Go 2 Kraljevo

US Congressman Pomeroy: friend of Kraljevo

2011-02-15T19:15:00.002Z

I have decided to consolidate all my blogspot into this one to make it easier for people to learn more about Kraljevo. This post was originally on another blog. It highlights the fact that Kraljevo is an international city.

After searching the archives of the website 'Serbia's Ambassador to the World' for articles on Kraljevo, I discovered a post for July 6, 2009, by Karl Haudbourg, which got my mind running. Essentially, it was a good news story about a group of American college students who enjoyed their stay in Kraljevo during the summer of 2009.

This post got me wondering whether American college students often visited Kraljevo during their summer vacations as a Must-See place on their Balkans itinerary, or maybe even as their base camp - maybe not in their hundreds, but perhaps a steady trickle of people. So I typed "American college students in Kraljevo" into Google. One of the first results refers to a US congressman. Kraljevo was a destination in 1973 for a young Earl Pomeroy, US Congressman for North Dakota, where he stayed with his 'host family' as part of the 'Experiment in International Living' programme. Earlier this year, Congressman Pomeroy visited Kraljevo for a reunion with his host family - find out more at http://worldlearningnow.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/congressman-pomeroy/. Watch a video of the reunion (in Serbian and English)

This story linked in with something I read two or three months ago about Kraljevo in the travel section of the B92 website. A waiter at a restaurant near the famous Zica Monastery commented that international visitors often visited Kraljevo before the Balkans conflict, although there are now few who visit. At the time, I thought he was referring to visitors from Greece or Bulgaria, but now I wonder if Kraljevo was a favourite beauty spot for those wanting to explore further than the beautiful beaches of Croatia.

Kraljevo in Serbia was, in 1973, a part of the federal republic of Yugoslavia. The 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics gave Yugoslavia's international status a massive boost. There must have been considerable groundwork prior to the selection of Sarajevo as a host for the Olympics, since the London 2012 Olympics bid was won in 2005. Each republic within Yugoslavia and each district in each republic would benefit from the Olympics and, therefore, there must have been a certain level of promotion of culture in all parts of Yugoslavia.

The image of Serbia is tarnished by the Balkans Conflict and the Kosovo Conflict of the 1990s. The peace and harmony of previous decades between the Balkans nations seems like a forgotten story. I hope to provide enough proof over the following weeks and months to suggest that the cultural identity of Serbia has never changed - it remains a region known for its warmth and friendliness, always promoting positive cultural exchange.

My research will be based largely on the experiences of international visitors and local people as found on the Internet.

Krajina Serb Refugees in Kraljevo: origins of one family's crisis

2011-02-11T06:36:00.002Z

On 19 August 1995, Zeljko Miljevic, a 30-year-old Serb and a carpenter from the village of Kostresi in the Krajina, arrived in Kraljevo, Serbia, with his wife, young son, brother-in-law and father. The journey had taken them 14 days in tractors - the only available mode of transport at the time. When they arrived at the Serbian border, a policeman handed them a piece of paper saying "Kraljevo", with no explanation, as he probably did with many arriving at his border post.

They had been forced to flee their home by the Croatian Army, which had launched a massive campaign against the 170,000 Serbs living in the region known as the Krajina.

Source: Cohen, Roger, 'A Dream in Retreat - A special report; Serbs of 'Greater Serbia' Find Suffering and Decay', New York Times, published 17 September 1995. Available at http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE1DC113AF934A2575AC0A963958260&pagewanted=all. Accessed 11 February 2011.

"Operation Storm" began on 4 August 1995 and lasted three days. The Croatian Army stormed the Krajina region of Yugoslavia, forcing 200,000 people to flee to Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia and Kosovo. The campaign ended several years of conflict between Serbs and Croats over the Krajina. About 2,600 Krajina Serbs went missing.

When the Miljevic family arrived in Kraljevo, their troubles were far from over. Zeljko and his brother-in-law, Slobodan Jelic, were arrested by the Serbian police and taken away. Zeljko's wife, Mirjana, learned several days later that her husband had been taken to Erdut in Eastern Slavonia, the one remaining Serbian-occupied sliver of Croatia. Zeljko was in a unit of special forces in Krajina and had now been thrown into a "military training camp" run by Zeljko Raznatovic, also known as "Arkan", the former leader of the "Tigers" paramilitary group, who now ran a business primarily based in Eastern Slavonia. Zeljko Miljevic spent six days in Arkan's camp and was moved to Petrovci near the Serbs' front line in Eastern Slavonia by early September.

At the time of the New York Times article of 17 September 1995, Zeljko was free in Kraljevo, reunited with his family. Home was the gymnasium of the technical school, which they shared with 300 other refugees. Mirjana could not put their 3-year-old son, Miroslav, in school because they did not have a home. Milos Miljevic, 63, was undoubtedly the anchor of the family as he was no stranger to the tensions between Croats and Serbs.

What happened to the Miljevic family I do not know. How typical is this story of refugees from Croatia living in Kraljevo today I do not know. However, it remains a fascinating piece of Balkans history.

Who wants to go to Kraljevo?

2011-02-01T13:12:00.000Z

Anyone who has an interest in Peace and Conflict Studies should go to Kraljevo. Many Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians (RAE) fled their mahalla in Mitrovica in June 1999 and now live in Kraljevo. The city has the largest number of IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) in Serbia. There are also about 2000 refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia who have lived in Kraljevo since the Balkans War.

