Saturday, December 31, 2022

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS: REFLECTIONS ON THE SQUARE

 

Like elsewhere, Belgrade is getting ready for New Year's Eve.  Someone had the idea to cover the lower part of Prince Mihailo's statue with reflective foil.....somehow it doesn't make a good impression...but a good reflection for me, yes.

See other reflections on WEEKEND REFLECTIONS.

Friday, December 30, 2022

SAVA SUMANOVIC


 Sava Sumanovic (896-1942) was a Serbian painter considered to be one of the most important Serbian painters of the 20th century.  His styles ran from Cubism, Fauvism, and Expressionism. 

I have been to his home and museum in the town of Sid (SHEED), located about an hour and a half from Belgrade. The painting above I recently saw again at a museum exhibit here in Belgrade where I had taken my grandchildren to culture them up more than they already are. :)

Sadly, Sava Sumanovic was executed during the mass genocide of Serbs during WWII in Croatia. He was first tortured, then thrown still alive into a lime pit.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

STREET PANDA


 Gotta love those pandas. Seems like this street panda is getting a lot of attention.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

INTENTLY


 Went for a cup of coffee with a friend yesterday and was fascinated by this man who was writing with such fervor the entire time we were there, hardly lifting his eyes from the paper. What he was writing, I'll never know....a love letter, an "I'm sorry' letter, a complaint to some company?  Who knows?  He was still at it when we left.

Monday, December 26, 2022

MONDAY MURALS--ZORAN PANIC


 A walk  in a neighborhood where I haven't walked in a long time revealed this mural of Zoran Panic. I had no idea who he was, but a quick Internet search told me he was a producer for RTS (Radio Televizija Serbia) and a 'bheme'.  He apparently liked to fish as well...

See other murals on MONDAY MURALS.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS


 Merry Christmas today to those who celebrate!  Serbian Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th, but these two are around for New Year's here when locals usually exchange gifts.

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Friday, December 23, 2022

TOOT, TOOT


 Keeping warm on the streets in their own way, a friend and I were serenaded the other evening by this orchestra.  My friend and I were keeping warm  in our own way, i.e. having some mulled wine.

Thursday, December 22, 2022

DARK WREATH


 A bit stark, but I like the contrast of the dark and light of the wreath and the wrought iron.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

THE 'OLD CURIOSITY SHOP'


 A nod to Charles Dickens. This antique shop has been in Belgrade even before I arrived in 1977 and probably before. I have never, ever seen anyone inside, be it the owner or a customer and have often wondered how it stays in business. There's always new stuff though, so I imagine there's some kind of turnover.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

IT'S COLD OUTSIDE


 Took a walk the other night in our very cold weather. I went in a bookstore and a gift shop allegedly to browse, but I have to say my main reason was to warm up a bit.  This fellow I glimpsed in a cafe where others were deeply absorbed in the France-Argentina soccer match.  Another fellow wanting to warm up.

Monday, December 19, 2022

THE GIRL IN BLACK


Nothing special about this photo except I liked her pose, her mask....all in  black.  Taken through my bus's window.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME


 Is this the shape of things to come for an old European city?  Often passed off as  being modern, these horrors are sprouting up all over, from what I've seen, and not just here. Ugly, I think.

Saturday, December 17, 2022

NOMOPHOBIA (not Gnomophobia...)


 When I took this photo the other evening, I was convinced this couple would object to being in it. But no...they are nomophobics.  If you don't know what NOMOPHOBIA, click and find out.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

HELPING HAND


 As I get older, I become more and more sympathetic to older people....  I don't need help on an uphill street nor on my five flights of stairs at home...yet. But that day may come. This gentleman was taking a mini-breather with the help of a parked car.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

FRIDA KHALO DESATURATED


 Most people, including me, tend to think of FRIDA KAHLO in vivid colors. Here she shown in black and white, since I took this boutique shot from the street at night and the colors would not have done her justice.  

Monday, December 12, 2022

MONDAY MURALS---meaning?


