20 маленьких разговоров \ Идея поездки и первые впечатления

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 Italy in winter is super chic, with Christmas markets and illuminated old towns.

Chiara: Yes, I imagine the lights in Rome or Florence... What magic!

Sofia: And the Balkans, it seems, are more... wild? Full of energy. They say people there are very hospitable.

Giulia: Exactly! Maybe less "perfect," but more authentic. They say the atmosphere there is incredible.

Chiara: You're making me curious!

3. The feeling of snow

Sofia: But snow is the same everywhere, isn't it?

Giulia: Not quite! Skiing in the Dolomites is an elegant experience, almost like in a movie.

Chiara: And in Serbia?

Sofia: I saw photos of Kopaonik... it looks like a big party in the snow! Full of young people and music.

Giulia: Yes, perhaps less "picture-perfect" and more "adventure."

4. Does the cold feel different?

Chiara: But it will be terribly cold there, right?

Sofia: In Italy, especially in the north, there's a damp cold that gets into your bones.

Giulia: And in the Balkans, for example in Belgrade, there's a cold, dry wind called "Košava." They say it's so strong it clears your mind!

Chiara: Wow, a wind that clears your mind! I want to try it!

Sofia: Oh come on, you just need to dress warmly!

On the ski slopes

5. Mountains: Dolomites vs. Kopaonik

Sofia: Okay, the Dolomites are famous worldwide. The slopes there are perfect.

Chiara: Yes, but Kopaonik in Serbia is the largest ski resort in Southeast Europe!

Giulia: I read that the slopes are surrounded by pine forests. It must be stunning.

Sofia: Maybe it's also a bit cheaper than Italy, right?

Chiara: Most likely, yes. More money for hot chocolate!

6. After skiing: Après-ski

Giulia: And after skiing? In Italy, there's "après-ski," where you drink "bombardino"...

Chiara: Mmm, "bombardino"! I love it! It's so warm and sweet.

Sofia: And in Serbia, on the other hand, they drink "kuvana rakija" (cooked rakija) – it's a hot fruit brandy with sugar and honey.

Giulia: Rakija?! Maybe that's a bit strong for us, haha. Better a hot tea!

Chiara: Yes, but the idea is the same: warm up and have fun after a day in the snow.

7. What if we don't ski?

Chiara: My cousin doesn't know how to ski. Will she get bored?

Sofia: In Italy, in the mountains, there are plenty of cute villages to visit, with shops and pastry shops.

Giulia: In the Balkans too! On another mountain, Zlatibor, you can go horseback riding, sledding...

Chiara: Horseback riding in the snow? How cool!

Sofia: Okay, I'd say you won't get bored anywhere.

8. Wild nature

Giulia: One difference I noticed is the nature. The Balkan mountains seem more untouched, more "wild."

Chiara: You mean, fewer hotels and more trees?

Giulia: Exactly! Less crowds, more contact with nature.

Sofia: In Italy, perhaps, everything is more organized, with more services.

Chiara: So it depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for, then.

City life in winter

9. Christmas markets

Sofia: The Christmas markets in Trentino are famous throughout Europe. Wooden chalets, lights, the smell of cinnamon...

Giulia: In Belgrade and Novi Sad, they have them too! They call them "Novogodišnji market" (New Year's market).

Chiara: And what do they sell there?

Giulia: Similar things: handmade souvenirs, sweets, but also local treats like "kuvano vino" (mulled wine) and grilled sausages.

Sofia: Mmm, the mulled wine challenge! We need to find out which one is better.

10. The energy of capitals

Chiara: I wonder what Rome is like in winter? Without hordes of tourists...

Sofia: Magical, I think. More peaceful, with the Christmas lights making it even more beautiful.

Giulia: And Belgrade? They say that even in winter, its riverside bars and restaurants are full of life.

Chiara: Really? Even with the cold?

Giulia: Yes! It's a city that never sleeps, not even in December.

11. Winter shopping

Sofia: In Italy, in Milan or Rome, winter shopping is all about high fashion, amazing window displays...

