The final spot of my Greek getaway is the beautiful island of Paros. Not as touristy as Santorini, but still flooded with people from all over. Paros is an island completley made of granite, with quarries all over the place. The bustling port town of Parikia is busy, but managable. The location of my hotel is prime, close to the bus stop, ferry station and great eating & drinking establishments.
I arrived here two days ago with three other traveling companions who I met at the hostel in Oia. They are sisters Stephanie & Anneliese from Belgium and Glen from Calgary. We took the ferry ride up to Paros from Santorini together and although we are staying at different places, we met up for dinner & a movie.
For my only full day on Paros, I took the bus across the entire island and went to a beach club called Punda Beach. It reminds me very much of a Mexico spring break destination or something along those lines. I think I got there early enough and left at the right time to miss all of the craziness, but definitely had a good time. The pool section was nice and the DJ's actually played some good music. I really felt as though I was on spring break, just hanging out reading, drinking and sun bathing. Oh the life!!
Last night I met up with Glen, Stephanie & Annaliese and we had a fantastic dinner. It was a highly recommended restaurant and for good reason. Great food, waiters with a sense of humor and FREE dessert! The dessert was awesome! I took down the name of one of the cakes to try to replicate it back home. After dinner we went to an open air theater and watched Ice Age 3. Pretty good movie, but the setting was incredible. Right above the screen you could see the Big Dipper and thousands of other stars. And as chance would have it, I saw a shooting star right before the movie started. I smiled and it reaffirmed my decision to travel and see a bit of the world.
Today, I just putzed around the town of Parikia and had a great time. A bit of souvenir shopping, walking, picture taking and a great lunch at this little place called Siti House. Sandwiches, salads, fruit and juices were what they served. And for me being such a patient customer, they gave me a free glass of wine and some fruit. The waitress, from Germany, even came and sat with me for a while and we chatted. I think I definitely had an European lunch as I sat there for 2.5 hours hanging out, eating and chatting. Being on "holiday" is something I like very much!!
And as I've mentioned in a previos post, I am sitting and waiting for my ferry this evening. My hotel was kind enough to let me store my luggage free of cost and continue to use their wireless internet. So I am sitting in the corner of this little patio area writing and reminiscing of my travels. I have had such an awesome time and I really do hope that you have enjoyed reading about them. There may have been some things I have left out, but no worries, I'm sure when I get back home I'll still be talking about them. =)
That should do it for now. Tomorrow will be a long day starting at 4:30 at the port in Athens and then a few hours of waiting at the airport. Sleep, I hope will come easy.
Pictures from Paros below!
Paros, Greece: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/ParosGreece?authkey=Gv1sRgCPea88mssb2W0wE&feat=directlink
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Greece Part II
I am writing this post as I wait for my last ferry in Greece. It is currently 5 pm here on the island of Paros and my ferry does not leave until 10 pm. I will arrive at the port in Athens around 4:30 in the morning and then proceed to the airport to hang out until my flight for Serbia at 2 in the afternoon. Sounds great doesn't it?!
Anyways, I have seen many things, been many places & met lots of great people since I last wrote. Let me start back on the island of Crete.
My second city on the island of Crete was not as wonderful as was the town of Chania. Heraklion, the main port of Crete is a large city that is crowded and a bit dirty (like most big cities). However, the place definitely made up for it. The Prince of Lillies hotel was on the outskirts of Heraklion. It had a pool, bar & just good feel. The owners, Fira & Manos, were/are fantastic. I met them upon my arrival and proceeded to make friends with them as I sat up at the bar where Manos was bartending. He was pretty funny and liked to dance to the traditional Cretan music that was playing in the background. He also liked to drink a bit. At one point in the evening he looked at me and said, "Manos is... Manos is..." and I replied with "the best?!" He said "No. Manos is a bastard." And with this he proceeded to pour a couple of very large tequila shots for him and I. I of course laughed and said that I would probably be saying he is a bastard the next morning if I had a headache. Fortunately for me I felt just fine the next day.
The next morning, I hopped on a bus and went to the port of Heraklion to catch my ferry/hydrofoil (super fast ferry) to go to the island of Santorini. The bus ride was quite scenic and beautiful as the road went completely along the northern Crete coastline. The ferry ride lasted about 2 hours and then I arrived in the place what everyone thinks of when they imagine Greece. Whitewashed buildings, churches with blue roofs, narrow winding streets & pure beauty. Santorini is stunning.
