What quality do you like most about yourself and why?

My independence!

Growing up in an orphanage in Mauritius with no idea who my real parents were was difficult despite the kindness of the ‘big family’ I became a part of. However, from that adversity I developed a very strong sense of self. I knew I was essentially alone and chose not to be cowed or made fearful by it. Instead I have revelled in my ‘one-ness’ and travelled the world, made friends with many people – humans and resins – and never let anything stand between me and my goals.

Me in the beautiful Serbian Tara National Park.

I think in many ways my independence has enabled me to make more and closer friendships that have become as important to me as family.

What does the word “loyal” mean to you?

I think the best way to describe what ‘loyalty’ means to me is with an example. Some time ago on a trip across my adopted homeland of Australia I found myself celebrating New Years Eve in a small motel room in Bathurst, NSW. As often happens in big people places no provisions or utensils for 1/3 scale resins were supplied. Using human sized glasses has led me to trouble more than once and on this particular occasion I REALLY over did it.

Mina and me on that fateful New Years Eve!

At somewhere near 4am I was at my worst. I was ill. Violently. My good friend Mina Vespasia, now Miss Kiribati, stayed with me and even held back my hair as I – ehem – rid myself of the excess alcohol. Now that is loyalty!

Which person of renown would you invite to a dinner party? Why do you think they’d make a great guest? What speciality dish of your region would you server them and what does that dish mean to you?

Many people who know me will be surprised to hear who it is I would most like to wine and dine. Even though I love keeping fit with bike riding and swimming I am not much of a sports fan. I never have been. However, there are three amazing Serbian sports stars I would absolutely love to eat and drink with and get to know much better… Novak Jokovic, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic!

I was lucky enough to be in Perth for the Hopman Cup earlier this year and it was quite thrilling to watch these stunning tennis aces go through their paces, and to see them all in the flesh – and what wonderful flesh! Both Novak and Jelena were recently ranked third in the world and the beautiful Ana is rapidly carving a place for herself in the list of future greats.

I would love to share with them the rich variety of grilled meats that are a staple of Serbian cuisine and the deeply aromatic and warming traditional Serbian Bean soup. Yum!

Of course there would also have to be lots of Slivovitz!

This strong alcoholic beverage is made from fermented plum juice and tastes like a particularly potent plum brandy. And lets face it, all of these three sporting heroes are so beautiful it could be very interesting to get them drunk! Perhaps even drunk enough to… well, anyway – next question!

If you could meet anyone in the world (living or not) who would you most like to meet and what would you say to them?

My real parents. This too may seem odd for someone who has come to terms so well with her own lack of family history. Yet, as I grow a little older I find myself more interested to know where I come from. The recent discovery of my Serbian heritage has also whet my appetite to know more. I haven’t told anyone this yet but just days ago I found the old man who delivered me to the orphanage in Mauritius - my father’s chauffeur. He is very old and a little bit vague but incredibly he recognised me! All I have been able to learn from him so far is that my parents sent me away for my own protection and that they themselves did not survive the danger that threatened us all.

On the road near to where my family originally came from. 

If I could just speak with my mother and father I would thank them for saving me and tell them that I have made a wonderful happy life for myself. I am hoping that with time and research into my ancestry I may be able to find, at the very least, a picture of my brave long lost parents.

How do you believe your country is viewed by others in the world?

When I received the information that my true heritage was Serbian I reacted as many people might have. “Serbia? Oh no!” Why? Because like many in the world all I really knew of this country was the long history of violence and war that have plagued the region. Of course it is no surprise when you consider the history of Serbia. This Republic, once a major province in the former Yugoslavia, was created by the forced unification of several Kingdoms – those of the Serbs, Croats and the Slovenes – in 1929. Ever since the demise of Yugoslavia the individual regions that made up this union have been struggling for their independence. Although such struggles usually see much violence before they come to an end, the separation of Montenegro from Serbia just two years ago was peaceful. Sadly my hope that Kosovo’s declaration of independence could also be peaceful has not come true.

Me outside the Serbian Parliament

I believe it is vitally important that dark happenings all over the world need to be reported, to have the light of public opinion shined upon them to try and bring such horrors to an end. However, what is often forgotten or skipped over when such news is explored is that there is more to a country than its political and religious struggles. And so it is with Serbia. No-one ever hears of the beauty of Serbia’s landscapes, the majesty of its ancient cities, or the incredible kindness and warmth of all the people I have met since returning to my ancestral home. Perhaps Rainyverse can help bring more of the beauty and light of all the countries of the world more to the fore. Wouldn’t that be a better, more balanced way for all of us to see our world?

Of all the things occurring/that have occurred in your country which excites you most and gives you hope for the future?

For me, the most uplifting and exciting thing that has happened for Serbia occurred in Finland on May 12 last year – just a few weeks after I discovered my own Serbian heritage. After three days of intense competition and wonderful music, the glorious Marija Serifovic won the Eurovision song contest with her stirring and powerful song “Molitva” – which means ‘Prayer’.

Maria Serifovic at 2007 Eurovision Song Contest

I was sitting on the edge of my seat late that night in the lounge room of my Australian home, my eyes glued to the television as the votes were cast. And as the winner was announced I swear I could hear the cheering from Serbia right there in Adelaide!

Of course what makes it all the more exciting is the fact that this well deserved win means the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in Serbia’s own capital city, Belgrade!

Believe me I will be there singing along with Marija at the top of my little resin lungs!