A new part of the world, part 2 - 8 novembre, 2013

Bosnia-Herzogevovenia

They simply call it "the Old Bridge". I first saw it in a watercolor painting that my mother held precious. She loved the view of the old bridge and river when she visited Mostar in the 1980's and picked out the watercolor. The stone bridge which had connected this ethnically diverse community for 400 years was destroyed by Croat artillery during the war that split up the former Yugoslavia. My mom was devastated by the news as she understood that the bridge was more than a physical span; it was a symbolic connection between groups of people. Then several years later, she happily reported that people from around the world were helping fund its reconstruction. I am sure she would have been so happy to know that I visited this poignant place and once again saw a thriving, peaceful community.

The Old Bridge in Mostar (Stari Most)

Panoramic view from the bridge

The wounds of war are still very evident in Mostar, in the buildings with still un-repaired bombing damage, the numerous cemeteries filled with graves dated 1993 and dotted with recently delivered flower arrangements and in the conversations with people we met there. I was very moved by this, my first experience being in an area that was so recently touched by the ravages of war. 

On the outskirts of Mostar, we found the Blagaj Tekija which was a Dervish monastery. It was located at the opening of a beautiful spring coming out of a sheer rock face. We toured the peaceful house and enjoyed a turkish coffee on the terrace. Young mountain goats played and climbed the walls just across the water from us.

Inside the Dervish monastery

Montenegro

From Bosnia, we drove to Montenegro. When I began the trip, I was embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing about this young country that peacefully gained its independence from Serbia in 2005. Our destination was Kotor which is located at the end of a fjord-like inlet called the Bay of Kotor. Since there is such a narrow opening to the bay, it was well defended throughout history and has lasted as a well preserved medieval town. We stayed in sobes in the old town and enjoyed exploring the maze of old streets and alleys.  Of course, we climbed the thousand steps up to the fort high above the bay. We were rewarded with beautiful views all the way to the sea.

Bay of Kotor

Our rooms were above the "Wine House"