The Serbian capital is made up of a sprawl of socialist blocks dotted with Ottoman relics. Although it may not be the prettiest capital, it sure knows how to have a good time
“So, what have you been doing today?” asks the Crown Prince of Serbia. I can’t think what to say. It’s the first time conversation has dried up over the past few days; if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Serbians, it’s that they love to talk — about the war, about their country, about how they are perceived in the wider world, about films, about apples… anything.
This chat is a little different though. As I’d arrived for my visit at the Royal Palace, the prince had been holding court with a small group of American tourists from a cruise ship, regaling them with tales of Serbia’s past royals. They’d listened, enthralled, then queued to shake his hand, and that of his formidable Greek wife, Crown Princess Katherine. I’d expected a brief hello, but instead the prince, princess and I unexpectedly sat down for tea and cake.
“Have you seen anything interesting?” the prince prompts. I don’t think it would be particularly good etiquette to mention that I’ve come straight from former President of Yugoslavia Tito’s tomb at House of Flowers. It might be a little awkward as the Serbian royal family was exiled for nearly 60 years, forbidden to return after the Second World War by the communist regime. Everyone in Belgrade has something to say about Tito, ardent defenders or passionate decriers. I’ve got a feeling what the Crown Prince, born in exile in London, thinks of him. So I lie. “I’ve been… to the fortress.”
Denne historien er fra June 2018-utgaven av National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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Denne historien er fra June 2018-utgaven av National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Dianne Whelan
THOUGH NOT A SEASONED HIKER TO BEGIN WITH, THE FILMMAKER BECAME THE FIRST PERSON TO COMPLETE THE WORLD'S LONGEST TRAIL NETWORK
NIGERIA
The country's many communities come together over hearty meals with plenty of heat
Katie Hale
A VOYAGE TO THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT IS BOTH A DREAM COME TRUE AND A CALL TO ARMS, TO PROTECT OUR ICY POLES AND, IN TURN, OUR PLANET
WILTSHIRE
BEYOND THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF STONEHENGE, WILTSHIRE HAS EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE ANCIENT SITES, GIANT CHALK HORSES AND COSY PUBS IN HISTORIC VILLAGES
BATH
Thermal baths and Regency heritage have put this Somerset city firmly on the travel map - and this year the spotlight will be on former resident and literary great Jane Austen, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth
GRANADA
In this Andalucian city, flamenco is an art form as well as a way of life not just for traditional dancers and singers but also for hip-hop stars, classical guitar legends and street artists
India's Golden Triangle
LINKING DELHI, THE TAJ MAHAL AND THE PINK CITY OF JAIPUR, WITH DETOURS FOR TEMPLES AND TIGERS, THIS IS THE PERFECT ROUTE FOR FIRST-TIMERS. WORDS: POOJA NAIK
FORGED BY FIRE
A SUBTROPICAL ISLAND IN THE ATLANTIC, MADEIRA HAS RUGGED VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS THAT RISE ABOVE THE CLOUDS, NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS DOWN AT SEA LEVEL AND MORE THAN 1,900 MILES OF HISTORIC AQUEDUCTS TRACING THE LANDSCAPES IN BETWEEN
ADRIFT IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
A KAYAKING EXPEDITION THROUGH NORWAY'S LOFOTEN ISLANDS OFFERS WHITE-SAND BEACHES, ROYAL ENCOUNTERS AND THE CHANCE TO CHANNEL YOUR INNER VIKING
the RETURN
ON A PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN SOUTH AFRICA'S KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE, AN UNLIKELY CREATURE IS MAKING A TENTATIVE COMEBACK - AND VISITORS ARE OFFERED A GLIMPSE INTO THE CONSERVATION EFFORTS TO SAVE IT AND OTHER NATIVE WILDLIFE
