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Ethno Tourism By: Bojana Jankovic Uzice, Nov.30, 2009 (Serbia Today) - The rapid pace of the modern world has made us all aware of how important it is to relax and recharge batteries, from time to time. Weekends are good for a short rest and the summer and winter vacations are our time for more lengthy relaxation and repair. But somehow the standard vacation packages and their destinations just don’t seem to produce the effect of relaxation we are looking for these days. It might be the modern glass enclosed hotel, or the crowded beech apartment complex, or the homogeneity of the settings – no matter which country – but to escape this trap we have to back a few steps back…in history. In Serbia this means going to see the places where our parents and grandparents lived, and in most cases this means going to a village. Serbian cultural history is everywhere in these places – the interior painted wood panels in the cottages, the hand sewed tablecloths and kilims (carpets), the wood stoves, and homemade food from an earthen pot. The food coming from these kitchens cannot be produced elsewhere - cabbage, polenta, and cream, cheese, all kinds of pies, cakes and cookies from scratch the way that grandmother made them. This rich bounty of colors, flavors and aromas cannot be paid for in a hotel or restaurant. You must go to the village for these things. You must embrace “Ethno Tourism” in Serbia. These are the places where a real rest can be enjoyed and there is no better place for recharging the battery. Tiganjica, is a gem of a destination if you are looking for Ethno Tourism. It is located in the eastern part of Vojvodina, known as the Banat, 10 kilometers from Zrenjanin. Tiganjica was built at the entrance to the Carska Bara nature reserve, with the intent of conjuring the old Banat atmosphere from centuries ago. In the pension of the village there are six rooms, restored furniture in the Banat style. The pension is located by large windmills, a park, a flowers garden, ethnic sculptures and a restaurant producing the divine cuisine of the region. Special attractions in Tiganjica include an animal refuge, where there are roosters, peacocks, roe deer and ducks. The refuge’s guest of honor is the bear Misha, who was adopted ten years ago, when, as a cub, he lost his mother in an accident. In the central part of Serbia, in Rasina district, in the northwestern part of the municipality of Aleksandrovac, is Latkovac, a village which is known as the magic village ‘in the heart of Serbia’. The village of Latkovac contains stables, barns, and houses (one of which is over 200 years old). Thanks to its long and fascinating history, Latkovac exudes a magical atmosphere. The inhabitants of the village were respected throughout the region as well known winemakers, craftsmen and artists. Pure mountain water from artesian wells, fresh air, and wonderful food make Latkovac a perfect place for walking, recreation, sports and easy sleep. On the slopes of Divcibare (Western Serbia, Kolubara district), at an altitude of 550 meters is the village Gostoljublje (literally translating to the place of hospitality), which along with nearby villages is part of a larger project called Eco Village. Gostoljublje is centered around a ranch, which is intended for the village’s tourism development and the production of healthy food. This fascinating mountain attraction is composed of traditional wooden houses that give perfect comfort, especially for a restful holiday. In Western Serbia, in the Zlatibor district, near Uzice, between the towns of Zlatibor and Tara, is the Village Drvengrad. Drvengrad (wooden town) is situated on Mokra Gora mountain. Celibrated Serbian director, Emir Kusturica, built this village as part of a larger project to preserve traditional Serbian culture, and as he has said, because he lost his village in Bosnia and wanted to have a place he could call home. Drvengrad is time capsule of what Serbian village looked like over a hundres years ago, and it was built from traditional materials to create the authentic atmosphere. The village center is square with a church dedicated to Saint Sava at the center, which evokes the eastern influence on early Orthodox Churches. While walking through the village you can encounter a picture gallery, a cinema, and a shop with homemade cakes and natural juices, a restaurant serving traditional Serbian cuisine, and a handicrafts shop, all housed in tradition structure from the same period. Another special destination in the Zlatibor District, which preserves the traditional Serbian ethos is Sirogojno. The village, which is was chosen as the location for a region museum in the 1980’s was referred to as the “Old Village”. Located on 5 hectares, Sirogojno represents the way of life of people from these mountains. The 47 wooden structures that make the village exude warmth. The village is also famous for its brandy and hand-made sweaters from Sirogojno, both of which have kept its residents warm in the winter months for generations. Sirogojno is surrounded by the enchanting mountain ambience where the villages of Gostilje, the Stopic Vapa caves, the spa with mineral water springs, and the tourist center of Zlatibor are a short distance away. One of the most interesting sites of mountain Zlatibor is the majestic waterfall Gostilje. The crystal clear blue water falls over 20 meters and provides a breath taking view which one can enjoy after a relaxing meal in the village’s inn. The Gostilje village inn, is run by friendly and hospitable staff, whose lunch menu is made up of only local fruits, vegetables, ham, bacon, dairy products, corn bread or polenta and homemade brandy right from the village. The freshness and the flavor is all part of the Ethno Tourist experience which heals us from the wear and tear of the modern world.