Anyone interested in humanitarian aid work should go to Kraljevo. There is desperate need for aid. There has been a good system for aid distribution for 10 years or more, although the situation remains challenging. Kraljevo Red Cross, SOS Children's Village Kraljevo, Norwegian People's Aid, Blythswood Care, are some of the international aid charities working in Kraljevo.

Anyone interested in History should go to Kraljevo. The nearby Zica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the 12th Century and is the place where the medieval kings were crowned. Kraljevo literally means 'City of Kings'. In fact the founder of Serbia gave up his throne and became a monk at the Zica Monastery before he moved to the Hilander Monastery on Mount Athos.

Anyone who loves outdoor pursuits can enjoy the rapids of the River Ibar, or go cycling or hiking in the mountains. See the beauty of the region from the sky by paragliding. Visit the local villages and spa resorts to soak in the countryside.

There are many reasons to go to Kraljevo. I hope to go one day.

Refugees in Kraljevo, Serbia: Forgotten Casualties of War

2011-01-19T11:08:00.004Z

When the earthquake hit Kraljevo, Serbia, last year, 3 November 2010, the world did not know about the city's troubled history with refugees, who suffer in silence - and still does not really know. The focus was on reconstruction and the focus remains on getting the city up and running properly again.

Two months later and the world's media has moved onto the next big story. Yet, there is a crisis that has been around for so long that it is not news, although it has a devastating effect equal to that of the Kraljevo earthquake. It is a crisis that is played out daily in the lives of refugees in Kraljevo and across Serbia. It is a terrible story.

In Serbia in 2011, tens of thousands of men, women and children struggle to survive another cruel Serbian winter in subhuman conditions, desperate simply to stay alive. They exist on the margins of society, stripped of human dignity, often without the means to survive, lacking any basic living standard which people in the developed world take for granted. Who are these people? They are the refugees from the long-forgotten Balkans war in the 1990s, the Serb families forced to leave Kosovo in 1999, and the gypsies from Mitrovica in Kosovo, whose homes were burned down by Kosovo Albanian extremists.

Kraljevo is at the centre of a shadow world of "collective centres" and illegal settlements and hovels stretching out across Serbia, breeding poverty, disease and despair, destroying the souls of many of its young people through juvenile delinquency, teenage drinking, child prostitution and self-harm. UNHCR Field Office Kraljevo data reveals that there are officially 22,000 IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and refugees in Kraljevo, which is made up of 2,400 refugees from Bosnia and Croatia and 19,000 displaced persons from Kosovo. The unofficial number is 25,000. They began arriving in the middle of June 1999; they make about 25% of Kraljevo municipality's population and the highest percentage in Serbia.

Across Serbia, government figures reveal that there are 210,000 IDPs and 65,000 registered refugees; also, 15,000 stateless people, probably all gypsies or RAE (Roma, Ashkali or Egyptian.)

In Kraljevo, a total of 18,500 IDPs are accommodated privately (in rented apartments or with relatives). Over 500 (200 children) live in 10 collective centres, situated in Kraljevo suburbs and the surrounding villages; there are a total of 42 collective centres in Serbia, which the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) wants closed and residents moved into proper housing, in order to improve living conditions.

Forum NGO Kraljevo states that the mental health problems, that affect mainly the youth, are hidden or solved only partially. The consequences (delinquency, drinking, etc.) and not the causes (poor living conditions and social isolation), are addressed and excuses found in insufficient financial resources or personnel.

Will the people of Serbia be invited to join a public debate on the rights of refugees, IDPs and the stateless gypsies living in Serbia? The government recently expressed interest again in providing long-term solutions. Will it succeed this year or will the suffering continue indefinitely?

Sources: UNHCR, Forum NGO Kraljevo

Further details on the national refugee and IDP crisis in Serbia and Kosovo can be found on the external link on the right of this page to the UNHCR website. Further details on the situation in Kraljevo and Forum NGO Kraljevo assistance programmes can be found via the external link on this page to the Forum NGO Kraljevo website.

Blythswood Continues to Care About Kraljevo

2011-01-17T21:35:00.001Z

Blythswood Care, the UK Christian charity, has given an update 6 January 2011 on its help for the victims of the Kraljevo Earthquake of 3 November 2010 that killed 2 people, seriously injured more than 100 people and damaged 16,000 private homes, as well as the main public facilities.

The After School club that Blythswood runs has been closed, since the building had been damaged beyond repair and has since been demolished for safety reasons.

Blythswood responded to the official written request for help in early November 2010 by immediately sending three "mega trucks" of general aid and Christmas shoeboxes. One of the trucks containd 20 tonnes of food for the soup kitchen.

Another two trucks will be leaving the UK for Kraljevo in the next two weeks with specialist vinyl paint and building materials, in coordination with the local authorities in Kraljevo, with another 20 tonnes of food.

Blythswood Care's Field Director for Serbia met with senior officials in Kraljevo early December 2010 in order to facilitate the distribution of Blythswood aid.

Pastor Dragisa Armus, who runs the Christian charity 'LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR' in Kraljevo, continues to work closely with Blythswood Care to ensure the correct type of aid is delivered.

Blythswood Care had been informed in 2010 that the need for material assistance would continue for about 9 months.

Officials in Serbia stated that all reconstruction work in Kraljevo will be completed by 1 October 2010.

Serbian New Year 2011

2011-01-15T00:21:00.002Z

14 January is when Serbia celebrates its New Year, in accordance with the Serbian Orthodox Church calendar. New Year's Day is also marked to remember the Circumcision of our Lord, and is the feast day of St. Basil the Great.

