BACK TO SCHOOL

 Our local basketball court, soccer field, and kids' play area had all stood nearly empty over the summer. Families on vacation, kids at grandma's, summer camp, and now they're back. School started here September 1st. 

THEME DAY "TRAVEL"

 

"Travel" is September's Theme day. This is not a Serbian bus, but one I photographed last June on my way to SeaTac airport to return to Belgrade. I guess if one has a choice, it would be wise to travel with "Blessed," hoping that this big bus was indeed blessed and that you'll reach your destination safely.

See other interpretations of "Travel" on THEME DAY.

MONDAY MURALS--COCA-COLA

Somewhere around 1886, John Pemberton, an American pharmacist, created Coca-Cola out of necessity. to control his chronic addiction to morphine, which he took as a result of a painful saber wound.  Shortly after, he decided to market his 'pain killer' as a drink, and the rest is history. 

Looks like it didn't make it to Serbia (then Yugoslavia) until 1967. I love this mural. It shows an old Italian FICA (FEE-cha), very popular then, the classic red cubic hot dog stand, and an example of the BRUTALIST ARCHITECTURE building nicknamed the Toberlerone Building because of its triangular projections.

See more murals on MONDAY MURALS.

 

"BAD FILE"?

I tried to upload this photo several times, both here and on my account on Flickr. The former said simply 'File cannot be uploaded" and the latter said it was a "bad file".  No clue why, so I searched online for the reason; still no help. The only thing I could think of is that the original file was very light; I must have messed up the exposure. So I upped the contrast, and voila, in Blogger and Flickr I was able to upload it.

Anyway, the is almost my favorite handy shop. Anything plastic you need, they've got it, from oil cloth, flower pots, little shelves, and hooks; a small paradise.
 

BEARDED

Of course people can choose their hairstyle and in a man's case, beard style. Personally, I do not mind beards, but for me they have to be shorter and neatly trimmed. Otherwise, honestly, they look too unkempt. My own opinion of course!

AN ADMIRER

This sort of fashion comes and goes and still gets looks.
 

SYMMETRY?

 

Hmmm....This is one of those photos I thought would turn out better. Was desperate for a photo!

DOWNSIZING

 

Ever wonder how many layers of posters a kiosk can have? Now you know!

SUMMER BEER

 These were full cases of beer, a sign that summer is in full spring, and that it's still darn hot. I imagine the grocery store's fridge is full. 

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

 

Like in many places, there's been no rain and all is hot, yellow, and dry. I came acris the little tree today on an already fairly shaded sidewalk. There was another about 10 yards farther. I imagine this was a city initiative. Both were generously watered and I am making it my duty to water each one every day, and hope the rain comes soon. 

HARD TO KICK THE HABIT

 This man was NOT smoking. I saw him extinguish his cigarette before he entered the bus, but old habits die hard. He was dry-puffing for two stops, then exited the bus.