/her three times, with the greeting "<i>Hristos se rodi!</i>" - "<i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Christ is born!</i>" and receives in reply "V<i>aistinu se rodi!</i>" - "<i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Indeed He is born</i>!" This greeting and reply is being used all three days of Christmas, instead of "<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">Merry Christmas</span></i>".</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">As you have noticed, there are no presents opening, as in other Christian Christmas customs. That is because three Sundays prior to Christmas are dedicated to the family: <i>Detinjci </i>(<i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Detinytsi </i>- Children's Day), <i>Materice </i>(<i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Materitse </i>- Mother's Day) and <i>Očevi </i>(<i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Ochevi </i>- Father's Day). On each of these days family members , usually one by one ;o))), tie the title celebrants to an object (eg. a chair, or tie his/her legs to each other), and their release is obtained with a gift. But anyhow, nowadays majority of people in Serbia are giving presents for the New Year's Eve, on 31st December.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-329286138563728412010-01-03T20:53:00.002+01:002010-01-03T20:58:51.800+01:00Never underestimate the beauty of the City outside the center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Unless you have friends or relatives who live outside the city center, you probably won't bother to visit the Southern part of Belgrade near the hill called Košutnjak, even if you have plenty of time. That's a pity, because just after the beautiful Košutnjak park, there is a part of town called Vidikovac (literally translated it means Viewpoint) - the name speaks for itself. Here, you can find plenty of nice restaurants surrounded by woods, of which some even have astonishing view to the city and Mt. Avala. I will write about those restaurants in some other posts, but here I just want to show you the view from an ordinary residential building in this area. All photos are made with simple idiot-camera, so the quality might not be the best, but I think you'll get the picture.<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Well, if you think it's worth visiting, it's good to know that this is only 13 km from the city center, and not more than 30 minutes by public transportation ;o)<br />
</div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com4Beograd, Serbia44.746611321828468 20.42890548706054744.738991321828465 20.414314487060548 44.75423132182847 20.443496487060546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-29271441103276270312009-11-28T16:24:00.004+01:002009-12-01T15:40:08.669+01:00National Assembly Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEn-R2vLII/AAAAAAAABTc/ZFwFuJG6ygc/s1600/cela%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEn-R2vLII/AAAAAAAABTc/ZFwFuJG6ygc/s400/cela%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.parlament.gov.rs/content/eng/index.asp">National Assembly building</a>, in Serbian <a href="http://www.parlament.gov.rs/">Dom Narodne Skupštine</a></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is very typical building for Europe. It is not as splendid as</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in Prague or Vienna, but it sure will find the way to your camera. Most tourists only have the exterior view, but it is possible to have a guided tour and see treasures hidden inside this historical building.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had a chance to see it from the inside, but only one part, and here I will share my photographs with you. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEm3yawo6I/AAAAAAAABTY/4oaeffK2_7Y/s1600/detail2%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEm3yawo6I/AAAAAAAABTY/4oaeffK2_7Y/s200/detail2%20copy.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEn-tNSK9I/AAAAAAAABTk/TeOX4rasYB0/s1600/ulaz%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEn-tNSK9I/AAAAAAAABTk/TeOX4rasYB0/s200/ulaz%20copy.jpg" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The construction of the building of the National Assembly (originally the House of National Representation, of the Kingdom of Serbia), was based on a design by the architect Jovan Ilkić from 1901. Construction began in 1907, when King Petar I Karađorđević laid the cornerstone. As a consequence of Balkan Wars and the First World War, due to a lack of resources, the construction works had to be stopped and the building was made only up to the first floor.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The second phase of construction began with the establishment of the new state-the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. They drew up new plans which were necessary because the planned parliamentary session halls did not provide sufficient space. The architect was Pavle Ilkić, the son of the deceased Jovan Ilkić. Following the new design, the Assembly Building continued to be constructed until 1926, when the construction works were interrupted once again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The third and final construction phase started after the death of King Aleksandar in 1934 when the chief architect became Nikola Krasnov, a Russian immigrant close to the court. The building of the National Assembly was finally completed in 1936.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEu9jzd17I/AAAAAAAABT8/N2bQTPsqdx4/s1600/pod%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SxEu9jzd17I/AAAAAAAABT8/N2bQTPsqdx4/s320/pod%20copy.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because of its precious architectural design and historical significance in 1984 the building was listed in the cultural heritage of Belgrade.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">The history can be seen from the very moment you enter the building. The entrance hall has statues of significant people from history of all countries of the territory of Yugoslavia. Serbian emperor Dušan, who wrote the first Law, Croatian king Tomislav, Slovenian king, Karađorđe - the leader of riots against Turks, Nikola Pašić...<br />
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Unbelievable variety of marble, from white, through gray, to black, with all shades of yellow, pink and green, cleverly mixed in playful, yet elegant combination. <br />
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But, enough with talk - enjoy photos! <br />
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</div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-88581458778152203902009-11-26T10:40:00.002+01:002009-11-26T16:52:20.454+01:00What to see if you have only one day in Belgrade?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In my opinion, there are 3 must-sees in Belgrade. You simply cannot miss them if you're in Belgrade, even for only one day. Kalemegdan, St. Sava Temple and Skadarlija are the "holy trinity" of the must-see in Belgrade . </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good thing is that visiting those places would give you a chance to glance at other attractions, like Knez Mihailova (pedestrian zone), on your way to Kalemegdan, or so-called Silicone Valley (Strahinjića bana Street, with numerous cafes, very popular among younger population), where you can have a drink or two, before you go to have a dinner in Bohemic Quarter of Skadarlija. On your way to St. Sava Temple, you might pass by destroyed buildings during NATO bombing - not that I think it's an important tourist attraction, but I've noticed that all tourists are very curious to see them.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kalemegdan is a fortress, with quite large park, which accommodates one fortress, 2 churches, one gallery, 2 observatories, 2 museums, tennis and basketball terrains, archaeological remains from several different historic periods, small amusement park for children, two restaurants and one zoo (I'm sure I've missed something, but I guess this gives you the idea). Therefore, you should plan at least 2-3 hours for this one, if you want to see everything.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although completely out of the way, but not too far, is the St. Sava Temple. It is not finished yet, the interior is still far from finished, but it's open to the public, and there are interesting things to see even inside the church. What you should know is that St. Sava Temple (or if you prefer to call it Cathedral of Saint Sava) is THE biggest Orthodox church in the world, by its area and volume (it's not the tallest). It is surrounded by nice park with fountains, next to the National Library. </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Back to the very center of the city, you should plan your dinner in the bohemic quarter - Skadarlija Street. Skadarlija is also known for its excellent restaurants, offering national food, and live acoustic music called "starogradska muzika" (can be translated as "old city music") and the bohemic spirit, remained from numerous writers and artists, back in the 19th century, who made this street famous.</span><br />
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</div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com3Стари Град, Beograd, Serbia44.821907878813768 20.45293807983398444.806687878813769 20.423755579833983 44.837127878813767 20.482120579833985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-32117853817091277512009-11-20T23:58:00.004+01:002009-11-22T13:26:40.573+01:00I need your support<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">According to current votes, blog Travel to Belgrade with merkat traveler at the <a href="http://www.wfest.org/prijave-2009/blog?page=3">Web fest</a> competition is sharing 5th place with B92 blog in the blog category (out of 111 blogs). If you haven't voted yet, please do - deadline is Monday at midnight (GMT +1).<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wfest.org/glasanje/registruj-se">Vote</a> for Travel to Belgrade with merkat traveler (<a href="http://merkat-traveler.blogspot.com/2009/11/vote-for-travel-to-belgrade-with-merkat.html">how-to instructions</a>). If you have a facebook account, you can use F/connect option on the Web Fest homepage, and vote without registering (just make sure you confirm your vote / step 3 in <a href="http://merkat-traveler.blogspot.com/2009/11/vote-for-travel-to-belgrade-with-merkat.html">how-to instructions</a>)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">THANK YOU! :o) </span><br />
</div></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-34706823185052876252009-11-18T13:05:00.000+01:002009-11-18T13:05:48.079+01:00Funeral service for His Holiness Patriarch Pavle<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Thursday, 19th November 2009, His Holiness' funeral ceremony shall start at 07:30, with Holy Liturgy at Saborna Church. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The funeral procession will depart with the coffin at 09:30, to the St. Sava Temple, for the funeral service. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At 12:30, funeral procession will head to Rakovica Monastery, where His Holiness Patriarch Pavle will be laid to rest at 13:00 hours.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to the Patriarch's personal request and recommendation, the Holy Synod appealed to all faithful not to bring wreaths to the funeral service, but to only light candles, and instead, according to their possibilities and wishes, donate toward the completion of the temple. People who cannot attend the complete funeral ceremony can pay their respect by standing in front of their houses.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Below is the map of funeral path. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">More information in English can be found at </span><a href="http://www.blic.rs/infocus.php?id=5509"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blic</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (map in Serbian </span><a href="http://www.blic.rs/_customfiles/Image/slike/2009/11_novembar/18/tema/grafika-velika.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) and </span><a href="http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=11&dd=17&nav_id=63091"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">B92</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Map made with Google Earth by merkat</span></span></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-85254485789416124282009-11-17T12:09:00.014+01:002009-11-18T12:44:05.539+01:00Patriarch Pavle 1914 - 2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwKEK9QjK0I/AAAAAAAABNs/yrGbvDSr7XQ/s1600/patrijarhnl1.4367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwKEK9QjK0I/AAAAAAAABNs/yrGbvDSr7XQ/s640/patrijarhnl1.4367.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo source: B92</span></i></span><br />
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</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwKGhgK1bzI/AAAAAAAABOE/5qy2niaiVpY/s1600/saborna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwKGhgK1bzI/AAAAAAAABOE/5qy2niaiVpY/s200/saborna.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwKF1T9vsLI/AAAAAAAABN0/rNioJAO6JVI/s1600/saborna.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwKF1T9vsLI/AAAAAAAABN0/rNioJAO6JVI/s200/saborna.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">His Holiness Patriarch Pavle (Paul) passed away on 15th November 2009, at the age of 95. As of yesterday there shall be three days of mourning in Serbia. Respects to the departed Patriarch Pavle, who will lie in state in the Cathedral Church of St. Michael Archangel (Saborna crkva), may be paid until Thursday.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><br />
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The funeral liturgy for His Holiness Patriarch Pavle will be conducted on Thursday, 19th 2009 at 11 A.M. in St. Sava Temple in Belgrade.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwPdxMxzD7I/AAAAAAAABOc/o-l5UILYMsA/s1600/rakovica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SwPdxMxzD7I/AAAAAAAABOc/o-l5UILYMsA/s200/rakovica.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The funeral of Patriarch Pavle of blessed repose will be held on the same day - according to his will he shall be laid to rest at the Monastery of the St. Archangel Gavrilo in Belgrade (Manastir Rakovica).</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maps made in Google Earth by merkat. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos of Saborna Church and St Sava Temple by merkat.</span></span></i><br />
