Spica's name is Slobodan Spica (pronounced in English 'Speet-sa'), and he told us the story of why he commonly goes by his last name. His family surname was originally Petrovich, and they lived in Montenegro. Sometime during the 1700s, when the Ottoman Turks had conquered much of the Balkans, the Petrovich family had a disagreement with the occupation forces. To escape retribution, the family had to flee their home village but still felt endangered because they knew the Turks continued to search for them. The decision was made to permanently change the family surname to ensure their safety. Spica, from the "golden spike" on the ox-led wagons, was chosen for the obvious strength of the word and to commemmorate the escape. The family split into two groups; one group fled to Bosnia-Herzogovina, and the remainder fled north into Serbia (our Spica's group). The two branches of the family lost contact until about 20 years ago when Spica met someone from Bosnia with the same name. They're not sure if they're related, but it seems likely. He uses his last name for family pride and to commemmorate the family's escape.
Spica has assistance opening his gifts from Mara,
Dudo and Marija's daughter
Watching the birthday boy open presents.
With new sunglasses, a Cuban cigar and American whiskey,
what else could anyone want?
Marija, Luka and Andrea.
Spica and Svetlana's son, Dusan (pronounced Doo-shen),
and a shy friend.
Ante, chef extraordinaire! He cooked all the meat and
was the one who baked the bread I talked about on blog #9.
Zoran and his father, George, who was visiting from Serbia.
My kids still don't believe I drink beer in Austria.
Here's proof!
Guillermo and Luis.
Bob has finally figured out how to take a good picture
of me - keep me in shadow! That's Ljuba with me.
This is Ecco, Andrea and Zarko's dog, who tirelessly
chases that ball.
Does Ecco chase the ball as much as Sammy did?
ReplyDelete