This video, the most current I could find for New Year 2011, was uploaded to YouTube by 'NewMillennium0001' about 1 hour ago, and shows TV coverage of Serbs welcoming the New Year, with fireworks over St. Sava Church in Belgrade, and parties elsewhere. To enjoy this video on your phone, please visit my channel, 'mynextstopkraljevo' on YouTube Mobile, go to my Playlist, 'Serbia: everyday life' and select the last video. Enjoy!

Holy Trinity Church in Kraljevo: Focus for Christmas

2011-01-11T22:09:00.004Z

Holy Trinity Church in Kraljevo, Serbia, is the focus for celebration at Christmas, beginning with Badnjidan or Christmas Eve on 6 January, which includes Divine Liturgy in the morning and Christmas Vigil and Paljenje Badnjaka or Burning of Yule Log in the evening. Divine Liturgy is served on 6, 7, 8 and 9 January. Nativity of our Lord or Rozdestvo Hristovo is on 7 January, also known as Bozic or Christmas Day. Synaxis of Theotokos, Sabor Bogorodice or Parliament of the Virgin Mary is on 8 January. The feast of St Stephen Protomartyr is on 9 January.

Each year, on Christmas Eve, commonly known as Badnje Vece, the faithful Orthodox Christians in Kraljevo gather at Holy Trinity Church for the Christmas Vigil and Burning of Yule Log.

This video, uploaded to YouTube by 'kvartvideo' last Christmas Eve 6 Jan 2010, shows local TV coverage of His Grace Bishop of Zica Chrysostom preaching at Holy Trinity Church in Kraljevo, skilfully interlaced with video of families gathered around the Burning of Yule Log fire, as well as the Christmas Lights illuminating the streets of central Kraljevo. To watch this video on your phone, please visit my YouTube channel, 'mynextstopkraljevo' and scroll to the playlist, 'Serbia: Christmas' and the last video.

On 8 and 9 January, the St. Archdeacon Stefan Mixed Choir of Holy Trinity Church, Kraljevo, celebrates its patronal feast - saint's day - St. Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stefan. The choir hosts guest choirs from surrounding areas, including Lucani, Trstenik, Cacak, Krupanj.

The Bishop of Zica marks the prayer celebration by serving the Holy Liturgy on the feast of St. Stefan, 9 January, accompanied by joyful chanting of united choirs from Kraljevo and the guest choirs. Slava bread (kolach) is cut by the bishop.

Afterwards, everyone sits down for the saint's day lunch, grateful and cheerful because they are gathered in the glory of The Lord celebrating His Protomartyr and Archdeacon.

For more information on the choir, visit my blog on the Serbian Orthodox Church and click on 'Kraljevo Choir' to go to their website.

8 January: Synaxis of Theotokos - Sabor Bogorodice

2011-01-09T19:27:00.001Z

A pattern emerges - videos are uploaded the day before to show the way to enjoy the day, then the faithful upload videos a day or two after the day to show how they enjoyed the day. I could not find a video from Kraljevo for 8 Jan. People are probably too busy enjoying themselves; I will check back.

On the second day of Nativity or Christmas in Serbia (8 January, which corresponds to 26 December), the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kraljevo, as in Australia or America) gives glory and thanks to the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ. This feast is called the Synaxis because all Christians gather to glorify the Virgin and to solemnly celebrate a feast in her honour.

Divine Liturgy is given in the morning and Vespers is celebrated in the evening where all clergy with the people gather together in one place to glorify the Mother of God.

The video below, uploaded by 'He6eckaCp6uja' on 7 Jan 2011, is a choral celebration performed by the choir "St Stefan of Decani".

Badnji Dan, Kraljevo, YouTube 2011 - Christmas Eve fun

2011-01-08T20:54:00.000Z

Two short videos capture the festivities of Christmas Eve in Kraljevo, 6 January 2011.

The first video clip was uploaded by 'mijokv' about 7 hours ago and shows a group of guys out on the hillside looking for a good Yule Log to cut. They have come prepared, with bottles of beer and a picnic! They toast the occasion before getting down to business. Why not?

The second video clip was uploaded by 'veljookv' about 6 hours ago, and shows the Burning of the Yule Log or Paljenje Badnjaka, with families gathered around the fire, eagerly waiting to throw their young logs on and receive the warmth of Christ.

Kraljevo Keeps a Joyful Christmas Vigil 6.1.2011

2011-01-07T21:36:00.001Z

Exciting, happy, loud - Kraljevo, Christmas Eve 2011. They burned the Yule Log in Kraljevo yesterday and it was a time for blasting trumpets and singing and dancing.

YouTube member, 22-year-old 'ZekoJaTeVolimNajvise', which literally means 'Bunnies I Love You Most' - which is evident from the profile photo - uploaded the video below about 24 hours ago, on 6 January 2011. The video is two or three photos with a sound recording of the evening's events. Bunnies-I-love-you-most obviously enjoyed singing and dancing, too. It's impossible to make a good video when you are jumping up and down - so, this is the next best thing. Enjoy.

Last Christmas Eve in Kraljevo - Burning the Yule Log (Paljenje Badnjaka)

2011-01-07T00:51:00.002Z

Christmas Eve - Badnji Dan - in Kraljevo is marked with a Christmas Vigil in the city's church, followed by the Burning of Yule Log - Paljenje Badnjaka - outside the church.

Families gather together, bringing their Yule Log that father cut down earlier - a young tree, usually oak, which symbolises Christ and his entry into the world. It is thrown onto the enormous fire.