</div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-37124567677134055892009-11-03T11:11:00.003+01:002009-11-21T00:00:39.787+01:00Vote for Travel to Belgrade with merkat traveler<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Hi everybody!<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I've applied my blog for a Regional Webfest competition. Now I need someone to vote for it ;o))). The only problem is that the web site requires registration, which is in Serbian language, but I think it is not a problem with a help of google translate.<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Anyway, here are the steps:<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1. Go to <a href="http://www.wfest.org/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "", event)" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.wfest.org/</a> and click the large blue button "<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Glasaj</span></b>". The registration window will appear. Registration confirmation link will be sent to your e-mail.<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. When registration is confirmed, go to <a href="http://www.wfest.org/prijave-2009/blog?page=3" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "", event)" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.wfest.org/prijave-2009/blog?page=3</a> (or go to blog category) and vote for my blog <a href="http://merkat-traveler.blogspot.com/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "", event)" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://merkat-traveler.blo<wbr></wbr>gspot.com/</a> which is in the first row, second from lefte (thumbnail is white layout, with small photo in the middle). Vote by clicking on "</span><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Glasaj</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">"<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. After clicking "</span><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Glasaj</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">", small window will appear - click on (green or blue) highlighted words "</span><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>moji glasovi</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">". The list will appear and you should see my link <a href="http://merkat-traveler.blogspot.com/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "", event)" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://merkat-traveler.blo<wbr></wbr><span style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding: 0px;"></span>gspot.com/</a>. If you see it, please enter the anti-spam code below and confirm by pressing the button on the bottom of the page. This step is necessary, because it's the way you will confirm your vote (otherwise is not valid).<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />FINISHED! <br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />It is not so complicated as it seems, I've just gave you a large amount of info, because the site is in Serbian, but, in fact it is completely logical, and probably you can do it even without my instructions (except maybe for step 3).<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thank you in advance for your help, and I would be very happy if your friends would like to vote, too.<br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border-width: 0px; line-height: 0.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thx!<br />
</span>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-11055602222200741192009-10-22T22:56:00.002+02:002009-10-22T23:04:56.064+02:00Belgrade International Book Fair<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SuDDqp3kY2I/AAAAAAAABJk/vINKyxAyAFE/s1600-h/hala+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SuDDqp3kY2I/AAAAAAAABJk/vINKyxAyAFE/s320/hala+1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1256049424228">B</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://www.beogradskisajamknjiga.com/active/en/home/tekuci.html">elgrade International Book Fair</a> is my most favorite cultural event of all times. You could guess that I love books and that I'm probably a member of readers' clubs with book discounts, so for me visiting the Book Fair is more than just an opportunity to buy cheap books - it's my annual ritual, when I enjoy browsing through thousands of books, feeling the smell of newly printed books, meeting authors... I don't enjoy the crowds, though, but it's the price I have to pay - no pain, no gain, right?</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Belgrade International Book Fair is the third largest fair in Europe and the second oldest in Europe. In 2007 the number of visitors has reached 200.000, while each year the number of visitors is never under 145-150.000. 531 national and 314 international publishers participated at the 53rd Book Fair in 2008. It is an annual event scheduled for the third Monday in October, the week long event takes place at Belgrade Fair, but this year's Fair starts on 26th October, ending on 1st November.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Every year The Book Fair has special topics (e.g. "Two Centuries of the High School") and the Guest of Honor Country, and the writer/s from that country come to the Fair. Last year's Country Guest of Honor was Japan, and natsuki Ikezawa was the writer guest of honor. This year's Guest of Honor Country is Greece. Canada is now already traditionally (7 consecutive years) presenting its authors, illustrators, publishers, and new Canadian titles translated into Serbian. This year's international guests will be also from Ukraine, Poland, Italy, Germany, Great Britain and Croatia. The Book Fair organizes numerous themed programs and events, conferences, annual meetings and exhibitions, as well as award ceremonies for established prize categories, such as Publisher of the Year, Publishing Project of the Year, The Best Edition etc. From this year the Book Fair will have the Comic Strip Workshop, with numerous famous guests from that field.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">If you are in Belgrade in this period, I warmly recommend you to visit the Book Fair - you won't regret it. Avoid 29th October, since it's School Day, if you don't want to spend your time surrounded by zillion children running around. Also, have in mind that busiest days are during weekend, especially the last day of the fair. Entrance fee is around 3 € (250 Dinars), working hours 10 A.M.- 8 P.M.</span><br />
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</div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com1Unknown location44.795479984564665 20.43439865112304744.787866484564667 20.419807651123048 44.803093484564663 20.448989651123046tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-34981208195274307782009-10-13T13:10:00.001+02:002009-10-13T13:12:50.233+02:00Belgrade Hotels - 4 Stars Hotels, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.balkanhotel.net/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Balkan</span></span></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Neutral description: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Balkan is one of the Belgrade hotels with the longest tradition - the original hotel building was built in 1860, but teared down in 1935 because it was decrepit, and the present building was built. </span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The hotel was completely renovated 2005 and since then rooms are furnished in modern style, while the restaurants and cafe interiors have modernized classic look. Rooms are air conditioned, and guests have everything needed to make coffee or tea, wireless internet, safe ... In the conference room, completely separate from other contents, decorated with contemporary artists' paintings, it is possible to have business meetings, seminars, banquets and other events. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Balkan is located on the corner of the Prizrenska Street and Terazije, so it is close to the pedestrian zone near the Republic Square (with the National Museum and National Theater) in Knez Mihailova Street, which reaches up to Kalemegdan and many other Belgrade attractions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The hotel has only 12 parking spaces next to the hotel, but nearby there is a public, 24 hrs guarded parking.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My opinion: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Immediately after the renovation of Balkan hotel, I had an opportunity to see the presentation of several rooms, suites, and a dining room. Hotel was completely renovated 2005 when all the furniture, woodworks (windows and doors) were replaced , as well as complete installation, so practically almost everything in hotel is new. All rooms are luxuriously furnished and very spacious, have TV with cable programs, mini bar, air conditioning, phone, electric kettle, safe, and particularly nice touch is a bathrobe with matching slippers for each guest. The apartments have large TVs with DVD player and shower with a massager, and espresso machine instead of kettle. All furniture is of modern design, rooms are tastefully decorated, and prevailing colors are in pastel shades.</span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The entrance to the reception is from Prizrenska Street, where is hotel's parking lot. Reception lobby is spacious and has a lot of seats, with a small separated part, which is very suitable for short business meetings. The hotel has a lift. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Breakfast hall is light and spacious, and all rooms have a beautiful view - a view towards the park and the river Sava, and some are facing Terazije. Restaurant and coffee bar have very pleasant design, chairs are comfortable, but the most important thing is that staff is incredibly friendly and service is perfect, no matter if you came to have a dinner or just one coffee. With modern equipped conference room, this hotel really proves all four stars. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Location of the hotel is ideal, because it is in the very city center, Terazije, a few steps from the beginning of Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade's popular pedestrian zone, which is fifteen minutes walk away from Kalemegdan. Bohemian Skadarlija is away at only ten minutes walk, and on the other side is the National Assembly, Old and New Palace. Across the street is a stop of several public transport lines, which can take you very quickly to the Temple of Saint Sava. Hotel guests who come with their own car have the privilege of free parking in the city center, at the hotel parking lot. In the vicinity of the hotel is a shopping zone, several museums and National Theater.</span></span><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelmoskva.rs/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Moskva</span></span></a><br />
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</div><b><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Neutral description: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Hotel Moskva (Moscow) is one of the oldest hotels in Belgrade, and the building of the hotel represents one of the most recognizable attractions of Belgrade, which was declared a monument of culture more than half a century ago. The hotel was built in 1906 in Russian Art Nouveau style with elements of Greek antiquity, and was designed by the architect from St Petersburg. All the decorations on the facade and the r hotel roof were made in Zsolnaj factory in Pécs. During its long history, this hotel has hosted many world celebrities from Albert Einstein, statesmen such as Indira Gandhi and Leonid Brezhnev, to the stars as Robert De Niro and Ray Charles, and many others. </span></span></span></span></b><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The hotel is situated in the very center of town, on the Terazije Plateau, beside the famous fountain of Terazije. Besides restaurants, the hotel has a coffee pastry shop, with a summer garden at Terazije, as well as several bars. In addition, Moscow has a banquet hall, and parking spaces for hotel guests. All rooms are furnished with period furniture that fits the ambience of the hotel.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My opinion: <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;">Mansion of Hotel Moskva represents one of the symbols of Belgrade, which dominates Terazije by its impressive appearance - as the perfect harmony of contrast between the yellow building and highlights of the green roof and decorations on the facade, made in the famous Zsolnaj factory in Pécs, where they still keep molds for each peace. From the beginning, 1906, this hotel was famous for its coffee-pastry shop, a favorite place for Belgraders. </span></span></span></span></b><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">If a hotel is settled in such an exclusive location in the beautiful building, and also has four stars, one can expect a fairly high price of accommodation, which is the case, but in return, one would expect adequately high level of service. However, despite more than a century of tradition, the perfect location, and numerous famous guests who stayed at this hotel (only mention Albert Einstein, A. Hitchcock, Robert De Niro and Ray Charles), Moskva hotel no longer offers the service that would be expected from such a hotel. I had the opportunity to view "the inside" when one of my acquaintances recently stayed at this hotel.