This is a very complicated part of the world, with a great deal of history and a very raw recent past. I'll confine my comments to the present. And in that respect, I can say without fear of contradiction that the long European tradition of promenading in the streets in the evening is definitely alive and well in Banja Luka - with a very modern edge!
After checking in, we went looking for the river. Not unexpectedly, I led us off in the wrong direction, but we were soon put right when we enquired. What's more, the generous lady then gave us a lift! She also mentioned that the stage being set up in the main square was for Zdravko Colic to give a live concert that evening!
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| River Vrbas running at capacity |
At the river we enjoyed a pleasant snack and drink. There has been a lot of rain here in recent weeks, and the river was swollen and running very fast. While we were on the deck, looking across at the castle, yet more rain came down.
We then returned to the hotel to freshen up and then when we ventured out at dusk, it was all happening! The rain had cleared up, there were brides emerging from the town hall (presumably having been married!), gypsy bands were serenading them and seemingly the whole town out and about on the square and in the streets, taking it all in, enjoying life in the numerous cafes on the footpaths and in the arcades and alleyways, talking, mingling, having a good time and all in a good natured, friendly spirit. We had a lovely meal (once we found a restaurant that was serving food), then spent some time listening with the crowd to the concert. The thousands of people in the crowd knew the words of Zdravko Colic's songs and were joining in! Sue stayed in the crowd for longer than me, but it was after midnight when things ended with a bang - literally, as there was a fireworks display!
We then returned to the hotel to freshen up and then when we ventured out at dusk, it was all happening! The rain had cleared up, there were brides emerging from the town hall (presumably having been married!), gypsy bands were serenading them and seemingly the whole town out and about on the square and in the streets, taking it all in, enjoying life in the numerous cafes on the footpaths and in the arcades and alleyways, talking, mingling, having a good time and all in a good natured, friendly spirit. We had a lovely meal (once we found a restaurant that was serving food), then spent some time listening with the crowd to the concert. The thousands of people in the crowd knew the words of Zdravko Colic's songs and were joining in! Sue stayed in the crowd for longer than me, but it was after midnight when things ended with a bang - literally, as there was a fireworks display!
The King of Tonga, George Tupou V, has died in a Hong Kong hospital: see
It's been a few years since we've been to Moomba, but as it was a lovely warm afternoon, we went for a wander at the weekend to see if things were still the same. Yes, there have been some changes: the number of activities (and the amount of parkland occupied) has increased, there is a side-show alley and the rides have become even more extreme. However, all this seems to be appreciated - there were large crowds of people present. 
We had a great evening at W's big birthday. The company was stimulating, the food was excellent and the wine was good. The evening passed in a flash - I had no idea the time was approaching midnight until I looked at my watch. We're still not quite sure why W and T took it on themselves to go to all the trouble that they did by having us all at their home for such an occasion (aren't birthdays occasions for not cooking?) but it was definitely a memorable night!
We caught up with "The Gang" for a BBQ. Food was great, and special thanks to I and J for their hospitality. I guess we're all aging together, and so we still have lots of interests in common. But these interests seem to have changed with the passage of time, and now seem to be issues such as spending the kids' inheritance on travel, the state of our health and grandchildren! 
We went to the picnic day at the Sisterhood of St John, at a pleasant rural locale near Bullengarook.
The main reason for our trip to Canberra was so that Sue could attend the annual Serbian St Sava festival at the Hall monastery. Here are a few pictures that may give just a glimpse of what occurs! However, they fail to give the complete picture, because the kolo music is LOUD! Novak Djokovic's win in the Australian Open was the icing on the cake!
