A love letter to Rome

Oh Rome! My country! City of the soul! – Lord Byron

As I look back on my four-day trip to Rome, I can’t help but feel so much love for this incredible city. From the moment I stepped into the old streets, I was totally hooked by the fascinating history, mind-blowing buildings, and lively culture. Walking through the bustling streets, it felt like I was really connected to the past, like I’d time-traveled to witness the glory of the Roman Empire for myself. The Colosseum, standing proud in the Mediterranean sun, gave off this sense of greatness that echoed through the ages. When I explored the Vatican City, I was blown away by incredible art, each piece telling a story of unbelievable talent and dedication. And those adorable cobblestone streets and beautiful piazzas, they had such a special vibe, making me want to soak in every moment and really get into the unique charm of this grand city. Every chat with the locals filled me with warmth and curiosity, as I learned about the city’s rich traditions and stories, making my bond with this historical wonder even stronger.

One of the highlights of my time in Rome was visiting the iconic landmarks that are symbols of the city’s timeless beauty and grandeur. The Colosseum, with its imposing presence and storied history, left me in awe of the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Romans.

A couple kissing in front of the Colosseum

The surreal paintings in the Sistine Chapel (which you’re not allowed to take picture of, unfortunately) and the majestic beauty of the Trevi Fountain were equally enchanting, offering a glimpse into the artistic and architectural brilliance of the city’s past.

On the St. Peter’s Square, I found a life-size sculpture in bronze and clay, that depicts a group of migrants and refugees from different cultural and racial backgrounds and from diverse historic periods in time. Within this diverse crowd of people, angel wings emerge from the centre, suggesting the presence of something sacred among them. In fact, the sculptural work interprets the belief that the sacred is to be found in the stranger, in this case, in refugees and migrants.

A part of the Angels Unawares sculpture at the St. Peter’s Square

Everyone yearns to capture a fragment of Rome, to immortalize it in a photograph. Yet, I dare say that the true essence of Rome will endure in their hearts and minds, transcending the fleeting nature of a mere image.

Tourists taking picutres at the Spanish Steps

There was only so much I could capture with my camera in such a short time, but the photos just don’t do the city justice at all. The vibrant energy of the bustling streets, the diverse mix of cultures, the tantalizing aromas wafting from street food stalls, and the stunning architecture that blends historical charm with modern elegance – all these elements contribute to the city’s allure, creating an immersive experience that simply can’t be conveyed through photographs alone.

As I say goodbye to Rome, I take with me an overwhelming sense of gratitude and admiration for this extraordinary city that has imprinted itself on my very being. Rome, with its fusion of ancient history, contemporary energy, and eternal allure, will always occupy a unique and cherished corner of my heart and I want to scream from the top of my lungs: Ti amo, Roma! ❤️

On the road again

Ever since I ditched Belgrade for the little town of Kikinda in the name of love, I’ve been back and forth all the time. The bus rides are kinda boring, so I just end up staring out the window at the nature. But here’s the kicker – those windows are always dirty, like seriously filthy sometimes. So, I thought, why not make the best of it? I started snapping pics of everything I saw from my seat using just my iPhone. It’s become my go-to for passing the time on the road. And just like that, the travel blues vanished and I started my own travel diary with a bunch of cool photos.

The journey’s still going strong, with plenty more pics to come, but I reckon it’s about time to share this selection with you all on my blog.

A dream come true

VARANASI – A PERSONAL PILGRIMAGE

India has consumed my thoughts for what feels like an eternity. My quest to bring the essence of India closer to my heart led me to endless searches for its music, movies, and everything in between. Night after night, I would escape to the land of my dreams from the comfort of my own bed. Then, on an unassuming November day, my dream metamorphosed into reality, marking the genesis of the grandest adventure of my life. From Istanbul to New Delhi, the journey commenced. The very first encounter with this mesmerizing country shattered any illusion of preparedness I may have harbored. The early morning air was laden with smog that lingered in the nostrils, making each breath a struggle. Yet, a sip of exquisite tea at the airport offered a fleeting reprieve from the collision of cultures, exotic scents, and raw impressions that inundated my senses. After a night spent in a windowless room in the bustling Main Bazar area of Delhi, I departed from the city’s hive on a train bound for Varanasi – an eminent spiritual and religious nexus within India. Enduring a twelve-hour nocturnal odyssey, I at last set foot in this sacred city.

