BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, A WHOLE NEW WORLD
September 23 To 27, 2015
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the poorest country of the former Yugoslavia. My arrival here was like stepping into an entirely different world. The majority of the damage to be in inflicted during the fall of Yugoslavia happened in Bosnia and it has not had the opportunity to recover and store itself after the fighting 2 decades ago. The evidence of this is everywhere. Houses and buildings are still marked with bullet holes and large chunk of the sidewalk and buildings are still missing from bomb blasts. The population here, of any other country during my trip faces a daily reminder of what they survived and what they lost family too.
If you are going to explore other countries like Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro and bask in their beauty I think it is also necessary to experience the contrast by making a stop in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
If you are going to explore other countries like Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro and bask in their beauty I think it is also necessary to experience the contrast by making a stop in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mostar
September 23 to 24, 2015
Mostar is a cute town which features a small medieval center and the famous 16th century Ottoman bridge, Stari Most. It has a cobblestoned market of souvenirs shops, cafes, gelato stands, and handicrafts, as well as a modern section with a number of significant sights and tales.
Sarajevo
September 25 To 26, 2015
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It as well is still marked by the fighting here and tries to use those markings as an opportunity to remember and teach. For example, the photo above is of a 'blood rose', one of many shelf marks in the sidewalk throughout the city painted red to remind everyone daily of the bloodshed in Bosnia's fight for independence. As well, below are some photos from a museum left destroyed by bullets and bombs, restored only enough to safely allow people to see the damage and view displays.
From a tourist standpoint, the city still is able to offer a fun experience. There is a cute old Ottoman section of town lined with shisha bars, doner stands, and souvenir shops. In hostels you are greeted with a shot of rakija and on walking tours you can hear the tale of Franz Ferdinand and other historical moments you may have not known were based in Bosnia.
From a tourist standpoint, the city still is able to offer a fun experience. There is a cute old Ottoman section of town lined with shisha bars, doner stands, and souvenir shops. In hostels you are greeted with a shot of rakija and on walking tours you can hear the tale of Franz Ferdinand and other historical moments you may have not known were based in Bosnia.
Travnik
September 27, 2015
Travnik is a quaint little town West of Sarajevo. Though it has little to do it is a nice day trip from the capital, taking only an hour and a half by bus. It has more than a dozen mosques dating from the Ottoman period and from the fortress' tower you can try to find them all in the landscape. The fortress was a fun place to spend an hour or so. It has beautiful grounds and views of the surrounding city and mountains; as well, there were artifacts on display and a weaving tutorial. The city has a very somber feel to it that made being their on a cold, cloudy day feel oddly appropriate.
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