</span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Failures are numerous, and list them one by one, starting from the reception, which is the first thing hotel guests encounter with. Reception is cramped, with outdated and worn furniture, with only 2 sets of furniture, of which one is at the reception area, and the other is in the small hallway next to the elevator and stairs. Receptionists are very unkind, and the first day one of them allowed himself to make unpleasant comment: "Is she sure that she was in this hotel?" because my guest said wrong room number when she asked for the key, and on top of that they did not listen to her when she told them her name, so they could not find her in the guest list. In the end, when they've finally found her name on the guest list (and that process lasted for 10 minutes), one of three receptionist, made scolding remark: "She should have told us her name in the first place!", although it was just the first thing she said. Their great kindness was proven once again when they did not bother to assist her in any way, by providing electric kettle, but instead told her to call room service when she needs hot water for tea. I think that such things must not happen in four stars hotel and that service has to be much better. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StRfd2rxziI/AAAAAAAABCc/cGIlYkf0TvI/s1600-h/moskva3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StRfd2rxziI/AAAAAAAABCc/cGIlYkf0TvI/s200/moskva3.jpeg" /></span></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">As for the hotel room, which I saw thanks to my guest, I can say that the situation is not much better. I do not know if one part of hotel has been renovated, but the floor where my guest had a room, certainly was not restored for 20, maybe more, years. Hallways and rooms (although elevator and reception area are no better) smell of moist that simply pinches the nose and made me feel discomfort. I must admit that I was ashamed, though I have not recommended the hotel, that this one of the things that will build someone's picture of Belgrade. The room is medium size, have furniture and a small TV, but I was terrified by beds . Two beds (style furniture) with upholstered head and covers made of the same dark-green velvet, would not look scary if there weren't obvious dirt and stains, which could have been seen even on that very dark-green color! I wonder for how long it hasn't not cleaned, when all that can seen in such a dark color? Bathroom was clean but old and if you wash your hands with warm water, the whole bathroom fills with water vapor, that doesn't go anywhere, except in the room (maybe that's where that ugly moisture smell comes from?). I will not even mention how awkward is the water tap on the sink - I was all wet when I tried to wash my hands! Rooms have air-conditioning, radiators concealed by decorative "cage" for which I wondered if it was there since the construction of the hotel, as it had scratched boards, and behind (the original) bars there were tons of dust collected for who knows how long. This room had the wonderful arched windows, for which I have always imagined, while watching the hotel exterior, that they belong to luxurious apartments. Not only that they don't belong to luxurious apartments, but my friend also showed me how it is impossible to draw curtains over them completely, because of these arches. She told me that she could not sleep the whole night because of uncovered parts of windows on both sides, exactly opposite to those numerous neon signs. </span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Passing by, I saw two dining rooms, that seem somewhat neglected and dusty, with heavy curtains on the windows - an environment that kills the appetite by any means. But I'll write here about coffee-pastry shop that has a summer garden Terazije. This summer, while I was shopping with my friend, we were surprised by a strong rain, which forced us to hide in the first cafe we run into - accidentally it was Hotel Moskva. The first thing I've noticed was that the furniture was warn, and then I saw a truly horrible sight: in all that marble there was a terrible metal bar, remaining from the time of socialism. Waiters were wearing outdated ugly uniforms, quite in the style of already mentioned spirit of the socialists' seventies. Although our waiter was young, he was dragging as if he were 60 years old, so between our entry (rain was so strong, that after us and no one could enter, because it was impossible to go down the street) and his arrival to our table to take the order, about 10 minutes passed. The worst is yet to follow: even though we ordered cakes (and what else in the famous pastry shop?) that are displayed in the showcases in the next room, some thirty steps away, we were waiting for our order for more than 45 minutes. No matter how hard we tried to catch his attention, in order to find out the reason for such delay and why we haven't even got our drinks, we couldn't succeed, and at the end we were so furious that we were ready to come out to the street go to the hotel and the Balkans, although the storm was raging outside. When we finally got our cakes, we have found that our drinks were poured in dirty glasses - yes, dirty! This time I did not have the intention to spend hours waiting for him, so I went looking for our waiter and caught him in front of some door through which he tried to disappear. And I got a typical astonished reaction, with obvious disapproval, but I got a replacement relatively soon. The most unpleasant thing was that ventilation wasn't working properly, and despite the wide open sliding doors and a very high ceiling, the air was terribly stuffy, so we both ended up feeling sick, especially because cakes that we ordered were too sweet and too strong - however, they really look the same like in the picture, and I've realized why they're so small as soon as I've tasted the first bite. We should have ordered their famous Moskva šnit. Toilets are in the basement, so one has to go down the stairs, but the appearance is one special story. I cannot say that they're very dirty, but such obsolete space, which hasn't been restored for at least 30 years, is really difficult to keep clean. All this is "spiced" with typical scene from the past (when toilettes were last renovated): a woman that sits behind small table in front of the toilet, and to whom, I presume, people should be paying the use of toilette. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Unfortunately, although hotel Moskva one of the Belgrade symbols, I would not recommend it to anyone, especially not by the current room rates. I think that this hotel has enormous potential, but it needs a large investment to take back the old glory, although it's not an impossible task. And one more thing: it is necessary to work on complete staff politeness - urgently!</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petitpiaf.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Le Petit Piaf</span></span></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">N</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">eutral description: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Hotel Le Petit Piaf is located in the heart of Skadarlija, surrounded by many restaurants, but isolated from the noise, because its building is in the courtyard, above the gallery in the house Đure Jaksic. Hotel is in one story building which fit in perfectly with ambiance of Bohemian quarter. Hotel has a restaurant and two bars, and summer garden. It is possible to organize seminars and banquets. Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and has a nice wine list.</span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The hotel is especially suitable for business people, and those who travel alone, because most of the 13 rooms have single bed, with a maximum capacity for 2 people, and that also goes for 5 suites. Rooms are furnished in modern style, with TV, safe and telephone. Internet connection is available in all parts of the hotel. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Because the hotel is located in downtown of the city, most of Belgrade's main attractions can be reached by foot, and hotel provides a transfer from/to the airport.</span></span><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My opinion: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Searching for a suitable accommodation for my acquaintances who have announced their arrival in Belgrade, I went to Le Petit Piaf hotel. The hotel is located in the heart Skadarlija, next to Đura Jakšić's home, surrounded by famous restaurants, but protected from the outside noise with a narrow passage, that leads to a spacious courtyard. One story building of the hotel perfectly fits the environment of Bohemian quarter.</span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The first impression that comes from the first glance is that the hotel is clean, new, neat. Indeed, the prevailing color is white, combined with dark wood - in all areas and rooms. The hotel has 13 rooms, most of which are single bedded, with a maximum capacity for 2 persons, and 5 apartments are also double bedded, so it is most suitable for businessmen, and those who travel alone. The rooms are quite small, but room interior accents on modern minimalism, emphasizing room functionality and equipment, which includes TV, safe and telephone, while the WiFi is available in all areas of the hotel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The staff is very friendly, and apart from English, majority speaks French as well, which is not so common. Inside the hotel are restaurant and bar, while the second bar in a separate building next to the hotel. All of them have a summer garden, located in the aforementioned courtyard, which is paved in stone. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine specialties, accompanied by a very solid wine list.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Due to its location in the center, most of Belgrade's main attractions can be visited on foot, but for the same reason, the hotel has no parking. Notwithstanding the lack of parking, to all who travel alone, or in couple, I would recommend this small, charming, cozy hotel.</span></span><br />
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</div></div></span>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com1Стари Град, Beograd, Serbia44.819716163806078 20.45911788940429744.80449566380608 20.429935389404296 44.834936663806076 20.488300389404298tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-64231090469991004282009-10-12T12:48:00.019+02:002009-10-12T13:57:16.132+02:00Belgrade Hotels - 4 Stars Hotels, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://belgrade.regency.hyatt.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hyatt Regency</span></span></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Neutral description:</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hyatt Regency Hotel is one of the first Belgrade hotels from world known hotel chains. The hotel is located on the New Belgrade side of the river, near the Branko's Bridge and a few kilometers from the city center, so many public transportation lines intersect in the vicinity of the hotel. At the distance of a few minutes walk from the hotel is one of the largest shopping malls in the Balkans, as well as the Ušće promenade next to the confluence of the Sava and Danube, with a number of "splavovi" (rafts) with cafes and restaurants. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hyatt Regency Hotel has 302 rooms and suites. Standard rooms are approximately 38 sq m and offer, among other things, TV with cable and satellite programs, 24-hour concierge services and room service. Besides regular price of accommodation Hyatt Regency has special offers, packages and special services. Hotel's public space and halls are also available for organizing different types of events, whether it comes to business meetings, conferences or private celebrations, and for businessmen there is a business center. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hotel has several bars, a restaurant, swimming pool, shops, wellness center, and several rooms for various purposes, and their own space for parking. The entire hotel has wireless internet connection enabled.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My opinion: </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When the hotel was built in the late eighties, its elegant and modern look with a modern way of business and variety of services, began to fade the glory of all other Belgrade hotels. Marble staircase that leads to the hall, located above the fountain that looks like natural stream, once inhabited by live ducks, is real attraction for visitors. Besides its appearance and luxury, the hotel won the Hyatt and a rich and wide range of food, which has always enticed many guests. Hyatt often organized and some days the world's national cuisine, and the heads are usually the heads of Hyatt's kitchen at the hotel in that country. Besides splendid cuisine and good wellness programs, the Hyatt has several rooms for conferences and meetings, which can be adjusted for purpose, if necessary, so that eg. the Crystal Hall can suite formal banquets and weddings, as well as Christmas sales, conferences or fashion shows. A top quality hotel catering meets the requirements of each type of event.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was lucky to win a quiz prize - one night in Hyatt, so I had the opportunity to see the hotel from "the inside". Room was very spacious (standard rooms are approximately 38 sq m), so that besides huge marital bed, which is more than comfortable, there is plenty of room for medium-sized launge and writing desk. The room is light and the view from windows depends on the side its facing (because it was free, of course I had a disgusting view to some of the ugliest parts of the building). Bathroom is very big, very luxurious, and it was the first time in my life that i saw telephone next to the toilet in reality LOL! The rooms are well sound isolated, so external sounds don't reach the room, and the resting is guaranteed. The staff was so discreet, that you could hardly even notice them, yet all that is needed to be done is perfectly done.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Although it's located on the New Belgrade side of the river, the hotel is very close to the city center, and an additional benefit is that one of the largest shopping malls in the Balkans was built recently near the hotel, next to the great promenade at the confluence of rivers Sava and Danube, with numerous rafts (with cafes, restaurants and night clubs), for which Belgrade is famous.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.ichbg.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Continental</span></span></a></b><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Neutral description:</span></span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Built in late seventies, at the same time as the Sava Center, Hotel Continental was the first large modern hotel in Belgrade, and also the first big luxury hotel located on </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the New Belgrade side of the river</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. The hotel is connected to the Sava Convention Center and was built in similar style. For many years the hotel has carried the name "Intercontinental" as a part of the famous hotel chain. </span></span><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In addition to facilities for seminars and other business meetings, international cuisine, several restaurants and bars, this is one of the first hotels in Belgrade, which offered a wellness and fitness services, including indoor pool, and it was the first to had its own tennis courts. Rooms were equipped to give comfort in accordance with the category of hotels, like fast internet, 24-hrs room service, free cosmetics. Business center with all its facilities is available at any time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Continental is located next to the highway, and turned towards the old part of Belgrade, which gives a panoramic view of some of the major Belgrade attractions, as well as the river. The hotel is located in vicinity of Belgrade Arena, shopping mall </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ušće</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the promenade at the confluence of rivers Sava and Danube, with numerous rafts, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and the city center is only a few kilometers away. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMLcvxqdBI/AAAAAAAABCA/4dnHP5uvPdA/s1600-h/continental.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMLcvxqdBI/AAAAAAAABCA/4dnHP5uvPdA/s320/continental.jpeg" width="320" /></span></span></a><br />
