Lying in the Southeastern Europe Romania is slowly emerging from the shackles of its dark history. Modern Romania was formed by merging two Principalities i.e. Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859 which were ruled by Ottoman Empire for centuries before. Romania is bordered by Moldova, Ukraine, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary. Bucharest is the capital of Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia constitute the northern half of the country. Romania’s main attractions include Black Sea Coast, the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. The Black Sea Coast is popular for its white sandy beaches and offers a perfect experience for families. The Carpathian Mountains are beautiful and covered by dense forests which offer skiing opportunities. There are many health resorts also in Romania. Transylvania is popular for Romanian Spas which have been known for its many healing powers. Local food specialty includes cuisines like ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tanancasca (meat with vegetables), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups.

Population & Languages

The population of Romania is around 22.5 million and the official language being spoken is Romanian. The other popular languages are Hungarian and German.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It is located in Southeastern Europe bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is bordered by Hungary and Serbia to the west, Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast and Bulgaria to the south. Carpathian Mountains pass through the center of Romania.

Climate

The climate of Romania can be termed as Temperate and it has four seasons. While spring and autumn are cool and pleasant. Summers are very short and hot occurring in July and August. The winters can be harsh and cold with snowfall between December and March. The best months to visit Romania are May and June and September and October.

Local Customs

Handshaking is the common custom. It is also customary to kiss when being introduced to a woman. Mostly all normal European customs apply to Romania also. Dressing is conservative and casual. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation vehicles and theaters. Romanians like smoking themselves and thus like if you gift them cigarettes. Tipping is 5 to 10 percent in restaurant, hotels and taxis.

Attractions

Bucharest: Once used to be known as Paris of the East the city of Bucharest is a city of lights bustling with cafes, night clubs and restaurants. It also has Romanian Opera House and a huge National Museum. The historic sites include the Palace of Parliament, Old Court Church and Athenee Palace Hotel.
Brasov: Not to be missed places are Castles in Transylvania which include Bran Castle, Rasnov Castle and also do miss to see Sighisoara about 90 miles from Brasov, the birth place of Vlad tepes.
Romanian Riviera: This is along the coast of Black Sea which is huge tourist attraction. It is also home to several resorts and Romanian spas famous for their healing powers.

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Romania is Tarom. Many popular airlines that fly to Bucharest include Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss. The biggest airport is Bucharest Otopeni Airport which is located like 10 miles north of the city.

By Sea – Constanta is the major port on the Black Sea. Currently no ferries are being operated. But there are many cruises available which stop at various points of tourist interest like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Bazias, Giurgiu, Calafat and Bucharest.

By Rail – There is an international service to Bucharest from Western Europe which runs only in summer months i.e. from June to September, the name of the train service is Wiener Waltzer.

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 200 gm tobacco
2. 200g cocoa and 200g coffee
3. Perfumes, medicines and souvenirs
4. Two cameras, One small movie camera, Twenty Four cassettes, One portable radio, One TV set, One tape recorder, One pair of binoculars and One typewriter.
5. Gifts up to €175

Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

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About the county

Officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria or Bulgarian Republic, Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country lying in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia along the sea. The largest and the capital city is Sofia. The country may be very small in area but it is rich in ancient culture, picturesque locales, down to earth and friendly people who provide the warmth and hospitality of old days. Bulgaria is known as “Land of Roses” due to the largest production of roses here. Although Bulgaria is known mostly for its sea resorts much of the actual country can be explored in great mountain regions, with many ski resorts a perfect destination for skiers. With unique customs, spectacular crafts, colorful festivals, folklore and so on Bulgaria has it all to take the imagination of visitors by surprise and excitement.

Population & Languages

The population of Bulgaria is roughly 7.4 million and the official language being spoken is Bulgarian. Turkish and Roma are also spoken by considerable percentage of the population.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It lies in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia along the sea. Bulgaria is strategically located near Turkish Straits making it the control point of key land routes connecting Europe to Middle East and Asia.

Climate

The climate of Bulgaria can be termed as temperate with hot and dry summers and cold and damp winters. Summer temperatures average around 75°F (24°C) and winter temperatures average about 32°F (0°C). The ideal time to visit Bulgaria is summer.

Local Customs
Like any other country Bulgaria has its own customs too and normal courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Dress should be conservative but can be casual. Souvenirs from home country are appreciated if invited to home. Here is Bulgaria, a nod of the head means ‘no’ and a shake of the head means ‘yes’. Tipping up to 10 to 12 percent is customary for all services including restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis etc.

