Just another day in paradise

Finals are coming, entrance exams knocking on our doors, and the weather just keeps on getting more and more summer-like. That did not stop me from going to a 3-day trip to Belgrade, where it never ceases to amaze me.We stopped at the local coffee shop, where I had the most delicious espresso, enjoyed chatting with the waiter who appeared to be Rene's twin (from Alo Alo) and the most pleasant breeze. It is not very difficult to find a way to indulge yourself. Those small things are what makes our life the way it is. It's just us who are trying to make it more complex and complicated.

Stepping stone

Well, it has been a while since I had sat down and wrote a post on the blog...But there is an excuse :) Recently I have graduated from my High school. I am no longer a highschool student, but rather soon-to-be a University one. That is a frightening, but yet delightful thought.For each person, a graduation night, or prom in this case is a divine moment in life, which lasts only briefly. It is the one night in which we become celebrities, in which all eyes point at us. Who could wish for more? A night of style, glamour, grace, bonding, love and ultimately - bitter sadness for having to say those words of goodbye. Nevertheless, it was spectacular - form the moment we walked down the catwalk to the moment in which all the girls took off their high hells and started walking barefoot. It was not until tomorrow morning that we came home, still a bit dizzy, worn out and incapable of standing on our feet. There are so many photos, but not one of them can deliver the feeling and emotion that was present in each moment.

Plain

At times, all you need is a simple break-from school, from people, from the surroundings... And at that point, I decide to make myself a cup of delicious coffee, preferably strong and sweetened. Those 7 minutes are dedicated entirely to myself, to my indulgement and enjoyment. There is a whole history standing behind that glorious potion... Since the beginning of the human kind, people discovered a herb that would feel them not only warm but also boosted with energy. Pretty amazing, wouldn't you say? Later, it occured to someone that he would benefit from nurturing it and exporting it and there you go- Brazil stands for the no. 1 exporter of coffee in the world. Or you can support it with social facts-a prominent sociologist Emile Durkheim said that there is an entire ritual devoted to drinking coffee... It is not only that, but also fundamental for engaging into conversations with people, and whenever you feel for a cup of coffee, you are longing for an interaction with people. Who would have thought-a simple bean led to being the most famous drink in the world, the necessity for starting a day, reading newspapers or, simply, wanting to have a moment of peace with yourself... :)

A hidden rebel

It is known to every human being. It is something ubiquitous, not foreign and utterly frequent-having an alter ego. That is a part of one's personality which emerges at some point. It doesn't necessarily have to be similar to you, and in majority of situations, it is not the case. That other you is quite often the complete opposite of you, more courageous, more daring to take risks, more attractive and appealing. Your demon. It is born when you desire and gives you the strenght and the confidence when needed...Also, it withdraws the moment you want to shut it down. But you can never make it disappear, it is always lurking from the dark waiting its time to shine. Each night the disguise falls and you become a hero in your own world-a prototype of your aspirations and desires. And with every dawn you switch to being your own self. And the world can see what you choose to show... Mind blowing, isn't it?
This is my projection of the 'demon' inside me. The complete opposite of what I stand for and advocate against...

Lost & Found

In the background of every post there is a story which is retold through the images...I am sitting in my apartment along with Pink Floyd and "Wish you were here"... I suddenly feel nostalgic while I am haphazardly glancing at some old pictures.It is funny how time goes by so briskly without even letting us know. It takes away some of our memories, but than again, makes room for some other ones. That prevents us from degrading, and helps us prospere and grow as we blossom throughout every day. And that is a good thing. Knowing that anything that occurs to you is something that would help you and make you fierce and more mature. But we should never let that child inside us vanish, as it the one keeping us stronger and more vivid. It is the spirit that is keeping us alive.

"Remember when you were young, you shone like the Sun"... 

Enlightened

Finally, the holiday has begun! Could you imagine how thrilled I must feel :) Even though it's time for rest, obligations cannot be put on hold. There is preparation for the entrance exam(University), trying not to neglect the books that have to be read...It's going to be quite busy, as you can see. But then again, we cannot help but be influenced by this Christmas and New Year's spirit. It's everywhere, from our homes to the centre of the town and all the shops. And it is beautiful, indeed.

This week I had a wonderful time with my family and really try to spend as much time as I can with them. During our long walks, I couldn't help but pose a bit while my brother was taking the pictures. There are not many of them, but I wanted to publish them...so enjoy!

Real Aikido-WCRA

Anything I try to say and write about this post is simply not enough...I have had the greatest honour and pleasure to be a part of an international event, which is organised annually. The Grandmaster Ljubomir Vracarevic is the founder of a martial art named The Real Aikido. Its roots originate from Japan, and the only person who had black belt 10 dan (the founder of Aikido itself) was Morihei Ueshiba. Those two legends are no longer with us, but the tradition has continued to be present everywhere. Now something about the seminar... Frankly, there are no words to properly describe the feeling and emotion each person must have felt that day. Imagine two hundred people making identical moves simultaniously-by the command of one of the most prominent masters nowadays-Igor Petrovic and with help of an excellent aikidoka-Vladimir Vokic. The official photographer of our club(my brother) was taking pictures of the event and he really made me proud :) Thanks bro!

A part of our club that managed to attend

A fellow aikidoka from another town

 A commemoration video for the late Grandmaster

 Synchronized much?

 Well deserved rest

 Master Vokic demonstrating a defensive technique

 Grand names in discussion

Special Brigade of the Serbian Armed Forces in preparation for a demonstration 

A diploma signifying our presence at the event 

Contemplating...

...which was interrupted by these friendly figures :)

In honour of the late Grandmaster Ljubomir Vracarevic (1947 - 2013)