 UPDATE:  I googled the address of this mural. It is dedicated to Gina Ranjicic, a Serbian gypsy poet (1830-1891).  The entire project including several other murals is dedicated to unrecognized women poets.

This is a beautiful mural, I think, but its meaning is lost on me. Two women, a bandaged hand, a striking cover of some sort; what does it mean?  I may have to ask around.

In the meantime, see other murals on MONDAY MURALS.

Sunday, December 11, 2022

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY--my first photo


 I know I have posted this photo a long time ago. It hangs on my dining room wall and is the very first photo I ever took eons ago, in the days of only film, in Paris. 

See other shadows on SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY.

Saturday, December 10, 2022

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS--THE READER....AND I.


 My walking buddy is always used to my calling out in just above a whisper, "Wait!  I see a photo."  This means I've spotted one not so very close to where we currently are. She holds my dog's leash and waits for me while I discreetly walk over to my 'victim'. Makes for a good Reflection Weekend shot.

See other reflections on WEEKEND REFLECTIONS.

Friday, December 9, 2022

Thursday, December 8, 2022

EASY TO BE KISSED


 Have you ever  been kissed or else kissed someone under the mistletoe? It would be fairly easy to do in this park, where bunches of mistletoe loom over people's heads.

Ever wonder where that tradition came from? I did, so I looked it up for you  RIGHT HERE.

Read the article and learn. I did....

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

EARLY A.M.


 Spent the night at my son's the the the other evening.  Slept on their comfy couch (really IS comfy) and this is my morning view.

Monday, December 5, 2022

WATERMELON...?


 It appears this mural was painted in 2019, but I hadn't seen it before. I guess I must have either walked down the street and it was behind me or else I have never walked on that street before at all.

In any case, I don't really understand why she's holding and just staring at the watermelon slices.

See other murals on MONDAY MURALS.

Sunday, December 4, 2022

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY--the red light


 The red light in the window is actually a reflection of the traffic light at the intersection below....

See other shadows on SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY.

Saturday, December 3, 2022

NEW HATS


 It's getting nippy, but I don't think these ladies were so concerned about a warm hat, but a stylish one.  

Friday, December 2, 2022

READER IN THE FOG


 Foggy it may be, but the colder weather and fog did not deter this gentleman from reading in the park.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

THEME DAY for December: Luxury


 I was thinking and thinking about the theme "Luxury" and wanted to avoid the usual pictures that pop into one's mind when hearing the word. (See other theme day posts at THEME DAY.)

Finally I had a "Eureka!" moment when I found that I am surrounded by luxury. Serbia's inflation is rising and here's what the Internet has to say:  "For 2021, an inflation rate of 4.1% was calculated. During the observation period from 1995 to 2021, the average inflation rate was 22.5% per year. Overall, the price increase was 10,671.01%. An item that cost 100 dinars in 1995 costs 10,771.01 dinars at the beginning of 2022."

So, this supermarket flyer is a good example. Items that used to be within reach for most have now become 'luxuries.' And I am glad I have gone off meat, except for rare occasions.  For your information, the average salary in Serbia is the equivalent of $1,347.00 which may not go far for families. For those on pensions which is inferior to that, it's even more difficult.




Wednesday, November 30, 2022

NO HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION


 There isn't really any homeowners' association to maintain buildings here inside and out.  Apartment buildings elect a person living in the building or can opt to resort to an outside firm that specializes in upkeep.  Either option requires a small payment (or sometimes significant if repairs are costly) from each apartment owner. Sadly, most people don't consider anything outside their own door as 'theirs,' so you see many such building facades like this.Who knows what the hallways and stairways are like?

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

LONG RED HAIR


 It was late at  night when I took this photo. I guess many salons stay open, for this is not the first one I have come across. I was attracted by the client's beautiful long, red hair.

Monday, November 28, 2022

IN THE BUS


 Coming back in the bus from the 'Palata Srbije' on Saturday I sneaked a photo of this man in the bus.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

THE PALACE OF SERBIA


 Not a real palace in the royal sense, but the PALACE OF SERBIA houses several ministries and cabinet-level agencies. A true 65,000 square meter showplace completed in 1959.  Of course it was first called The Palace of the Federation (i.e. Yugoslavia).  