While in Santorini, I stayed at the youth hostel in Oia. This was my first ever time staying at a hostel and I have to say that it was quite enjoyable. I met lots of great people. I spent most of my time with the Canadians going to dinner, a tour the next day where we explored a volcano, a hot springs and another nearby island. As much as I have enjoyed traveling alone, being with other people is definitely better in my book. There is nothing better than being able to have a conversation with someone and talk about your shared experiences. And also being able to learn from these other people was great too.
I won't talk in great length about Santorini as it just better to look at the photos. The town of Oia is completely built on a cliff and is very much touristy. I went to a beach on the opposite side of the island one day, but aside from that I just strolled along the cobblestone walkways and did a lot of window shopping.
Here are the links to the pictures from my second day in Chania , my evening in Heraklion and three days Santorini.
Chania, Crete Part II: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/ChaniaCretePartII?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3xm4WTzcDpRQ&feat=directlink
Heraklion, Crete: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/HeraklionCrete?authkey=Gv1sRgCPeJlc3NpJCvBg&feat=directlink
Santorini, Greece: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/SantoriniGreece?authkey=Gv1sRgCO3wtd2bjs_IpQE&feat=directlink
Anyways, I have seen many things, been many places & met lots of great people since I last wrote. Let me start back on the island of Crete.
My second city on the island of Crete was not as wonderful as was the town of Chania. Heraklion, the main port of Crete is a large city that is crowded and a bit dirty (like most big cities). However, the place definitely made up for it. The Prince of Lillies hotel was on the outskirts of Heraklion. It had a pool, bar & just good feel. The owners, Fira & Manos, were/are fantastic. I met them upon my arrival and proceeded to make friends with them as I sat up at the bar where Manos was bartending. He was pretty funny and liked to dance to the traditional Cretan music that was playing in the background. He also liked to drink a bit. At one point in the evening he looked at me and said, "Manos is... Manos is..." and I replied with "the best?!" He said "No. Manos is a bastard." And with this he proceeded to pour a couple of very large tequila shots for him and I. I of course laughed and said that I would probably be saying he is a bastard the next morning if I had a headache. Fortunately for me I felt just fine the next day.
The next morning, I hopped on a bus and went to the port of Heraklion to catch my ferry/hydrofoil (super fast ferry) to go to the island of Santorini. The bus ride was quite scenic and beautiful as the road went completely along the northern Crete coastline. The ferry ride lasted about 2 hours and then I arrived in the place what everyone thinks of when they imagine Greece. Whitewashed buildings, churches with blue roofs, narrow winding streets & pure beauty. Santorini is stunning.
While in Santorini, I stayed at the youth hostel in Oia. This was my first ever time staying at a hostel and I have to say that it was quite enjoyable. I met lots of great people. I spent most of my time with the Canadians going to dinner, a tour the next day where we explored a volcano, a hot springs and another nearby island. As much as I have enjoyed traveling alone, being with other people is definitely better in my book. There is nothing better than being able to have a conversation with someone and talk about your shared experiences. And also being able to learn from these other people was great too.
I won't talk in great length about Santorini as it just better to look at the photos. The town of Oia is completely built on a cliff and is very much touristy. I went to a beach on the opposite side of the island one day, but aside from that I just strolled along the cobblestone walkways and did a lot of window shopping.
Here are the links to the pictures from my second day in Chania , my evening in Heraklion and three days Santorini.
Chania, Crete Part II: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/ChaniaCretePartII?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3xm4WTzcDpRQ&feat=directlink
Heraklion, Crete: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/HeraklionCrete?authkey=Gv1sRgCPeJlc3NpJCvBg&feat=directlink
Santorini, Greece: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/SantoriniGreece?authkey=Gv1sRgCO3wtd2bjs_IpQE&feat=directlink
Friday, July 24, 2009
Pictures!!
Finally, here are the links to the photos I have taken since coming to Serbia July 8th. Enjoy!!
Serbia Part I: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/Serbia09PartI?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLe6qah6oS7DQ&feat=directlink
Greece - Athens: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/GreecePartIAthens?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXR-4K9luqx8wE&feat=directlink
Greece - Chania, Crete: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/ChaniaCrete?authkey=Gv1sRgCOrpgPqP8cCReQ&feat=directlink
Serbia Part I: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/Serbia09PartI?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLe6qah6oS7DQ&feat=directlink
Greece - Athens: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/GreecePartIAthens?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXR-4K9luqx8wE&feat=directlink
Greece - Chania, Crete: http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/ChaniaCrete?authkey=Gv1sRgCOrpgPqP8cCReQ&feat=directlink
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The American in Velika Drenova
This post actually should have come before the Greece post, but oh well. Shelby Jo Long-Hammond, my dear friend from grad school at the University of Montana made her way out to Serbia July 16th. Bane, my oldest brother and I went to Belgrade to pick her up from the airport and then spent a few hours showing her the sights. Shelby was a bit tired from her long flights, but was a trooper and stuck it out through the heat and we were able to see quite a bit.