The Burning of Yule Log is an Orthodox tradition which represents the warmth of Christ's love, and as you can see from this video uploaded by 'maxmariproduction' last Christmas Eve, on 6 Jan 2010, everyone felt the warmth of the Yule Log, as they kept watch for that special time of the year to celebrate the birth of the king of the world.

Serbian Orthodox Christmas Schedule

2011-01-06T23:28:00.000Z

In Kraljevo, Serbia, as in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, as in Santa Clara Valley, California, USA, Orthodox families today prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, beginning with Christmas Eve (Badnjidan).

The following is the schedule of Christmas services relating to the Julian calendar, taken from the website of St Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church of Santa Clara Valley, Saratoga, California, USA, minus the times. Divine Liturgy is held on each morning of Christmas:

January 6: Christmas Eve - Badnjidan

AM: Divine Liturgy
PM: Christmas Vigil; Burning of Yule Log - Paljenje Badnjaka

January 7: Nativity of our Lord - Rozdestvo Hristovo - Bozic, Christmas Day

January 8: Synaxis of Thetokos - Sabor Bogorodice

January 9: St Stephen Protomartyr

Children in Kraljevo and across the world will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, bringing Christmas gifts. For a biography of St Nicholas, click on the link on the right of this page, 'Christmas schedule of services...'

Burning the Yule Log is done, naturally, after you have got the Yule Log. However, as this video uploaded by 'DesineAMD' 31 Mar 2010 shows, it's more about male bonding with Dad and Grandad and friends than cutting a log that will last the Yuletide:

Pass me that bottle!

My Mission to Serbia 2010 Review

2011-01-01T01:09:00.001Z

I began 2010 confident that I would be going to Serbia within the next 5 to 10 years. This gives me time to learn the Serbian language, build funds for my mission and take any necessary courses.

In March, I began to develop a series of blogs about various aspects of life in Kraljevo and Serbia as a whole. Design was key. They had to have a great template and, where possible, each post had to have a related YouTube video embedded in it, in order to make it more interesting.

In April, I explored joining the Newfrontiers church, who work in Serbia. However, their style of church is far too radical for Serbia, and I was not going to push it on anyone under present circumstances.

I continued with my blogs, which attracted a minor interest. And I continued learning Serbian.

Then, the earthquake hit Kraljevo 3 November. I had taken my eye off the city for 3 days, and then all hell broke lose. This event woke me up to the fact that I need to pay closer attention to events in Kraljevo.

The earthquake seemed to wake up the whole of Serbia, as the government came to the aid of Kraljevo, as the media turned its spotlight on the city, and as volunteers rushed to help.

I was astounded by how open the people of Kraljevo were. I learnt more about Kraljevo in one two months than I would probably learn in two years because of the earthquake.

My zeal for Kraljevo has been renewed by the earthquake. As much as it is a terrible situation, I cannot ignore the videos on YouTube showing people's private homes.

Blythswood Care was working quietly behind the scenes until 3 November. In fact, nearly all players have been forced out into the open. There is no going back to the private life.

The end of 2010 marks the close of Christmas celebrations in "the West", although Eastern Orthodox Christians are making final preparations for their celebrations of the day of Christ's birth.

Happy New Year to all who celebrate today!

Concert for Kraljevo, Belgrade Arena, 23.12.10

2010-12-29T00:07:00.003Z

Advent hope was in good supply in Serbia, as nearly 12,000 people attended a benefit concert for Kraljevo at the Belgrade Arena on 23 December, raising nearly £66,000 for Kraljevo earthquake victims.

Among the artists who performed at the arena was folk singer Aleksandar Vuksanovic, aka Aca Lukas, who sang a duet, 'Balkanska Dusa' ('Balkan Soul'), with Marija Serifovic, the Serbian winner of Eurovision 2007.

This video clip, uploaded to YouTube by 'majstormica' on 24 Dec 2010, captures a few moments of what must have been a great evening for a great cause.

Joy to the world!

2010-12-25T09:14:00.002Z

Celebrating the birth of Jesus today! A happy day!

Merry Christmas!

A Mixed Message from Positive Youth Kraljevo.

2010-12-23T00:01:00.002Z

Are youth in Kraljevo, Serbia, misrepresented by a political organization called 'Positive Youth Kraljevo'?

A keyword search, 'Kraljevo', in the Google Blogs search engine returned 'Positive Youth Kraljevo'. I was intrigued and visited their blog. The post for 6 December 2010 was in Serbian and so I ran it through Google Translate. I was shocked by what I was reading. I Googled 'Positive Youth Kraljevo' and found an accurate translation on a website. I could not authenticate it. However, Positive Youth Kraljevo has made a follow-up post, and the message is clear.

I am confused because Positive Youth Kraljevo wants to show solidarity with Kraljevo residents, although it wants to dismantle the structures in place that are currently supporting the earthquake victims.

Its message appears to advocate a Marxist policy towards the emergency management of the crisis created by the earthquake of 3 November.

Positive Youth Kraljevo appears to state that neo-fascists are running business and government in Serbia. It appears to say that there is an emerging middle class in Serbia that is working with big business, which results in the exploitation of ordinary people in Kraljevo.

Apparently, Serbia is experiencing a 'crisis of capitalism' that has been made worse by the earthquake.

Positive Youth Kraljevo does not openly state that it is a Marxist organization, but its rhetoric has all the hallmarks of classical Marxist ideology.