I had the privileged opportnity yesterday of touring the building, and with  its art and restored furniture from various parts of the former Yugoslavia, it was literally mind-blowing. If the opportunity arises again, I may go  back. 

What you see in the photo here behind those closed doors is Tito's (RIP) office, but we were not allowed in.


Saturday, November 26, 2022

THE WEEKEND IN BLACK AND WHITE--STILL ABANDONED


 This eyesore of a building on a street downtown has stood like this literally for years and years. It is assumed the builders/financers ran out of money or perhaps never had a building permit to  begin with.

In any case, it's ugly as it stands now, but perfect for the theme BLACK AND WHITE WEEKEND.

Thursday, November 24, 2022

HAPPY THANKSGIVING


 I confess. I have already used this photo earlier this month, but Thanksgiving snuck up on me. Here in Serbia it isn't a holiday today, so I am celebrating with family this coming Sunday when it's easier for them to come.  That 'forgetting' Thanksgiving is today is a lame excuse, but I wanted to wish you all a happy day of 'thanksgiving,' whether you celebrate the real holiday or not. Every single one of  us has at least one thing to be thankful for. 

All the best to all of you.


Wednesday, November 23, 2022

GLOOMY...


 The weather's been a bit gray, so this is a fitting photo. Of course Murphy's Law made it turn out sunny today....

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

URBAN TREE


 Like many city dwellers, I delight in finding pieces of the village or country in town. Here is one example.

Monday, November 21, 2022

FLOWERS FOR SALE


 It's getting a bit nippy. This flower seller beside the National Museum is bundled up, as are others around town.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

OLD AND NEW


 This old facade, albeit with a new window, has always attracted me. Now already for a few years there is a Hilton hotel nearby. Contrast f old and new....

Saturday, November 19, 2022

WEEKEND IN BLACK AND WHITE--THE CONVERSATION


 It was nearly dark when I took this photo. I think it would be a good story starter, with the couple engaged in conversation and fellow hurrying off to the side.

See other black and white photos on THE WEEKEND IN BLACK AND WHITE.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

NOTHING LIKE A BIT OF RED....


 

Nothing like a bit of red to catch your eye on a gloomy day.  That's exactly what this red plastic chair did and I clicked away.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

CHECKING HIS PHONE


 People with cell phones make it so much easier for me to do my sneak shots. Pretty soon they won't have to be sneak shots anymore. I can just click away and they're totally oblivious.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

RODNEY AND HIS MAN


 Rodney and his devoted owner caught my eye the other day while walking my dog. I watched him from a distance, lovingly cuddling his pet, talking to him, and it made me feel so good.  I moseyed over and struck up a conversation. Standard story:  he lives alone but does have a daughter in Belgrade and little Rodney, 9 months old, keeps him great company.  

Monday, November 14, 2022

WINE BAR BLONDES


 A friend and I had a glass of really good red wine from Portugal the other night in a favorite wine bar. I caught these three blondes enjoying some white wine.  I wonder if they took a photo of the "wine bar silvers' at the table across from them.

Sunday, November 13, 2022

PIPAYA


 

Pipaya is often known as Dragon Fruit and in relation to where Serbia is, comes from far, far away. You can read more about them  IF YOU CLICK HERE.  I came across these beauties on my local market, but they were very expensive, so didn't buy any.

Saturday, November 12, 2022

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS---THE TREE IN THE WINDOW


 Took a dog walk last night and came across this reflection on a dark street. A street light illuminated the tree from behind and then in this window.

See other reflections on James' WEEKEND REFLECTIONS.

Friday, November 11, 2022

Thursday, November 10, 2022

BOYS HANGING OUT


 Whenever I pass this square where there is an open market and mini-flea market, I see these fellows and several others enjoying life with a beer or two. 

MOTHER AND SON PIZZA

When hunger strikes...