Sutjeska National Park

A long time I had a desire to see this monument. I was thrilled when I heard we were going to Mag(l)ic. And of course we'll stop off at Tjentiste. We arrived early in the morning and it was still quite dark. I was surprised by the size of monuments, it is really huge. I was thrilled and disappointed at the same time because of deterioration of this stunning monument.

The park was location of the 1943 Battle of the Sutjeska during WWII. In the battle, the Partisans were led by marshal Josip Broz Tito. To remember the tragic loss of life, the abstract war memorial was constructed near the village Tjentiste. A war memorial now stands vithin the Valley of the Heroes, where the Yugoslavian Partisans overpowered the German occupying forces, even though they lost a third of their men. This monument was designed by the sculptor Miodrag Zivkovic.

There is also a Memorial home "Battle of Sutjeska" near the monument. It was built in period 1964-1971, and it is work of architect Ranko Radovic. In the 1980s monuments like this attracted millions of visitors per year, especially young pioneers. But after the Republic dissolved this monument was completely abonded and it´s symbolic meaning was forever lost. Though not for all of us!

I found this old picture among the pictures of my father. I think it was in 1975 or 1976. He's this young man with blond hair in the lower left corner. It was a field trip in high school. This image is one of the reasons I wanted to visit this monument.

Established in 1962, Sutjeska is oldest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This park attracts both history and nature lover alike. The Strict Nature reserve Perucica, one of the last two remaining primeval forest in Europe, is part of the park. With over 300 species of birds, and other animals such as bears, wolves, foxes, Sutjeska National Park is must-see for any animal lover.

It also hides the 75 metres tall Skakavac waterfall. š

It was just part of the beauty that we saw in our way to Maglic. However Maglic is a story for itself. 

My new-old sewing machine

The first prototype of sewing machines in the Bagat is made by precise mechanic Sime Pavic in 1955, bringing together 160 different parts manufactured in the same facility, the old engines, which the factory had. The prototype could perform walk forward and backward, zig-zag, semi-seam stitching buttonholes, quilting buttons, produces nine types of patterns and sewing with two needles. Bagat was one of the biggest factories of sewing machines in Europe and was employing around 3,500 workers.

"Bagat" as used machines can be found on the market even today. Many servicers continue to carry out their maintenance and repair, procuring supplies from aboad and buying parts through ads.

I received one as a gift last month. I was very happy because I really love all kind of old stuff. It is a Bagat model Jadranka. It appears to be in good condition. Actually it will need a few minor repairs like lubrication, cleaning some parts ect.
This machine work with foot pedal but also on electricity. I tried to run a needle and it works. So far so good. I look forward to use it.

Simple curtains

I made it for the kitchen window. It is really an inexpensive but cute way to decorate windows. You can use different kind of fabrics. You just need to let your imagination work and you can make whatever you want.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your window and then the height that you want. When you know the dimensions of the window, you can specify how long you want the curtains to be. I made two curtains of different length, one for the top and one for the bottom. I used a thin, transparent fabric. At the bottom of curtain, I added decorative silk ribbon.

It is very simple procedure. The fabrick should be cut into a rectangular desired dimensions. Remember to allow room for the hemming strips to your measurements . Then you fold the edges and sew them.

 All that remains to be done is to make a top hem. You should also make opening for the tension rod. You could use clips too. I bought a white curtain tension rod in local store. 

I like their vintage country look!

My flowers this summer

The beginning of the summer was really wonderful with plenty of rainy and sunny days. Everything looked really nice in the garden. 

I was delighted that everything is progressing, vegetables and flowers. Long time since I've written on the blog but I took pictures during the days. The last days are too hot, with temperature above 30 degrees and everything starts to dry and veins.

So here are a few pictures of my flowers and herbs from the beginning of the summer so far.

Jajce sightseeing tour

May 28th, 2015. This was my second visit to this wonderful city. Some people аre saying that it is a city museum. I completely agree with that. 

Jajce is situated in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was first built in the 14th century and served as the capital of the independent Kingdom of Bosnia during its time. When the Bosnian kingdom fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1463, Jajce was taken by the Ottomans but was retaken next year by Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus. Eventually, in 1527, Jajce became the last Bosnian town to fall to Ottoman rule. 

It was a little about the history of Jajce, and here are some attractions that we visited.

When we got out of the car, the first thing we saw was a waterfall. It is the place where the Pliva  river meets the river Vrbas. I always say it's nice to see the image but it is only a fraction of those inner feelings when you see it live.

However, we decided first go to the fortress. It was built aroud the fourteenth century. 

On the way to the fortress, we saw a number of interesting buildings. There is something mystical in these old buildings, which were held for so many years. Near such buildings I feel completely different and I like that feeling.

At the fort we met a lot of tourists. I noticed the enthusiasm among everyone. 

After that we wanted to see catacombs - unusual cultural and historical monument, which is located inside the town rampartes. It is truly unique monument, but there was a big crowd and we did not have time to wait to get inside. Some another time, I hope.

On the way back we went to the Museum AVNOJ. Then we returned to the waterfall. But this time we came so close to the waterfall that we had a feeling it's raining.

 Our next destination was Pliva Lakes with complex mills Pliva. It is located 5 km away from Jajce. Wooden watermills were probably built in Austro-Hungarian period. They all have the same look. There are 19 renewed mills today.

We have succeeded to see this wonderful places in one day and make sure once again that Jajce is a great city, a city museum indeed. Definitely worth a visit.