A new Kraljevo and a new Serbia is portrayed as a place where there is room for people of different religions. If Positive Youth Kraljevo is a Marxist organization, its political masters do not have room for religion. People should remember that the Russian leader, Lenin, ordered the execution of 100 Russian Orthodox priests because they opposed him.

Does the youth of Kraljevo follow this organization? Do they understand the possible consequences? Will it fade into the background once the crisis is over, or is it a contender for the reigns of power in Kraljevo?

Kraljevo Earthquake Brings out the Hotheads!

2010-12-17T00:31:00.004Z

Kraljevo will recover from the earthquake of 3 November. It is not easy, but the government and local authorities have asked for and received international aid.

In this time of crisis created by the Kraljevo Earthquake, extremists masquerading as mainstream figures - politicians and "concerned citizens" - circle like vultures. They make a noise and attract attention. They get angry, shout and slander people. They are always looking to cause trouble, always looking for a fight. It is easy for politicians to use the earthquake as an excuse to score political points against the government.

These extremists appeal to the disaffected, the weary and the poor. In Kraljevo, it would be hard to remain positive after a month of living in crisis, unable to lead a normal life, forced to sleep in a tent because your house has been badly damaged by the earthquake. People might want to vent their frustration and perhaps feel a little resentment and want to blame the government. The extremists deliberately wait long enough for resentment to build and then they spread their malice, aiming at the youth or the struggling parent, wanting to shake everyone.

A person can be easily distracted by this noise and it is important to hold onto the facts and truth. Help has been arriving in Kraljevo since Day One of the crisis, making a real difference. A significant number of individuals from within Serbia and abroad care about the people of Kraljevo.

Winter is around the corner but all roofs in Kraljevo have been fixed or covered. I hope that no one who needs help will be forgotten or ignored.

Winter Approaches Kraljevo

2010-12-15T08:56:00.003Z

Winter begins officially 21 December, although the weather has begun to deteriorate in Kraljevo, Serbia, according to MSN Weather, who get data from FORECA. Weather conditions observed at 7 am local time for Kraljevo.

The current temperature in Kraljevo is -4 Degrees Celsius, although it will feel like -7 with a light wind of 7km/h from the West.

Snow flurries are expected by 1pm, local time, and a temperature of -2, with a minimum of -3 by 10pm, although it will be fair/mostly cloudy.

Sunrise today was 7.03 am. Sunset will be 4pm.

Tomorrow, 16 Dec, the forecast is for more snow flurries with a High of -2 and a Low of -3 Degrees Celsius.

Evangelical Christians Help Kraljevo Earthquake Victims

2010-12-15T01:46:00.002Z

The latest report from Evangelical Christian Bible College, Oak Hall, based in Belgrade, reveals that Jovica, a Christian missionary living with his wife and children in Kraljevo, is pleased with the answers to his prayers following the earthquake of 3 November.

A team of 16 volunteers have been working for 2 weeks in several locations across Kraljevo, repairing roofs, walls and chimneys. In many homes in Kraljevo, wood stoves are used for cooking, which need venting through chimneys.

This follows on from work done by Karl and Julie Bannert, US Southern Baptists with IMB Europe, who live 40 miles from Kraljevo, in partnership with World Net, an international educational organization. Karl worked as part of a national team of volunteers, some who are construction experts, from churches in northern Serbia.

It is good that Christians understand that repairs to houses are as important as preaching the gospel.

Will it be a lonely Christmas in Kraljevo?

2010-12-11T02:18:00.001Z

In Kraljevo, mothers with young children are forced to live in UNHCR tents in their gardens because their houses have been damaged by the earthquake. It will not be a happy Christmas for many families in Kraljevo this year.

This video uploaded to YouTube by Maxmariproduction 6 Dec 2010 shows the despair of the victims of the Kraljevo earthquake, as they try to lead a normal life in very difficult circumstances.

Kraljevo - rebel base for defrocked head of Kosovo Church?

2010-12-08T15:10:00.001Z

Defrocked Bishop Artemije and 80 followers apparently stayed at a hotel in Kraljevo late November 2010, reported Balkan Insight. They were escorted by police from Kosovo after a siege at the Duboki Potok monastery, where Artemije held mass, in defiance of the Serbian Orthodox Church leaders.

Bishop Teodosije was appointed head of the Church in Kosovo in the Diocese of Raska and Prizren, replacing Artemije.

Bishop Artemije was forced to retire in May after several of his close associates were found guilty of embezzlement.

Artemije is considered to be a nationalist hard-liner and strongly critical of the international community's actions in Kosovo.

One month after the Kraljevo earthquake

2010-12-07T07:45:00.001Z

One month after the 3 November earthquake in Kraljevo, Serbia, the Serbian news organization, B92, reports 3 Dec that construction work continues, although recovery is slower than expected. Many citizens remain living in tents, waiting for damage assessment. The first snowfall is due soon. This video was uploaded on 3 Dec 2010.

In another development, the Serbian news agency, Tanjug, reported 1 Dec 2010 that up to 150 prefabricated houses could be built by the end of the year, depending upon weather conditions, according to Kraljevo mayor, Ljubisa Simovic.

Serbian Monastery of High Decani, Kosovo

2010-12-05T10:05:00.001Z

The Serbian Orthodox Church is the foundation of Serbian society. This is a video posted on YouTube by 'serbia4kosovo' on 10 January 2008, in two parts, showing the tradition of Serbian Orthodoxy and how the Serbian people acknowledge Kosovo as the spiritual home of the Serbian nation.

