Editor's note

I was also one of the many who visited Serbia this summer. Whenever I go to Serbia from Canada, I am always fascinated by the extraordinary feeling of traveling through time. As if we were returning to our homeland and city, but not in the present moment, but rather in the moment that we left it. That is how we form the illusion that we are returning to our past life, and even for a moment I feel that I am the same person from the time when I still lived there. The opportunity to return to our homeland is a great privilege for those of us who moved away, since in that way we have a chance at self-realization. On that trip, we might even get the answers to the questions, “Are we happy? Are we where we wished to be? What is truly important in life and what do we need to worry about and strive for, and what is not important? How do we change something in our everyday lives and routines in accordance with these eventual self-realizations that we came to during our trip to the homeland?” After five years, I visited Serbia again and I was very pleasantly surprised. Belgrade has been built up; traffic has improved; the city is cleaner; office functionaries are nice. What most fascinated me was the new bridge over the Sava River, not only because of its beauty, but also because it has drastically improved traffic and life in the city, as well as the urban structure of the city. Unfortunately, there are still some negative impressions, such as the unkept and dilapidated facades mutilated by graffiti that is no longer charming signs of youthful, rebellious, urban culture, but rather signs of negligence and aggression. The biggest change that I felt in Belgrade for the first time in over 20 years was that the city was itself again. I once again experienced it as that relaxed, charming city from the time of my youth, and Belgraders gave the impression of people who have accepted their life and their fate and who are happy where they are, without any desire to be anywhere else.

One more summer in Ontario is over; it was short, just like every year. Autumn is inevitably coming to Ontario. Living in a climate with short summers has taught us to take advantage of nice weather as much as possible. The memories from beaches, mountains, camping, and trips remain. Instead of mourning summer, now is the time to enjoy the beauty of autumn, especially during the six-week period of fascinating “fall colours” in Ontario, as well as the upcoming season of rich cultural events.

Let us leave our summer memories behind, and let us walk together on the path to making new memories during one more beautiful autumn in Ontario.