</div><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My opinion: </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When this hotel was built in the late seventies, at the same time as the Sava Center, a miracle of modern age was represented to the citizens of Belgrade, both by design and services. Connected with the Convention Center (Sava Center) this was the first large modern hotel of its kind in Belgrade, and also the first large luxury hotel located on the other side Sava River. Hotel and the Convention Center were built in similar architectural style. Its career began as a part Intercontinental hotel chain, but years of not changing anything important for doing hotel business, like interior, service etc. caused the loss of hotel's former status. It's interesting that the hotel management obviously think that there is no need to make new neon sign for the hotel, and that it was enough to remove the letters saying "INTER", so ever since, between the words "HOTEL" and "CONTINENTAL" there is disproportional gap - and no one seems to be bothered...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Various seminars, lectures and similar events are often held in Continental and Sava Center, so many of us have had the opportunity to see the restaurants, meeting rooms and congress halls of this hotel. The fact is that when you enter the main hall, where the reception is, one could see the distinct spirit of seventies fashion, which hasn't been changed even slightly: brass pillars, massive rounded seatings, strangely shaped chandeliers, bar with brass parts...</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Receptionists are painfully slow and give away the impression of complete indifference.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To check in our guest, for whom we had booked a room several days in advance, we had to wait for about 45 minutes. At the end they almost lost his passport!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The less common opportunity for us is to see the rooms - it is usually when you have guests (mostly business). Our colleague from abroad complained about the room, and she showed me the condition of it. It was really scary, especially when you know prices of b&b. Except for the fact that the carpet had disgusting op-art pattern, it was stained in several places, room was very small and narrow, bathroom was very old. After that episode, my company changed the hotel for our colleagues from abroad.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hotel Continental needs urgent renovation, and if something is not to be done soon to its modernization, increasing</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">competition will quickly run over it. It is a great pity that such large and ambitious investment fails after only thirty years ...</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/BEGBG/welcome"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Holiday Inn</span></span></a></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIuMDaknI/AAAAAAAABBo/KVHhAWx9czM/s1600/inn3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIuMDaknI/AAAAAAAABBo/KVHhAWx9czM/s200/inn3.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a><b><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ne</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">utral description: </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Holiday Inn is one of the newest hotels in Belgrade, located in New Belgrade, 500 m from the Belgrade Arena, between the two largest shopping malls, Delta City and Ušće, less than 5 km from the Belgrade Fair, same as from Knez Mihailova Street, while the airport is 10 km away. The hotel is connected to the multi functional Expo Center XXI. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is one of the few hotels in Belgrade where pets are welcome, and with more than half of non-smoking rooms. All windows are double glazed and can be opened. In addition to the fitness center, the hotel offers spa services, andthe reception offers, among other things, tickets reservation and tourist services. Hotel has a business center, and in addition it offers concierge services. The hotel has a kiosk with magazines and ATM. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hotel's restaurant is oriented towards the Balkan cuisine and has an open kitchen connected to the dining hall, while snack bar is located in the lobby. Holiday Inn has 14 fully equipped meeting rooms of different capacities.</span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIvPdOTkI/AAAAAAAABBw/fpC4LeATuTs/s1600/inn4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIvPdOTkI/AAAAAAAABBw/fpC4LeATuTs/s200/inn4.jpeg" width="200" /></span></span></a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My opinion: </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Holiday Inn Hotel was built recently in Belgrade, it was strange that haven't noticed it, although I knew roughly where it is, and knowing that it was a pretty big building, the whole situation was even stranger. Only recently I found out why it is so, when our friends came to Belgrade by business for a few days. Since we agreed to pick them up in the hotel, I checked hotel location on the internet, so we headed there very confident and - almost missed the hotel! The building is large, but looks like a lot of other new buildings in New Belgrade, and worst of all is that the sign is totally </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">unnoticeable</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. I must admit that I have noticed the sign only because of Holiday Inn's distinctive logo, not because it's </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">observable </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- it is too small, and it's placed just above the entrance. Luckily that it was already dark, so the sign was glowing, otherwise I don't believe that I would notice it on a daylight.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIsAQpVsI/AAAAAAAABBY/oeFy3o5s8oI/s1600/inn1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIsAQpVsI/AAAAAAAABBY/oeFy3o5s8oI/s200/inn1.jpeg" /></span></span></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I haven't seen rooms, but my friends said that they were very satisfied and that rooms meet the level of expectancy. What shocked me was a roar that we heard all the time while we waited for one more member to join us. In the beginning I could not realize what it was, but I soon recognized the rhythm of techno music that came from somewhere. In fact, it was coming from the Expo Center XXI, which it is connected to Holiday Inn. I was shocked to find that such loud noise could be heard in the hotel. Soon the last person we waited joined us, and she complained that she could not sleep, thanks to such rave parties because they are shaking the entire room. Really big, big mistake ... All in all, the hotel is great, but when there are no rave parties in the Expo Center. </span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIvwOD5bI/AAAAAAAABB4/TssJxfqxhPQ/s1600/inn5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIvwOD5bI/AAAAAAAABB4/TssJxfqxhPQ/s200/inn5.jpeg" /></span></span></a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The external parking is very tight and it's hard to find space. Reception looks like it came from science fiction films: a lot of open space, glass stairs that lead somewhere, lights in the floor ... Part of the bar looks less SF, but it also looks like it came out of the interior design magazine. Toilets are perfectly clean, with sensor faucets and pot pourri. Front Desk, with its massive pillars, dominates the huge hall. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIs0i_PBI/AAAAAAAABBg/FQaA14yHZfs/s1600/inn2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/StMIs0i_PBI/AAAAAAAABBg/FQaA14yHZfs/s200/inn2.jpeg" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Location of the hotel is good for business people who are business-related to Novi Beograd, because it is associated with the Expo Center, Sava Center is only a few minutes drive, and Arena is very close. It is relatively close to the airport, and nearby a large shopping mall, Delta City. </span></span><br />
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</div></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com4Novi Beograd, Beograd, Serbia44.812044505165133 20.42650222778320344.796822005165133 20.397319727783202 44.827267005165133 20.455684727783204tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-47446149849267438842009-09-05T01:12:00.005+02:002009-09-05T01:54:17.967+02:00A 19th Century Charm - Konak kneginje Ljubice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbrkzdoAI/AAAAAAAAA24/SxNRUZYwFtw/s1600-h/ljubica8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbrkzdoAI/AAAAAAAAA24/SxNRUZYwFtw/s400/ljubica8.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGfLvgu1uI/AAAAAAAAA3I/5O3TG3xD-0g/s1600-h/ljubica3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGfLvgu1uI/AAAAAAAAA3I/5O3TG3xD-0g/s200/ljubica3.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.mgb.org.yu/srp/pmuz/konak/konak.htm">Konak kneginje Ljubice</a> is one of my favorite places in Belgrade. But, first, let me explain you what this name means. The word "konak" is an old Serbian word for "residence" or "place to sleep", "kneginja" is pronounced as "kneghinya" and it is a title similar to duchess, but at that time (end of 19th century) it was the highest title, as her husband, knez Miloš Obrenović (pronounced as Milosh Obrenovich) was the sovereign of Serbia. Finally, Ljubica (Lyubitsa) is duchess name, so it means "The Residence of duchess Ljubica".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbJZza2WI/AAAAAAAAA2I/O8R39S2tOFk/s1600-h/ljubica2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbJZza2WI/AAAAAAAAA2I/O8R39S2tOFk/s200/ljubica2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It was built in two years, 1829 - 1831, as royal residence, by order of knez Miloš, who never lived there. One could ask "why"? Well, actually, knez Miloš was separated from his wife - although he was known as intimidating and harsh man, he was afraid to live with his wife, after she killed his mistress with a holster. He built himself another residence (1831 - 1834), outside former territory of Belgrade, and lived there with his numerous mistresses until he died. Enough gossiping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbld7wMlI/AAAAAAAAA2w/X4ou8c59h4Q/s1600-h/ljubica7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbld7wMlI/AAAAAAAAA2w/X4ou8c59h4Q/s200/ljubica7.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The architecture of this building is clearly in Balkan Oriental style, but with obvious influence of Western architecture in some details. Knez Miloš had very complex personality, although half-literate, unpredictable and rude, he was also brave, innovative and dedicated to modernize Belgrade. He was the first one to introduce glass windows in Serbia. It is the best preserved residence from the 19th century, but there is no original furniture, since it became Lyceum, with uprising of a new dynasty of Karađorđević (Karageorgevich). The building changed its purpose many times, until 1980, when it became memorial type museum. Today, the house is furnished with 19th century furniture from Belgrade houses, which is nicely arranged and well incorporated with the house, giving you the feeling that the time was stopped inside its walls. The only part of the house that preserved it original look is bathroom, built in oriental hammam style, but with strong influence of old Roman bathrooms. The walls of the house are very thick, preserving constant temperature inside the house - once (I've been there many times), custodian told us that body heat was sufficient to keep the in-house temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius during winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGfqTzT-AI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/Nxai_BheagI/s1600-h/ljubica4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGfqTzT-AI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/Nxai_BheagI/s200/ljubica4.jpg" /></a></div>When I went there few years ago (not for the first time, of course), the custodian was on the "lunch break" (a truly long one), so the guard let us in and told us many interesting stories about how they lived, where did they sleep and even how many children did she have (it was something between 7 and 12, I've forgot) and how most of them died young. He was truly friendly and helpful, and made our tour interesting, but at the end he did not want to charge us for tickets "because you haven't received a full service, since the tour wasn't guided by an expert custodian".</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbii_M8WI/AAAAAAAAA2o/5asMZz-SWM8/s1600-h/ljubica6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbii_M8WI/AAAAAAAAA2o/5asMZz-SWM8/s200/ljubica6.jpg" /></a>This year's visit gave me a surprise: they said that photographing is not allowed, although there is no sign on the entrance. Plus, I was shocked to find out that once beautiful marble bathroom was destroyed in a fire, caused by the crew of some stupid movie shooting. Luckily, the rest of the house was not affected, and it looks intact.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbbVZp1OI/AAAAAAAAA2g/kPg7DLvfxLw/s1600-h/ljubica5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGbbVZp1OI/AAAAAAAAA2g/kPg7DLvfxLw/s320/ljubica5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Konak is located in the center of Belgrade, literally surrounded by many other attractions like Kalemegdan, Saborna Crkva, Knez Mihajlova Street, "?" (or Question Mark) restaurant and Kosančićev Venac. You can get there by all three ways of public transportation (bus, trolley-bus and tram) and if you go by car, there is a public garage at 10 minutes walking distance, but it is often full, since there is almost impossible to find parking space in and around the center, which is normal for all cities. There is another, much larger garage, below Stari Dvor, next to the Parliament, which requires about 20 minutes walk through the Pasic Square with big fountain and Knez Mihajlova Street (if you don't stop too often to take photographs).<br />