Part Two:

A Serbian Film: Sending the Wrong Message

2010-11-27T09:51:00.000Z

When most people around the world already have a negative impression of Serbia, this film preview will further damage the country's public relations.

The director of A Serbian Film clearly cares little about Serbia or the Serbian people, and is on a personal crusade designed to please his own ego. Why else would he make a film that risks being banned in many European countries?

Any truth in the subject matter is lost because many people will not get the opportunity to see it. It is a sad waste of talent. The author Aleksandar Radivojevic and director Srdjan Spasojevic should never have been allowed to produce this tasteless piece of work and should be discredited by the Serbian government and people.

A black day for Serbia.

Demonstration of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts in Serbia

2010-11-19T21:52:00.001Z

Whilst the world's attention was naturally on the earthquake in Kraljevo, a demonstration of physical and intellectual harmony took place in Belgrade on 13 November, through the martial art of Wing Chun. Two martial art schools travelled from Kraljevo to Belgrade to participate in the event. Also, there were two schools from Belgrade, Vrsac, Kosovska Mitrovica, Pozarevac and Veliko Gradiste.

More than 200 participants from across Serbia took part in the event, which was opened by China's ambassador to Serbia, Wei Jinghua.

The Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu School (TWCKFS) Federation of Serbia is the oldest and largest Traditional Wing Chun organization in Europe, founded by Bozidar Bob Gabesek, the first European 6th level Master in William Cheung's organization. Although the main goal is self-defence, the school promotes healthy living, self-discipline, motivation, determination and commitment.

This video shows a united demonstration of the Federation schools. It was uploaded to YouTube by 'mikic67' on 17 Nov 2010.

Traditional Wing Chun School Kraljevo was recognised as the most successful school in the Federation in 2009. This video was uploaded to YouTube by 'mikic67' on 4 Jan 2010 as a presentation.

Моје симпатије за Краљево, након земљотреса

2010-11-13T21:08:00.000Z

У жељи да комуницира са свим Србима одмах, сам користио Гоогле Транслате. Ја сам учење српског језика, али сам само мало разумем. Сећање породице у жалости у Краљеву после земљотреса убили два члана, муж и жена. Сећање породицама и појединцима који су изгубили своје домове. Сећање на оне повређен у ноћи. Сећање града Краљева. Ја не могу почети да замисли да је терор захватио људе, као што су пробудили у току ноћи, питајући се шта се дешава. Онда је дошао накнадних потреса који ће имати креиран више анксиозности. Желите ли бити више смртних случајева и повреда? Колико више накнадних потреса би тамо бити? Колико још може да својих живаца? Тада осећања очаја ће имати узети држите као и све мушкарце и жене је радио цео свој живот је био осуђен за рушење. Њихов дом нестао - нема дневна соба, трпезарија нема, нема собе, нема купатило. Шта би они раде? Где би отишли? Шта је са њиховим личним стварима? Где би они спавају? Где би они перу? Тада могућност зиме без породичне куће, живот у хитан смештај. Како ће породичних односа посао? Да ли ће отац и даље команду поштовање своје деце, пошто је сведена на прихватање владе пропратног садржаја? Ће се ситуација место притисак на односе ван обичних? Колико имају бесане ноћи? Колико бринете о овој ситуацији ефекат има на своју децу? Подршку Скупштине града, државе, приватне компаније и организације и суседних градова на Балкану мора бити извор охрабрења за људе у Краљеву, као што су обнови и раде да се свој живот поново у ред. Надам се и молим се да кућа може се наћи за бескућнике пре зиме и да је Божић ће бити радостан прилика за многе и време мира за оне који су у жалости.

My sympathy for Kraljevo after the earthquake

2010-11-13T19:19:00.002Z

Remembering the family in mourning in Kraljevo after the earthquake killed two members, husband and wife. Remembering the families and individuals who have lost their homes. Remembering those injured in the night. Remembering the city of Kraljevo.

I cannot begin to imagine the terror that gripped people, as they were woken during the night, wondering what was happening.

Then came the aftershocks that will have created more anxiety. Would there be more deaths and injuries? How many more aftershocks would there be? How much more can their nerves take?

Then feelings of despair will have taken hold as everything men and women had worked their entire lives had been condemned for demolition. Their home gone - no living room, no dining room, no bedrooms, no bathroom. What would they do? Where would they go? What about their personal belongings? Where would they sleep? Where would they wash?

Then the prospect of winter without a family home, life in emergency accommodation. How will family relationships work? Will the father still command the respect of his children, after he has been reduced to accepting a government handout? Will the situation place a strain on relations beyond the ordinary?

How many are having sleepless nights? How many worry about the effect this situation is having on their children?

The support of the city council, the government, private companies and organizations and neighbouring towns and cities in the Balkans must be a source of encouragement for the people of Kraljevo, as they rebuild and work to put their lives back in order.

I hope and pray that homes can be found for the homeless before winter and that Christmas will be a joyful occasion for many and a time of peace for those in mourning.

5.6-magnitude Earthquake Hit Kraljevo Wed 3 Nov 2010. Two People Killed.

2010-11-06T23:24:00.004Z

Click on the link 'Emergency Management in Kraljevo' on the right for regular updates.

The central Serbian town of Kraljevo was hit by two more earthquakes on Thursday night (4.4 at 2209 CET) and Friday morning (3.9 at 0640 CET). There were no serious injuries.

The 5.6 magnitude earthquake hit Wednesday morning, at 1.56 a.m. local time, with the epicentre 10 kilometres north of Kraljevo. A man and a woman were killed as their roof fell on them in their bed. Dozens of people were injured.

