We arrived in Belgrade with no problems. I didn't sleep so well, but that could have been because of excitement, new setting, or the heat. Our hostel was easy to find, just across the street from the train station. It was about 5:30 when we arrived, and the hostel was expecting us. Since it was early, we were not able to check in yet because the beds were not yet free. We brushed our teeth changed our clothes and waited a while before heading out on our journey to see Belgrade.
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| We are in Belgrade!! |
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| View from the hostel balcony |
Our first stop was going to be Tito! Josip Broz Tito was a revolutionary statesman in Yugoslavia and served as president of Yugoslavia from 1953-1980. Prior to that he was also the Secretary-General of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia from 1939. Tito was the leader of Yugoslavia for 41 years. He was extremely popular not only in his country but throughout the world receiving over 119 awards and decorations from 60 different countries. His death in 1980 was mourned by many. Tito was put to rest in a mausoleum in Belgrade which is now a memorial complex. His grave is in the House of Flowers, an indoor garden area. Within the same building is a display of battons used in the celebration of Youth Day. Youth Day was held each year on Tito's birthday. Each republic of Yugoslavia brought and presented a baton that had been created in their republics and carried to Youth Day. It is much like the torch in the Olympics. Also in the complex is the Museum of Yugoslav History and an Ethnographic Museum of items from around the word given to Tito.
We arrived a bit early to the museum so we took naps on the benches in the park to pass the time. We also got to see a beautiful view of Belgrade including the Serbian Orthodox Church , Cathedral of Saint Sava.
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| resting in the park |
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| Saint Sava |
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| Saint Sava from my bench |
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| Museum of Yugoslav History |
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| Tito's Statue |
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| Walking through the gardens |
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| Fountain outside of the House of Flowers |
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| Looking into the House of Flowers - Tito's grave is the marble rectangle |
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| Youth Day Baton displays |
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| Youth Day Baton displays |
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| Ethnographic Museum of items given to Tito |
Next stop was some food!!! We began walking back towards the center of Belgrade and were planning to stop at the Saint Sava Cathedral. Before we crossed the highway, we found a restaurant and stopped!! I ordered a traditional Serbia stew!
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| LUNCH! |
Cathedral of Saint Sava is the largest Serbian Orthodox church, and let me tell you it is VERY impressive. Leading up to the front is a park and fountains. We were able to go inside. Currently it is under construction on the inside but the size was still breath taking. There were areas set up for worshipers to come, lines of people were waiting to pay their religious respects to different saints around the cathedral.
We began walking back towards the old town and fortress of Belgrade. Along our walk we had a bike race pass us. This is not a normal occurrence so it was pretty exciting! Like other cities I have traveled too, Belgrade has a tram system that runs through the city.
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| City view with tram |
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| The bike race |
We made our way towards the Danube river and the fortress of Belgrade. Like all fortresses this too was impressive! Within the walls of the fortress is the Military Museum as well as a park. Around the grounds of the Military museum are cannons, tanks and other large military equipment. Being that we are fairly goofy people, Cassidy, Lizzie and I stopped to take some action shots!
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| Gate to the fortress |
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| Military items around the museum |
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| Me shooting Cassidy... |
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| Military Museum |
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| Outside the military museum |
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| clock tower in the fortress |
The park area through the fortress was so peaceful. After taking a few pictures, we laid in the grass just looking up at the beautiful sky.
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| Looking over the fortress wall towards the river Danube |
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| Sava and Danube rivers |
Fulbrighters are spread all throughout the world so when we travel we sometimes get the opportunity to meet up with others! Tonight we ate at a Mexican cantina with 2 Fulbright researchers in Belgrade. The restaurant was right along the river... what an enjoyable evening.
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| River and bridge after dinner |
Lesson: National pride is not only visible it runs through you.
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