Hello everyone. It is an interesting fact that I live in a small country and I still haven't explored every corner of it. I am always blown away again and again by some places that I didn't even know existed and are very close. Does that happen to you when it comes to your country?
A few days ago, my sister visited a small place on the bank of the Danube river, not far from Belgrade. It's called Kovilj, but it's also known by many other names, such as a mythical village, a village between reality and a dream, and a village at the end of the world.
When you come to this place, you really feel as if you are coming to the end of the world, to a paradise where there is nothing further.
When my sister sent me photos and told me a story about this place, I fell in love with it at first sight and decided to spend one of the next weekends there.
Although a small place, it is famous far and wide thanks to the fact that some significant historical figures were born there, such as the Serbian poet Laza Kostic. While looking at the photos, it became clear to me why they call it the village between reality and dream or the mythical village. When you are there, you are not sure if you are dreaming because the surroundings are magical.
Kovilj has a rich flora and fauna, the nature is amazing. Autumn landscapes by the river have a soothing effect and inspire you to stay there as long as possible.
There is a historical and religious building worth visiting - a monastery from the 13th century. It is very old but preserved and authentic.
The locals are very kind and warm-hearted and proud of their village. They are very hardworking and work a lot. Each yard is beautifully landscaped, they take care of their surroundings. It is a well-known story that they refused to build a railway so that the trains would not frighten the horses. But as much as they love to work, they also love to enjoy their time. They often gather in the afternoon and enjoy talking and eating. Their favorite hobby is fishing, which is in line with their nature and slow way of life.
Kovilj is famous for its watermelons, storks that you can see on lampposts, but also for its perfect fish stew.
If you visit this place, you must try the fish stew. The reason why this place is called the village at the end of the world is the restaurant of the same name, which is located on the monastery property. In this place, you will feel welcome and enjoy good food and natural surroundings.
Near Kovilj there is another place worth visiting because of its great cultural and historical heritage - Sremski Karlovci. My sister went there for an afternoon coffee before returning to Belgrade.
You simply cannot skip this place if you are in the vicinity because it calls you to come and have a coffee in one of the cafes where you will feel the warmth of home due to the traditional decorations.
In the end, she went to the Donkey Hill viewpoint. From that spot you can see the whole of Sremski Karlovci and the surrounding area.
And there is a statue of a gentleman who wrote wonderful poems.
It is the Serbian poet Duško Trifunovic, whose verses I will end this post with.
"There is some secret bond, for all people, the rigid law.
Man binds himself with it, when he chooses his way.
There is some secret bond,
a secret bond for all of us.
Man binds himself with it when he seeks salvation for his soul.
The anchor that protects the ship not to be prey to the storm, sinks together with that ship, because it is part of it."
Thank you very much for reading.
The images and writing are original and mine.
Greetings!
Jelena