Sarajevo

Sarajevo is perhaps the most interesting place of the trip so far.  It is a city with a very dark past, though.  Between 1992 and 1995, war came to Sarajevo.  The city itself was almost completely surrounded for 4 years, receiving explosion after explosion and bullet after bullet.  Many people were killed before the conflict finally ended at the end of 1995.  And the scars, still felt by the people who survived, can also be seen all around the city.  Most buildings are covered with bullet holes, and the sidewalks are cracked and broken from grenade and artillery explosions.

This building was almost completely destroyed in the war, but the government has decided to leave it as it is, to constantly remind people of the horrors of war.

The surrounding area, which is mostly beautiful mountains, was also affected.  One particularly eerie reminder of the war remains in the mountains.  In 1984, Sarajevo hosted the winter olympics; and for the event they built what was, at the time, the biggest and best bobsled run in the world.  The run did not survive the war intact.  Only small sections of it remain.

Despite these very visible scars, Sarajevo is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited.  It is completely surrounded by tall mountains, so no matter which direction you look you will find a magnificent view.

And the people here, rising above everything they have endured, are extremely kind and generous.  I think Stanley and I will both miss Sarajevo.  But, legend has it that if you drink the water from one particular fountain in the old town, you will someday return to the city. 

Time to go, I'm feeling thirsty...