WATCH YOUR BELONGINGS

 On a few local (Belgrade) Facebook groups, I have recently read a number of posts from persons who have been pickpocketed. Most claim they were careful, but we all know pickpockets are extremely skillful and usually work with a partner or two. There's no sense in making their 'job' any easier like this young woman did by leaving her purse behind her on the bench between us. Not once did she look around, totally engrossed in conversation with her friend. I could have made off with the entire purse had I been so inclined, but I preferred to lick my ice cream in peace. 

THE FROZEN BIKER

 Biker on the sidewalk along the Danube (Yes, this is Serbia....) who appears not to be moving, therefore frozen, despite the heat!

WALKING TEDDY

 Mom and son are doing okay, but Teddy must have been tired.

THE GAME GOES ON

 Two chess players meet downtown for a game of chess.  It's still hot here.....

NEEDLEPOINT

 This empty field across the street from me is a far cry from an art gallery. Nevertheless, my dog and I discovered a framed (albeit a damaged frame) needlepoint. Any takers? 

WAITING FOR THE BUS

I was waiting for the bus, too, though I wasn't nearly as stylishly dressed. The photo  behind her is of Hotel Moskva downtown, which I've shown you MANY TIMES BEFORE.
 

'THE NAME IS POPOV, DUSKO POPOV"

This may seem hard to believe, but it is true.  Please read THIS LINK.  You will learn that Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books, was inspired by the flamboyant Serbian counterspy, Dušan "Duško" Popov.  Popov came from a well-established Serbian family and this entire building at #5 Francuska Street belonged to them.  If you'd like to read the book he wrote (and shell  out big bucks since it is  out of print in English), check THIS LINK.

THE PAINTER

 There is a painter who lives in one of the long, concrete, drab Brutalist-style apartment buildings in New Belgrade. apartments near me. For years he's taken it upon himself to beautify the colorless walls separating the building's entrances. Here is an example. 

NO PIROSHKY FOR ME

I adore piroshky, but not in 90-degree weather. The little stand selling same is closed....wondering why, ha.

OPEN YOUR MOMENT OF JOY

The sign reads, "OPEN YOUR MOMENT OF JOY".  Somebody should go and boy these girls a bottle of this juice.

DOG DAYS

 

The Dog Days of summer are in full swing and my dog and her cousin are dog-tired from the heat.