It was the day everyone had tickets felt proud of the city of Osijek and the home team NK Osijek. This will be a historical moment for NK Osijek history books. People lined up the past few days as there were only 15,000 tickets available for this game. This past they had already sold 10,000 tickets with people lined up patiently waiting. This will be the qualifying game against PSV in the qualifying round of the European League. “The last two days have been crazy as people got hold of Osijek Soccer tickets for the big game on August 3rd as they go against the Netherlands.’’ It was the talk of the city and even at the best place to cool down “Copacabana’’ or as some call it “Kopika’’ beside the river Drava it was impossible to escape the excitement of tomorrow’s big game. Everyone was wishing to get tickets had to listen to the radio for a chance to win as the game was sold out for the day. There will be people waiting to see if there is a small amount of tickets still available on August 3 game day. Last night in the evening the fans of the soccer club got together and cruised down the streets of Osijek with a police escort. With flags waving and the honking of horns brought the city to life as people raced out to see the parade of cars and fans cheer on NK Osijek. The video says it all with so many people taken to the streets of Osijek to cheer on the home team. With the game happening tomorrow the temperature will definitely turn up the heat as tomorrow will feel like 40 degrees Celsius and clear skies for the evening. With many fans showing up to the game the best way will be to take the tram. If you do drive to game its best to show up early as parking will be hard to come by. Make sure for tomorrow to where some blue and white clothing to show support for Osijek Football club. NK Osijek Click here for Facebook page to follow them and see highlights of the game.
June 30 was the start of this season of Osijek Summer Nights that happened yesterday with a great turn-out. . The night was filled with action but there was so much to see and do from food, sports, and of course the music scene. It brought the community together catching up with friends and having a few laughs. With NK Osijek on the scene it gave fans a chance to meet some of the players off the field. The pictures of the evening is only a small glimpse to some of the bigger things happening that evening. With the opera company doing its first show "Nabucco" by the Croatian National Theater as part of Osijek cultral.(OLJK) The summer has just begun with many things happening in Osijek. A brief walk around the city had lots to see with Osijek putting on a tournament in a foosball table. The cool part is that it involved real people who have a passion for Football making this a fun family event. With the Mayor of Osijek showing up to giving support for the fun of the game, it was sure to have many other important people arrive. As night fell the Football stars of NK Osijek was on the scene. Fans young and old cheered them on as they arrived and asked for photographs and signatures. It was a great way to meet some of the players up close and have a chance to see them in person off the field. In the pedestrian area back to the main square there was an interesting Choir singing though-out the evening. For those that got a seat it was very peaceful and a great way to spend the evening. The people of Osijek had waited for months to hear the good news that they had achieved the goal of collecting bottle caps from Coca-Cola bottles. The lights were turned on this past Monday with much fan fair and anticipated excitement. Along the river banks of the river Drava, people gathered to watch the light display of the Bridge being lit up in a ray of different colours. With the pedestrian bridge in Osijek getting its lights finally turned on glowing in the dark was quite the spectacular sight to see. The evening was full of life as the youth festival wrapped up with a 10k run with all the donations going to charity. But that is not all that happened that night, with a free concert from Croatian super star musician Gibonni. Around 5:30 pm along the river Drava one could hear the base of the pre-show happening with a giant Jumbo Screen playing videos. With the crowds gathering along the promenade to take in this incredible event. The Mayor of Osijek was on scene to honour this incredible evening for the citizens of Osijek and surrounding communities. "We have shown how much we care about our city, which makes me particularly happy and proud. I thank Coca-Cola, who recognised Osijek and has chosen our Pedestrian Bridge for this initiative. The pedestrian bridge is part of the life of all citizens of Osijek. Along with us are many memories and important life moments. I'm sure the new lights will be even more. I hope not only for us but for as many guests as we want to draw in Osijek and Slavonia, "Vrkić said.( ii Translations from Croatian to English) Six hundred runners participated in the 10 km long race, which symbolically began and ended on the illuminated pedestrian bridge. One of the highlights was having around 600 runners that evening participating in part of the lighting of the illuminated pedestrian bridge. It was the perfect evening for the run as the day had reached the extreme high that felt more like plus 40 Celsius. This was the first time for the runners to be able to run across the bridge while illuminated connecting them to opposite bank of the river Drava. The 10k Night race was the first for Osijek with many runners having small flashlights. The entry was free with a voluntary contribution of donating 20 kuna’s for Charity purposes. (i) “The LED lights will be able to pay tribute to the many special events throughout the year.” The project “Illuminate the Bridge”( “Osvijetlimo Nas Most”) was launched in December of 2016. The design has taken a lot of work and not to mention the many cables needed to run the distance of the bridge with 210 meters of cable, and the height of the bridge at 35 meters. All of these cables needed to have control over the lighting fixtures.(220 lighting fixtures) With many more elements brought together, such as power supply and lighting control cable switches just to name a few things that make this project very dynamic. “It would seem strange now not to have the bridge illuminated as this week marked the new beginning. “ Source:
