I only spent a few days in Bosnia and Herzegovina – not enough time to really know the country, but just enough to realize there was something about this country I really liked. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the few places I’ve left knowing that I will definitely return. So this is part one of a two part Travel Memories Monday – next week I’ll share pictures from Sarajevo!
Mostar is located in the south of the country. Often visited only as a day trip from Dubrovnik, I spent two nights here and recommend it. That will give you time to explore outside of Old Town and get a real feel for the city. While at one time it was one of the most diverse cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it suffered greatly during the Yugoslav War of the 1990s. This culminated with the deliberate destruction of the Stari Most bridge. The war is over, but still very present – the old front line is still devastated. But that’s not what the residents here are focused on. I met incredibly friendly people who loved sharing their city, found the newer areas of Mostar filled with youth and families, and discovered some of the best lemonade ever! Below is a short photo tour of this underestimated city.
The famous Stari Most bridge
Ruins
Cemetary near the old front lines
The door to the apartment building I stayed in
Minarets and the cross
Jumper waiting on Stari Most
Old Town
Interesting mix of old and new
More dangerous ruins
Reminders found around town - don't forget the tragedies of war
14 comments
2 pings
Clare says:
September 21, 2010 at 6:44 am (UTC -7)
Loved the photos. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately the names of these places still conjure up images of war rather than tourism.
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
September 22, 2010 at 8:33 pm (UTC -7)
Thanks Clare! Think the combination of being young and living in the States during the war made me remember very little about it, besides what I read in Zlata’s Diary. I was actually very surprised how prevalent the war still is there, but was really lucky to meet great people who were willing to help me understand the current situation there and share their experiences with me.
Amanda says:
September 25, 2010 at 3:30 am (UTC -7)
Wow, some great photos! I’ve heard good things about this area from travelers. I’m glad that it’s starting to bounce back from its war-torn years.
Amanda recently posted..Behind the Scenes at Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
September 27, 2010 at 7:36 pm (UTC -7)
It’s all around a beautiful country – love it!
Christy - Ordinary Traveler says:
September 25, 2010 at 6:11 pm (UTC -7)
Looks like an interesting place. Nice photo of the bridge! Do people really jump from it? I may have to add that to my bucket list.
Christy – Ordinary Traveler recently posted..In Search of the Blue Lagoon
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
September 27, 2010 at 7:34 pm (UTC -7)
It’s a great place! Guys from the town jump from the bridge to earn money – they even have a little practice area for the younger boys to practice one. When I was there, they were asking for 30 euros to jump and would just call out to the crowds on the bridge until they got enough money. I know they have let tourists jump, but you definitely need to ask for permission and pay them first.
Jools Stone says:
September 29, 2010 at 9:29 am (UTC -7)
Wow, some lovely pictures there. Great inspiration for my Balkan trip soon which will take in Sarajevo and hopefully Mostar too. (Hello from a fellow tbex boarder!)
Jools Stone recently posted..3 Unsung Railway Heroes part 1
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
October 1, 2010 at 4:18 pm (UTC -7)
Hey Jools! Thanks for the visit. You’ll love it in BiH! I took the train between Mostar and Sarajevo and the scenery is gorgeous – I suggest that trip if you get a chance, but I think there are only 1 or 2 trains a day on that route.
David @ Malaysia Asia says:
September 29, 2010 at 11:23 am (UTC -7)
Gosh, I would love to visit B & H one day. The pictures are really nice and glad you had the chance to visit. And yes, love the ‘Fabio’ on the bridge pic!
David
David @ Malaysia Asia recently posted..Tha Pom NatureTrail in Krabi Thailand
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
October 1, 2010 at 4:20 pm (UTC -7)
Hahaha…when you make it there, you’ll get to see multiple Fabios running around
Dina says:
October 12, 2010 at 4:17 am (UTC -7)
I love that dangerous ruin sign
But that Stari Most Bridge picture on the top was so breathtaking. Now going there is a must! I’ll let you know when I’m around the country, haha, and you can guide me from wherever you are to those magical places!
Dina recently posted..10 Spectacular Natural Wonders in New Zealand’s North Island
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
October 15, 2010 at 9:59 am (UTC -7)
Yes! I can be your personal tour guide from afar…haha. I think you’d love it there, though – it’s quite beautiful and the people are so nice.
Bethany says:
November 10, 2010 at 4:20 pm (UTC -7)
Wow – Great pictures! I’ve always wanted to go to that neck of the woods and this pictures remind me I should go!
Bethany recently posted..Marmot Limelight 2 Tent Gear Review
Ashley @ No Onions Extra Pickles says:
November 12, 2010 at 5:23 pm (UTC -7)
You totally should head over there! I loved it, and will definitely be back. Mostar was really nice, and I completely fell for Sarajevo.
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