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)
After Sunday Times enlisted Belgrade in it's top five world party cities couple of years ago, this time it's the Lonely Planet with their top ten world party cities, and this time, Belgrade takes the first place. This is maybe nice opportunity to discuss you favorite party places in the city, so feel free to suggest some in the comments or on twitter with the hashtag #belgradeparty. (comment on At the top of the "party cities" list)
This house is only one of over one hundred available for booking, but it’s the only one i can guarantee for, because it’s my grandparents’ house and I’ve spent quite an amount of time there as a kid.
The village Semedraz where the house is located in the region often labeled as the heart of Serbia – i hate to sound like a tourist brochure, but it really is in the very centre of the country – Sumadija. The region got it’s name from the numerous forests (Suma in Serbian) in the area. The location – about one hundred kilometers south of Belgrade, Gornji Milanovac being the closest bigger town around.
The village is located at a high hill, so the air is always a bit more chilli than in Belgrade for example. I would say it’s ideal for hiking and nature loking, sometimes even mushroom-picking, and if you are really in a good shape, bicycling. There is a small river nearby by the name of Dicina, so you can go fishing if you like, and in a couple of places even go for a swim in the summer.
Markovic family will welcome you in their house that has 4 double bedrooms, two bathrooms with shower cabins, huge living room with kitchen and dining room. House has two separate guest entrances, and two balconies, one small and one big – if the weather is nice this is where you can enjoy your meals. See all the house pictures here.
You have the possibility to make your own food, or you can enjoy home-prepared meals countryside style:
Fresh vegetables and fruits, local cheese and sour cream (kajmak), roasted lamb and pork meats…
Sumadija region is quite famous for it’s plum-brandies (Sljivivitza
being one of them) pear-brandies (Viljamovka being the most famous
brand) and a long tradition of vine-making (Aleksandrovic vine-house
for example with their brands Triumph and Variant).
Another house that I can recommend and that you can book via this site is our neighbors, family Petakovic – it’s a separate guest house build in old Serbian style – it’s located at a high ground so the view is excellent. House is surrounded by three other family houses, with three generations of Petakovic family living there. You can see the pictures of the house here.
If the nature is not enough for you, here’s several more options for you to explore, located near the village:
Village Takovo, with it’s wooden church and interesting museum of Serbian uprising.
Vracevsnica monastery from 14th century, Norwegian House – unusual architectural achievement built to mark Serbian-Norwegian friendship. Municipality of Topola with Oplenac mausoleum – church.
For more information about prices, booking and getting there please use the contact form.