Belgrade, Serbia

Our next stop was Serbia.  This is part of the region that was held together in relative peace during the time of Tito, but has fallen back into a series of wars in recent years.  The region is currently at peace, but evidence of war is everywhere, and we didn't get the feeling that peace will be everlasting.  Serbia and Croatia are the two newest members of the European Union, however, and there was much hopeful talk about the benefits of that association.

Our first stop in Serbia was the Kalamegdan Fortress in Belgrade.  This fortress was once the entire city of Belgrade because in ancient times, the entire population lived inside it.  Our guide explained its value because the site is so easily defended, but when he also told us briefly about the many times the fortress has changed hands, I couldn't help wondering at the irony of that first statement.  Apparently, it is also easily conquered?

The entrance to the fortress

Impressive and old

I love finding signs that make me laugh.  The truth is that you could easily fall from this wall.  In many countries, there would be protective fences to save the public from its own carelessness.  The openness here reminds me of places my family visited when I was a child--before we all became so safety conscious and wary of the potential for lawsuits.

Turning a little the other way, you can see there is a wide view of the area surrounding the fortress from the safety of its walls.  The view is peaceful and impressive now, but I'm sure in the days when a fortress could save you from enemy incursions, this would have seemed to be a safe haven with excellent lookout potential.

Another warning sign--at the entrance to the main exit gate.  We were happy to make it through with no head pounding rock slides.