The Serbian Statue (Rocky)

According to the Associated Press, "A Serbian village, worn out by floods and misfortune, has decided it was time to fight back" by placing The Rocky Statue in the city of Zitiste, which is about 36 miles north of Belgrade. Searching for a change of image, boost of local morale, and a revival of the village, local Zitiste officials contacted Philadelphia where the original Rocky Statue is located. (source)

The Rocky Statue in Philadelphia draws people from all around the world looking for inspiration and a connection to the infamous Rocky films. My great girlfriend bought me a book for Christmas called "Rocky Stories," written by Michael Vitez with special photography from Tom Gralish. The book is full of stories of people who came from all around the world, for different reasons, but for the same goal: to run up the Rocky Steps. Alongside the steps stands the Rocky Statue, which also draws great attention. Michael and Tom spent every day for an entire year at the steps, interviewing people and uncovering some great stories behind why they decided to visit. Some came to celebrate their good fortunes, some came to find some hope in this tough world, and some even used the site to propose their engagement. Whatever the reason, the steps and the statue provide an uncomparable self-fulfillment, one that Serbia desperately seeks.