It has been established that 4000 buildings have been damaged, with 90% being private homes. 310 houses have been declared unsafe. The hospital was damaged, but no patients were injured.

Electricity and phone lines were cut. The city's water supply has been restored, although the tap water has been declared chemically contaminated.

The government declared a state of emergency Wednesday. EUR 920,000 has been set aside for repairs to damaged buildings.

Here is a news report by B92 Television, showing the extent of the damage to Kraljevo. It was posted on YouTube on 3 Nov by 'esperado90'.

Western Balkans Update

2010-10-21T22:10:00.002+01:00

Florian Bieber, an academic at the University of Kent, gives an interesting summary opinion of the Rose-Roth seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly which he attended. He was left with a gloomy impression of the current state of affairs regarding reform in the Western Balkans. The Western Balkans region consists of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo.

According to Bieber, the US appears no longer seriously engaged in the region, regardless of the visit last week by the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton.

At the same time, Bieber believes that the European Union (EU) is paralyzed and without a current strategy on the Western Balkans. The EU is not particularly concerned about enlargement at the moment.

However, on a more optimistic note, Bieber is impressed that there is clearly a 'new atmosphere' in regional relations, especially between Croatia and Serbia. The representatives from Kosovo and Serbia appeared eager to improve relations, especially with regard to the need for technical talks and improving the lives of the inhabitants in Kosovo.

Bieber concluded that momentum for reform might come from the Western Balkans and not from outside the region.

Read Florian Bieber's blog post, http://fbieber.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/momentum-for-the-balkans/

Desperate Acts of the Old Regime in Serbia?

2010-10-13T09:05:00.003+01:00

Serbia seems to have taken a giant leap backwards, after the events of Sunday, when the Old Regime seem to have been revived. As political commentators analyse the violence unleashed against Serbia's gay community in Belgrade on Sunday, there are growing suspicions that there was a highly organised operation to undermine the police's capability to protect the participants of the gay pride parade.

It is possible that the organisers of the attack used a paramilitary-style strategy and had knowledge of police tactics and capability.

Was this 'political violence' aimed against the Serbian state and masterminded by extreme right-wing politicians, as part of a bigger strategy to undermine Serbia's EU integration policy?

Serbia through the seasons

2010-08-31T01:54:00.004+01:00

The National Tourism Organisation of Serbia entertains us once again with a delightful new video, posted on YouTube under 'serbia' on 26 August.

'Serbia through the seasons' is a great invitation to sample the delights the country has to offer.

Serbia - land of the lilacs

2010-07-27T22:00:00.004+01:00

The website of the National Tourism Organization of Serbia is your One Stop shop for a great introduction to the country and the variety of activities and events on offer.

Visit the website: http://www.serbia.travel/

Enjoy the official video:

Remembering Srebrenica

2010-07-11T18:53:00.002+01:00

The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina began on 6 April 1992. The Serbs had achieved their major objectives within the first sixty days of the war. Approximately one million people were forced to leave their homes, and tens of thousands of Bosniaks, mostly Muslims, had been killed within the first sixty days. The United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) had an insignificant presence in Bosnia during the initial stage of the war.

Srebrenica municipality consisted of 37,211 people, which included Srebrenica town and about 50 sq miles around it. 73% of people there identified themselves as Muslims, 25% as Serbs and 2% as "Yugoslavs" or part of no ethnic group.

The town of Srebrenica had been under siege since the beginning of the war, and remained in this situation until its fall on Tuesday 11 July 1995. All supplies had been cut, except for Serb-controlled United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) humanitarian aid and a town, which by the 1990s, had enjoyed living standards comparable with the United States and Europe, had been reduced to conditions resembling the Stone Age. However the people resisted the Bosnian Serb Army (BSA) for more than three years, which is a testament to their resilience.

The situation in Srebrenica had developed into a humanitarian crisis by January 1993. The United Nations announced to the world on 16 April 1993 that Srebrenica had been made a 'safe area', although the international press believed the UN meant 'safe haven', equal to the 'safe haven' created in the north of Iraq which provided robust protection to the minority Kurds from the Iraqi regime. The Bosnian government released a statement the same day, in which it appealed to the world, "We appeal to you on behalf of the people of Srebrenica who are threatened with extinction. Thousands of women, children and elderly are going to be massacred."

7,079 Muslims were executed or went missing in the massacres in Srebrenica.

Getting to know you...

2010-06-12T00:06:00.001+01:00

I have had a surge of energy from somewhere this week and started designing my blog on Blogger more how I want it.

At one stage, Google verified my account twice because I was creating lots of new blogs that would form links on my main page.

I may be wrong, but I don't think there is a website that provides links on a large number of different topics - and provides informed analysis of Kraljevo. I began designing my current blog primarily for myself, as a way of organising information without the need to use paper.

Although I set up my Blogger account on a PC, I continue to create and edit entirely from my phone - not a smart phone, simply a Sony Ericsson W595. The beauty is that it the mobile phone is the ultimate mobile device. I am constantly tweeting or browsing whilst walking to town, although only when it is safe to do so.

Great thing today was when I discovered the LinkedIn profile for the store manager of the Nike sports shop in Kraljevo. This inspired me to create a new category for go2kraljevo - People. I hope to link up with individuals in Kraljevo over the Internet and possibly meet up when I visit the city in about 3 years' time. I need to create my own LinkedIn profile and then I will be in touch.

I was interested to read the English version of the site of the Kragujevac Chamber of Commerce today. The first conference on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Central Serbia was held in Kragujevac in May 2007. Representatives from Kraljevo were among those who attended.