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<i><b>Note</b></i>: <i>the new web site <a href="http://www.mgb.org.rs/">http://www.mgb.org.rs</a> is still under construction. </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGjU3a23uI/AAAAAAAAA4A/l0oMJbnpL9E/s1600-h/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGjU3a23uI/AAAAAAAAA4A/l0oMJbnpL9E/s400/5.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGjc-7xyoI/AAAAAAAAA4I/uKALy4OZjW0/s1600-h/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGjc-7xyoI/AAAAAAAAA4I/uKALy4OZjW0/s400/6.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGjicEdnCI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/e_WYTBH-vOU/s1600-h/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SqGjicEdnCI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/e_WYTBH-vOU/s400/7.jpg" /></a></div></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com4Belgrade, Serbia44.817423652345681 20.4522035122681744.816472152345682 20.450379512268171 44.818375152345681 20.454027512268169tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-43484619449764992232009-08-24T14:30:00.003+02:002009-09-09T23:07:10.703+02:00It really deserves the name Arena<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.arenabeograd.com/en"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Belgrade Arena </span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ8_QIwjxI/AAAAAAAAA04/Y0ivmUlDeTg/s1600-h/Arena3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ8_QIwjxI/AAAAAAAAA04/Y0ivmUlDeTg/s200/Arena3.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My first visit inside of this colossal building was on September 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> 2008 when I was taking my daughter to a concert of ultra-mega-extra popular teenage band. As if the fact that I have to attend the teenagers' concert wasn't terrible enough for itself, the temperature that day was some 37 degrees Celsius - complete hell!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ9p-uEPYI/AAAAAAAAA1I/Pwg3PCPrkv4/s1600-h/Arena4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ9p-uEPYI/AAAAAAAAA1I/Pwg3PCPrkv4/s200/Arena4.JPG" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">We came there two and a half hours earlier, because she has won the "Meet & Greet" (don't ask about it!), so we were able to find one of the last parking spots. Arena is really huge, with a large plateau in front, easy to find and reach, but the parking lot is definitely too small. Only 4.800 parking places comparing to up to 25.000 visitors - that is completely irrational. So if you're going by car you have to options: to come a lot earlier, or to look for parking somewhere else. If you decide to use taxi or public transportation, just think about that twice, because the crowds after events are enormous - it is easy to get there, but it is very hard to get out of there.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ-9D3lEHI/AAAAAAAAA1g/PWgXTyfCmcI/s1600-h/DSC04429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ-9D3lEHI/AAAAAAAAA1g/PWgXTyfCmcI/s200/DSC04429.JPG" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">The building is very impressive during day and fantastic in the night. It is in perfect spot, next to the highway, not too far from the old part of town, surrounded by big and luxurious hotels. It is very easy to reach, either by car, or a large number of public transportation lines. It is impossible to miss it, so it is used as a landmark for explaining how to get somewhere in New Belgrade.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ9l2ACHHI/AAAAAAAAA1A/E8JNb-oDVIc/s1600-h/DSC04455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ9l2ACHHI/AAAAAAAAA1A/E8JNb-oDVIc/s200/DSC04455.JPG" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">When we came there, there were already crowds of screaming teenagers waiting in front of many entrances. "Many" is the key word here: there are four main entrances which are easy to find as the signs for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">EWNS</span> are visible and easy to follow. But if you have to find some smaller entrance, than you might have a problem, unless you're lucky enough to find it immediately. When you try to look for that smaller entrance, don't even bother asking any of Arena staff - they won't give you any info, because they don't know anything that you cannot see by yourself (I suppose that they are there just to look good in uniforms). Just go around and look for yourself using simple logic: you'll find what you're looking for, at the end, if you stick to the side of the Arena you need. And don't even try to ask security staff anything - they're rude and ignorant, and won't even hesitate to yell at you! In addition, they don't even understand their native tongue - so don't try their patience with foreign languages. The best and kindest info I've got from Police officers, who are not related to Arena in any way (they were just doing their regular jobs).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ9vpgi6fI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/R2ZtEs986l0/s1600-h/Arena5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ9vpgi6fI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/R2ZtEs986l0/s200/Arena5.JPG" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">After more than 2 hours of waiting in the hell of a heat and constant sweating in front of the official entrance, where I was waiting for my daughter (to return from that "Meet and Greet" thing), I thought that I was going to drop dead when we enter the hall. But, none of that happened. We have entered without being pushed and pulled by a mass of kids (and their parents), because entrance points are nicely organized. We have freshened up in large <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">toilets</span>, with enough <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WC</span> and lavatories, so we didn't have to wait in lines. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for enter the main hall, filled with screaming teenagers. It took a while before I've realized that the air wasn't moist and heavy, as one would expect, regardless of some 25.000 people present - the ventilation is so fantastic that all the way till the end of concert we didn't feel any difference. In fact, it was colder and easier to breathe inside the hall (away from the fact that you couldn't hear yourself thinking from all that screaming), than it was on the outside, where temperature did not dropping below 30 degrees (not even at 11 P.M.).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ-VxK1i5I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/QlARPdYCQlk/s1600-h/DSC04446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SpJ-VxK1i5I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/QlARPdYCQlk/s320/DSC04446.JPG" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">At the end I was completely exhausted, but very proud to know that my city has such modern and completely functional hall. The only two things that should be changed are the number of parking spots and staff friendliness.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">My second time in Arena was for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Il</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Divo</span> concert. Luckily, I did not have to interact with staff, too much, since there was only one (!) entrance. Correspondingly, only one exit - but still sufficient. I'm not an expert for the acoustic, but I think that the hall has perfect acoustic characteristics. As I have heard from others, who have also attended events in the Arena, there is no place in the hall from where you cannot see or cannot hear. This time there were no thousands of screaming girls, and I could really enjoy the perfect concert, with perfect performers, with perfect sound.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Now Arena has put me on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">real</span> torture: in next two months, there will be three concerts of musicians I like - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ZZ</span> Top in October, and Eros <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ramazzotti</span> and Tom Jones in November. Three concerts in a row, and even two, are too much for the home budget, so I have to pick one. Poor Eros did not stand the chance with such competition, but I'm still in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">dillemma</span> - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ZZ</span> Top or Tom Jones?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos are from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Il</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Divo</span> concert</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></span>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-68381268587449205672009-07-18T20:35:00.002+02:002009-07-18T21:38:34.170+02:00Useful links about Belgrade<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here are some links that can help you if you travel to Belgrade:</div><ol style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Very precise <a href="http://mape.b92.net/">map</a> of Belgrade and a nuber of other Serbian towns. It is only in Serbian, but it is not difficult to manage: in the search bar on the left side "Mesto" means town, "Ulica" means street and "Broj" means (street) number</li><li>The web site of <a href="http://www.gsp.rs/">GSP</a> (Belgrade public transportation company) can help you to find your way around Belgrade. The only thing is that the map is all written in ciryllic...but the rest is OK</li><li>Telephone company <a href="http://www.zutestrane.nadlanu.com/site/default.asp?lang=en">yellowpages</a> - there's nothing to explain ;o)</li></ol>This would make you manage your way around Belgrade much easier.merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0Beograd, Republika Srbija44.8047556 20.47810144.3175761 19.544262999999997 45.2919351 21.411939tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-34853942845263861862009-07-15T21:48:00.016+02:002009-07-18T21:28:41.858+02:00What and where to eat in Belgrade if you are vegetarian?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div face="Georgia,"" style=""><br />Being a half-Serbian who has lived almost all her life in Belgrade, means that I eat all kind of meat, like all Serbs do, so it never occurred to me that foreign visitors might have problems finding food here if they don't eat meat, or have other special diets. But, during last year, I've started to read travelers' reviews and blog posts from people who have visited Belgrade, and suddenly I've started to notice that some of them had a really huge food-problem here. I have discussed a little bit on this topic in my <a href="http://merkat-traveler.blogspot.com/2009/07/romantic-fireplace-and-excellent-food.html">post about one Belgrade restaurant</a>, but now I see it's about the highest time to give some more explanation - <b>no one must not starve in Belgrade</b>!!!<br /><br />Having hungry visitors would be a great shame for us, for Serbs are known as people who are highly sensitive to food and guests, which means that Serbian hospitality has two important characteristics: <i>a)</i> there always has to be a lot of food (especially if you have a guest), and <i>b)</i> guests are considered as sacred, so they have to be pleased by food, drink and comfort. Failing to fulfill a single item of the above mentioned, draws to a great shame, even if no one else, except the host, knows about it.<br /><br />Since this post is about to be about lot of food, I will have to find photos on-line, because I don't have a habit of taking photos of my food :o))) And one more thing: please, don't be too harsh on me for not knowing about how many types of vegetarians, vegans or <span style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:small;" >pescetarians there are </span><span style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:small;" >(I've just found out about the latter few days ago)</span><span style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:small;" >... I'll just try to simplify the explanation and description of food, so you could include or exclude it from your diet.</span><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:small;" >So, the famous sentence "no meat, no eat" should be banned from our our dictionaries!<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);"><span style="font-size:medium;">GREEN MARKETS</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(106, 168, 79);"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyTrshXvxI/AAAAAAAAAy4/V7vMORHXvUw/s1600-h/pijaca+by+simic.dario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyTrshXvxI/AAAAAAAAAy4/V7vMORHXvUw/s200/pijaca+by+simic.dario.