In the evening we made our way down to Velika Drenova (my mom's town where I am staying) and got settled in. Shelby, being the awesome gal she is, wanted to go out and grab a drink. So we walked down the hill and went to Cafe Domino. You would've thought that the people out that evening had never seen two girls out together before. But Shelby was new, and she was the true American in Velika Drenova. I don't count anymore. =) I had a few friends stop by to say hello (mostly guys) and it was actually quite an enjoyable evening. We too, got to check out some great people as they walked by.
The next 5 days of having Shelby in town were fun. We went out to neighboring towns, hung out at home, battled small roaches that had invaded my mom's house and sweated a lot. It was 106 on one of days that Shelby and I decided to go out and shop. DUMB!!! Anyways, we made it and had a great time. My family loves Shelby and are quite impressed with her already learning some Serbian words and are already asking if she is going to come back. I think her answer is yes. Now Shelby is in the town of Sarajevo in Bosnia doing her debate camp thing. We will meet back up again August 4th and then begin our Croatian adventure which includes a U2 concert August 9th. Then we'll come back to Velika Drenova to meet up with my mom, Misa, Bane, Jelena and other family. We'll go out for the town folks to see Shelby one more time (and visit our new hangout "Domino") and then Shelby flies out August 13th.Please feel free to talk to Shelby about her great visit and maybe she can convince you to come out here one day too!!
In the evening we made our way down to Velika Drenova (my mom's town where I am staying) and got settled in. Shelby, being the awesome gal she is, wanted to go out and grab a drink. So we walked down the hill and went to Cafe Domino. You would've thought that the people out that evening had never seen two girls out together before. But Shelby was new, and she was the true American in Velika Drenova. I don't count anymore. =) I had a few friends stop by to say hello (mostly guys) and it was actually quite an enjoyable evening. We too, got to check out some great people as they walked by.
The next 5 days of having Shelby in town were fun. We went out to neighboring towns, hung out at home, battled small roaches that had invaded my mom's house and sweated a lot. It was 106 on one of days that Shelby and I decided to go out and shop. DUMB!!! Anyways, we made it and had a great time. My family loves Shelby and are quite impressed with her already learning some Serbian words and are already asking if she is going to come back. I think her answer is yes. Now Shelby is in the town of Sarajevo in Bosnia doing her debate camp thing. We will meet back up again August 4th and then begin our Croatian adventure which includes a U2 concert August 9th. Then we'll come back to Velika Drenova to meet up with my mom, Misa, Bane, Jelena and other family. We'll go out for the town folks to see Shelby one more time (and visit our new hangout "Domino") and then Shelby flies out August 13th.Please feel free to talk to Shelby about her great visit and maybe she can convince you to come out here one day too!!
Greece Part I
So I am finally in the place I have wanted to come for quite some time. And so far so good, actually so far fantastic. I arrived in Athens yesterday morning (July 22nd) and then took the most expensive taxi ride of my life. 50 euro!! Which is $75. Yikes!! Rookie move on my part. Later...I found out that there was/is an express bus that stops merely blocks away from the place I was staying. Let's just say I took the bus this morning back to the airport for my flight to Crete (which is where I am know, but first I'll finish my Athens story.)
The place I stayed at while in Athens I will recommend to anyone. Hotel Phaedra is family owned and operated and situated in the great neighborhood of Plaka. Narrow cobblestone streets, thousands of little shops, vendors of all sorts and cafes with waiters trying to seduce you to enter their establishment. A short walk to the Acropolis and other ancient monuments. I trekked up to the Acropolis in the heat of the day with millions (seriously that's what it felt like) tourists. It was hot, dusty, windy and amazing all at the same time. Listening to languages from all over the world being spoken and looking at the ruins from many, many years ago was a neat experience. It was also pretty entertaining to listen to a woman yell/skreach at her (I am assuming husband) for a photo opp and him respond with "Honey, I think people want to remember this trip as something serene and beautiful and not the high pitched scream coming from you." I think I may have laughed out loud at this. She really did sound as though someone was dying.
