About two weeks ago, I went to Severin city to attend a literary festival. Severin city is located on the Danube`s shore, and the distance between this city and Bucharest is 340 km. It`s quite long but I don’t mind traveling this distance because while in the rain, I can look out the window and see the natural beauty of my country; as a second reason, the trip makes me feel like J.K Rowling, except I am not working on Harry Potter:P
This is pretty funny but really now, this is the feeling:) I wonder how it feels like to travel by train and have such a fantastic idea like she had, with the young wizard boy:)
We`ll probably never find out because it was her personal experience but one thing is for sure: I am glad that she followed that idea and turned it into such a huge success. No Harry Potter today if it hadn’t been for Joanne’s determination and commitment to write that story.
So, going back to today`s topic, the festival was very nice:) I met new writers, saw again some older acquaintances of mine – both writers and non-writers- discussions, walks, laughter, photos, dinner, (lots) of coffee…you know, how it usually happens when a gathering like this happens. I was happy to see many writers having made their debut and being awarded now for their efforts! I was really glad for them, well done!
Starting off is never easy but somehow it gets easier as we stay true to ourselves , work for our dreams and never give up. I guess this is the kind of advice that any successful person would give anytime for it is also very true.
The festival lasted 3 days. Unfortunately, not much could be done in the third day because it rained and was cold so all we could do was stay inside, have drinks, recite from written works, talk and comment about it and so on…but it was all right. It is always interesting for me to hear other people speak and find out how they think (yes, using that a source for creating my characters, but let it be our secret;-) You can see more photos here!
But the second day…that was really icing on the cake! We went to Kladovo, Serbia. Yup, the whole group of 20 writers, it was so much fun! In Kladovo a group of other writers waited and welcomed us, it was the same group that had come to Severin with a day before and received awards on their books, too. So now, it was like the places had been switched but it was very nice, very nice! We went to this restaurant located exactly on Danube`s shore called Natura. Green and natural environment, having the Romanian territory in front of our eyes, just across the river…Delightful!
So, go there and let the lovely host and nicest person ever, Mr Stevan, welcome you and serve you with his delicious food and brighten up your day with his good spirit! He is definitely one of friendliest persons I ever met! You will enjoy his company and easy-going personality just as much as I did. Guarantee!
We didn’t spend too much time in Kladovo, but that didnt matter. It was enough to have a lovely Saturday afternoon, to talk about this and that around a glass of wine, smile, laugh, relax, take photos and so on…:)
If I`ll go back to Serbia? Most definitely! The fish soup in itself is a strong reason 😀 but not only for that, of course. Serbia has also amazing natural beauty, totally worth seeing and discovering. When I`ll go there next, I will stay 2-3 days to see more of this beautiful and peaceful country.
And the people…Good Lord!
They are so nice, so friendly and ready to make your stay a joy! They are very happy to see foreigners in their country and they give their all to be the best host possible. I really appreciate their kind nature and open spirits, their candid hearts and intentions for their guest to feel good while he/she is in Serbia. Well done, Serbian people!
Much love,
Cristina
Hi Cristina, I really enjoyed this blog post. As usual it is written quite well, but I loved to hear your account of the days in Severin. I know how much you enjoy the festival there, but your post almost made me feel as if I was there with you. Great job!
Much love,
Doug