Road Trip

There are times when I am amazed at how small our world is. Like when we run into old friends in random far away places or we meet someone who knows a good friend of our own in a place where you would least expect it. Yet, as soon as I sit down to make travel plans I become overwhelmed at how grand our planet earth really is.

Right before leaving to come to Germany I got back in touch with a gal that I used to babysit for when she was 3, now she's 16 and living in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Her family has graciously invited me for a visit and is showing me around the country. We took an overnight trip to the Croatian coast, which was amazing. Enjoy the pictures!

On the road... a view from the side of the road on our way to Croatia.

Our first stop was in Pocitelj. The city is situated on a hill side with tons of staircases winding throughout the city. It's not hard to walk the whole town in such a short amount of time.

There are no signs pointing the way to castle and there were several moments where I felt as if I was walking up to someones front door. The path would continue or divert another way, and eventually I found my way to the old fortress and was able to climb its tower- all the while hoping it was indeed safe and not in danger of it collapsing on me. Each of the towns that we had visited were badly damaged during the war and there is often still a lot of evidence of the destruction. This town, however, is largely back to its old self... architecturally at least.

The destination of the trip was to the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The city remains surrounded by a wall. It remains such a strong presence that as the sun went down I constantly had a feeling like we needed to get back to our hotel before the gate was locked at night or else we'd be stuck in the city. Although, it wouldn't be a bad place to be stuck.

We spent the early afternoon walking the wall and I couldn't have asked for better weather. Each stretch of the wall offered a different view and vantage point of the city. They sure do have a lot packed into a little space.

I absolutely loved the harbor and wanted so badly to be out on a boat, wearing penny loafers and rowing boldly around the Adriatic Sea! The water looked incredibly inviting. I'm sure it wasn't that cold :)

What is it about narrow alley ways that are so appealing? I loved just walking up and down the streets. It's impossible to get lost as you'll either hit a wall or come back to the main street. The best part was the laundry that hung from many of house windows. I guess you'd just get used to having your intimates on display for the tourists... it gives it that at home appeal.

A view of the main street and plaza

Good Night Dubrovnik

It's pretty important to stay on paved roads. These signs serve as warnings that there are landmines in the area. I have seen some pretty outrageous before and after pictures of the war in Germany and am often amazed at how quickly things have been rebuilt. There is certainly a visible effort in the cleanup here in Bosnia, but there is also the reminder that it takes time.

On our trip back to Sarajevo we stopped in Blagaj. This is the source of the Buna River.

Our final stop was Mostar, apparently the most visited city in Bosnia. The city is not that big so it doesn't take very much time to walk the town. The bridge is the heart of the city, having been built during the days of the Ottoman Empire. It made for a great lunch stop.

The Old Town has been largely rebuilt as Mostar was also badly shelled during the war. You can see off to the left sign a plague which reads, "Don't Forget".