Being so near the sea, and very close to Zeta valley, it is such an extraordinary thing that Cetinje is a snowy place.

Snow is always with a smile welcomed here, and even though traffic almost always collapses, inhabitants of Cetinje are not nervous at all. They affectionately greet every snowflake and just go out to walk, talk and enjoy the winter. The town becomes so active, and historic part of the town turns into scenery from theatre plays. There is a celebrating mood in the air, and my favorite familiar streets are cuter and more cheerful than usually.

I don’t know why people in Cetinje are so fond of snow, but they are celebrating the beauty of life and winter splendor so naturally. Undoubtedly, there is a pure elegance and nobility in snow. Cetinje used to be a capital where king lived. Perhaps that is a reason why people here appreciate exquisiteness, as snow definitely is.

– Mirjana Lubarda

There is an unusual event of welcoming a New Year in Macedonian village Begniste (Бегниште­) on every January 14^th. A sense of pagan times revives, and if you happen to be there you will see people with beards made of goat hair, dressed in strange clothing belted with heavy bells. One man is always dressed in white and he represents a New Year, while there is also another one dressed in black that represents a year that is behind. This living pagan ritual called jolomary (џоломари) is not very well known, but is extremely interesting to see. So on January 14^th, village Begniste is where I like to be. If you speak Macedonian you can read more about jolomary here.

        – Aleksandar Elenin

I don’t know what view is more appealing to my heart. When I am on the fort and look down on the Danube or the other way around. Petrovaradin fortress is a brick construction, built for military purposes in XVIII c. Fortification is covering surprisingly wide area, but a lot of it is not recognizable since a big part of it is made of underground tunnels and magazines…

Nowadays Petrovaradin is one of the favorite places of Novi Sad citizens. I am one of them; in fact I have always liked it so much that I've chosen to live in Suburbium, the Lower Town of Petrovaradin Fortress. Even the cold weather, snow, wind and frozen Danube are not stopping me to explore it and enjoy in it.

Even though Novi Sad and Petrovaradin are so close to one another, do not be mistaken to think it is the same town. Petrovaradin is older and has more vivid history. Novi Sad started as a trench of Petrovaradin fort. A proud inhabitant of Petrovaradin will emphasize its own roots and how atmosphere in Petrovaradin will always be different from the one in Novi Sad.

– Bojana Karavidic

A place of wonder it is, the town that I live and work in. And I am not the only one with a unique strong feeling for Gjirokastra. There has not been a single visitor in Gjiro that I have met without vivacious impression. But only few were lucky enough to witness a snow in Gjirokastra. Snow is magic by itself, and it always gives new dimension to everything. Of course to daily life too, traffic jams, lack of electricity and so on, but when I look through my office window and see the view, it all goes away. Time disappears and suddenly, Gjirokastra is a main character from a fairy tale.

– Elena Mamani

Growing up I lived across the street from Kalemegdan Park, but I grew up in the fortress. It was the 1980s and large portions of the fortifications were neglected and overgrown with vegetation – the perfect setting for adventures. I met my three oldest friends exploring the underground chambers and peering into sarcophagi. Time has moved on. The fortress is better maintained these days, and adventures have given way to a more organized life. My knowledge and understanding of history has improved a lot too. Kalemegdan is still there, only these days it’s the place where I walk my dog and go running. But its ramparts and moats tickle my fantasy as much as they always have.

– Vuk Tosic

They stand proudly on the sides of the hill, within the historical landscape of Gjirokastra, Albania. Residential mansions from end of 18th century. Heavy roofs are pressing the stone structures, while the afternoon sun warms the facades. Gjirokastra, a life within the stone and timber structures is slow, yet is speeding up with what it has to offer to local and international visitors.

– Lejla Hadzic

The wealth of colour and outstanding artisanship on the ceiling of Helvetian Tekkie in Berat, Albania. Breathtaking view, hidden if we don't look up.

– Rand Eppich

There is a place that I really like between Belgarde and Smederevo in Serbia, called Grocka. It has marvelous position on wavy hills above meandering Danube. When I drive from Belgrade to Grocka certain views stun me every time.

Besides nice scenery Grocka is also hiding a lot of heritage, among which is old successful tradition in growing most delicious fruits and grapes. Where fruits are, there are different kinds of brandies, and where are good grapes there has to be decent wine.

Winemaking is hard work and it takes more than a day, actually it is a whole year effort.

Participating in wine-making is a real joy and every year I try to learn something new from this ancient tradition.

– Srdjan Nastasic

This tiny island Vrnik lies next to the island Korcula in Croatia. Vrnik is irreplaceable place in so many ways. Nowhere else I have sensed such tranquility and perfection.

But this small island used to shine with world-wide fame and glory. It used to be a very well-known limestone quarry. People from Korcula and Vrnik were very skillful working and selling their stone all over the Adriatic area. Most of the important buildings in this area are done in Vrnik’s limestone: in Venice, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Kotor… But also stone from Vrnik could be seen on some remarkable buildings elsewhere, such as: the Town Hall in Stockholm, Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, the White House in Washington, the parliament in Vienna.

I try to visit Vrnik at least ones a year. It makes me keep contact with my inner self.

– Martina Strugar

Even though it might seem that this place is nothing but a mountain peak, it is actually an archeological site Kokino in Macedonia. The archeological site was discovered in 2001. It is claimed to be a sacred site and megalithic observatory. There are a lot of findings from the Bronze Age, like ceramic vessels, molds…

I really like to visit this site because it has a special atmosphere of a consecrated place. It is very peaceful and while there, one can feel isolated from everything, even from present date.

- Aleksandar Elenin