of Rožaje, an old abandoned watermill where the Ser- bian vampire often dropped by at night while the mill- ers were alone and sleepy. He killed them, drank their blood and then disappeared into the mist. The villag- ers insist that the story is true, and even to this day no one dares to walk by the mill in the dark. I’m waiting for spring to convince myself about this legend. The nearby tavern, the owner of which financed the reno- vation of the log cabin on the water, offers “Vampire” rakija brandy, the effect of which I found especially in- teresting. I promise to let you know my impressions if the morning even comes. During my visit to the Valjevo area, I found refuge at the Harmony ranch, which is a fifteen-minute walk from the place that I most came to see - the canyon of the river Gradac. Nature is independent here, appear- ing untouched despite man often being present. All the senses are rested by colours that shift from green to blue and back again. The sounds of birds, rivers, wind and the trains that traverse a winding track high above fol- low the course of the river. You can hike the full length of the canyon from the town to the spring, and cross the river countless times through the water. And do so carefree, as it is mostly shallow, although the pools and rocks hide deeper parts where you can also cool off dur- ing the summer. Halfway to the spring you will come across a stone bridge, an ethno village and the Ćelije Monastery. Nestled in the hills, they are at one with the rest of the beauty. On the second day we travelled by car to Rovni Lake, which is probably the youngest reservoir in Serbia, as well as the dam of the same name. The view from the dam itself is beautiful, but I’ve nonetheless prepared a tastier treat for you. One of the most beautiful vantage points, in my humble opinion – the Great Rock, Veli- ka stena, which is just a half-hour ramble away from the village of Stubo through the forest. Prepare your- self for the magical view of a turquoise lake that looks like it’s always been there. Don’t try to touch a cloud and stay forever, although the temptation to do so is great. Did you know about “Plitvice in Serbia”, which is how people used to refer to the Taor Springs before part of the water ended up piped in for the sake of the wa- ter supply? Honestly, neither did I. I came across them by accident on Instagram, noted the location and head- ed that way on the third day via an asphalt road, end- ing up on a macadam track in the middle of the wilder- ness. Although mutilated, these waterfalls, which flow through cascades covered with moss and overflow in- to natural pools, touching the branches of trees, are a magical place. The dilapidated wooden watermill looked like something out of films about elves. The whole time I was asking myself how it could be that I hadn’t previ- ously encountered them. That’s why, dear travellers, I wish us a successful and healthy New Year, and may those same elves exert every effort to bring us more opportunities and travels! I wish you a safe flight.
Da li ste znali za „Plitvice u Srbiji“? Did you know about “Plitvice in Serbia”?
Ko je Aleksandar? Aleksandar Tašić, poznatiji kao Putriota, putnik je od malih nogu koji je sate svog detinjstva provodio na ruti Zemun – Vukov spomenik, mesta prebivališta razvedenih roditelja. – Hvala im što su u meni probudili nemir i toleranciju pre- ma autobusima. Znate kako kažu, novinar po struci, pisac u pokušaju, bloger po ubeđenju. WHO IS ALEKSANDAR? Aleksandar Tašić, better known as Putriota, has been a traveller since childhood, when he spent many hours travelling along the route from Zemun, via Vuk’s Monument, to the places of residence of his divorced parents. He is thankful to them for awakening in him restlessness and a tolerance for buses. As they say – he is a journalist by profession, a wannabe writer and a blogger by conviction.
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