Varanasi embraces me with open arms, and the sight of being the sole white person at the railway station (aside from my husband who travels with me) brings a smile to my face. It’s a bit amusing, really. I find myself surrounded by children who eagerly tug at my sleeve, exclaiming, “We’re hungry, give us some money.” After an exhilarating rickshaw ride, I settle into accommodation in an old Brahman house, which will be my haven for the next two months. It takes a couple of days to acclimate to the extremely thin, hard bed. As I scurry from room to toilet, one thought incessantly lingers – why did I come here? Yet, somehow, I gather my resolve and venture out boldly to capture the everyday life of the denizens of this remarkable city. It’s like there are photo opportunities everywhere, each one exuding its own charm in its simplicity. Along the ghats of the sprawling Ganges River, a completely different life unfolds like a separate yet inseparable part of the city. People wash and dry laundry, engage in the morning and evening ritual bathing in the river, spend leisure time with friends and family, recite prayers, and carry out the cremation rituals for the departed. Witnessing the cremation is both captivating and somewhat surreal. As I watch the body engulfed in flames, the man standing beside me reveals that it is his late sister. There are no tears, no overt signs of grief. I almost envy him, as his faith gives him the strength to serenely accept the inevitability of the situation. It’s evident that the Hindu perspective on life and the afterlife is starkly different from the Western outlook. Since photographing the burning bodies is prohibited, the memories are etched in my mind.

“In our city, the population plays second fiddle to the abundance of monkeys swinging through the electrical cables, wreaking havoc and occasionally meeting a tragic shock-induced demise,” the local elder confides. As we ponder this phenomenon, a multitude of cows leisurely stroll past us, each representing the unique ownership but sharing the liberty to wander. “These revered animals hold sacred significance in Hinduism, often taking center stage in sacred rituals,” the man elaborates. A similar spirit permeates the local dogs, who roam freely by night and slumber peacefully during the day, blending seamlessly with the predominantly vegetarian community. It’s an amusing sight to witness a canine munching on tomatoes, leading one to ponder, “My own dog would never indulge in such a treat.”

Some days, I compel myself to leave the confines of my room, and without fail, I coerce myself into venturing out onto the bustling streets to capture moments through the lens of my camera. Once again, I find myself immersed in the labyrinthine alleyways, positioning myself behind the camera to chronicle the unfiltered essence of everyday city life. It’s an overwhelming amalgamation of scents – the pungent odor of dog urine intertwined with the alluring aroma of Indian cuisine, the lingering fragrance of incense sticks, and the unmistakable stench of cow faeces. The mixture is so potent that it induces a sense of queasiness, yet I persevere. Amidst this sensory symphony, I encounter the tranquil sadhus – individuals of unfathomable serenity whose presence serves as an affirmation of their genuine existence. Nevertheless, my focus is drawn to the self-proclaimed sadhus, whom I readily discern as impostors due to their exploitation of unsuspecting tourists, peddling a purported path to “enlightenment” in exchange for monetary gain. It’s disheartening to witness how easily a vulnerable, young soul can be lured into embracing a doctrine they scarcely comprehend in their quest for salvation.

Travelers from every corner of the globe flock to Varanasi, driven by their own personal motivations. Whether young or old, each visitor feels compelled, like me, to experience a pivotal moment of their existence in this extraordinary place. What draws them here? The answer can be distilled into a single, profound truth, a sentiment frequently echoed by the city’s inhabitants: “Everyone must experience Varanasi at least once in their lifetime.”

Two months flew by in the blink of an eye. This journey has been nothing short of a deeply personal pilgrimage for me. Despite the appearance of monotony, I can attest that each day has been uniquely profound. The sheer intensity, both physically and spiritually, defies mere verbal expression.

After coming back home, I finally had the chance to fully embrace something I couldn’t while in Varanasi – process all the intense emotions I had experienced. India is unrefined, bursting with contrasts, exceptionally extraordinary, and stunningly beautiful. I adore it just the way it is. I cannot wait to return.