A Yankee-in-Belgrade

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

2012-01-31T00:00:00.004+01:00

"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (The more things change, the more they stay the same)" could perhaps be applied to Belgrade's new "Bus Plus" system, but we'll see.

Most people I've talked to think so. If you're a regular bus user, you have to get a special card with your photo on it, pay a monthly amount, then scan it inside the bus. You can enter from any door.

For people like me, who use the bus once in a blue moon, you can buy a rechargeable card that you scan in the bus, or else buy a ticket from the driver (you used to be able to buy a ticket at a newsstand), then punch it in the little yellow machine you see above. I think the 'entering by the front door and buying a ticket' part is going to slow things down...

And ticket controllers will still be around to check both your pass and individual ticket.

Let's see if this system is an improvement in itself, or if it will need some changes.

Off the wall and on the coat.

2012-01-30T00:00:00.003+01:00

Do you do needlepoint? If you do, I bet all your creations are framed and hanging on your wall. Or perhaps they're pillows?

Why not do like this lady, who seems to have one of her creations on her coat. I'm assuming she did t his herself, since I've never seen a needlepoint on clothing before.

Sunday Bridges--The Bridge Between

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000+01:00

If you saw last Sunday's post, you 'll know that for a short while I'll be posting bridges from an exhibit currently taking place on Belgrade's pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova.

If I am not mistaken (and yes, it's been known to happen), this must be the bridge built by the Germans after they destroyed King Alexander 1st's bridge, built in 1934 and destroyed in 1941. The post card reads "Zemun", which at the time extended along the Sava River to include the Old Fairgrounds, which was turned into a concentration camp. This bridge was undoubtedly used to allegedly transport Jews to a new site on the other side of Belgrade, but if you check this link, you'll see what really happened as they crossed this bridge and part of the city.

King Alexander's Bridge was rebuilt after the war and later replaced by the present-day Branko's Bridge.

See other bridges at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

Weekend Reflection--the attack swan

2012-01-28T00:00:00.002+01:00

Swans may be pretty, but I don't like to get close, since they can be very territorial and aggressive. This is an archived photo of two summers ago when I visited a town in Bosnia. Was walking Bibi on a leash and this swan spotted us from waaaaay on the other side of the lake and paddled over, honking warnings. I picked up Bibi and away we went. Swan emerged from the lake, batting its wings menacingly, still honking.

I think swans were table fare in the Middle Ages....

See other reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--church steeple

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

An enhanced view of the main church's steeple that I've shown you many times before.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Look-alikes

2012-01-26T00:00:00.004+01:00

Look-alike hair, coats, tights, boots.... I posted another pair of look-alikes long ago.

ABC Wednesday -- "B" is for "Begone, bird!"

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000+01:00

I've already shown you this statue called The Struggle once before, and now it seems that not only is our hero having trouble getting rid of a snake, but a defiant bird as well.

See other B's on ABC WEDNESDAY.

Love

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000+01:00

Wasn't sure what to call this post. I was touched by the way this nicely-dressed man and lady were crossing the street. She seemed so concerned that the light would change mid-street, and he was gallantly and confidently escorting her to the other side.

Fashion statements

2012-01-23T00:00:00.002+01:00

Two different women from two different walks of life, each making her own fashion statement.

Sunday Bridges--I'm happy.

2012-01-22T00:00:00.003+01:00

Fate has smiled on me. I am always looking for a bridge for Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES, and am often at a loss. Yesterday however, I came across an exhibit of Belgrade's Bridges on Knez Mihailova street, and in the upcoming weeks, if I don't get a photo of a 'real' bridge, you'll be treated to the history of some of Belgrade's bridges, such as these on the poster above.

WEEKEND REFLECTION--"Kap Kejks"

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

These brightly-colored cupcakes have appeared in a local bakery chain's windows for a couple of weeks now. You can see the sign written in the Cyrillic alphabet that advertises them as "kap kejks", which is the phonetic transcription of 'cupcakes.'

The Serbian dinar is now worth, as of the writing, around 80 dinars to one American dollar. Still a better price than some upscale cupcakes in the US that go for around $5.00.

