Frozen in time tour at villages around Niš - Serbia.

This blog will start on rather apocalyptic vibe, as I have started my yesterday walk in the suburbs of Niš. As I am slowly starting to discover the dynamics and mechanics of daily life in Serbia, my assumption is that anybody with economical prospects whatsoever lives in Belgrade, the capital city. Be it true in most countries, it is even harder truth here.

It seems that the brain drain and general flow of young population is towards big cities. Niš being the third biggest is actively the biggest village in the country. So you need about 15-20 minutes walk from the city center to the outskirts. And boy they are rather depressing.

But let me start still in the center, collecting some drinking water before setting on my little trip...

Now, I am not a big fan of religious buildings whatsoever, but as they are so ever present all around the world, sometimes I do take pictures of them. Specially when they look like a watchtower or a light house ;)

Next thing is to get through the suburbs into the outskirts of the city, where little gardens and vineyards starts.

Some unfinished houses and structures  are to be found around the path and I am feeling like in the old or even scary movie...

The path I was on was long and didn't let me all the way to where I wanted. So I ended up on rather frequent street for about an hour, not witnessing anything spectacular. That changed in a first village outside Niš. Lower Matejevac was the name. Followed by Higher Matejevac, as the word suggest ment the way went uphill and my effort started to pay off with beautiful views.

What appeared to be somewhat gypsy settlement left awesome impression on me. I love this kind of locations where oppressed people live. The lack of money and other means creates this unique style in which improvisation plays a big role. Sure it is nothing worthy of worldwide attention, but I admire locals purity and strive for life. Some of them greeted me warmly and I felt almost emotional.

At the top of the hill there was a church. One of the most minimalistic I've seen in a while. Slick looking bunch of rocks... But the trees around were of a bigger interest of mine anyways. There is no chance a building - dead structure could be more beautiful than a living tree...

Followed by a little sunshine break, I was sitting next to this church, looking around into the countryside, thinking how privileged I am to be able to enjoy this beauty, while the rest of the world is glued to news and propaganda machine announcing yet another man made catastrophe...

All the best,

Global Local

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