(i)http://osjeckiferivipolumaraton.com/coca-cola-nocna-desetka-powered-by-ferivi-oljm-2017/ (ii) http://www.jatrgovac.com/2017/06/coca-cola-i-osjecani-osvijetlili-pjesacki-most/ Osijek street racing May 27 & 28 2017
This weekend will be the Osijek Street race being held at the airport in Cepin near Osijek. Every year the event get bigger with more participants that will tear the runway up. It will be a two-day event with plenty of parking. The sound of cars engines at top gear is an incredible sound as it races down the track. With everything set to go this weekend. Pit crews are getting their team ready and last minute tune-up on the sports cars and sports bikes. So don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat, and get ready to cheer the race teams. This past weekend was a great way to have a picnic is this little community called Aljmaš. It is only a 30-minute drive from Osijek to Aljmaš. If you were to google it most that appears are resorts or information about the church. There is more to see than you really know. It’s a great way to escape the city life and have a little bit of hiking up the hillside. The community is full of life as the community has been rebuilt for many families and guests as homes and holiday retreat along the river Danube. If you have a chance one can drop by and get some great desserts at Susi's Cakes that is located in Aljmaš. With only a few cars parked along the main street, there was no fight for a parking spot. The locals gathered at the local coffee bar and across the street, a small restaurant was tidying up for a little bit of business from arriving tour buses. That day there was only 2 buses that stopped that came from the cruiser. You get the feeling of time stopped and a great sense of peace in the air. However, it’s not always this quite, as there are 3 days in August that makes it the busiest days of the year. So busy the roads are closed and only pedestrian traffic is allowed. Geographical location. The most interesting thing about the Aljmaš is that it is situated at the near mouth of the river Drava that flows into the Danube. When entering the Aljmaš it is impossible to miss the many stork nests sitting on top of chimneys. There are many bird species that can be seen during the summer months here. With summer here now the sights of river cruisers crawl through the Danube. It is great place to spend the weekends on the boat enjoying the sights and sounds of the river. If you are still enough to wait by the side of the river you might just see a sturgeon fish jump out of the water. The New Aljmaš. Many people still picture it as homes that are half a century old. However, a lot has changed with the sights and sound of construction of trucks bringing in the soil for the new modern homes. It is a unique combination of where old meets new. There are still some that are there that have been converted to bed and breakfast lodgings. There are numerous country villa’s that are truly a resort on its own with most modest homes accompanied by a small dock along the bank. At river's bank is an incredible soccer field that can be seen from the main road. The location makes a great place for a family picnic and a quick game afterwards of soccer. If soccer is not in the game bring along a Badminton set or Frisbee. Why it’s better to walk in Aljmaš. The location of Aljmas is a very small community and has many narrow roads that were built before cars got big. It’s best to walk to get the real feeling of how life really is here and to see the history that shaped the community. With the many bed & breakfast places, you could easily miss them in a blink of an eye. I had to wonder how the tour bus ever made it around these corners. Everything in this community is in walking distance and if you’re staying the weekend it’s a great way to park the car and relax. Homeowners can be seen gardening with children everything is on a smaller scale. If you have to drive it's important to note “Be careful driving and go slow around the corners with the many obstacles to face with many blind spots.” It is ideal for a mini cooper to drive through than an over-sized Sports utility vehicle (SUV). The sights Marian Church Many people of Osijek when you say Aljmaš they will always talk about the pilgrimage and Marian church. For tourist when you say they are on an excursion they will believe the churches in Western Europe the style to be neo-gothic or built during the Renaissance era. However, this is a new modern church that was built in December of 2006. The project was carried out by architects Maje Furlan Zimmermann, Ive Gajšaka and Mirka Buvinića that started on Monday, July 23, 2001. The architecture stands out for many reasons one being very contemporary and the other is eco-friendly. The church using glass with narrow slit beams acting like shutters allowing light through. On the opposite side is something really different the use of copper that is now oxides that have turned green over the years. The church bells are not placed in a traditional tower either. Instead in this marvel of architecture that is curved as you can see by the pictures. There are many things that this church has done not just in style and breaking the boundaries of what churches should look like. The Stations of the Cross on the hillside. When driving into the town of Aljmaš on the left-hand side of the road is the path that leads to the Station of the Cross. It can also be seen from the river as you look back and can see the statue of Christ stands at the peak that can be seen miles away. It is tempting for anyone to face the challenge of a great hike to the top. For this hike, you’re in luck as they built a wide path to the top. During the walk, the interlock brink bath zigs and zags up the hill keeping the incline to a minimal. There is these amazing piece of sculpture wood art recessed in the frame. Each cross with the frame depicting a moment for representing different time-frames. The artwork of the hand carved stations was spectacular, for anyone that visits this place it's worth seeing twice. This is part of the pilgrimage that many walk miles to get to it. With many paying homages to the Stations of the Cross. It is no wonder why the path was made so large with vast crowds that cause the main roads to close. But how many have walked the hillside when it’s not the busiest weekend?
