1. If you listen closely, the February wind whispers: prepare for surprises. I’m already prepared—I bought new boots and an umbrella. Let it whisper; I’m not afraid. I heard there’s going to be a street food festival in March. Who’s coming with me? First, let’s calculate how much we spent on Christmas gifts. Otherwise, we’ll be broke again and miss the festival. 2. Offices will soon become museums. People will come on tours: look, children, this is where people used to sit fr

1. Plans and Beer Luka: "Guys, I don’t know about you, but I feel like this year in Belgrade is going to be a total reset for the IT scene. I can smell a massive shift coming." Marko: "Luka, you smell a revolution every year. The reality is inflation, Vračar rents are hitting the ceiling, and electricity is going up. We need to stay grounded." Sara: "All the raises and revolutions don’t mean a thing if we stop seeing each other. The main thing is to stay a team and not let th

Conversation 1 – Buying the Yule Log Nikola: Should we go to the market in the morning for the Yule log? Marko: Of course, it’s tradition. But we need to go early to find a nice oak log. Jelena: I really love this custom. I adore the smell of oak and straw in the house. Ana: Me too. It doesn’t matter if you know all the history; what matters is that we’re together. Nikola: I agree. Once we bring in the Yule log, the house feels warmer instantly. Marko: Then it’s settled—let’s

Conversation 1 – Badnjak and old trees Nikola: Did you know that the badnjak is not just a “piece of wood”, but an ancient symbol of life and light? Marko: Okay, but explain it to me logically: why oak in particular, and why do we burn it afterwards? Jelena: What I find interesting is that people still gather around the badnjak as if they’re renewing a covenant with each other. Nikola: Ever since the druids, they believed that a tree keeps the soul of a student, and the cuts

1. Where are we going this winter? Chiara: So, girls, where are we going for winter break this year? I'm tired of staying home. Sofia: I want to ski! Maybe in the Alps, in Italy? Giulia: And what if instead we go to the Balkans? I've heard there are beautiful mountains in Serbia. Chiara: Balkans? Interesting! But is it very different from Italy in winter? Sofia: Good question! Let's search online! 2. Italy vs. Balkans: What's the atmosphere like there? Giulia: So, I read that

1. Wow, It's the Future! You: Whoa, look at all these skyscrapers! It feels like I've landed in a sci-fi movie. Is everything this new? Friend/Parent: Pretty much! It's wild to think that 50 years ago, this was almost all just desert. You: For real? That's insane. Friend/Parent: Yep, the city grew super fast. Get ready to have your mind blown every single day. You: I'm so ready! This is awesome. 2. The Tallest of Them All: Burj Khalifa You: Is that... is that the Burj Khalifa

1. Getting used to Loznica A: How are you doing here in Loznica, are you getting used to it? B: Slowly, yes. We’re still trying to find the rhythm — everything is slower here than in Moscow. A: That’s normal. Here nobody’s in a hurry unless they have to be. B: I like that, there’s less stress. A: Just don’t get annoyed when someone says “sjutra,” it means the same as “tomorrow.” B: Haha, good, because we’ve already heard that three times today. 2. The heat A: Have you gotten

10 Short Conversations with Colleagues (B1 Level) Morning Coffee (Morning Ritual) Dmitrij: Good morning, Marko! Marko: Good morning! Want some coffee? We don’t start the day without it. Dmitrij: Sure, thanks! I see coffee is a very important ritual here. Marko: The most important! It’s the first 15 minutes for a relaxed chat before work. Dmitrij: I like this custom. (Context: In Serbia, sharing morning coffee at work is a very important social ritual. It’s an opportunity for

5 Conversations About Differences in Mentality: Serbs vs. Italians Working Hours and "Dolce Vita" Serbian Colleague (Marko): I watch our new colleagues from Milan. At exactly five o’clock, the pen drops from their hands, and they’re gone. Respect! Russian Colleague (Dmitrij): Yes, I’ve noticed. They are very precise with working hours. In Russia, we often stay longer at work. Marko: Same with us! But Italians—they live for dolce vita—the sweet life. Work is important, but it’

1) Asking what’s on this week Traveler: Excuse me, what events are happening this week? Local: There are several—an art show, a food festival, and a river cruise concert. Traveler: Which one is closest to the Bund? Local: The river concert is right by the Bund promenade. Traveler: Nice! Do I need tickets in advance? Local: Yes, better to book online. 2) Lantern festival vibes Traveler: Are there any lantern festivals now? Local: Yes, in the old town they light lanterns every

Week one at UDG: math. No surprise—if I want to run training well, I have to read the number behind the movement. When I think about a race, it’s not just start-line feelings; it’s pace, cadence, grade, heart rate. The professor said, “A derivative is the rate of change.” I translate that into my lane: if my pace drifts +0.1 min/km, lactate jumps and my stride shortens. In good order // the mind keeps the map When we measure // breath finds its beat My model is Klæbo. He trai

1. — Are you looking at the sea again? — Yes, it’s like a mirror — it shows everything. — But to me it’s just blue. — Then your eyes are still resting. — And yours? — Mine are always working. 2. — Why are you photographing old houses? — They tell more than the new ones. — But they’re falling apart. — So are people. And they’re still important. — Do you think anyone will notice? — The one who needs to will notice. 3. — Why are you laughing at the doctors? — Because otherwise I

Scene: Three international students — Maria 🇮🇹, Hannah 🇩🇪, and Anya 🇷🇺 — are sitting in the university cafeteria after a joint seminar on intercultural communication. They’re sipping coffee and laughing about social norms in their home countries. Maria:So… tell me girls, how do people actually talk in youth groups in your countries? Because in Italy, we basically speak like we’re in an opera. Loud, dramatic, hands everywhere. You sneeze? Someone will write poetry about

When I first came to the Balkans, I did not expect to be so fascinated by the music of this region. As a young man from Russia, I was...

Adriatic Beauty Industry Networking Jelena: Hello, I'm Jelena. I'm researching the beauty market and I'm interested in learning more...