Eastern European Research Trip – Violins!

So…we’re in Belgrade, Serbia, and our tour today includes a walk around the Kalemegdan Fortress. The fortress dates back to the 1700s, but a fortified settlement has occupied this same  high bluff since 300 B.C. In one form or another, the fortress has seen at least 115 battles and was razed to the ground 44 times!

Look at the thickness of the walls!

This is the view of the Danube River from the fortress. You can see why the location was so important to the defenders of the area. They could spot any army coming their way!

In the afternoon, Neil and I elect to take an optional tour to Kovacica, north of Belgrade,where we visit the Gallery of Naïve Art. Naïve art is a traditional form of painting developed by the Slovak people.  Aren’t these paintings fascinating?

After the art gallery, we tour a violin maker’s workshop where Neil wishes he could stay all day. Neil has built a banjo and is working on a matched set of mandolins. His dream is to make violins.

The violin maker (luthier) Jan Nemcek.

 Jan Nemcek’s violins sell for up to $50,000! He told us that some of the maple he uses for the backs and ribs (sides) is 200 years old.

After these incredible tours, we take the bus back to the ship. I spend the rest of the day studying two wonderful books I found in the ship’s library — native animals and native fish of Eastern Europe!  The evening is for relaxing. (And eating!)

I hope you enjoyed the day in Serbia. Here’s a fun fact: Almost 95% of the world’s raspberries come from Serbia!

On Monday, we’ll take you with us as the ship navigates the incredible Iron Gate, one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders.

Happy Traveling!

Sue