I thought they are missing out on something great… the feeling of tranquillity. The other thing missed is the ability to move around freely without the crowds and see many great things. On this day was only a grounds keeper cutting the grass and a couple doing some snapshots. It's only May and sun was very intense, catching a sunburn is extremely (note bring sunscreen when visiting.) The breeze helps the hot day feel a little bit cooler. Once at the top was an amazing panoramic view of the both rivers and the community of Aljmas. This is a paradise for those that love to see the grand view as well seeing the river. The photography here is priceless that is always changing with the rise of the sun and setting. Additional History and information. There is a full history of the church that can be seen at this website with much details of why the Pilgrimage remains important to the Osijek, Slavonia & Baranja. It was published earlier this week on Osijek Hospital Web Site. The success of Osijek Hospital becoming the fifth implant Centre in Croatia, that has carried out the surgery procedures of implanting an artificial Cochlear. This will be the first patient to have implant of an artificial cochlear done in Osijek. The patient is from Vinkovci at the age of fifty-seven, who has unfortunately completely lost all of their hearing last year in December 2016. The surgical operation was carried out and performed on May 5th 2017. Which was followed by the doctors/physicans of Osijek Hospital- Clinics for Otorinolaryngology (Defined: as the sub specialty with medicine that deals with the condition of the ear,nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck) This was an excellent opportunity for educational studies of the procedures involved and future operations for implant of artificial cochlear. In the follow-up for the patient that had just undergone surgery the results were perfect. After surgery he woke up without any signs of headaches or dizziness. The patient is currently undergoing observation and is feeling well. It will be within a week for him to be fully recovered. After which he will be connected to an external speech processor. The Doctors will then know the real results of this operation. This will be an exciting new beginning for Osijek Hospital in the treatment of deafness with positive end results for the hearing impaired. So far to date they have only been successful in only treating a slightly impaired person. From this point forward they will be able to fully restore the function of hearing in treating people who have completely lost their hearing. It is also import to know that the first implant was performed by Professor Robert Trotić and his team at the KBC Hospital Sister of Mercy. This all happened twenty one years ago to carry out the first surgery of Cochlear implant. Since the first procedure done 21 years ago there has been over 700 implants procedures. Which has placed Croatia as 12th ranking in the world having performed the Cochlear implant. There is wide variety of events that happen in Tvrđa, but those people that love to shop this is the place not to miss. It is here on the first Saturday of every month the treasures of the Antique Market reveals itself to explore and discover. From young to old the market brings people together as they browsing through the market and catching up with friends and family. To mention everything that goes on in Tvrđa would be quite the challenge there is so much that happens in just one day. The location of Holy Trinity Square in the center of Tvrđa is the perfect backdrop for the Antique market in ways. The unique irony share between the Antique market and Tvrđa is that this was the traditional place of Commerce and trading. There is that magical sense of wonder and curiosity that kicks in for many reasons. Walking through the cobblestone streets surrounded by old European Architecture dating back further than the Ottoman Empires invasion. This weekend was full of Photographers in Tvrđa capturing the spirit of the Antique Market and life’s events happening around the square. Photographers love the area as due to the plenty of action that starts to unfold with the vendors setting up and visitors start arriving. With the weather quickly changing from early morning rain ended up to be sunny day for the Antique Market. Giving Photographers a wide range of contrast in different lighting and different values in colour. The vivid indigo blue sky after the rain gave the perfect camera frame to capture this weekend’s events. Wandering through the maze of different vendor stalls there is much to see as no two both are the same. There is much to offer at the market from finding old treasured items and collectibles. Here is the place to be to enjoy the sights and sounds of the market with so many things to explore. There is an endless list of vendors from: Bakers, Charcuterie, cheese Artisans, Artist, Sommelier and Wineries, Trade smiths, Antique Dealers, and more.. The smell of great food is fresh in the air as the vendors bring some of their many delicacies of amazing food. Brought in locally form Osijek and the surrounding area of Slavonia and Baranja for this event. You might of missed a chance of finding that one item to make your collection complete. Here are just some of the finds at the Market.