After the Acropolis and Parthenon (which is located inside), I went to the Acropolis Museum which is located over some archeological digs. There were glass panels in the floor which you could see through and see some additional infrastructure. Again, pretty cool. Inside were statues, figurines, carvings, metal work, pottery and other items. This museum just opened in June so it was all nice and new and good to check out. Another huge tourist trap that I fell straight into.
During my princess taxi ride (only royalty can afford costs like that) the cab driver (let's call him Niko) we passed a red mini train that he with words and hands explained to me it is for sight seeing. So, I happened to see one of these trains again and decided why not do another awesome touristy thing. One of the tour guides had a great smile and had some Jack Nicholson qualities. Kind of like a smirk from The Shining. Anyways, we can just leave it at the Greek men are not so bad. =) Back to the train. So the train, The Happy Train it is called, drives you around a few major points in Athens. I saw the President's house/palace, the National Gardens, Congress, Government Building, an Olympic Stadium, a major shopping and walking promenade and a few other touristy spots. As handsome or flirty the Greek men are, there driving skills leave something to be desired. While I was sitting in the very back car, facing backwards, my car scraped along a little black car while we were going around a tight corner. The Jack Nicholson look a like came back and gave me that little smirk and started yelling to the front to the driver. He had the driver back up the train, which ended up moving the cars bumper off of the car, yes that's right, actually damage more than just a little scrape. Then Greek Jack started pushing the train car back and forth while the driver slowly moved forward. Remember I am sitting in this car the entire time. Highly entertaining and then we went on our merry little way with the Happy Train. =)
In the evening I had dinner at a little restaurant around the corner from my hotel and had pork souvlaki, rice and a pita. Pretty tasty. Towards the end of my meal and elderly Greek foursome needed a place to sit so I let them join my table. They tried talking to me, but we couldn't get it figured out. The waiter then came back to give me my check and asked me what they were doing. I said they needed a place to sit. He then told them what I had said and they responded by saying I had a good heart. That felt pretty good. Just doing my part in giving young American tourists a good name. After a nice walk and some gelato, I went back to the hotel and to bed.
Today, July 23rd, I caught the much less expensive bus to the airport at 6:30 am and flew down to the island of Crete and the town of Chania (northwest corner). My taxi ride (a must with no buses going to the airport) was much less expensive and highly informative. My cab driver (let's call him Gus) was a young chatty guy. Born in Canada, but moved to Crete at age 5 offered lots of information on the island. I'm pretty sure at some point I told him a condensed version of my decision to quit my job and travel. There is just something about letting it all out to complete strangers. (All you Comm folks should enjoy this!!)
After again navigating the narrow cobblestone streets flooded with people and vendors I found my newest home, Neli Studios. Cute, quaint, and located directly across the "street" from a huge cathedral and cafes. An awesome location. My room is called the Zorba room and I am on the very top floor with a nice view. So far I've been lucky and had great places to stay with my own bathroom and great views. After walking around Chania a bit and checking out what Crete has to offer for souvenirs, I decided it was time to go to the beach. I caught a bus to a beach that is about 10 minutes from where I am staying. Lined with umbrellas and beach chairs, this place was beautiful. Just what I had been envisioning my trip being. I grabbed a couple bottled waters from the little hut and went and found my spot. Before starting my sun bathing, I went a took a dip in the Aegean Sea. It was cool, refreshing and great to be in salt water. It's been quite a while since I was last in the ocean. I loved it! Back to my chair to dry out, read and sun bathe (oh and people watch as well) I stayed for about 4 hours. I then came back to my hotel for an much needed shower and then to where I am now, sitting in an internet cafe surrounded by little kids shouting and playing computer games. This evening I am planning on walking down to the Venetian Harbor and grabbing some dinner. Maybe I should try some seafood, being I am right on the coast. Should be good.
Tomorrow afternoon I will head east (a 2.5 hour bus ride) to the town of Heraklion. I will stay the night there and then the next day take a hydrofoil (a super fast ferry) up to the island of Santorini.
Wow! This is quite the post. My fingers are about to fall off, so I am sure your eyes are too. I would post some photos, but once again can't get my computer on the internet. You'll just have to use your imaginations for now, but I promise once I get wireless internet access and can post photos from my computer I will.
Cheers!
