Serbian: Београд [beógrad]
Literally: White City
Geographic coordinates: 44°49.8′ N, 20°30.0′ E
By all standards, Belgrade is a city of great size. What is it like to live in such a large city, and how do you personally feel in Belgrade?
Marija Radojičić: Life in Belgrade is a mesmerizing circle that I will never be able to leave, because it always keeps me enchanted by its beauty and immensity, the friendliness of its inhabitants and those small things that make life what it its. That is why I always wake up remembering our famous poet Duško Radović and wishing my city a good morning.
Numerous world-class events regularly take place in this city. Which has been the most memorable? Which event has given you the best impression?
Marija Mirković: The greatest event that has recently taken place in Belgrade is certainly the Eurovision Song Contest. During the days surrounding the show, the capital of Serbia was in its full splendour. You could hear dozens of different languages spoken in the streets and the Belgraders rightfully received the epithet of being excellent hosts. We look forward to the Universiade with as much excitement, because it will gather so many young athletes from all over the world. One should not forget the concerts by world and European stars who now regularly visit Belgrade on their tours.
Marija Radojičić: Well, there have been many … perhaps the concert of IL DIVO, a fantastic show that made me fly above my city for a while on the magical wings of their music.
It is an unwritten rule that life is much slower here. Is it true? Is that also the case with work?
Marija Mirković: Perhaps it is true, if we compare it with other world metropolises. However, if we compare the current situation to the period of crisis during the nineties, we can see that life in Belgrade is constantly improving and becoming more dynamic. The Serbian capital now offers more employment possibilities for young people, as well as opportunities for their professional development and the use of business skills. Belgrade has opened its gates to foreign investors, regional business offices and large international companies. This has provided new possibilities for the people of Serbia, offering them better opportunities to learn new business methods and understand international business trends. Besides, the local companies follow the good examples of European and world companies – they transform and modernize their business and provide young and educated people with better opportunities to advance their careers.
What does your typical workday look like and what challenges do you usually face at your work?
Marija Mirković: The everyday coping with new challenges while working in the capacity of an office manager is one of the main driving forces behind a successful day. New texts with varying content covering both familiar and unfamiliar subjects and becoming more familiar with many different languages and cultures certainly represent a challenge for everyone who works in a translation agency. Likewise, every new day brings new and varying clients who need to be provided with high quality and expeditious services.
Finally, would you like to add something for my readers?
Marija Mirković: The only thing to add is to invite you to come to Belgrade and feel and breathe in this City with an Open Heart, as tourists and visitors like to call it.
Marija Radojičić: Its hospitable people, rich tradition, prominent historical and cultural monuments and attractive art, as well as its night life, will certainly not leave you indifferent. On the contrary, they will make you return to this city over and over again.