Which one would you pick?

See more reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--"rooftops"

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

Fog, pale sky, rooftops, chimneys, lots of antennas (antennae!), but no satellite dishes visible. Everybody's on cable, I guess.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Run from the Devil?

2012-01-19T00:00:00.004+01:00

I accompanied a friend to a doctor's visit the other week and saw this sign while we were waiting. It was pretty easy to figure out that the top running figure was running away from fire, but the lower one, what was he trying to escape from? The Devil? A bull? Run like the devil from a bull?

Since there's little chance of running into a bull in a hospital corridor (I'll not mention the Devil), I asked a passing nurse.

"That's a bomb," she replied. "The bomb shelter is to the right."

Oh.

ABC Wednesday--"A" is for "(Bon) Appétit"

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000+01:00

Every now and then there are shots you want to take that make your adrenalin (another A!) rush to press the shutter. When I saw this workman across a busy street enjoying his pljeskavica (Serbian hamburger), I muttered an oath under my breath that I didn't have my usual zoom lens on my camera. I snapped away anyway with my 50mm and cropped.

Just look at those hands, which speak for him. Bon Appétit to him.

See other A's on ABC WEDNESDAY.

Walking their cat.

2012-01-17T00:00:00.002+01:00

While enjoying a glass of very good wine with a friend the other night, I caught this couple across the street while they were walking their cat....on a leash. Kitty seemed very used to this. Not a bad idea. I always feel sorry for city apartment cats, who rarely, if ever, go out.

The Rapunzel building....

2012-01-16T00:00:00.002+01:00

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," cried the prince in the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale.
Rapunzel did let down her long golden braid and up climbed the prince.

Had she been in this building and not a tower, he could have surprised her by climbing up this vine. Or maybe he'd have just taken the elevator inside.

Sunday Bridges: The Overtoun Dog Suicide Bridge

2012-01-15T00:00:00.004+01:00

I thought I had heard it all, but here's something I discovered in my again-desperate search for a bridge to post on Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

I found this at this site.

"Located near the village of Milton in the burgh of Dumbarton, Scotland, exists a bridge that for some reason or another, has been attracting suicidal dogs since the early 60s. At a rate of around one a month, dogs have been regularly leaping from the bridge; an estimated 600 have been reported jumping.

Even more strange are the circumstances behind these incidents of kamikaze canines. Not only have they been plummeting to their deaths from the bridge, but many have witnessed the dogs actually climbing the parapet wall before making the jump. Even stranger are the reports of dogs surviving their brush with death, only to return to the bridge for a second attempt..."

The two happy canines in my photo are gallivanting along a wall in Kalemegdan Park, far from Milton, Scotland, and not about to leap anywhere.

Weekend Reflection: Sit a while...

2012-01-14T00:00:00.001+01:00

It may be a cold sit on this park bench, but sometimes it's good to listen to the Buddhist advice: "Don't just do something; sit there."

Today is Serbian New Year. Perhaps the time to make a resolution to slow down and just sit?

See other reflections at James' Weekend Reflection.

Skywatch Friday: Against the sun

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000+01:00

Mid-morning view of a path alongside Kalemegdan Park.

See other skies at SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

Radoje Domanović --a short life, but long-remembered

2012-01-12T00:00:00.003+01:00

Radoje Domanović (RAH-do-yeh Do-MAHN-o-veetch) (1873 - 1908) was a Serbian writer and teacher, most famous for his satirical short stories. He died of tuberculosis. This illness, along with the affection he inspired in all who knew him, surrounded his work with a romantic, sentimental aura.

During his short literary career he developed the great powers of the satirical novel, although some of his stories are distorted by pessimism. Below are two examples:

The Suffering, an allegory in which he castigated the ruthlessness of the authority and submissiveness of its subjects.

The Leader, a story about incompetent leadership: people who chose a person they'd never seen before to lead them to a better place. After suffering through a long trip, they realize that their leader is blind.

