If you follow my blog you know I rarely have expectations when visiting a new country. The wonderful thing about my approach is that I’m never really disappointed, plus I can share with you my experiences so you have an idea of what you might encounter on your own trip to the country. I hadn’t planned on visiting Bosnia and Hercegovina, but since I was already in the area I thought I should, and I’m so glad I did! Here are three things to expect when visiting Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Scars of War
Remains of a building destroyed by the Balkans War
My taxi driver told me a terrifying firsthand story of the Balkans War that tore his country apart in the 1990s. He was only four years old and he was walking to school with his mother and sixteen other children when suddenly their world changed forever. The enemy lit a gas truck on fire and pushed it over the tallest hill overlooking their little village, just outside of the city of Mostar. The gas truck exploded and started a huge fire that ravaged his village. At the same time the enemy started bombing the area. He said the they all hunkered down in a ditch and covered the heads in terror. The landscape around them turned white and gray as ash made it hard to breath and see even just a few feet away. Decades later abandoned buildings and scars of wars still litter the countryside as a sad reminder of the destructive nature of oppression.
Intriguing History
Ancient fortress outside of Mostar
From monuments honoring the bravery of those that fought gallantly in the Balkans war, to ancient fortresses that stand proudly on otherwise desolate mountain tops, Bosnian and Herzegovina has an interesting past and promising future. If you’re a history buff you’re going to love the countless museums, monuments, and historical buildings that tell the touching stories of their intriguing past.
Unique Beauty
“The Old Bridge” in Mostar
I stayed a couple of nights in the city of Mostar and explored the old town, where “The Old Bridge,” Stari Most, is the crown jewel of the city. The picturesque bridge is made of stone and the top of it is now quite slippery as the cobblestones have been smoothed over from hundreds of years of being walked on. Surrounding it are handicraft vendors, charming little hotels, superb restaurants and fascinating museums. If you’re lucky you might see a local jumping from the top of the bridge that is about 90 feet above the Neretva River in exchange for some money (Marka is their official currency but they typically also take USD, Euros or Croatian Kuna).
Kravice Falls in Bosnia
The scenery in Bosnia and Hercegovina is strikingly barren and desert like, but along the river you’ll find lush trees and beautiful flora and fauna. I particularly enjoyed my trip to Kravice Falls. As everyone else stood around clicking photos, I dove in and enjoyed a short swim in the cold clear water as the sound of the magnificent falls roared in the background. I also managed to do a little yoga and meditation as my driver patiently waited for me. It was a spectacular day!
Me doing yoga at Kravice Falls
The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are friendly and charming. They’re trying hard to lure tourists back to their country where you will no doubt enjoy the intriguing history and unique beauty. If you are planning a trip to Montenegro or Croatia, you should also add Bosnia and Herzegovina to your list since it is just a few hours away.