Bosnia-Herzegovina 2012
is located in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe, it was formerly one of the states of the former federation of Yugoslavia 1992.Bosnia is bordered by Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia.The cities of Sarjevo, Mostar Travnik are some of the most popular tourist destinatin in Bosnia.
We were up just after 7am and the temperature outside was very low (4oC). There were frost on the grass and mist in the air. We packed and headed out just after 8am.
Breakfast Vilusi Village
We came across this café on the way to the border and decided to stop for breakfast. Dad had soup and omelets. Mum and I had coffee and sandwiches.
Breakfast was alright, nothing too fantastic. The lady (we think is the owner), however, was very friendly and showed us around her café. We did not speak each other’s language, so it was mostly pointing and waving and lots of smiles!
Traditional wood oven for baking bread which doubles up as a heater to warm up the dining area.
Tools from days long gone. The one on the left is used to churn butter.
Antique radio
Goodbye Montenegro
View to our left – taken near the Montenegrin border post.
The Montenegrin border post in the distance. We arrived at the border post at 9.50am and it only took 10 minutes to get our passport checked and stamped.
The scenery that Bosnia greeted us on entry was breathtaking. It was nice driving down the winding road that took us from Klobuk towards Mostar.
Welcome to Bosnia
Orthodox church in Mrkonjici – built on the location where once stood the house in which St. Vasilije Ostroski (Saint Basil of Ostrog) was born in 1610. He died in 1671 and was buried in Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro. There was a tree with branches forming a cross just at the entrance of the church. It has a hollow trunk and according to the Guardian, the tree is centuries old.
Mostar
We started our morning at the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over Neretva River and a visit to the Old Bridge Museum. The museum had quite a lot of information on the Old Bridge since its original construction in 1566. The wooden bridge, as it was then, took 9 years to plan and build. Over the years, it was fortified and strengthened. In 1993, the bridge was completely destroyed in the conflict.
The reconstruction of the bridge, which was completed in 2004, followed the same process as the construction in the 16th century. There is a book/souvenir shop near the bridge which had a collection of photos of the bridge at various times during the recent war showing how it was destroyed. There was also a video footage. It is quite sad to watch the video of the bridge being hit many times before finally going down.
Walking on the Old Bridge, we met two Malaysian girls who are currently working in the UK. Our first meeting with a Malaysian after travelling so far. We chatted for a bit and exchanged contact details before parting ways. Who knows, maybe we will meet again when we drive through England in December.
Views of Mostar from the top of the bridge tower which now house the Old Bridge Museum. Bottom left is a building with bullet holes in its walls. We didn’t see many of these buildings in Mostar as most have been restored or reconstructed. When we do come across one, it is a reminder of the recent conflict.
Walking through the Old Bazar.
At Blagaj, Dervish House and source of the River Buna.
Early dinner at one of the restaurants along the river. The trout was excellent, the best we’ve had so far.
After our early dinner, we retraced our steps back towards Mostar and took the road north towards Sarajevo. The road (E73) from Mostar to Sarajevo runs alongside the river for the most part of it. The steep slopes of the hills are just inches away from the road. The road winds in some stretches and we passed through a lot of tunnels (the most tunnels we have been through in a stretch of road.. I was driving and lost count after 7) and a few bridges. The view is one of the best we have seen since starting this journey.
Sarajevo City
is the Capital City of Bosnia Herzegovina. on the Miljacka River
Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia is the famous City where the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in an open car near the Latin Bridge in 1941 sparked the @nd World War.
Latin Bridge
Panoramic view of Miljacka River flowing through the centre of Sarajevo.
Church of Saint Anthony of Padua / Franciscan Monastery
Emperor’s Mosque
The first mosque built in Sarajevo back in 1457. The original building made of wood was destroyed and this building we see today was rebuilt in 1565.
Stari Grad / Old Town Sarajevo
Sebilj, public drinking fountain. Built in 1753, the Sebilj had a turbulent history and was reconstructed several times. The present structure was built in 1891 in neo-Moorish style.
Old Town Square .Crowded with entuastic tourists
Gazi Huzrev-Bey Mosque
After the walking tour around the old town, we left Sarajevo to take the country road to Visaki, Kakanj, Vitez and Travnik.
Got stuck in a traffic jam along the way and decided to pull to the side to sit it out. Nicely surprised by this wedding party.
A few gypsy kids crashing the party too. This rea has quit a few Roma Gypsies.
The host did give out a few coins to them.
Travinik
Is an ancient Town in Central Bosnia, surrounded by rolling green hills is also called as the “City of Viziers,”It is said that Travnik produced 77 of the Ottoman Empire’s top viziers. Its archealogical history dates back to the Bronze age. Travik was oncethe capital of Bosnia
Travnik is located 90km west of Sarajevo. Old Town Travinik features the most wonderful mix of Medieval, Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Austro-Hungarian architecture. and is a major draw for thousands of visitors
Photos of Travnik skyline taken from the Medieval Fortress.:
Autumn colours
Stari Grad / Old Town Travinik
Stari Grad Castle ,Old Town Castle, is a medieval town-fortress complex. the castle is a National Monument and is the best preserved castle in Bosnia making it a must see in Travnik for all tourists. You’ll find a small museum inside.
Some of the exhibits in the meuseum.
Sad and tragic , an event that should never happen again.....the Civil War.
The blue water of Plava Voda River flows through the old Town of Travinik . A series of wooden bridges crisscross over the water. Restaurants and bars line the water’s edge, serving as a serene spot for photographs and to enjoy a meal.
Teeming with Trout Fish in perfect clear waters
Suleimania Mosque
was built in honor of Sultan Soliman the Magnificent, it dates back to 1817 Built in the center of the old town at the foot of the old town fortress
.The Bezistan is a textile market built under the Prayer hall of the Mosque where rich fabrics and other precious goods were sheltered.
The steam train is popularly known as "Ćiro"
This vintage old steam engine is the only surviving example of the cog wheeled locomotive with serial number 97-036 in Bosnia
Bulgaria 2013
is located on the eastern portion of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. Founded in the 7th century, Bulgaria is one of the oldest states on the European continent.
It shares borders with Serbia, Macedonia, Romania, Greece, and Turkey on the East.
On the Ferry crossing the River Danube to Bulgria
Sofia City Bulgria
is the capital and the largest city in Bulgaria. It is located in the western part of Bulgaria ,at the foot of Mount Vitosha in the very center of the Balkans
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