ABC WEDNESDAY--"Z" is for "(almost)Zeppole"

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000+01:00

These yummy long, puffy, sprinkled-with-sugar-if-you-like, doughnuts that this kerchiefed seller is about to pick up may be cousins of the Italian Zeppole, which are round and filled.

This Serbian version is called mekike (MEH-kee-keh) and if you click right here, you'll find a recipe for them, in Serbian only; couldn't find one in English.

The other lady is about to serve some tulumbe (too-LOOM-beh), which are very sweet/ You can find an English recipe for them by clicking here.

See other Z's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Klara and Dita

2012-01-10T00:00:00.003+01:00

You meet so many nice people when you have a dog, or maybe even if you don't. In my case, Bibi wanted desperately to play with little Dita (DEE-ta), but she was way too interested in a treed squirrel. Her owner, Klara, had to literally pry her off the ground to pose for this photo....but Dita's eyes haven't left the squirrel....

Taking a break after the holidays

2012-01-09T00:00:00.001+01:00

Now that Belgrade has enforced its no-smoking law, it's hard to find a place to take a legal puff. Parks are still okay to do so, and this couple, or at least half of the couple, is enjoying a nicotine moment.

Long hair on guys is still in apparently, as the dark-haired man here proves.

SUNDAY BRIDGES--the Old Tram Bridge at night

2012-01-08T00:00:00.004+01:00

Here we are looking down at Belgrade's train station. In the background you can see the Old Tram Bridge (Savski Most), which is really green, as you can see in this previous post of mine.

See other bridges at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

WEEKEND REFLECTION--Merry Christmas Part II

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000+01:00

"Hristos se rodi!" to all of you Serbian Orthodox readers, since today is your Christmas. I've cheated a little here, since Santa Claus does not come to you today, but already has on New Year's Day....or maybe he'll come again on Serbian New Year's, which falls on January 13th...oh, so many holidays.

No wonder this Santa is still wandering around.

See other reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--street ends, sky begins

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000+01:00

Hard to tell where the street ends and the sky begins on this view of a very foggy Knez Mihailova, Belgrade's pedestrian street.

Srećno Badnje veče to all you Serbian Orthodox readers, since tonight is your Christmas Eve.

See other skies (and probably not so much fog) on SKYWATCH.

Have faith

2012-01-05T00:00:00.002+01:00

This lady is a common sight near where I live. She carries a picture of a saint with her, and goes begging from car to car at a busy intersection. She wears very thick glasses, and I'm often concerned for her safety, but she seems to maneuver between cars well.

ABC Wednesday--"Y" is for "Yawn..."

2012-01-04T00:00:00.001+01:00

For most of you the holidays are over, but for those of us here in Serbia, Serbian Orthodox Christmas is on January 7th, followed by Serbian New Year on the 14th....a long season, especially for over-photographed babies like my little granddaughter, Mila....just too much, sometimes! Tiring.....YAWN...

Check out other Y's on ABC WEDNESDAY.

Icy blue...

2012-01-03T00:00:00.002+01:00

Zipping along on an ice rink of one of Belgrade's squares, set up for the holidays. Remember which square? It's this one, although the larger figure is gone....

Do you ice skate? I don't....

Busy after the holidays....

2012-01-02T00:00:00.003+01:00

Gypsies do a fair amount of recycling here in the city, and after New Year's there's lots of paper to pick up. This fellow even managed to find some seasonal oilcloth to use as a seat cover.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.002+01:00

My cyberfriend, Gaelyn, of GEOGYPSY is hosting a New Year's party....I've been too busy these days to give it a real go as far as a costume and accompanying story, but hope that she will forgive me if I just participate with this pink feather mask I saw (and wanted but did not buy) on Knez Mihailova street.

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy New Year!

WEEKEND REFLECTION--A Dentist's Dream Part II

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000+01:00

How's this for red? You may remember my other post from last October, which was also a dentist's dream. I think these are even stickier.

These tooth and filling-tuggers are for sale on Belgrade's Republic Square, which is all ready for New Year's Eve celebrations.

What are you doing tonight?

See other reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--The Avala Tower

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000+01:00

In the background on the hill stands the newly-constructed Avala Tower that was leveled during the NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999. If you want a little souvenir of it, you can buy one of these.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Won't you please buy my flowers?