There is more to the market than just old Antiques as many have found out. It can bring back memories of places been or distant memories of families homes. There is that element of mystery of not knowing what the item was possibly used for or better the actual date of where it was made. The Antique market is always changing with something new to see. The Osijek Tourist Board pairs it with many other events so that there is always something exciting happening. It also has drawing the attention from many other countries that have returned each month as a destination point. There is always something new at the Antique Market, it’s always best to get there early in the morning. This will give you a chance to see everything before the crowds and buses arrive. Tvrda one of the oldest places in Osijek and every 1st Saturday of the month is the Antique Market. This time around was a hidden gem of delicious treats called Susi’s cakes. At this table were some great desserts on display from Dobosica, and Krempita to Ice Cream Cones wafers filled with vanilla cream. This was just a small sample of some great things to try from traditional Croatian favorites to some modern western food that North Americans enjoy. I had a chance to talk with the expert Susi who really knows her stuff. She is the proud owner of Susi’s cakes. She was telling this was the first time this year at the Antique market in Tvrda. The treats were quickly disappearing from her table and I bet by the time I write the story it will all be sold out. About her cakes that she makes from scratch. Talking to her was a lot of fun as she has the true spirit of being an entrepreneur in Croatia. Her charm and charisma really pops out. When asking about the cakes she explained: “all her desserts were made from scratch with local ingredients in her town of Aljmaš. At certain time of the years, she uses cherries from her own trees for making the filling in the desserts. It takes time and patients to make, as there is no short cuts in baking. It is all done by hand and is not mass produced so you know it’s freshly made.” Every Croatian talks about Krempita which has become a completion in some areas as who makes the best. This time around its about the world famous “Chocolate Brownies” (North Americans really like to have with their coffee.). To describe how she made it is priceless as this is her own style recipe. There is often a thin line in balancing the ingredient to make it sweet but not overly sweet. The texture of brownies was very moist and soft which is difficult to do. To talk about all of the cakes in detail would take too long as I had a great conversation with her She even brought a small photo album of the cakes she had been commissioned to make for various functions. When looking through her album of cakes that she has made for various people it really demonstrates her love and talent. Each cake has a personality of its own for each occasion. The use of Fondant on cakes takes it to the next level. She is the master of fondant using it to sculpture, when looking closely at the faces she has created it demonstrates a great deal of emotions that brings her cake to life. The use of comic humour and wit stands out creating a memorable impression. No two cakes are the same each one tells a story that reflects the events in life celebrations. Whether it be for retirement, new job, birthdays, anniversary or starting a new career. Entrepreneur Spirit in Croatia
The entrepreneur spirit shines at the Antique market this weekend as she brought her daughter along to help with sales. She has been making these treats for more than 14 years but to really find out how it started is even more incredible. Susi and her family has never looked back as business continues to grow with great success. When asked how it all started one would never guess how? Susi said “It was from reading in a local paper that Tours were coming to Croatia and they were looking for some local people who could speak a bit of English.” Coming from Germany she knew some English and was learning Croatian at the time. She had a passion for cooking and said why not try it. They had started from cooking small authentic meals for various tour groups that have come to her town Aljmaš. Soon after they opened a bed and breakfast allowing for visitors to stay and enjoy a quite stay in the country side. The business grew and opened another business called Susi’s Cakes and the rest is history. Coffee and cake why Croatians go crazy for it. There is no reason it just remains a mystery to some. By just mentioning to your neighbours that you have some freshly bought Torta (cakes). They will be over in seconds after hanging up the phone. (It’s best to have coffee made before you call.) The cakes that Croatian’s go crazy for Dobosica, and Krempita just to name a few. It is good to note: “Always have treats when family or guest visit and coffee its tradition. If