The capital of Bulgaria. Founded 7000 years ago. This makes it the second oldest city in Europe. Running errands in Sofia and getting clamped. They don’t just give you a parking ticket, they boot (they call it clamp) your car. We got clamped twice. 😳Once when we first parked, another time as we were packing up the car. Flashers were on, Jesse ran upstairs for 5 minutes. Came back down and they got us again. 😜
The border crossing was crazy. We saw many people on the verge of fighting. It was 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 celsius). It was interesting to check out license plates and see what countries people were from and how they handled the stress. Some cars were overheating, some men were standing outside of their cars with menacing looks making sure no one tried to cut the line. We were at a stand still for about 1.5 hours but made it through!
Such a cute mailbox!
Jesse and I came across this in an alley in Belgrade. I wish I could meet the person who owns it
It was the first Nazi concentration camp in the Balkans. It’s also one of the last camps that is still completely intact. It is next to a school. It’s eerie.
The tower was built in 1809 by the Ottoman Empire as a warning to the local population. The Ottomans were sending a message to the Serbs about what would happen if they revolt.
The Ottoman government built the tower to terrorize and control the Serbian people. It was a way to frighten the people by displaying the skulls of the rebels who had died.
It actually inspired some people. The men who died were seen as heroes.
952 skulls were placed in the original Skull Tower. You can see in the photos that many have broken apart or fallen out completely.
Wabi Sabi is a Japanese way of life. I love the concept. We walked around for quite awhile in Belgrade and weren’t able to find a restaurant. Then we came across this sushi place. It was amazing!
More than a dozen countries affiliated with NATO were part of the bombings that destroyed these buildings. They said it was done to stop the Kosovo War.
Under the banner of NATO, more than a dozen countries were part of the bombings which they say was aimed at stopping the Kosovo War.
The air strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999. No one knew where the next bomb would hit.
July 16
16, 596 steps!
Picked up Maddux from Nikola Tesla Airport. He stayed in Salzburg for a few more days to hang out friends.
Drive from Budapest to Belgrade
🥵 Temperature 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 Celsius)
Hiked around the Belgrade Fortress. The Belgrade Fortress, consists of the old citadel and Kalemegdan Park.
July 17
The gelato and ice cream in these countries is insanity.
Walking around in the heat is rough but worth it.
Went to St. Sava Church
marschmadness 