2011-12-29T00:00:00.002+01:00

It was just above freezing late the other night when I walked with my friend downtown. We passed this elderly man selling flowers and couldn't resist. She bought one of his fresh bouquets and I bought a dried arrangement.

Doesn't he have the sweetest face?

ABC WEDNESDAY--"x" is for "Xerasia"

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

"Xerasia" is defined as a 'condition of the hair characterized by dryness and brittleness.'

This girl's lovely red hair is definitely not brittle and dry, and that's why I whirled around to take her photo. However, it looks like the mannequin observing her doesn't have to worry about suffering from xerasia....

See other X's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Keep an eye on that guy

2011-12-27T00:00:00.003+01:00

Former president of Yugoslavia Jospi Broz Tito keeps a close eye on this electrician climbing his ladder to change a light bulb.

Tito's photograph, with the Parliament building behind it, was part of an outdoor exhibit of excellent photos by Belgian photographer Jim Sumkay in Kalemegdan a few weeks ago.

Those less fortunate....

2011-12-26T00:00:00.004+01:00

Just a reminder to us all to think of those less fortunate.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:00:00.002+01:00

Merry Christmas to many of you. My little traveling companion, Radovan, picked some words from my mixed-up assortment of Magnetic Poetry to make a message for today. Enjoy the moment. Must say that I bought the arrangement in the basket from a lady on the market whose son is now making them...he lost his job as an electrical engineer, and jobs are scarce...

WEEKEND REFLECTION--from us to you!

2011-12-24T00:00:00.004+01:00

On the street Bibi and I discovered these red ornaments and are sending our photo to you.

Christmas Eve for many of you; enjoy, be at peace.

See others at James' Weekend Reflection.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY--Modern Art Museum

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

Misty sky over the Modern Art Museum in New Belgrade, seen from Kalemegdan Park.

See other skies at SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

Please hurry.....!

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000+01:00

I'm always amused by creative bathroom signs, and these figures on port-a-potties on Belgrade's Republic Square to accomodate New Year's crowds caught my eye. If you click on this link, you'll find two other amusing signs.

ABC WEDNESDAY--"W" is for "women workers"

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

Women workers....and winter, too. Those are my W's. This photo was actually taken last year, but it reminds me of a scene that was common when I first came here 35 years ago when you saw lots of field work by hand and horse, and few machines and tractors.

See other W's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Devil's Town

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

In an earlier post, I showed you some snow globes, one of which contained a tiny version of these pinnacles at Djavolja Varoš (DJAH vole-yuh VAH-rush) or "Devil's Town" in Southern Serbia. I have visited this place twice, and am looking forward to returning. It's hard to tell the scale here, but the 'towers' are anywhere from 6-30 feet tall.

Just me and my bunny

2011-12-19T00:00:00.004+01:00

While walking Bibi downtown the other day, I ran into this sweet man who was walking his bunny.

Sunday Bridges--just for kids

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000+01:00

There's always a bridge to be found if one looks hard enough. Here is a piece of playground equipment that I'd overlooked before...a bridge, but I guess not really just for kids. I went up to see if I could get a shot of something.

See other bridges at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

Weekend Reflection--the walker

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000+01:00

These reflective walls are located in Tasmajdan Park downtown....they can throw you off a bit if you're not careful, or if you are a dog. Bibi barked and chased herself for a minute before she realized what was going on.... and that bird on the right looks like it may have had a close call, too.

See other reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--December sky

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

December sky it was, though it may look more like a warm summer evening.

See more skies at SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

Change some money to buy a tie....

2011-12-15T00:00:00.003+01:00

Times are hard, and some people can't get by with just one job. This tie shop that I showed you couple of years back is now also an exchange office!

Change some money and buy yourself a tie, too.

ABC Wednesday--"V" is for "very visible"

2011-12-14T00:00:00.001+01:00

There are some days when I can do hip shots and not be seen, and others where I'm certain I might have been seen. I was far away from these ladies and this is a cropped photo taken with a wide angle, so I'm not sure they're really looking at me...or maybe they are. But how about that guy and the lady in the background? I think they may be looking at these fashionably dressed ladies...

