Perhaps the most interesting of the known tests made to children and adults to cross their answers - and usually with the ultimate aim of «close eye» the older generations-is as follows. The question «what city;» - Translations of which vary from «what a city;» until «what characteristics;» - adults answer is that city buildings, parks, roads, theatres, restaurants, bars, traffic, shopping and various other facilities. The children, in their overwhelming majority, answered that the city is people.
The reactions of adults here vary from veviasmeno «yes, okay, this meant» by shock eyes that shout «but how can the forgotten;». This thought the first evening koimithika the sixth floor of a historic hotel in Belgrade. How can the forgotten?
How can so easily forgotten the fact that, more than buildings and infrastructure, people are making the city what it is - beautiful or ugly, or kefati mounti, live or boring? How is after only one day in a city not originally intended to visit in a city still counting its wounds from its recent war, I feel so good? And how can people who have gone to so many around this city so happy, giving the impression that celebrate life ?
The answer is exactly that. That celebration of life, literally. It took one Serb, the second day we antexa not ask. «When you have passed war, and indeed such a war, then nothing is a problem. Simply, there is no problem. That is why you see them all so happy on the road »he said. Anatrichiasa. As anatrichiaza when I listened to stories from the war, from children younger than me, to tell like a bad dream, gelontas intermediates, as saying gelame «akou to see what nonsense I saw in my sleep. It is a monster and kynigouse… ».
And after koitousa around me, and I saw young couples to play with straws for sapounofoyskes in the parks, grandparents to catch a word between the attitudes of coaches, families to make the trip katoikidia, volunteers to give orphans koutavakia at passersby. As if all City had wake up from a nightmare, and chamogelouse as if aware that fortunately, the dream was gone, gone.
In Belgrade have always felt that have gone to visit friends. Everyone wants to talk to you - not just to you, all for accuracy, visitors and locals, but realize this somewhat-deferred, everybody is willing to help in whatever need, all excited with the slightest indication of interest for the city, country's history. In moderate English, or split Greek fluently… meaning, we all have stories to diigithoun small and philosophies of life to share.
And the city itself, however - or rather, another part of town, which consists of apsycho material-has this beauty, without being overwhelming, holding the absolute enchantment. Prosgeiomeni, accessible, full of surprises and emotions. Mainly feelings. Mix. Of those created - or rather rotated when the one-time happy walking in a green park and the other the path turns to lead in front of a monument to children killed in the war. And after the park continued, full of people who enjoy. Just like life.
The centre of the city is full of parks. Kataprasina, integral parts of the urban fabric - without walls or anousioys kagkelenies entrances-contributing greatly to the overall beauty. Parks in leading wide, polyvouoi highways, interrupted by open squares and beautiful buildings decorated by the beginning of the century. And more all, eternal guardian of the city, which oversees from the hilltop, fortress Kalemegdan, most of which today is a beautiful park.
Calculate at least one full breakfast for your visit here. The panoramic view of the city's two rivers, the Sava and Danube, to come together at one point, in conjunction with the event held in the park - such as exposure to giganties photos from around the world in the summer-and War Museum which is housed, also, here and hosts, including pieces by the American Stealth, which was broken in 1999 and seized weapons from the UCK, you will absorb many more hours than those you can imagine. Inside the Kalemegdan hosted since 1936 and the zoo in the city - also known as a garden of good hope-that enjoys one of the oldest in Europe. It seems unnecessary to mention once again the incredible atmosphere created by the world always all hours of the day.
On the south side of Kalemegdan, the old city, or Stari Grad, together most of the visitors. Heritage of Apsvourgon, for the most part, hosts the overwhelming majority of museums in the city, and also has some of the most beautiful buildings, with visible evidence of art nouveau. Kentrikoteros way, pezodromimeni Knez Mihailova, vibrant all hours of day, thanks to the countless shops and café, has declared monument cultural heritage as one of the oldest parts of the city. Many of the buildings occupying the date from the late 1870.
The Square of the Republic, just south, is one of the most striking points of the old city. Situated in the position of entyposiakoteris gateway city, which was built by the Austrians in the early 18 th century, the square dates from 1869, a year when completed and construction of the National Theatre. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the National Museum, on the third floor, which operates modern art gallery hosts, including works by Picasso and Monet. The remaining floors of the museum, and prehistoric archaeological findings remain closed for several years.
