ABC Wednesday--"N" is for 'nipped nose"?

My question to you is: After what incident did this couple decide to put a muzzle on their Rottweiler?

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Oplenac Royal Mausoleum

The Oplenac (OH-pleh-nahts) Royal Mausoleum is the historic place of the mausoleum of the Serbian Karađorđević Royal Family and is located in central Serbia near the town of Topola. It is known for the St. George Church, which is decorated with superb mosaics like the ones in this photo over just about every square inch of its interior. The floors are of various-colored marble, in geometric designs. The church and mausoleum were the works of Peter I who, upon assuming Royal Duties in 1903, chose a spot 337 metres (1106 ft) on the top of Mali Oplenac hill for the location of his Church. The location was measured by experts so that the altar would face east, according to Orthodox tradition. In 1904 the cornerstone was laid, and the Charter dedicated to St. George was placed in the foundation.

Pimp My Car

Spotted this little beauty a while back on a main street in Zemun, but I was in my car (which is not nearly as decorative) and couldn't stop. Last Saturday I walked over to Zemun and was lucky enough to find this creatively decorated Niva (Russian model). I took photos from just about every angle, but this is the most representative. Sorry to say that the inside isn't pimped up...yet.

Happy Easter....again.

Today is Serbian Orthodox Easter, a happy occasion, unless you are a lamb. I must say I am having lamb today, and will try not to think about how it ended up on my plate.

Three Forgotten Hats

An early morning walk along the Sava quay yielded this shot of three forgotten hats in front of a plastic ball play area. Kids have to remove their shoes to jump among the balls, and usually don't forget them when they leave. Hats, however, are another story. I hope these were picked up later on.

From my terrace at 6.a.m.--SKYWATCH FRIDAY

I get up just before six to walk Bibi. Now that the sun is getting up with me, I am often treated to a beautiful view like this one off my terrace. The geranium looks happy to see the sun, too.

Participate in Skywatch !

Bottoms up!

Oh, the fun sights I come across when walking along the river! I was below this wall on the sidewalk along the Sava River when I looked up and saw this fellow who was lying on the bench on the other side, doing some see-saw exercises. Now the head, then the legs, now the head...and then I got his legs (and bottom.)

ABC Wednesday "M" is for 'mural'

Did you do a double-take on this one? It's on the side of a building downtown!

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The Other Side of the Tracks

These two photos, showing you a view in two opposite directions, represent a hot social issue in Belgrade. Just a little over a year ago, I showed you this photo regarding an international sport competition organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) under the sponsorship of the International Olympic Committee. From July 1st to the 12th, this competition brings together student sportsmen and sportswomen. The second photo shows only part of the many new apartment buildings going up to house the competitors. These apartments will then be sold, and actually quite a few of them already have.

So that the competitors (and future occupants) won't have to look out on the huts of several hundred gypsy and refugee families who are living in the unhygienic conditions you can see in the first photo, the City has razed their homes, forcing them to the streets. The City has promised new housing to those squatters who have national identity cards, but only a tiny percent do. These are primarily Serbs who have escaped from Kosovo, and not the gypsies.

The sign you see on both photos reads, "No one is worried about Belgrade's citizens. They're only interested in refugees. They get everything, and Belgrade's children get nothing, and must go on the street. We are praying for help."

This is an eternal problem for Belgrade's gypsy population. In the past, they have been promised resettlement, but residents near possible relocation sites have staged protests to keep them out.

What's your view?

One More Redhead

I just couldn't resist showing you one more redhead. I've shown you one here and here , so no more this month, I promise! This lady's hair is two-tone, and the pink blossoms set it off!

Happy Easter

Wishing you in the western world a Happy Easter. Serbian Orthodox Easter falls on April 19th this year, and since I only 'do' one Easter, I haven't colored my eggs yet. Here's a photo of a display of Easter candles in a shop window downtown. Which one would you buy?