Maybe I was Very Visible.

See other V's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Laundry day

2011-12-13T00:00:00.003+01:00

I'm always looking for open doorways that lead into courtyards and unexpected finds. I like the colors on this laundry. For those of you who may not know, the 'sheet' in the middle with a diamond shape cut out is a quilt cover...just push the quilt through and adjust!

This is MY space!

2011-12-12T00:00:00.003+01:00

Parking spaces are precious in a big city, and although it's not permitted to park on 'green areas', some do... This space is far from green, but it's been staked out and locked up. Who's got the key?

Sunday Bridges--again, but different...

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000+01:00

It's this same bridge again, but from a different angle down Pariska Street. On the left you see part of the French Embassy, and the aqua roof belongs to the Austrian Embassy. The spires of the new bridge are so large, it's hard to escape them.

See other bridges on Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

Weekend Reflection--'snow'balls

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000+01:00

Holiday time is approaching, as is obvious from the little Santa ball and the manger scene behind it. Also visible is the new Avala Tower that replaced the one destroyed during the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia, Saint Sava's cathedral, and the stone formations at Djavolja Varos in southern Serbia, a place I've been to, but haven't posted photos...I will.

See other reflections at James'WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--so similar...

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000+01:00

While waiting for my friend the other night, I snapped this photo of some clouds, which remind me very much of these clouds that I photographed in my friend's home town of New York City two years ago.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

A nun

2011-12-08T00:00:00.003+01:00

Draped in her classic habit plus a winter coat, this nun tackles Belgrade's streets.

ABC Wednesday--"U" is for "Underworld"

2011-12-07T00:00:00.003+01:00

And here you thought the entrance to the Underworld existed only in mythology; the departed descend to meet Charon, who is waiting down there to ferry them across the Styx.

Not so....we have our own version of the Underworld right here in Belgrade, as do many cities like London, Paris, Moscow....you'll only find trains, crowds of people, and who knows, perhaps someone from another kind of Underworld...

See other U's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

A potato by any other name....

2011-12-06T00:00:00.003+01:00

...is still a potato.... I was excited a few days ago to hear from Jelena, author of Food for Thought, a mouth-watering food blog in English and Serbian, that they're now selling sweet potatoes/yams in local markets! Off I set in hot pursuit...found the potatoes in the photo at a local supermarket. They're called batati and are grown here. They look like sweet potatoes, but....they're not. Even though their form is almost identical and their skin a bit reddish, they're a type of white potato that is sweeter in taste than a regular potato.

But I ate them, and they're good! Thanks anyway, Jelena!

Dreaming...

2011-12-05T00:00:00.003+01:00

...of fame and fortune, or simply dreaming? This young boy was playing along with two of his friends on Belgrade's pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova.

Sunday Bridges--Prague

2011-12-04T00:54:00.002+01:00

Short of a Belgrade bridge this week, so here is a view from a bridge of St. Vitus' Cathedral in Prague, where I was in early November for a wedding.

See other bridges at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

Weekend Reflection "Outside of a dog..."

2011-12-03T00:00:00.007+01:00

American comedian Groucho Marx (1895-1977) once said, "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."

Perhaps this stray dog outside Belgrade's City Library is waiting to be someone's best friend...if that person doesn't pick a book instead.

See other reflections on James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH..."Om..."

2011-12-02T21:05:00.000+01:00

...or maybe it's "Mo" in this photo, since the "Om", the sacred/mystical symbol in Indian religions, appears backwards in this photo taken through my kitchen window...foggy sky with a rosy tint.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

THEME DAY--Action shot

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000+01:00

Mara the Cat in action...

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

ABC WEDNESDAY- "T" is for "tick-tock..."

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000+01:00

A watch repair shop near where I live. You can still find these shops, since here most people still opt for repairing their timepiece rather than buying a new one.

See other T's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Solarized...