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyToj48CBI/AAAAAAAAAyw/jdVUboX_V-o/s1600-h/1348331_pijaca_v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyToj48CBI/AAAAAAAAAyw/jdVUboX_V-o/s200/1348331_pijaca_v.jpg" border="0" /></a>There are lot of green markets in Belgrade, almost every quarter has it. Some are bigger and some are smaller, but the main characteristic is that they offer fresh vegetables and fruits. The important thing is to know that all vegetables and fruits grown in Serbia (except for very few kinds of soy beans) are <b>not </b>genetically modified. I cannot guarantee that for imported ones (which you can usually recognize by a lot higher price) which are mostly imported when it is not the natural season in Serbia for its growth. For example: tomato's natural growing season in Serbia is June-October, outside of that period it is most probably imported. Carrots are available almost during all year long, and so are cabbage and potato. Strawberries are available only in June, cherries end of May-beginning of June, etc. Bananas don't grow in Serbia LOL<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyUg93x_FI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/5AA_47laSms/s1600-h/pijaca_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyUg93x_FI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/5AA_47laSms/s200/pijaca_1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>But this info is more important for people who are going to spend a longer period here. The problem is that if you are traveler, this info probably won't be much useful for you, if you don't have a refrigerator to use.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyU8VVdvNI/AAAAAAAAAzY/B05PL51FA30/s1600-h/pijaca+DANAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlyU8VVdvNI/AAAAAAAAAzY/B05PL51FA30/s200/pijaca+DANAS.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Green markets are mostly closed in the afternoon and some of them are closed or working with reduced number of sellers on Mondays. Most of the time prices are not displayed, and can vary, so try to get info on prices before you go shopping, or at least check prices on several stands, before buying.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="color: rgb(166, 77, 121); font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><b>MACROBIOTIC SHOPS</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="">Macrobiotic shops are often called Bio dućan <span style="color: rgb(194, 123, 160);">Био дућан</span> (pronounced as <i>Beeo duchan</i>) can be found around green markets, but also around town. They sell macrobiotic food, and have sandwiches, cookies and other macrobiotic snacks, but also all kind of food for preparing a microbiotic meal. Those shops are usually small, and they can be recognized by lot of shelves with small compartments.<br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style=""><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 217, 102); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(241, 194, 50);">FOOD FOR VEGETARIANS EATING DAIRY PRODUCT</span><span style="color: rgb(241, 194, 50);">S</span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(241, 194, 50);"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">If you're eating dairy products, it would be a lot easier for you to find ready-made food in Belgrade. First of all, there are numerous bakery stores, some of which working 24/7, offering all kinds of pastries, but let's take them one by one:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Slyaa1cTt7I/AAAAAAAAAzg/x4tMmcDwfCA/s1600-h/burek+sir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Slyaa1cTt7I/AAAAAAAAAzg/x4tMmcDwfCA/s200/burek+sir.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><b>BUREK </b><span style="color: rgb(191, 144, 0);">БУРЕК </span><i>(pronounced as boorek)</i><b> </b>is being sold in most bakeries, and some are even specialized only for burek (trust me, you don't even want to try to say the name of that store, it's even tongue-twister for us). What we mean when we say burek is the one you can see on the picture on the right. There are several fillings for burek and only one is with meat (and it's called burek "<i>sa mesom</i>" which means "<i>with meat</i>"). My favorite is with cheese ("<i>sa sirom</i>"). It is very greasy, so you should find a place for eating it slowly - usually you can eat it at the shop.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlybhtIk3-I/AAAAAAAAAzo/shh_bQbOia8/s1600-h/pita+sir+by+-Mellie-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlybhtIk3-I/AAAAAAAAAzo/shh_bQbOia8/s200/pita+sir+by+-Mellie-.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br /><b>SARAJEVSKI BUREK </b><span style="color: rgb(191, 144, 0);">САРАЈЕВСКИ БУРЕК</span><b> </b>(burek from Sarajevo, pronounced as <i>Sarayevski boorek</i>) or someone would call it pita <span style="color: rgb(191, 144, 0);">пита </span>looks like this. Whatever you call it, it comes with several fillings: cheese, spinach, potato, mushrooms, etc. and again, only one is with meat. It is less greasy than the above mentioned burek, so you could also eat it on the way, but it will prevent you to drink yoghurt at the same time :o)))<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4wCehJlNI/AAAAAAAAA0o/afasH7k_sVo/s1600-h/zeljanica_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4wCehJlNI/AAAAAAAAA0o/afasH7k_sVo/s200/zeljanica_3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><b>PITA </b><span style="color: rgb(191, 144, 0);">ПИТА </span>is also very popular. It comes in different shapes, the most simple is when it's cut to cubes. It also comes with various fillings cheese, spinach, zelje (<i>pronounced as zelye</i>), potato, mushrooms, etc. It is not so greasy, so you can take it with you.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4v_mPraWI/AAAAAAAAA0g/YOYCEvX8pLY/s1600-h/PROJA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4v_mPraWI/AAAAAAAAA0g/YOYCEvX8pLY/s200/PROJA.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>PROJA </b><span style="color: rgb(191, 144, 0);">ПРОЈА </span>pronounced as <i>proya</i>, is a traditional corn bread with white cheese. It can be found both in restaurants and bakery shops. Traditional proja is cut on cubes, but now they also make it shaped like small muffins.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vnCvLSqI/AAAAAAAAAzw/IGsdUOOEkSc/s1600-h/1348_gibanica1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vnCvLSqI/AAAAAAAAAzw/IGsdUOOEkSc/s200/1348_gibanica1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vwFUcCqI/AAAAAAAAA0A/U6osF9ZSLqw/s1600-h/gibanica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vwFUcCqI/AAAAAAAAA0A/U6osF9ZSLqw/s200/gibanica.jpg" border="0" /></a><b>GIBANICA </b><span style="color: rgb(191, 144, 0);">ГИБАНИЦА </span>pronounced as <i>gibanitsa </i>is made with cheese, but it <b>contains eggs</b>. It has rich filling and it is made in two shapes, but taste the same.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(111, 168, 220);"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;color:#6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">FOOD FOR PESCETARIANS</span></b></span></div><br />If you're a pescetarian, the keyword for you in Serbia is <b>posno</b>. The word posno means the absence of unsuitable types of food during Orthodox fast. The Christian Orthodox fast is not allowing any products of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs, except for fish. Two biggest fasts are before Christmas (Orthodox Christmas is on 7th January) and before Orthodox Easter, and during that time many restaurants offer appropriate food. So it's easiest for you to eat here. There are also grills around markets specialized for fish.<br /><br /><div style="color: rgb(224, 102, 102); text-align: center;"><b>FOOD NOT CONTAINING ANY INGREDIENTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vpl92apI/AAAAAAAAAz4/sOEp3k9oHCw/s1600-h/ajvar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vpl92apI/AAAAAAAAAz4/sOEp3k9oHCw/s200/ajvar.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b>AJVAR </b></span>(pronounced as <i>ayvar</i>) is a kind of salad, prepared from roasted paprika, garlic and aubergine. It is mostly red, but if it's green, than it's made from green tomatoes. It is sour and refreshing and can be found in restaurants. It can also be found in supermarkets, packed in jars.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vyL_lmwI/AAAAAAAAA0I/lrqW-hHZ8E4/s1600-h/pindzur_article_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4vyL_lmwI/AAAAAAAAA0I/lrqW-hHZ8E4/s200/pindzur_article_full.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b>PINDŽUR </b></span>(pronounced as <i>pin-joor</i>)<i> </i>is similar to ajvar, but it is not minced, but cut into small pieces. It is made from tomatoes and paprika. The taste is also sour and refreshing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4v9paPHaI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/gZozsNd6gW4/s1600-h/Prebranac+v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4v9paPHaI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/gZozsNd6gW4/s200/Prebranac+v.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b>PREBRANAC </b></span>(pronounced as <i>preh-branats</i>) is traditional meal made of kidney-beans. It should be posno, but be sure to ask if there is any sausages or other meat in it (sometimes they put meat in it).<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b>Paprika stuffed with nuts</b></span> (no need for Serbian name, because these can be found only in restaurants, which usually have menues in English).<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b>KISELI KUPUS</b></span> is literally "sour cabbage", a Serbian specialty that you should try. It is used for salads, and some other meals (mostly with meat). Unfortunately, it is only available during winter period.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4v3LrBbBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Yf9u5fnQk2w/s1600-h/Podvarak+v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/Sl4v3LrBbBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Yf9u5fnQk2w/s200/Podvarak+v.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><b>PODVARAK </b></span>is a meal made of sour cabbage. Should not contain any meat, but be sure to ask before you order.</div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There are many international, Chinese and other restaurants in Belgrade that have vegetarian food selection, but only 3 vegetarian restaurants: <a href="http://www.makrobiotikaslasta.com/">Slasta</a>, Priroda (Svetogorska 18, 011/ 334 51 81) and Joy of the Heart (Batutova 11, 011/ 241 1890).<br /><br />Well, that would be all that I could remember. I hope that you will find this post useful, and that it will make your visit easier.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">I also ask my fellow citizens to leave me a suggestion, if they can think of anything else that could be added to this list.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style=""><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">P</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">lease notice that none of these photographs are not my property.</span></span></div></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-1621754786857504482009-07-13T16:03:00.002+02:002009-07-18T21:29:21.198+02:00Romantic fireplace and excellent food<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOAvQV1ZI/AAAAAAAAAxE/xDkkcA5vl0I/s1600-h/zlatar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOAvQV1ZI/AAAAAAAAAxE/xDkkcA5vl0I/s320/zlatar1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;">Of all restaurants in Belgrade, <a href="http://www.restoran-zlatar.rs/">Zlatar</a> is one my favorite restaurants. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;">The main hall is on upper floor; there are few tables at ground floor, plus summer garden (but I always go there in the winter season). The interior is completely in old Serbian cottage style: furniture is made from natural wood and shaped in style, and numerous items from everyday's country life from late 19th/early 20th century are hanged on walls and placed around very tastefully. For each interesting thing you see around you can ask your waiter - they'll be glad to explain you what it was used for. It is a real treasure consisted of old petroleum lamps, baby cribs and loads of other original items. Even the architecture resembles to cottage. But the highlight of the interior is the big open fireplace which really works. It creates such endlessly romantic atmosphere, that it doesn't even matter if some smoke comes in (Belgrade has one nasty wind called Koshava which is unpredictable and strong - but not dangerous). That's why my husband and I find it's the best choice for romantic occasion diner. All staff is also dressed in traditional clothes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOCMWbXxI/AAAAAAAAAxM/EA8cignL25g/s1600-h/zlatar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOCMWbXxI/AAAAAAAAAxM/EA8cignL25g/s200/zlatar3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;">The warm atmosphere you find in this restaurant is not coming just from the fireplace - the restaurant is owned by a family, and the quality of service and food is constant. Complimentary roasted almonds and dried plums stuffed with hazelnuts are waiting on the table, with which I can never be reasonable in "appetizing", spreading the strong appetizing scent. If you choose to start with a shot of homemade rakija ("rakiya" - strong brandy) it will be served in a cute little shot-glass shaped like tiny bottle, which is also a part of Serbian tradition.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOIJtFE4I/AAAAAAAAAx0/c2evF6PG4hE/s1600-h/zlatar+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOIJtFE4I/AAAAAAAAAx0/c2evF6PG4hE/s200/zlatar+6.