The Fortress

The weather finally got spring like and we decided for a day out (along with the rest of Belgrade).  The first thing people ask when you move here is "Have you been to Kalemegdan?" so we decided to got there.  Before we went we were able to have a great time of worship and share with the girls what a fortress was and how God is our fortress, it really changed how we looked at the rest of the day.

Kalemegdan is the oldest thing in Belgrade.  The oldest parts date back to the first Century and were built by the Romans.  The fortress sits at the point where the Danube and Sava river's meet, in Serbian this is called Usce.  Needless to say this was a tremendous millitary advantage to control this spot and that's why the Romans chose it.  Through the centuries it was the center piece to many conflicts in Belgrade up through Serbia's independence from the Ottoman's in the mid 19th century. I loved the history and Kyleigh even enjoyed the history.  Around the fort there are many play grounds so the kids had a great time playing.  There is also a military museum in the fort that we visited.  It was very well done and cheap (4 bucks for all of us:)).  They had artifacts dating from roman times through WWI.  It was very different from American museums.  About half the exhibits were just out and available to touch (although I'm sure it was understood not to touch, or for that matter there could have been a sign saying so but I couldn't read it).  There were 1200 year old fresco's just there, no rope, no nothing.  Guns, spears, swords, it was crazy.  You went through a medal detector to leave - no to enter - strange.
All in all it was a great day, it was great to be outside without 4 layers on.  We look forward to more adventures in Belgrade as the weather improves.