2011-11-29T00:00:00.003+01:00

Ordinary enamel coffee pots looking not so ordinary... These are from Kafana Daco (Da-cho),
a restaurant popular with tourists. I couldn't see where on the link info was in English, but if you don't read Serbian, you can just have a look at the photos.

Big Brother...

2011-11-28T00:00:00.005+01:00

...is watching you... Have you been naughty or nice this year? Oh, wait...that's Santa. Well, he's probably watching, too.

Interesting that this sign is in English, not in Serbian!

SUNDAY BRIDGES--What kind of a name is that??

2011-11-27T00:00:00.002+01:00

You may remember Belgrade's newest bridge that I showed you several times before. You may also remember that there was a contest to give it a name. This bridge joins New Belgrade and Cukarica, passing over the river island Ada Ciganlija ('ada' means 'river island').

Lots of names were suggested, some silly, some for famous Serbian figures, such as Patriarch Pavle, Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla, and others. Belgrade's airport is already named for Nikola Tesla, but the other choices were good ones.

Well, you'll never guess what its name will be! "Bridge On Ada"! (Most na Adi) Linguists were quick to point out that the bridge should at least be called "Bridge Over Ada" (Most preko Ade), since of course that's where it passes, and not 'na Adi', since it isn't on the island.

Personally, since I frequently see it as in the above photo, I'd have called it "Bridge Whose One Entrance is Near the Inflatable Dalmatian".

Definitely a better name.

See other bridges, no matter what they may be called, at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

WEEKEND REFLECTION--ruffled

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

I've never seen pigeons sitting in moving water before. (It's still very foggy here; this photo was when we had sun!)

See more reflections on James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--sun through the fog

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000+01:00

The title says it all. The sun, the fog, and and a modern building downtown.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:00:00.003+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my readers in the US and to those Americans abroad who are celebrating today. I always 'do' Thanksgiving on the following Saturday, since it's just easier for me, because people here don't have today off.

I've done my shopping already, but didn't get myself all decked out to do so like this lady in her fur coat.... Though there have been recent animal rights' protests, so far it's still safe to wear fur. And is that a crocodile or lizard bag....?

(No, I do not have a fur coat or a leather bag....)

ABC Wednesday=="S" is for "Spejbl"

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

I was recently in Prague for a wedding and saw the puppet Spejbl in many places. Spejbl and his son, Hurvinek are a Czech puppet comedy duo, conceived by Czech puppeteer Professor Josef Skupa. Throughout the years these two characters have gained international success.

The bald puppet is on the left, and I just couldn't help taking this photo of a young man whose ears reminded me of the puppet.

See other S's on ABC WEDNESDAY.

Three men

2011-11-22T00:00:00.001+01:00

Three men from different walks of life: a model, an ordinary guy, and an Orthodox priest.

Hairdo

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

I was fascinated by this woman's hairdo when I spotted her along Belgrade's pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova. I've had my hair short for years, and have now let it grow longer. The growing-out phase required many little clips, but I wasn't as daring as she to use colorful ones.

SUNDAY BRIDGES--Fogged over

2011-11-20T00:00:00.002+01:00

Our major fog continues....

See other bridges, maybe fogged over, too, at Louis La Vache's Sunday Bridges.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS--Dress warmly

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

It's getting cold, and it's no fun being a naked statue, either, I guess. Someone put a hat on this bird-loving young girl to keep her head warm.

See other reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

Skywatch Friday...it's foggy...

2011-11-18T00:00:00.002+01:00

'twas foggy the other day. Even the birds look like they're confused about which way to fly.

See other skids on SKYWATCH.

Keeping warm...

2011-11-17T00:00:00.004+01:00

These bench pads, here being aired out on an outdoor cafe in Belgrade's 'Silicon Valley', will keep the part of you that sits on the bench warm.

And the 'silicon' that gave its name to this street with many popular cafes has nothing to do with computers, but rather the abundance of silicon found on many of its cafes' female customers.

ABC Wednesday "R" is for "reality"...

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

In these days of world-wide economic crisis, the above is a too-common sight. Here the REALITY is if you have a job, even one you hate, you keep it. Hard times affect of course the unemployed and elderly people like this woman. (Yes, I did give her some money.)

