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.

NEW HATS

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

READER IN THE FOG

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

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.

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?

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.

IN THE BUS

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

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.

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.

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.

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....