One thing that I have to remember is to design my blog to allow people to navigate properly. I believe peope should be able to leave comments anonymously, although all comments are moderated to prevent abusive comments from being automatically published.

Although Blogger could close down its entire operation next week, I believe that blogs are becoming too important to simply switch it off.

Kraljevo! Here I come... in 3 years' time.

Brian Day, Consultant and Travel Writer?

2010-06-10T20:51:00.001+01:00

Although no one will probably read my blog - let alone take me seriously - I write this with a view that someone, someday, might want to read, and might just take me seriously.

Initially, it is not necessary to be recognized in order to make a start. Recognition will come through my publications and contributions to journals, newspapers, and magazines. I might even get interviewed on radio - maybe TV, as well.

I have tried to get the necessary funding to do postgraduate study. I was offered a postgraduate place at the University of Nottingham on my first attempt, although I could not get a Career Development Loan. Then I was offered a place at Derby. Funding was simply not available to a graduate like me who 'only' got a 2:1 instead of a 1st.

I was not considered one of the 'best and bright' to stand a chance for the Civil Service Fast Stream. I do not have the will - or the time, frankly - to work towards Member of Parliament.

I have considered foreign affairs journalism - extremely difficult without a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification; again, funding is a problem. The same applies to teaching, plus History is not a priority subject.

University degrees became fashionable under Tony Blair's government, as a recognised route - in the public sector, at least - for fast tracking or accelerated promotion. There were several senior public sector figures who openly voiced their disapproval of Graduate Entry. It is obvious that graduates would have to go through a ridiculous recruitment process to even stand a chance to be selected. Some recruiters boast that their method ensures that taxpayers get value for money and state that 95% of applicants fail. In reality, the Civil Service put major obstacles in the way of the government's programme.

The notion that the 'Talent Pool' is an excellent place for 'top' graduates to be recruited into Local Government is a farce. I read a briefing to small businesses in 2007 by the director of human resources for Manchester City Council, in which he wrote that small businesses should be encouraged to recruit young graduates as opposed to mature graduates, since they are malleable, that they will accept a low starting salary as this will seem like a fortune compared to their student loan and they will be grateful simply to be offered a job. Whereas, older graduates have picked up bad habits over the years, and they are harder to train because they are set in their ways.

When I apply for graduate training programmes or graduate vacancies, this is the prejudice I face - whether in the private sector, independent sector or public sector - or even in the Christian Church. I know it is not paranoia. It's mainly prejudice from management, although there is some prejudice from the lower middle-class self-employed tradesman.

So, I will strike out alone. I cannot predict more than a meagre return and I might spend the rest of my working life in relative poverty. However, I know God will give me the essentials to live when I ask Him - He has done so far, into my 25th year since I decided to devote my life to Him.

I will continue to receive Social Security benefit until I get a day job, and then at night I will work on my consultancy work and travel writing until I can go part-time and maybe even full-time.

It's a brave new frontier...

A Taste of How the Poor Live

2010-06-01T08:33:00.001+01:00

Now that I have moved to a relatively nice house in the suburbs, I can reflect upon my 3 weeks in my town centre ground floor flat.

It would not be an exaggeration to state that I had probably the worst place in the street, certainly the worst front door. I lived in poor surroundings and I felt poor.

I had accepted my lot, although I barely coped. The flat was poorly designed - part of a converted house. None of the rooms were fit for enjoyment. It was dry and free from pests, although it is hard to imagine that anyone would desire to live there. It was despicable.

I remember feeling a sense of dread every time I returned to my flat. Ugly brown fire doors that did not shut properly. An ugly dirty wooden front door that had not been painted in years. There was double-glazing windows, so why couldn't the landlord have fitted the flat with UPVC doors?

Old wallpaper and dents in the wall. No cupboards to store my food. No working shower, just an old bath. Barely room for a bed. The living room was meant to be a small room at the front of the flat, although I could not imagine living there with heavy traffic constantly streaming past on the dual carriageway.

Then there was my neighbour, who I would describe as a man tormented by demons. He fell into violent rages nearly every day. When I reported my landlord to the local authorities due to the sub-standard living conditions, the inspector wanted to inspect his flat and pushed a business card through his letter box. My neighbour interpreted this as a threat and became paranoid; he believed that I had made a complaint against him. He flew into rages more often and on two occasions he shouted from his flat that he was going to kill me. I discovered from the local authorities that he was a psychiatric out-patient with severe mental health problems, who was a difficult and uncooperative person. I was told by his psychiatric worker that he regularly used illicit drugs; my landlord stated that he did not know about the drug abuse.

I was scared for my own life and on one occasion I called the police, who responded 20 minutes later. The second time I called the police, they simply gave me an Incident Number and did not respond. They were aware of my neighbour, who had been regularly picked up by the police.

The crazy thing was that everyone knew about my neighbour except me. The psychiatrist called my neighbour in and assessed that he was no threat. However, he continued his intimidation.

My neighbour was part of a failed government scheme known as 'Care in the Community', that was introduced after the psychiatric hospitals were closed down in the 1980s. There is probably no room for him in any facility.

My situation was reminiscent to 19th-century living standards. The building should be closed down and converted for non-residential purposes. However, this would not happen because there are probably hundreds of dwellings like this one across the borough; to build affordable decent homes would cost millions of pounds.

The Christian Church spends millions of pounds treating the symptoms of poverty. They could spend that on a house-building programme and create jobs. They are blind.