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;">Since the restaurant offers Serbian national food, that means that it is mostly based on meat. For people coming to Serbia for the first time I would recommend "The Zlatar dining table" dish, which is a combination of all kind of grilled meat specialties. But beware: this dish is so large that it can cause a "protein shock" just by looking at it. However, people who don't eat meat also can find great variety of dishes to suit their taste, especially during Orthodox fasting period, before Orthodox Christmas and Easter, when each meal marked as "posno" (the word confirming the absence of unsuitable types of food during fast). A short explanation: the Orthodox fast is not allowing any products of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs, except for fish (but if the fish is present in food, it is usually highlighted). In regular menu there are already some "meatless" dishes, such as cheese layered corn pie, roasted paprika, ajvar (pronounced as "ayvar") etc. What is also special about the food is that most ingredients are delivered daily from the valley of Lim, so they can be considered as "highly organic".</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOFiid2mI/AAAAAAAAAxk/x3OvVOY1jsg/s1600-h/zlatar8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOFiid2mI/AAAAAAAAAxk/x3OvVOY1jsg/s200/zlatar8.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOEudCo-I/AAAAAAAAAxc/UiDxZajis3Y/s1600-h/zlatar7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOEudCo-I/AAAAAAAAAxc/UiDxZajis3Y/s200/zlatar7.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOHZX9rkI/AAAAAAAAAxs/lNftCwyvNyw/s1600-h/zlatar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltOHZX9rkI/AAAAAAAAAxs/lNftCwyvNyw/s200/zlatar+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;">In the evenings they have authentic music program: the acoustic music, known as "Old City Music", performed by excellent musicians. Combination of interior, food and music brings you to another place, far away from everyday rush of city life and relaxes your body and soul. Well, at least the soul, because if you failed to resist overeating, you can leave out the body part.</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltODNCFwUI/AAAAAAAAAxU/wsw9SYTp514/s1600-h/zlatar4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SltODNCFwUI/AAAAAAAAAxU/wsw9SYTp514/s200/zlatar4.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:small;">If you're not familiar with Belgrade, you'll need some additional instructions how to get there, but nothing too complicated. Considering that it is located in wider area of city center, The good news is that they have their own parking space, so you don't have to worry about that problem (trust me, this is a BIG PLUS in Belgrade). Prices are moderate and very reasonable. Some major credit cards are accepted. Reservations are recommended for evenings.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>All photos are taken from Zlatar's web site.</i></span></span></div></div>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0Belgrade, Serbia44.8047556 20.47810144.3175761 19.544262999999997 45.2919351 21.411939tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-53920985066118356272009-07-08T11:45:00.010+02:002009-07-18T21:29:41.043+02:00More photos of Belgrade Airport<div style="text-align: center;">Here are some more photos of <a href="http://merkat-traveler.blogspot.com/2009/06/belgrade-nikola-tesla-airport.html">Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport</a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">DEPARTURE</span><br /><br />This is a photo of Departures at Terminal 2. Departures are located at the 1st floor.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRtNdTfOyI/AAAAAAAAAus/mluHmyhwtag/s1600-h/1+departure.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRtNdTfOyI/AAAAAAAAAus/mluHmyhwtag/s400/1+departure.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025934822456098" border="0" /></a><br />One of cafes at the 1st floor, where you can wait for your flight.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRtNCXRWMI/AAAAAAAAAuk/5qxbeWHnWAM/s1600-h/2+departure+cafe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRtNCXRWMI/AAAAAAAAAuk/5qxbeWHnWAM/s400/2+departure+cafe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025927590566082" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ground floor of the Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is connected and it is located in the background of this photo. From this part you can go either up (Departures), or down (Arrivals).<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRtM2msKyI/AAAAAAAAAuc/eCG0euUv6d8/s1600-h/3+ground+floor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRtM2msKyI/AAAAAAAAAuc/eCG0euUv6d8/s400/3+ground+floor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025924434012962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">ARRIVALS</span><br /><br />This is the first thing you see when you arrive - pretty much ugly, isn't it? If judging by this view, one could think that Belgrade is the ugliest town on earth. But it's not, trust me.<br />The corridor leads to parking lot.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsnt314oI/AAAAAAAAAuU/AMuE7oXFYNk/s1600-h/8+arrival.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsnt314oI/AAAAAAAAAuU/AMuE7oXFYNk/s400/8+arrival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025286434873986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And when you get out of the building, here's the scenery - yuck! And remember what I've told you about taxis - do not bargain, check the price for luggage and insist on taximeter! If any of this fails, try to look for Policemen, they're always somewhere around.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsnM1JJII/AAAAAAAAAuM/4NWn3eayerU/s1600-h/5+see.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsnM1JJII/AAAAAAAAAuM/4NWn3eayerU/s400/5+see.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025277565183106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsm09kRUI/AAAAAAAAAuE/6nNzLZNoH8E/s1600-h/4+arrivals.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsm09kRUI/AAAAAAAAAuE/6nNzLZNoH8E/s400/4+arrivals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025271158064450" border="0" /></a><br />This is the JAT's bus station. As you can see, there's no timetable. Good luck!<br />For the public transportation, you have to go up one level. If you decide to use this option, I wish you even more luck.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsmp_fWII/AAAAAAAAAt8/b17VP2EpOkA/s1600-h/7+bus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsmp_fWII/AAAAAAAAAt8/b17VP2EpOkA/s400/7+bus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025268213340290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And, when you finally grab your transportation, whatever it might be, this is the way you'll leave the airport. WELCOME TO BELGRADE! :o)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsmPGPgoI/AAAAAAAAAt0/hmrb8jhpyhk/s1600-h/6+go.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SlRsmPGPgoI/AAAAAAAAAt0/hmrb8jhpyhk/s400/6+go.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356025260993905282" border="0" /></a>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-59597901952699929082009-06-27T20:07:00.010+02:002009-07-18T21:30:11.722+02:00Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport - Surprisingly small<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CWendy%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >
<br /></span></st1:place></st1:city></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Belgrade</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" > "Nikola Tesla" Airport is located some 20 km from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Belgrade</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >. Since </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Belgrade</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" > is a city of two million inhabitants, you would expect a much larger airport, but even this one seems to be big enough. It has only one runway, so delays of all sorts are not unexpected, but surprisingly rare. It is consisted of two buildings which are simply called Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There is not much to see in Terminal 1, as the building is old and not so well preserved, but the good news is that you probably won't have to use it at all - since Terminal 2 was built few years ago, all passenger traffic was moved to the new terminal. The only thing you can look in terminal two is one kiosk which is very hard to find, because it's almost hidden, but worth a try (IF you have time to spend) considering the fact that prices are normal - unlike in all other shops in the airport. So, if you need something, it is better not to buy it in the airport, or else you'll have to pay even double or triple price (except for cigarettes and magazines).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqpysXHI/AAAAAAAAAms/BUceDkzdG4E/s1600-h/santa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqpysXHI/AAAAAAAAAms/BUceDkzdG4E/s400/santa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352071493065661554" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CWendy%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Arrivals are in the underground floor of Terminal 2 and that gives a very ugly first impression. Glass doors and walls are white, so you cannot see if someone's waiting for you until you pass Custom and Passport check points and step outside in the "lobby". The "lobby", or should I rather call it "waiting room" is something like a narrow corridor, with little space, so it creates a problem if you want to meet someone. You can go outside using the exit doors on the ground floor, but if you want to grab a taxi, it is better to use the stairs and go to the ground floor of the terminal. The ground floor and first floor are much better looking, spacious with lot of natural light during day. It is quite clean. There are modern check in desks, cafes and shops (but don't say I didn't warn you about prices), banks and exchange offices. Smoking is still allowed within cafes. During seasons' holidays terminal is nicely decorated so it has the holiday atmosphere. Exchange offices on the ground floor (I haven't checked those in underground floor) are OK, there is no significant difference in exchange rate from ones in the city, so you can freely exchange your money here. Duty free shop has some special offers, and they're OK, but all other prices are similar (sometimes even higher) as prices in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqaaR2eI/AAAAAAAAAmk/mxslEoU-Rs4/s1600-h/outside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqaaR2eI/AAAAAAAAAmk/mxslEoU-Rs4/s400/outside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352071488936729058" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CWendy%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >
<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Departures are on the 1st floor, where you also have bank, post offices and cafes. The waiting area is spacious enough, but there is not enough seats, which forces you to sit in cafe. If your flight is delayed, I would recommend you not go inside as the prices in cafes behind Passport Control check point are even higher.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >If you need special bags for carrying liquids, you can find them all over the airport, or you can as personnel at the check-point desk to provide it to you. Unfortunately, that is not the case with pushcarts at the departure.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqDNHRBI/AAAAAAAAAmc/IdIncDXsbKQ/s1600-h/inside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqDNHRBI/AAAAAAAAAmc/IdIncDXsbKQ/s400/inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352071482707493906" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CWendy%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >TRANSPORTATION</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >If you don't have prearranged transfer (the option which I recommend warmly) you'll have to exchange your money at the airport, as the only acceptable currency is Dinar.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Transportation from the airport is questionable, since you don't have much choice. There are taxis, which should be around 10-15 Euros for ride and some additional money for your luggage (per piece) that is where problems can occur, so be sure that taxi driver tells you price for the luggage BEFORE you enter the vehicle. Not to mention that the taximeter should be turned on - do not except any bargains.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqFUREDI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0FHcSvoP1fQ/s1600-h/deers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkZgqFUREDI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0FHcSvoP1fQ/s400/deers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352071483274367026" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CWendy%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="time"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Georgia; panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.3pt 841.9pt; margin:70.55pt 70.55pt 70.55pt 70.55pt; mso-header-margin:35.3pt; mso-footer-margin:35.3pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >The other possibility is the bus of the JAT Airways, but it's timetable is depending on its carrier's flight schedule, so check if there is some flight near your time of arrival. The bus goes through New Belgrade to </span><st1:street><st1:address><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >Slavija Square</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" > (pronounced as "Slaviya"), which is in wider territory of city center. The ticket is about 2 Euros and some additional Euros for each piece of luggage.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >The third possibility is the worst one, and that is public transportation. You can buy the bus ticket in newsstands at the airport, or you can buy it in the bus (it costs less than 1 Euro, no additional charges for the luggage, as far as I know). The bus goes every 30 minutes, but during afternoon rush-hour (between 3 and </span><st1:time minute="0" hour="17"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >5 P.M.</span></st1:time><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" >) it might be late up to 1 1/2 hours. It goes in the very center of the city, but has a strange route, which is 3 times longer than normal, so it takes at least 45 minutes to reach the center (during rush hour it takes a lot more than 1 hour).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;">I took all photos during winter Holiday season 2008 (with mobile phone).