Attractions

Sofia
* St. Sofia Church
* St. George Rotunda
* Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
* National Ethnographic Museum

Mountains
* Village of Momchilovtsi
* Pirin National Park
* Rila Monastery

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Bulgaria is Bulgaria Air. Other international airlines operating from Bulgaria include Bulgaria include Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, El Al Israel Airlines, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, MALEV Hungarian Airlines, Olympic Airlines and Swiss Air. Sofia International Airport EAD (SOF) is the biggest airport which is like six miles east of Sofia. Other international airport is Varna International Airport (VAR) located in the western outskirts of the city about five miles from Varna.

Sea – The important international ports are Bourgas and Varna along the Black Sea.

River – Ferries can cross into Romania from Vidin to Calafat.

By Rail – Sofia is connected to Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, Thessaloniki, Paris, Vienna, Munich and Berlin through frequent services of trains.

Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liter of wine; 50g of perfume and 100g of eau de toilette
3. Gifts and personal use items.
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

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If you are making travel plans, wanting to visit some European countries, then without any doubt you should consider visiting Serbia, located south of Hungary, east of Croatia and Bosnia, west of Romania and Bulgaria, north of Macedonia and Greece or north-west of Montenegro.

You will discover a wonderful country with beautiful nature and friendly people, rich cultural and historical heritage, and an interesting tradition and folklore.

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and largest city in the country. According to archaeological facts and known sources the origins of the city are dated back to 4700 BC.

Although the land of Serbia has many valuable and very interesting location, in the city of Belgrade itself, anyone can enjoy history, architecture, culture and cuisine of this area.

Belgrade sightseeing usually includes city center walk: Republic Square and pedestrian Knez Mihailova street, confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube, Kalemegdan Fortress, bohemian Skadarlija, etc.

You can also enjoy Belgrade specific ‘street-on-river’ containing numerous “floating” restaurants (rafts), cafes and nightclubs until the early morning hours, every day.

For many Belgrade visitors, one of the most interesting, must see destination is the famous Skadarlija, bohemian street from the 19th century, still keeping alive the spirit of great poets, writers, painters, philosophers and journalists from that romantic age.

You will also see the biggest Orthodox Church in Europe, the St. Sava’s Temple, in the heart of Belgrade City, near by National Library of Serbia and Monument of Karadjordje, leader of the Serbian Insurrection against Ottoman Empire in the very beginning of the 19th century.

Once you are in Serbia, you should visit some of the medieval monasteries, enjoying their precious fresco paintings early Byzantine style, many of which are under UN cultural protection.

In Serbia you may enjoy visiting some of its numerous rivers, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, rare naturally decorated caves or some really fascinating ‘Wonders of Natures’.

There are so many awesome, delighting beautiful places and events in Serbia, so I’m sure you’ll get desire to come back again.

Serbia is also well known for its good and tasty food, mostly with meat, also for delicious and very special kinds of vegetable salads, good sorts of wine, and famous, authentic, very strong kind of plum-brandy called Slivovitz.

Serbian national currency is dinar, however all foreign exchanges, including dollars, euros, etc. are accepted, not only at Banks, hotels, airports, but at all legal exchange-offices, easy to find almost everywhere.

Don’t wanting this text become too long, only to mention couple ideas more:

Serbia has numerous attractive events and festivity, modern and traditional festivals, such as movie festivals in Belgrade, Vrnjacka Banja, Palic, etc, music festivals (Exit, Belgrade Jazz, Bemus…), not to mention famous BITEF, world modern theater festival.
Belgrade Beer Fest became also well known, offering the 7 days long free live music program, beside to the best beer brands, in one open place for more thousands of domestic and international visitors.

If you think you’d need more info, you may use this address:
Belgrade sightseeing tour guide

If you prefer some photos, here are just a few of sample shots, mixed in very short video at YouTube.

Hoping this would be helpful for any “Belgrade and Serbia Beginner”

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About the county

Also known as the Republic of Hungary or Hungarian Republic, Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe and bordering Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Budapest is the largest city and also the Capital of Hungary. One of the key reasons why Hungary is popular is its hospitality to tourists. Also one can find an ideal mix of history and modern day in Hungary. While Hungarians proudly stick to their old Magyar Tradition they also keep them abreast with current fashions across the world. Most visitors flock to see Budapest, a truly world class city situated on River Danube which enchants everyone with love and music. The city is a blend of culture and outstanding beauty making it the right place for tourists. The city has been a paradise for writers, musicians and artists who were greatly influenced by this graceful city. If you travel west in Hungary Lake Balaton is popular with tourists. Local cuisines include halászlé (fish soup) with pasta and goulash (gulyás) soup.

Population & Languages

The population of Hungary is Roughly 10 million and the official language being spoken is Hungarian.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe and bordering Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. River Danube and River Tisza divide the country into three large regions. The country is strategically located astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin

Climate

The climate of Hungary can be termed as Temperate with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature of Hungary is around 9.6 °C. The maximum temperature in summer can be 43 °C and as low as -30 °C. The summer average is 26 to 36 °C and winter average is 0 to -16 °C.