you forget they will talk for months to come that they visited your house and there were no desserts.” (Just ask any Boca and they will explain to you why.) To find out more you can visit Sui’s cakes on facebook. https://sites.google.com/site/petrijevcaninfamily/hrvatski/torte-i-kolaci https://www.facebook.com/Susis-Cakes-146592692070686/ Quench the thirst for knowledge and great beer that stands the test of time. Osijek Beer tour is the first in of its kind, exploring the some of the finest Croatian beer and is the leader in the forefront of the fastest growing craft beer movement. Historically Osijek is known for focusing mostly on Slavonia and Baranja rich fertile golden fields and the famous historic battles that took place against the Otto Empire in the region. However you are in for a treat and get to quench your first for knowledge and taste the history of great beer that stood the test of time. The walking tour explores the tradition of brewing in Slavonia and learn about its history. ( Two cultural and five Hedonistic).The journey takes you back in time walking through the city’s rich architectural buildings protected by UNISCO Tvrđa (fortress), castles and Neo-gothic Churches that still dominate as the cityscape of Osijek. Along the tour discover the local beer scene in Osijek with some time to put your feet up to rest. Here you will be able taste local gastronomy while learning about pairing of great food with beer together. Osijek has an abundance of traditional cultural heritage as far back to early Europeans settlements. During the time of producing beer throughout the ages of the bronze period to present. On a hot summer days ahead one can enjoy the soft cool breeze flowing off the river Drava. 1. Von Beckers pub - Tasting a beer of the house - Von Beckers pale ale. A story about general Von Beckers and the history of Tvrđa (historical core of Osijek).
2. Museum of Slavonia - Visit the Museum of Slavonia, the largest museum institution in Croatia. The story of the beer production history starting with the Vučedol culture, Mesopotamia, Old Egypt and the Medieval Europe. 3. Beertija - Tasting of the Osiječko unfiltered beer. The story of the first Croatian beer: -Osiječko beer with 320 years long tradition. 4. Con-cathedral - Sightseeing of impressive Osijek, 94 meters high con-cathedral designed by a German architect Franz Langenberg, which is built in neo-gothic style. It's the highest building in Croatia outside the City of Zagreb. 5. Fabrique beer & grill - Blending beer and food. The tasting of black and light Valens Beer in the combination with a Fabrique plate (Fabrique chevaps, standard chevaps, and chicken wings). The story of the Roman Emperor Valens, the beer lover and the Vinkovci, the oldest European city. 6. Gajba beer tasting- Tasting a beer in six sequences, six different brewing styles, starting from lager to ale. Short education about the characteristics and history of each particular beer style. 7. Runda beer house - Varionica tasting, the most prized Croatian craft beer from the Nova Runda brewery. START: 15.00h, Tvrđa, the Holy Trinity Square DURATION: 5-7 hours MAXIMUM: 20 persons INCLUDED: all beer tasting (approx. 5 pints) and the food, ticket to the museum, short education, sightseeing and interpretation. PRICE: 255,00 kuna per person, approximately 35 Euros. All tours must be pre-booked. For more inquires contact: [email protected] Get ready for breakfast and a great cycling taken you through Barajna to Dovac Tikveš. This will be a fun filled event happing Saturday April 22 as URB Kotrljaneri will be starting the Cycling Event in Osijek and riding through Baranja country-side. There will be a raffle and some prizes will be awarded later during the event. The weather will be much warmer than Friday and hopefully no rain.
7:00 Participant will gather in Osijek in Front of the bike shop Ljubas at around 7 am and head to the starting point at café bar Sky at 7:30 (Caffe baru Sky u 7:30.) Here the group will gather for coffee and other refreshments and should last until about 9am. 9:00 The departure from Café bar Sky and the cycling begins tracing its way around farms and country side of Baranja. Upon arrival at hotel “Lug” cyclist are in for a treat with a traditional Slavonian Baranja Breakfast consisting of sausages, bacon and other great food. After a brief stay the group will continue towards Tikveš through Grabovac, Jasenovac and Sokolovac. To finish the event cycliste will be heading back ends back to Café bar Sky with more refreshments of Coffee. The cycling event requires everyone to wear their helmets and to make sure bicycles are mechanical safe. The distance of the course is 45 km with an average cycling speed of 22km/hour. To read more about the event go to the event page of URB Kotrljaneri. |
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December 2018
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