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<br />merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-36101023361488647172009-06-25T16:45:00.025+02:002009-07-18T21:31:19.621+02:00What to see when you're in Belgrade? EVENTS Summer 2009<div style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you are already in Belgrade, you still have a chance to see <a href="http://www.bluesstock.com/">Bluestock</a>, the International Rythm and Blues Festival, held in the open air, in Košutnjak, the largest park in Belgrade. It is an annual festival, so don't worry, if you miss it this year, there's always next year. Bluestock time is always scheduled on the last Saturday of June.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkOZf5ctjfI/AAAAAAAAAkk/uy-4y5NO3Ys/s400/blues.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351289555522522610" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">From 1st to 12th July 2009, Belgrade will be the host of <a href="http://www.universiade-belgrade2009.org/">25th Universiade</a>. There's no need to present the Universiade, as it is world-wide known sports event. Around 9000 students-athletes, from 140 countries will compete in 15 sports and 208 disciplines.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkOVs66dJLI/AAAAAAAAAkc/gKnv01MqpIc/s400/univerz.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 92px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351285381207499954" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And in the end: you can visit the exhibition </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.nhmbeo.org.yu/izlozbe/tekuca_izlozba:_dinosaurusi_argentine_-_dzinovi_patagonije.24.html">Dinosaurs of Argentina - Giants of Patagonia</a>, which will be in Belgrade until 15th January 2010. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This exhibition was brought to <st1:city st="on">Belgrade</st1:city> as a result of cooperation between GGPCLA Grupo Cultural from <st1:country-region st="on">Argentina</st1:country-region> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Belgrade</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Natural</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">History</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The exhibition has 40 exhibits and 15 different complete and partial skeletons of various dinosaurs, including over 17 meters long Rebbachisaurus tessonei and one of the oldest dinosaurs that ever lived - Herrerasaurus.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Although over 2 million people all over the world have already seen this exhibition, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgrade</st1:place></st1:city> will be the host of one premiere - new skeleton of one of the biggest carnivore dinosaurs (forgot the name, LOL).</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The exhibition is located in Impulse Hall, near hotel <a href="http://www.continentalhotelbeograd.com/location.18.html">Continental</a>. Exhibition is opened every day from 10.00 h - 21.00 h. Tickets are available at the Impulse Hall and <st1:placename st="on"><a href="http://www.nhmbeo.org.yu/kontakt.9.html#">Natural</a></st1:placename><a href="http://www.nhmbeo.org.yu/kontakt.9.html#"> </a><st1:placename st="on"><a href="http://www.nhmbeo.org.yu/kontakt.9.html#">History</a></st1:placename><st1:placetype st="on"><a href="http://www.nhmbeo.org.yu/kontakt.9.html#">Museum</a>. There are special group and family discounts.</st1:placetype></span></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkONwe7L7PI/AAAAAAAAAkU/nphhX3vcixM/s1600-h/untitled.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkONwe7L7PI/AAAAAAAAAkU/nphhX3vcixM/s400/untitled.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351276646320827634" border="0" /></a></span>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3954018654577652948.post-34617242390960430292009-06-25T14:57:00.010+02:002009-07-18T21:31:47.202+02:00Vox - Rhythm Blues club<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.vox.beoblues.com/">Vox</a> is located in Banovo Brdo, a district of Belgrade between two very popular attractions - <a href="http://www.adaciganlija.rs/">Ada Ciganlija</a> and <a href="http://www.beograd.rs/cms/view.php?id=201842">Košutnjak</a>. It's very accessible, as there are more than 10 <a href="http://www.gsp.rs/">busses</a> connecting this place with different parts of the city.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPiApTHyHI/AAAAAAAAAlU/6MLZM3cRxIs/s1600-h/vox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPiApTHyHI/AAAAAAAAAlU/6MLZM3cRxIs/s400/vox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351369282960214130" border="0" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Vox was founded in 1995 and started as a small pub with music played for Rhythm & Blues and Rock fans, but very soon it has grown into The Rhythm & Blues and Rock Fans Society. The Society enforces development of the Serbian blues scene and helps both famous and unknown musicians in many ways, from selling their CDs to organizing the International Blues Festival Voxstock. Vox is one of very few clubs in Belgrade with this kind of music. It's a membership club with an open-minded policy: everyone can become a member for a symbolic fee of 6 Euros per year. Honorary members of the club are blues and rock music celebrities like Van Morrison, Michael Hill and Ana Popović.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you are not a member you can still go to Vox, but on nights with live performances you'll have to pay an admittance fee of less than 1.5 Euros. Drinks are sold for very reasonable prices. During the winter period, live performances are on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, and during the summer period, performances of acoustic music are mostly on weekends, but there is no particular schedule, and performances are announced two weeks in advance.</span><br /><br /><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPiAad9OqI/AAAAAAAAAlM/up1qxQBAd3s/s1600-h/vox6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPiAad9OqI/AAAAAAAAAlM/up1qxQBAd3s/s400/vox6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351369278979127970" border="0" /></a></div></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Vox is my favorite club because it's so different in many ways from all other places you can hang out in Belgrade. Everything about Vox has a very special story, starting with the wooden interior, which was hand-made by the club owner Budimir Vuletić - Buda, with a little help from his friends. Most of the decoration - paintings, posters, old instruments, and other music accessories, like the old microphone from the 30's, which is the symbol of a Society - was given by guests so they also took part in shaping up the look of the club. That is what I cherish the most about this club: the really friendly atmosphere that makes you fall in love with this place from the first time you step in it. And not only with the place - 36 wedding ceremonies were held here, between couples who met in Vox and fell in love (and we're expecting the No. 37 soon).</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPiALXCrmI/AAAAAAAAAlE/olamivFI678/s1600-h/vox4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPiALXCrmI/AAAAAAAAAlE/olamivFI678/s400/vox4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351369274923593314" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Regular guests are from all horizons: they are professors, workers, musicians, students, people from their early twenties to over 55, parents with children, and they all fit together very well and give warm welcome to new guests. Vox has a nice open terrace, which is open from March to October. The atmosphere in the club is so relaxed that it is not unusual to find a guest on the other side of the bar, helping the bartender on busy days. This is the only place where our teenage daughter still wants to go with her parents (otherwise hanging out with parents is so "un-cool"), since she is a "veteran" in the club, being a "regular" since she was a three-years-old.</span><br /><br /><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Univers;font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPi71zY0cI/AAAAAAAAAlc/WJT95x531ew/s1600-h/vox5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPi71zY0cI/AAAAAAAAAlc/WJT95x531ew/s400/vox5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351370299929055682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Live performances are held at night, but since many bands are rehearsing in the club, you might run into unexpected music performance during day. Live performances are very interactive and it's not unusual that some guests (many of them are professional musicians) "pop in" during performance, or even switch with the band members for a few songs. Even though, performances are very good and professional, leaving no one indifferent.<br /><br /><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPguXFVpdI/AAAAAAAAAk8/wNmFrB2hpqY/s1600-h/vox3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPguXFVpdI/AAAAAAAAAk8/wNmFrB2hpqY/s400/vox3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351367869321291218" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Sometimes after the official program, musicians who came from other places where they have finished their performance as guests, leaded by a club owner (also a musician), give you a special treat: late night jam session that everyone who's present can join. Many bands from Serbian Rhythm & Blues scene have started their careers in Vox, like Ana Popović. Among musicians who had live performance in club Vox are Pera Joe, Point Blank, Raw Hide, Blue Family and Ana Popović (all from Serbia), Michael Hill (USA), Jazz Pistols (Germany) and Dr. Agrinovski (Russia).</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPgue6yU2I/AAAAAAAAAk0/kjzInsVjuIE/s1600-h/vox2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPgue6yU2I/AAAAAAAAAk0/kjzInsVjuIE/s400/vox2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351367871424516962" border="0" /></a></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whenever I have guests from abroad I take them to Vox and it's never a mistake. They're all delighted, not only with the music, but also with the place, people and atmosphere.</span><br /><br /><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPguNpct2I/AAAAAAAAAks/w-uUdjq1gHg/s1600-h/vox1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mLdGgKuEy1A/SkPguNpct2I/AAAAAAAAAks/w-uUdjq1gHg/s400/vox1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351367866788394850" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></span>merkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01794113452638077076noreply@blogger.com1