Local Customs

Like any other country Hungary has its own customs too. It is customary to handshake. It is customary to make the toast and return. It is customary for guests to offer gifts to the host of a meal. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. But travelers can smoke in long distance trains. Casual dress is acceptable in most places and formal for special occasions. Tipping up to 10 to 15 percent is customary for all services including restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis etc.

Attractions

Budapest
* Castle Royal Palace
* Fisherman’s Bastion
* Matthias Church
* Gellért Hill
* Chain Bridge
* The Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum
* Parliament Buildings
* Statue Park

Eger
* Eger Castle
* Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Pretty Woman)

Lake Balaton
* Hévíz
* Keszthely

The Danube Bend
* Esztergom
* Szentendre
* Visegrad

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Hungary is Malv which operates flights from more than forty cities across the world. Other international airlines operating from Hungary include Aeroflot, Air France, British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Lufthansa, Sky Europe, Swiss, United Airlines and Wizz Air. Ferihegy Budapest International Airport (BUD) is the biggest airport which is like ten miles southeast of Budapest.

By River – There is a daily hydrofoil service run by MAHART connecting Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest in the months of April to October.

By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of trains connecting the European cities. Hungary is connected to 16 European cities and there are 47 international trains daily to Budapest by direct rail link.

Duty Free Items
1. 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or1kg smoking tobacco for EU countries.
2. 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco for Non-EU countries.
3. 10 liter of spirits with more than 22% and ethyl alcohol, or 20 liter of beverages less than 22% alcohol content, or 90 liter of wine or 60 liter of sparkling wine, or 110 liter of beer for EU countries.
4. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liter of wine for Non-EU countries.
5. 50g perfume or 250 ml eau de toilette
6. Gifts , Food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use of value up to €175

Prohibited Items

Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

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The northern part of Serbia, Vojvodina, is mainly a flatland, while the central and southern regions are mountainous. The plains are in the Great Hungarian Plain and its brims: Ma?va, Posavina, Pomoravlje, Stig and Negotinska krajina in southern Serbia. Serbia has 55 per cent of arable land, while 27 per cent is covered by forests. There are 15 mountain peaks reaching over 2,000 metres, the highest being ?eravica on Prokletije.

(2.656 m).

Klicevac in Stig

Klicevac is situated in the Balkan peninsula, approximately 100 Km east of the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. This village of 1500 inhabitants is on the shores of the river Danube, a second largest European river. It is distant from 24km of the town of Pozarevac. The town of Kostolac situated near Viminacium, the former capital of the roman province of upper Moesia is 8km away and the fortress of Ram, build by the Turkish at the end of 15th century, is 9km away from here.

Klicevac is the birthplace of the voïvode Milenko Stojkovic, hero of the first Serb insurrection against the Turkish occupant.

Klicevac is known for archeological sites of prehistoric, Roman and old-Slavic time. One of the great finds is the idol of Klicevac, it is a clay statuette found in 1881 and dating from the age of bronze (1500 to 1000 years before our time).

At the end of 2003 in the northern parts of Stig at Brest, in the village of Re?ica, during a farmers activities, a stone sarcophagus was discovered. It was forced open and probably robbed on discovery. The curator of the National Museum in Požarevac conducted a salvage investigation after this and found a bronze coin of Antonia Pia and the remains of a textile containing golden thread. The investigation of the region from Viminacium to Lederata, with the emphasis on the villages of Re?ica and Kli?evac, has revealed a series of sites which indicate the high density of settlements in the region, which belonged to the legion 12 Claudiae and the district of Viminacium. In the context of the other finds this sarcophagus constitutes a significant addition to the future geographical and demograpic history of the wider territory of Viminacium. The type of burial and the remains of luxurious textiles decorated with golden thread indicate that the dead person was of high social status and of eastern origin. In the absence of more reliable data, the burial has been dated to between the 3rd and first half of the 4th century. The discovery of the sarcophagus, close to the route from Viminacium to Lederata, in the light of new archaeological and topographic information, indicates that the area was densely populated and that it had a very important place in the economic and cultural life of Viminacium.

Search for source rocks of the crude oils of the Drmno depression (southern part of the Pannonian Basin, Serbia).

Then we can move to another aspect making Stig in Serbia known. Within the science of oil and gas this region pops up again.

In oil and gas exploration studies, the identification of petroleum source rocks and

their relationship with oils originating from known oil fields (organic geochemical

oil-source rock correlation) is one of the most important tasks. Following the petroleum

system concept of Magoon andDow,1 exploration of any oil field should not be considered

complete until the location of source rocks has been identified and the source rock potential

has been estimated.

The exact location of the source rocks of the oils obtained from the Drmno depression

oil fields (the district of Stig in Serbia), is not yet fully and reliably known.

Hence, this locality has not yet been completely explored.

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