Chiara: Yes, Via del Corso all lit up for the holidays!

Giulia: In Belgrade, on Knez Mihailova Street, the atmosphere is similar. But you can also find many local designer shops and unique items.

Sofia: Maybe with more affordable prices?

Giulia: Exactly! And the atmosphere is very lively, with street performers everywhere.

12. What do they eat to warm up?

Chiara: Okay, let's talk about food. When it's cold in Italy, they eat polenta, maybe with stew.

Sofia: Mmm, so good! Or a nice thick bean soup.

Giulia: In Serbia, the winter dish par e is "sarma": cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice.

Chiara: Sounds super hearty! The perfect food for the cold.

Giulia: And then there's "podvarak" – stewed sauerkraut with meat... Food that hugs you!

13. Winter desserts

Sofia: At Christmas in Italy, it's a real war: panettone or pandoro?

Chiara: Panettone, of course! With candied fruit!

Giulia: In the Balkans, they have different cakes, very rich. For example, cakes with walnuts, poppy seeds, chocolate...

Sofia: No panettone?

Giulia: It's not their main tradition. But they have a thousand other delicious sweets. And warm "palačinke" (crepes) with Nutella!

14. Hot drinks

Chiara: Hot chocolate in Italy is thick, almost a pudding. The best!

Sofia: It's true! No comparison.

Giulia: In Serbia, they drink a lot of tea, especially herbal. And then there's "salep" – a hot, creamy drink made from an orchid root.

Chiara: Made from an orchid? How strange!

Sofia: We absolutely have to try it!

Unique holidays and traditions

15. Different Christmas dates

Sofia: But is it true that in the Balkans, Christmas isn't on December 25th?

Giulia: In many Orthodox countries, like Serbia, it's celebrated on January 7th.

Chiara: Really? And how do they celebrate?

Giulia: It's a very heartfelt family holiday. They burn an oak branch called "badnjak" for good luck.

Sofia: What an interesting tradition! Completely different from ours.

16. Two New Years

Chiara: I heard something even stranger: that in Serbia they celebrate New Year's twice!

Giulia: Haha, yes! There's the "normal" New Year on December 31st, and then the "Serbian New Year" on January 13th, according to their old calendar.

Sofia: And they celebrate twice?

Giulia: Of course! With concerts and fireworks. It's like having a second chance to party.

Chiara: Brilliant! Just for that, I want to go to Serbia!

17. "Slava"

Sofia: What's that holiday called "Slava" they're talking about?

Giulia: It's a uniquely Serbian tradition. Each family has its patron saint and celebrates that day every year.

Chiara: And what do they do?

Sofia: They prepare a lot of food, and the house is open all day for friends and relatives who come to offer good wishes.

Giulia: It's a symbol of hospitality. Many "Slavas" are celebrated in winter.

18. Ice rinks

Chiara: I love ice skating at Christmas. In Italy, there are rinks in almost all the main squares.

Sofia: Yes, skating with the Duomo of Milan in the background is beautiful.

Giulia: In Belgrade too! They set up a big rink at Kalemegdan, the fortress. Imagine skating with a view of the Sava and Danube rivers.

Chiara: Wow, that must be an amazing panorama!

Sofia: Okay, ice skating approved in both places!

19. The gift from Befana

Giulia: But you in Italy have Befana on January 6th, right?

Chiara: Of course! She's an old woman who flies on a broom and brings sweets to good children and coal to naughty ones.

Sofia: We don't have that tradition. January 6th is the eve of Orthodox Christmas.

Giulia: It's fascinating to see how the same dates have such different meanings.

Chiara: Every place has its own magic.

20. Final decision

Sofia: So, girls, have we understood anything? Apennines or Balkans?

Giulia: We've understood that both places are fantastic, but in different ways. Italy is elegance and history, and the Balkans are energy and adventure.

Chiara: And the food is incredible in both! I can't decide!

Sofia: I have an idea: this year Italy, next year the Balkans. That way we don't have to choose!

Giulia and Chiara: Deal! Perfect!