A Noisy Balkan Stuck in the Netherlands

A frozen morning woke me up. The Netherlands gets more light when it's covered in white, which is what its citizens, surrounded by rain and grayness, miss the most.

The Future Has Already Arrived in China

When someone mentions China, most people's minds conjure images of the Great Wall, smog, and endless factory halls. The reason China is still often perceived as a 'developing country' lies in the image projected by Western media. I saw this firsthand.

The "Chinese Quarter" in the Belgrade settlement of Ledine

The picture I'm sending you doesn't show patterns on a Pirot rug, but rather the names of a whole series of facilities in Ledine, New Belgrade, intended for numerous Chinese citizens in this settlement, written in the Chinese language and script. These unusually colorful letters adorn three Chinese restaurants and two fast-food establishments that prepare culinary specialties from this Far Eastern country. Then a large Chinese department store and two supermarkets, stocked with various food items not found in our stores. Also, a small shop with the most diverse spices, teas, and unusual juices.

Pilgrimage in Kathmandu: Believers from Nepal and India Flood Temple of God Shiva

Tens of thousands of believers gathered today in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, to celebrate the Hindu festival Shivaratri, during which, despite legal prohibition, cannabis use is permitted in honor of the god Shiva.

Winter Won't Last Long

Today, on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, visitors to the Belgrade Zoo witnessed the bear Dunja, after leaving her den, not being frightened by her own shadow and not returning to her shelter. According to long-standing folk belief, this gesture heralds the imminent end of winter troubles and the arrival of warmer days.

The Power of Assembly

The word 'assembly,' having spiritual fullness, is spoken with special care. It points to an important event where important decisions will be made, or a solemn gathering where something vitally important that has happened is celebrated.