Very near the square, Skadarska, also known as Monmarti Belgrade, was the meeting point boem poets and artists in the early 20 th century. Today lithoktisto path hosts traditional tavernas, café, art galleries and a lot of - a much-traditional live music every night. Piaste position in one of the wooden benches of the bar, please order beer by the litre - serving for yourself, since varelaki coming to the table-and enjoy the paradomenoi in notes itinerant musicians, to feel that tilemetaferthikate suddenly sets in a shooting the Kostouritsa.
Other points of interest in the city include the church of St. Sava, which is considered the largest orthodox church in the Balkans, the construction of which started in 1935 and has taken place 50 years later, the Gallery of Frescoes, faithful copies of agiografion monasteries across country, the church of San Marco, which is the tomb of Emperor Dusan, 14 th century, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Automobile hosting, among other things, the Cadillac of'57 that led President Tito, and, of course, the Museum of Nikola Tesla, dedicated to one of the greatest heroes of the country - whose name has taken the airport in Belgrade-and inventions.
Just outside the town centre is the tomb of Stratarchi What is it with the adjacent museum of gifts that had accepted during his life - and which include arms until embroidery and pipes. Planespotters, on the other hand, would find the paradiZe in Aeronaftiko Museum located near the airport and hosts, among other things, aircraft of the Second World War, and pieces of the most renowned American Stealth.
The islet of the river Sava who listens to music Ada Ciganlija name lends itself to walking or cycling in green dasaki, endless hours with beer, coffee and conversation on the banks of the artificial lake, and extreme sports, like bungee jumping and water ski. Ideal for walking or cycling are the banks of the river, which hosted the summer and trendy clubs floating bustling with life every night. If kourasteite, lifts the Brankov bridge shall carry you and your bike back in town - or at least closer to it-rest, free and with extra bonus the magnificent view.
Climbing on this bridge, watching from high above Belgrade, I remembered a phrase from the statement issued by Reuters, when Serbia won the tender of Eurovision. «We have one more reason to rejoice,» said a 24-year-old girl, «because vote is proof that Europe and hates us ». In four or five years, I thought, none of the residents of Belgrade will not be looking for such proof. It is obvious from the streets of the city which will allowed by crowds of visitors.
How to get there (above all)
With air flight of JAT (Yugoslav Airlines) or Olympic, approximately 2.5 hours. Up to allow the landing of low cost airline in Nikola Tesla - or to begin flights to be operated with more aircraft from the rotorcraft Olympic-prefer cheaper and much more pleasant solution of the train from Thessaloniki (45 euro berths, 16 hours ) Or the car - about 7 hours, also from Thessaloniki.
Travel around, Belgrade has several excellent choices residence. From the best, the historic Hotel Moscva has hosted personalities such as Indira Gandhi and Orson Welles. 4 stars, 124 rooms with aroma era and luxury facilities, at prices ranging from 125 euros. Polytelestato and Greek interests Hyatt Regency Belgrade (family Laskaridis, Great Britain). Unique decorated, stunning rooms and suites fully equipped with all modern facilities, at prices ranging from around 200 euros. Good choice and the Palace, with beautifully decorated rooms, equipped with telephone and television, and the Panorama restaurant floor to the latest offers excellent local cuisine with escorts… amazing view in the city. Prices start at 92 euros for a double room. On low budget solutions, the best option is Belgrade Eye, which has axioprepestata double rooms with shared kitchen for 30 euros.
Where will try local specialties
Almost exclusively kreatofagiki, Serbian cuisine - like most of central and eastern European countries-is enjoyable, with many similarities with the corresponding Mediterranean as required to avoid strange but is not boring relevant to the Mediterranean peoples.
Superb local specialties will try in almost all of tavernas Skadarska - singling out the Sesir Moj, for the excellent environment, the friendly service and the legendary desserts-and the Jevrem (Gospodar Jevremova 36) with the perfect'20s décor. Original concept of the Biblioteca (Terazije 27), filled with books and periodicals shelves, the pareistiki atmosphere and excellent cuisine.
If nostalgisete… Mediterranean, Trattoria Kosava (Kralja Petra 6) offers an excellent pizza on the ground floor and gourmet makaronades the top floor.