See other R's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Whose shoes are more comfortable...?

2011-11-15T00:00:00.001+01:00

"Comfortable" is the key word here. I know which kind I usually wear...

A true dog lover....

2011-11-14T00:00:00.003+01:00

Not a true dog lover because this lady has two gorgeous standard French Poodles, but if you check behind her (and I didn't see him/her until I uploaded the photo at home), you'll see she also has a mutt! I often see people here with some upscale pooch...and a street dog.

Sunday Bridges--sunset over the old and the new

2011-11-13T00:00:00.002+01:00

A photo taken at sunset from Kalemegdan Park. Belgrade's newest bridge spans nearly the entire photo, dwarfing the old tower that still stands in Belgrade's old fairgrounds, site of what was during WWII a concentration camp. Branko's Bridge is in the foreground.

See other bridges at LOUIS LA VACHE'S SUNDAY BRIDGES.

WEEKEND REFLECTION--the shoe repair robot

2011-11-12T00:00:00.002+01:00

Cute little guy, but I'm not sure how many shoes of this size he gets. Sadly, this shoe repair shop has gone out of business since I took this photo, and the robot is gone, too.

See other reflections at WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--statue of King Peter 1st of Serbia

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000+01:00

This statue of King Peter the 1st of Serbia stands before the Town Hall of the city of Zrenjanin, Serbia.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Where's the Marquis?

2011-11-10T00:00:00.003+01:00

"What Marquis?" you ask. Who else but the Marquis de Sod.....?

Before you go groaning about my bad pun, which I really hesitated to use, but finally did, I found out that it isn't even an original one. I Googled "Marquis de Sod" and found out that there is a landscaping company in Sherman Oaks, California, by that name. Click here if you leave near Sherman Oaks and want your lawn done by Marquis de Sod, since the original Marquis de Sade devoted his life to other pursuits...

ABC WEDNESDAY "Q" is for "quotation"

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000+01:00

Had dinner with my good friend the other night at Tri šešira (Three Hats) restaurant in Skadarlija, Belgrade's Bohemian quarter. My finger is never far from the shutter button, and I snapped this candle, which brought to mind a quotation attributed to Prince Gautama Siddhartha, known as Buddha, founder of Buddhism (5th century BC):

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. "

How true. This past year I've shared happiness with my family in the US and some good friends from my student days in France. Although another Buddha quote says, "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment," I can't help but look forward to sharing more happiness with others I haven't seen for a long time.

See more Q's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

Flower child or Venus de Milo aux fleurs?

2011-11-08T00:00:00.004+01:00

Couldn't think of a better title for this torso in a perfume shop downtown....any suggestions?

Boots and stockings

2011-11-07T00:00:00.003+01:00

I was praying these two young girls wouldn't notice me snapping away at their footwear and legs, and they didn't. They were too busy consulting a street map.

These boots may not be as fashionable as the ones I showed you here or as practical as the others I'd shown you even earlier, but I couldn't resist...and those stockings are an extra.

SUNDAY BRIDGES--Despot Lazarevic's castle

2011-11-06T00:00:00.002+01:00

This small reproduction of Despot Stefan Lazarevic's stands in Kalemegdan Park, right behind The well-known statue of The Victor. If you take the time to click on the first link in particular, you can read more about this 'despot', which lacked the negative connotation the word bears today.

Two bridges here! A tiny one in the foreground, and the new bridge I showed you here last August.

See other bridges at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

WEEKEND REFLECTION--Baby Mila's eye...

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000+01:00

There IS a small reflection here in her left eye. My son's daughter, Mila, is now nearly four months old, but this photo is from a bit earlier. And if you're not happy with that reflection, you can check out the one in the photo below: my daughter in Seattle is expecting for next May! New cousin for Mila! What will it be? If you've had children, were you able to know if they were going to be a boy or girl? If you haven't, would you like to know?

