WEEKEND REFLECTIONS--at KFC

 I took this lady's photo through the window of Belgrade's Kentucky Fried Chicken. She seems very deep in her thoughts.

See other reflections on James'  WEEKEND REFLECTIONS.

SKYWATCH--THE DANUBE AT DUBOVAC

 DUBOVAC (DOO-bo-vahts) is about a 1.5 hour drive from Belgrade. Calm and beautiful, it is also deadly quiet and the town has only one restaurant and NO cafe, much to my disappointment.

This scene shows where I released the baby turtle I almost stepped on that I showed you yesterday.

See other skies on SKYWATCH.

RIVER-LOVING POND TURTLE

 Today a friend and I took a drive to the riverside village of Dubovac, about 1.5 hours from Belgrade. Not a lot there, but we did a walk along the river. I almost stepped on a 'leaf' on the dusty road up the river bank, but upon closer observation saw that it was a (very) baby turtle. Here's a pic of the little fellow/gal. I am a big turtle lover, but knowing it would be happier with Mother Nature, I returned the wayward turtle to the quiet water area next to the river where it happily swam off. I've looked it up and it seems to be a European Pond Turtle...who likes rivers. If anyone knows for sure, let me know. I have a couple of other photos.

Its nails are nicer than mine, but my skin is better.

MAY 1ST STROLL

 In many countries across the world, May 1st was INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' DAY.  No exception here  in Serbia, and there were a few gatherings downtown yesterday. Here are two elderly people who are just enjoying a stroll.

THEME DAY--SHADOWS

 The very tall chestnut tree behind me cast is shadow on the lamp post.

See other shadows on CITY DAILY PHOTO THEME DAY.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS: Bright enough for ya?

 This cafe caught my eye with its bright colors and lighting fixtures. I plan on cropping out the reflection, but here is the entire photo!

See other reflections on James' WEEKEND REFLECTIONS.

SKYWATCH - billy goat

 On a recent trip to Vladimirovac, I took a wrong turn and ended up at the end of a road where there was a gypsy settlement. This is one of their goats!

See other skies on SKYWATCH.

LONG-LOST KEYS

 I say 'long-lost' since they are a bit rusty. I did  not find them, but some kind soul placed them on a bench in the park.  It's so awful to  lose keys, but worse, I think, is losing your wallet and documents.

FASHION STATEMENT

 A bit too militant for  my taste, but she carries it off.

THE INFAMOUS BABA ANUJKA

 

Baba Anujka (AHN--nooya-ka) or Granny Anujka as she was known then and now, was an accomplished amateur chemist and convicted killer hailing from the village of Vladimirovac, about an hour's drive from Belgrade. She was born in 1838 and lived to be 100.

I can't believe I have lived here for 45 years and never heard of her.  PLEASE take the time to read about her by CLICKING RIGHT HERE. Nearly unbelievable.  

The first photo is of course not mine. A friend and I drove out to Vladimirovac a few days ago. Naturally, someone of her reputation is still a stain on the village, but we managed to find the Romanian graveyard (many people in this area are of Romanian descent, as was she).  We were fairly certain we would  not find her grave, if indeed she is there, since I can only imagine no one wanted her buried there. However, we did find these two graves, the photos upon which I have enlarged for you.

Sad story. This newly-married, very young couple, Maria and Titu Vakaresku (16 and 18), were returning from a village fair one warm summer evening. They passed by Baba's house where she was sitting on the front steps. She offered them some refreshing lemonade. They died one week later. These two young people were thought to be her first victims.

WHICH ONE?

 Hmmm....  If you don't read Cyrillic, the street sign on the left reads "Dusan Bogdanovic Street," whereas the one on the right reads "Patriarch Pavle" street.  The former was a politician; the latter the patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Take your pick!