Ksenija Pajcin (32), Serbian turbo-pop singer and dancer and her boyfriend Filip Kapisoda (22), Montenegrin model have just been found dead in her apartment in Vozdovac, part of Belgrade. So far, there is a lot of speculation, but the theory that has been confirmed so far is that Pajcin was killed by Kapisoda who committed suicide afterwards. What is interesting about the case is that both of them were very young and that this could be the first such case of Serbian celebrities (albeit minor ones) who ended their lives in such a manner. Other rumors suggest drug overdose, as well as the possible double murder, because of Pajcin's rumored former affairs with people involved in drug trade in Serbia. (comment on Ksenija Pajcin and Filip Kapisoda found dead)
One of Belgrade's off-landmarks, the fast-food stand Loki was forced to shut down it's operation two days ago. David Dowse posts a fitting farewell to this charming fast food joint. I must say that I can't really feel sorry for Loki's demise, because the owner could have prevented it if he really tried. Not to worry, I'm sure another Loki will eventually pop out somewhere soon. Until then, here's a 360 panorama to remind you how Loki looked like. (comment on Loki is no more)
Couple of years ago we reported about a book in production called "Subjective atlas of Serbia" - The book is now out and it looks great, with witty pictures and commentary. You can check out the pdf edition, but I recommend that you try and buy the book if you can. [via @Vukasin] (comment on Subjective atlas of Serbia)
Girl from the West gives all of you ladies out there six reasons to marry a guy from the Balkans. Great article, and the discussion continues in the comments. (found via @PeckoPivo) (comment on Reasons for marrying a Balkan man)
Chinese market in New Belgrade's blok 70 is already an interesting place, but from 1st of February it will become even more so. Art organization Anonymous said decided to turn this shopping mall into an open art exhibition with works of several Serbian contemporary artists. The Chinatown Market is open everyday except Tuesday from 10-17h, and the exhibition will be there through the entire February, so please drop by. (comment on Art exhibit in Belgrade's Chinatown)
Say you want to visit some place and you want to experience it like locals do. Who do you contact then? You contact the locals willing to show you how they live - and that is what Belgrade Alternative guide provides. They claim on their website that "the time you spend in Belgrade, you will spend living as a real Belgrader" - hopefully there will be an option like this for every major town in the world soon. (comment on Alternative Belgrade Guide)
Have you ever wondered about why there are so many towns called Belgrade in the USA? I'm sure you did. The same question was obviously on director Miodrag Kolaric's mind too, when he decided to visit all five Belgrades in the states. You can find out more about this interesting project if you listen to his interview which he gave to NPR if you go over here and hit that audio link. UPDATE: here's how the story unfolds at Boston.com. (comment on Finding Belgrades)
Find out what dishes and guests were Tito's favorites. [via Dnevnik Eklektika] (comment on Dinner with Tito)
Visual Sound Generation, or VSG for short is a new online magazine specialized in Serbian DJs and local clubbing. Handy if you want to see what's the latest event coming up, and what clubs are currently worth visiting. (comment on Online mag about Serbian club scene)
In this new photoblog, launched just a couple of hours ago, six photo-guys want to let you know how they see Belgrade through their [mostly analog] cameras: Belgrade Raw. Check it out. (comment on Oooh baby I like it raw)
An old Serbian saying states that the JAT air hostesses are the only air hostesses in the world that die of natural causes. So don’t be surprised when you find out that, instead of young, slim, and beautiful babes (and guys) (you saw in videos, movies with a peculiar plot, or practically, every other air company you flew with), you will be served by ladies much, much older than the plane you are flying on. And our planes are quite old. Not to worry, the story also goes that pilots and crew are some of the best in the world, and you will arrive to or leave Belgrade safe and sound.
The Airport is small, but rarely crowded, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting around. The airport is nevertheless, at safe distance from the city center, and most people will find it difficult to walk 20km to reach Belgrade. That’s why we recommend taxi or bus or (mini) bus shuttle service.
Be careful when catching a cab, most cab drivers will try to exploit the unsuspecting and naive passenger such as yourself, so remember never to accept a ride that will cost you more than 10 euros and that the number of people and the size of your luggage don’t affect the price of the ride. The Cab ride lasts about 20-45 min, depending on the traffic, and riding the bus will take about 30-50 minutes of your time, making one stop at (in, on) New Belgrade. Still, the best, fastest and cheapest way is, of course, to have a friend come pick you up. If you don’t have friends in Belgrade, make some.
Good news: Germanwings just announced that it will launch a new low budget route Cologne/Bonn – Belgrade in September 2006. Prices go as low as 19 EUR for one way ticket! You can already book your tickets on their site. From 2nd September you will be able to fly three times weekly to Belgrade (and back maybe). Hopefully this will be only the first in a series of “no frills” and discount airlines to make Belgrade its regular destination.
Assumption is that tourists’ interest for Belgrade is still pretty low. But also the fact that Serbs need visa for almost every country in the world represents a problem when it comes to last minute deals and offers that these companies rely on.
Still, there are also other ways to fly cheap in vicinity of Belgrade. Wizz Air recently connected London and Zagreb, Croatia which is not that far from Belgrade. Train ride lasts for 6 hrs, and there are 5 departures daily, plus you get a chance to visit Zagreb, also a great city. Many other European low budget airlines fly to Sofia, Bulgaria and almost all of them fly to Budapest, Hungary. Both Budapest and Sofia are approximately at the same distance from Belgrade as Zagreb, but trains run very slowly, so I suggest a bus ride. One more city in Croatia is on the map for low cost companies, Dubrovnik, certainly worth a visit. More info about these and other cities in the region on Belgrade daytrips page