The place I stayed at while in Athens I will recommend to anyone. Hotel Phaedra is family owned and operated and situated in the great neighborhood of Plaka. Narrow cobblestone streets, thousands of little shops, vendors of all sorts and cafes with waiters trying to seduce you to enter their establishment. A short walk to the Acropolis and other ancient monuments. I trekked up to the Acropolis in the heat of the day with millions (seriously that's what it felt like) tourists. It was hot, dusty, windy and amazing all at the same time. Listening to languages from all over the world being spoken and looking at the ruins from many, many years ago was a neat experience. It was also pretty entertaining to listen to a woman yell/skreach at her (I am assuming husband) for a photo opp and him respond with "Honey, I think people want to remember this trip as something serene and beautiful and not the high pitched scream coming from you." I think I may have laughed out loud at this. She really did sound as though someone was dying.
After the Acropolis and Parthenon (which is located inside), I went to the Acropolis Museum which is located over some archeological digs. There were glass panels in the floor which you could see through and see some additional infrastructure. Again, pretty cool. Inside were statues, figurines, carvings, metal work, pottery and other items. This museum just opened in June so it was all nice and new and good to check out. Another huge tourist trap that I fell straight into.
During my princess taxi ride (only royalty can afford costs like that) the cab driver (let's call him Niko) we passed a red mini train that he with words and hands explained to me it is for sight seeing. So, I happened to see one of these trains again and decided why not do another awesome touristy thing. One of the tour guides had a great smile and had some Jack Nicholson qualities. Kind of like a smirk from The Shining. Anyways, we can just leave it at the Greek men are not so bad. =) Back to the train. So the train, The Happy Train it is called, drives you around a few major points in Athens. I saw the President's house/palace, the National Gardens, Congress, Government Building, an Olympic Stadium, a major shopping and walking promenade and a few other touristy spots. As handsome or flirty the Greek men are, there driving skills leave something to be desired. While I was sitting in the very back car, facing backwards, my car scraped along a little black car while we were going around a tight corner. The Jack Nicholson look a like came back and gave me that little smirk and started yelling to the front to the driver. He had the driver back up the train, which ended up moving the cars bumper off of the car, yes that's right, actually damage more than just a little scrape. Then Greek Jack started pushing the train car back and forth while the driver slowly moved forward. Remember I am sitting in this car the entire time. Highly entertaining and then we went on our merry little way with the Happy Train. =)
In the evening I had dinner at a little restaurant around the corner from my hotel and had pork souvlaki, rice and a pita. Pretty tasty. Towards the end of my meal and elderly Greek foursome needed a place to sit so I let them join my table. They tried talking to me, but we couldn't get it figured out. The waiter then came back to give me my check and asked me what they were doing. I said they needed a place to sit. He then told them what I had said and they responded by saying I had a good heart. That felt pretty good. Just doing my part in giving young American tourists a good name. After a nice walk and some gelato, I went back to the hotel and to bed.
Today, July 23rd, I caught the much less expensive bus to the airport at 6:30 am and flew down to the island of Crete and the town of Chania (northwest corner). My taxi ride (a must with no buses going to the airport) was much less expensive and highly informative. My cab driver (let's call him Gus) was a young chatty guy. Born in Canada, but moved to Crete at age 5 offered lots of information on the island. I'm pretty sure at some point I told him a condensed version of my decision to quit my job and travel. There is just something about letting it all out to complete strangers. (All you Comm folks should enjoy this!!)
After again navigating the narrow cobblestone streets flooded with people and vendors I found my newest home, Neli Studios. Cute, quaint, and located directly across the "street" from a huge cathedral and cafes. An awesome location. My room is called the Zorba room and I am on the very top floor with a nice view. So far I've been lucky and had great places to stay with my own bathroom and great views. After walking around Chania a bit and checking out what Crete has to offer for souvenirs, I decided it was time to go to the beach. I caught a bus to a beach that is about 10 minutes from where I am staying. Lined with umbrellas and beach chairs, this place was beautiful. Just what I had been envisioning my trip being. I grabbed a couple bottled waters from the little hut and went and found my spot. Before starting my sun bathing, I went a took a dip in the Aegean Sea. It was cool, refreshing and great to be in salt water. It's been quite a while since I was last in the ocean. I loved it! Back to my chair to dry out, read and sun bathe (oh and people watch as well) I stayed for about 4 hours. I then came back to my hotel for an much needed shower and then to where I am now, sitting in an internet cafe surrounded by little kids shouting and playing computer games. This evening I am planning on walking down to the Venetian Harbor and grabbing some dinner. Maybe I should try some seafood, being I am right on the coast. Should be good.