See other reflections on WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH--Institute for Neonatology exhibit

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000+01:00

Belgrade's Institute for Neonatology currently has a photo exhibit in Tasmajdan Park, dedicated to all the prematurely-born babies who, thanks to the Institute's care, made the transition from fragile newborns to healthy children. On each board, as you can see, are one or two photographs, with information about the child and his or her (or their, in the case of these twins) family. Sunny skies in store for them and pretty soon they'll be strolling through parks like the children you see on the sidewalk.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Knight by day...

2011-11-03T00:00:00.004+01:00

....and maybe some lucky girl's prince by night? Isn't he cute? He couldn't resist posing as I walked by him next to a souvenir stand in Kalemegdan Park, and asked me in English to take his photo. He thought I was a tourist, with my camera.... Little does he know....

I'm going to make a photo for him.

ABC WEDNESDAY-- "P" is for "poodle's posh paws"

2011-11-02T00:00:00.002+01:00

Taken in early September when the weather was warm. It hadn't even rained, and I wondered why this Poodle was wearing these shoes...

See other P's at ABC WEDNESDAY.

THEME DAY--FENCES

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000+01:00

Back in Belgrade, but this fence is from farther south in Serbia.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.003+01:00

Happy Halloween! You may remember my little Serbian traveling companion, Radovan, who's been on trips with me to Greece, India, Qatar, and other local trips. He's accompanied to Seattle too, and since tomorrow we'll be back in Belgrade, he decided to pose with a luminous Halloween friend and pumpkin.

Posts from Belgrade tomorrow!

SUNDAY BRIDGES--the land bridge

2011-10-30T00:00:00.002+02:00

Quick: Can you identify where the land bridge linking the two larger continents shown here is located? Right you are: On a bench in a Seattle Ferries waiting room!

Taken while waiting for the ferry to Bainbridge Island and ever-searching for a bridge photo.

See other bridges, most likely real ones, at Louis La Vache's SUNDAY BRIDGES.

Weekend Reflection--a dentist's dream

2011-10-29T00:00:00.001+02:00

I wonder if dentists smile (a healthy, white smile) when they see displays like this. Not only for all the sugar that harms your teeth in such excess, but the nuts that stick between them, and the caramel that often yanks out fillings.

But these apples are good. This shop will happily cut one up into pieces for you, so you can share the guilt, if not your dentist bill.

See other reflections at James' WEEKEND REFLECTION.

SKYWATCH: The Needle....

2011-10-28T00:00:00.001+02:00

The Space Needle through the legs of a sculpture at Seattle's Sculpture Park.

See other skies at SKYWATCH.

Juxtaposition

2011-10-27T00:00:00.004+02:00

No special comment; just liked the juxtaposition of the totem pole and the Pioneer Building on Pioneer Square in Seattle.

ABC WEDNESDAY "O" is for "obequitate "

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000+02:00

Over a cup of coffee with Chuck, another blogger from Seattle, I mentioned this giraffe I'd photographed while obequitating in the Wedgwood area or Seattle. He told me he'd already posted it, and so he had, right here, with rhododendrons in bloom and a much brighter sky.

Last Monday I told you that you always learn something through blogs, so now you know, if you've clicked on the first link, what to "obequitate" means. I was in desperate need of an "O".

See other "O"s" on ABC WEDNESDAY.

The supervisor

2011-10-25T00:01:00.000+02:00

This steam shovel operator may not be the supervisor in charge, but he's definitely supervising the workers around him repairing a downtown street, and waiting for their signal to help.

I am the captain of my soul

2011-10-24T00:00:00.005+02:00

Photoblogging is definitely educational. Not only do we learn from our fellow bloggers, but from those of whom we sneak shots. Take this girl's calves, for example. I liked that she had twin tattoos, and clicked away not really being able to see right away what her skin advertised.

"I am the captain of my soul," I learned from the the Internet and indirectly from this Seattle pedestrian, is the last line of the poem "Invictus," by the English poet, William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). "...It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

I also learned from the above link that "At the age of 12, Henley fell victim to tuberculosis of the bone...the disease progressed to his foot, and physicians announced that the only way to save his life was to amputate directly below the knee...Stoicism inspired him to write this poem..."

So, now you've learned something, too.