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Ethno Villages & Country Estates Pristine nature, the mild climate, the fresh air spiced by the smell of hay and wild flowers, the rivers and the lakes with crystalline water and the extraordinary flora and fauna, make Serbia very desired destination in rural tourism! Specialized tourist centers called “Ethno Villages” and country estates throughout communities of Kosjerić, Valjevo, Ljig, Čačak, Požega, Knić, Lučani, Mionica, Užice, Sokobanja, Čajetina, Prijepolje, Brus, Šabac, Kraljevo, Ivanjica, Rača Kragujevačka and Gornji Milanovac are ready to accommodate the tourists from all over the world. For those who like walks in the nature, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, exploring caves, or just gathering of the wild fruits and flowers and medical plants, Serbian countryside is ideal place to spend your vacation. If you are into discovering different cultures in the authentic environment, learning the local habits and traditions, tasting the traditional kitchen and homemade liquor and wine, or visiting one of the local village fairs, or if you simply want to layback and do nothing at all, just look at the blue sky, breath the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature, Serbian countryside is perfect for you.
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Kostunici - a village frozen in time Gornji Milanovac, Nov.26, 2009 (Serbia Today) - The village of Kostunici is tucked into the slopes of the Suvobor mountains, and belongs to the Gornji Milanovac municipality. Due to its geographical isolation and unspoiled condition it is referred to as the only true eco-village in Serbia. The Suvobor region is one of very few areas in Serbia which is left untouched by the hand of civilization. This village is truly blessed with gifts of natural beauty. Crystal clear streams, verdant forest, and countryside. The crafts and artwork from the people of the village are made from all natural products. In Kostunici there are also several households that offer authentic Serbian accommodations to those who seek the escape from modern life's quick pace or to those who just happen to stumble upon this beautiful village. Some of the sights of Kostunici village are: a Serbian folk art center located in a traditional home which is filled with genuine art work of knitters and weavers. The local store is a 120 years old ethno-museum and a permanent exhibition of Boza Prodanovic's art pieces. There is also a historical museum, dedicated to General Zivojin Misic and the battle of Kolubara, which took place near the village. This village hosts two events each year - the ‘Vidovdan Celebration in Kostunici’ (around the 25th of June), and Plum Harvest Day (beginning of October). Vidovdan is an annual celebration in Serbia which bloody battle which destroyed the Turkish and Serbian armies in 1389, but eventually lead the period of Ottoman domination of Serbia for almost 500 years. Plum days being a much more lively event in which the harvest of plumbs and the making of the local brandy is celebrated. The village of Kostunici is surrounded by the gorgeous Suvobor Mountain, where the famous Ravna Gora can be found. It is a plateau filled with beech tress and endless pastures. Ravna Gora gave birth to the rivers of Mala Bukovaca, Graba and Ponora and it is also home to the Mokra and Suva caves. On the plateau, there is a mountain house, a monument to the famous Serbian military leader in WWII, Draza Mihajlovic, the St. George church and the 'Babina Glava' (grandma's head) observation deck.
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