Tomorrow afternoon I will head east (a 2.5 hour bus ride) to the town of Heraklion. I will stay the night there and then the next day take a hydrofoil (a super fast ferry) up to the island of Santorini.
Wow! This is quite the post. My fingers are about to fall off, so I am sure your eyes are too. I would post some photos, but once again can't get my computer on the internet. You'll just have to use your imaginations for now, but I promise once I get wireless internet access and can post photos from my computer I will.
Cheers!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Made It!
After a total of 24 hours of airport, air and drive time, I've finally made it to my home for the next 3 months. The little farming town of Velika Drenova, (sound it out and I promise you can get it, just don't forget to roll your R's!) will be my place of comfort and familiarity as it has been many times before. This is the town my mother was born and raised in. Population around 5,000 or so. My dad's town or city, Krusevac, is a quick 20 minute drive (that is if you don't get stuck behind a tractor towing hay with the wife sitting on top of the pile) from here. Population 150,000+ and has everything you could ever want or need.
So far the trip is going well. My oldest brother Bane, my sister-in-law Jelena (pronounced with a Y) and I met up in London and were on the last leg of the flight together. My mom's cousin and Jelena's grandpa waited for us at the airport in Belgrade and then we began our SLOW drive home. Between torrential downpours, tennis ball size hail, big city traffic and the older, but sweet diesel Mercedes van my uncle has (think delivery van) we made it home after 4 or so hours (normally 2.5). I spent my first day cleaning and organizing my mom's house where I will be staying most of the time. This home was built in the early 1900's, but we've done some renovations and it is pretty nice & up to date. There are two additional homes on this property which belong to my uncle (my mom's brother who lives in the south of France). I'll be getting these homes all cleaned up and ready for the arrival of my uncle and then my other brother, Misa, and then eventually my mom too. Overall, the property is beautiful, quiet and simply put fantastic. We have fruit trees, some grass trying to be a lawn and lots of flowers. There used to be a small vineyard in the front and a huge garden in the back when my grandparents were alive, but unfortunately there is nobody here to maintain them any longer, so they have since been taken out. It's definitely not the flourishing and lush property it once was, but with the help of family who live right next door we make it work and call it home.
I was going to post a couple of photos, but I just spent the last 10 minutes trying and it didn't so much work. Again, I love dial-up connections! Anyways, just wanted to let ya'll know that all is well and that I made it safe and sound. I think it may be nap time!
So far the trip is going well. My oldest brother Bane, my sister-in-law Jelena (pronounced with a Y) and I met up in London and were on the last leg of the flight together. My mom's cousin and Jelena's grandpa waited for us at the airport in Belgrade and then we began our SLOW drive home. Between torrential downpours, tennis ball size hail, big city traffic and the older, but sweet diesel Mercedes van my uncle has (think delivery van) we made it home after 4 or so hours (normally 2.5). I spent my first day cleaning and organizing my mom's house where I will be staying most of the time. This home was built in the early 1900's, but we've done some renovations and it is pretty nice & up to date. There are two additional homes on this property which belong to my uncle (my mom's brother who lives in the south of France). I'll be getting these homes all cleaned up and ready for the arrival of my uncle and then my other brother, Misa, and then eventually my mom too. Overall, the property is beautiful, quiet and simply put fantastic. We have fruit trees, some grass trying to be a lawn and lots of flowers. There used to be a small vineyard in the front and a huge garden in the back when my grandparents were alive, but unfortunately there is nobody here to maintain them any longer, so they have since been taken out. It's definitely not the flourishing and lush property it once was, but with the help of family who live right next door we make it work and call it home.
I was going to post a couple of photos, but I just spent the last 10 minutes trying and it didn't so much work. Again, I love dial-up connections! Anyways, just wanted to let ya'll know that all is well and that I made it safe and sound. I think it may be nap time!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
California Trip 09
So this is another test to see if I know what I am doing. I just got back from Southern California and visiting the family. I went to my cousin's high school graduation and basically just hung out in Escondido with the Aunt, Uncle & cousins. It was fantastic! I wish I could've stayed a bit longer and attend my cousin's first birthday party, but aside from that, all was good. Not to mention, I love that Allegiant Air has been offering non-stop flights from Missoula to LA. Can't beat that! Check out the link to see if I did the photos correctly!! http://picasaweb.google.com/aneta.milojevic/CaliforniaTrip09?feat=directlink
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