It was raining like crazy, so we decided to take a day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the interesting parts of the drive was learning about the unusual borders of Croatia and Bosnia. We crossed the border three times to get there and three more times back. For a little perspective, the red arrows are the borders we crossed. First, into Bosnia. About 20 minutes later, we went back into Croatia. Another but more, back into Bosnia. The three places we visited were Počitelj(black box), Mostar (the red pin) and Kravica Falls (the black X).
This is a stretch of the extremely small Bosnian coastline in Neum.
Our first stop, Počitelj, had its earliest documented mention in 1444, but they think it was probably built by a Bosnian king in 1383. It was an important settlement over the years to a Hungarian king, the Ottoman Empire, and the Venetians. It lost its importance after they can under Austria-Hungarian rule, but sustained most of the damage in the war between 1992-1995. It lays in pretty much rubble now.
The views from the top were breathtaking even with the overcast. We were thinking it was actually meant to be seen that way, misty and eery.
As we drove through the countryside, we saw a lot of buildings that looked similar to this. They were often alongside houses that had been rebuilt. It was a reminder of how it hasn’t been that long since their civil war.
I had seen pictures of the bridge in Mostar and a little information from Rick Steves, but we didn’t really know what we had in store for us on this trip. The first of which was the crazy shenanigans of professional divers hurling theirselves off this enormous bridge for money. We arrived just in time to see this guy take on the cold water. You can see the small guy swimming along. Our tour guide said the water is very cold and dangerous. We didn’t join in on the funding. It felt weird to pay for someone to risk their life, but everyone says they are professionals and not to worry, supposedly.
The view of the town and the water color. We were told the color comes from all the copper in the area.
At the end of our walking tour, we went into the most beautiful tea and coffee set shop. Kelly told me later that I was not supposed to take pictures. I do feel bad I broke the rules, but they were so ornate and unique. The tour guide told us that you could tell if you were welcome or over stayed your welcome by the set that was used to serve you in the morning.
The views from the top were breathtaking even with the overcast. We were thinking it was actually meant to be seen that way, misty and eery.
As we drove through the countryside, we saw a lot of buildings that looked similar to this. They were often alongside houses that had been rebuilt. It was a reminder of how it hasn’t been that long since their civil war.
I had seen pictures of the bridge in Mostar and a little information from Rick Steves, but we didn’t really know what we had in store for us on this trip. The first of which was the crazy shenanigans of professional divers hurling theirselves off this enormous bridge for money. We arrived just in time to see this guy take on the cold water. You can see the small guy swimming along. Our tour guide said the water is very cold and dangerous. We didn’t join in on the funding. It felt weird to pay for someone to risk their life, but everyone says they are professionals and not to worry, supposedly.
The view of the town and the water color. We were told the color comes from all the copper in the area.
At the end of our walking tour, we went into the most beautiful tea and coffee set shop. Kelly told me later that I was not supposed to take pictures. I do feel bad I broke the rules, but they were so ornate and unique. The tour guide told us that you could tell if you were welcome or over stayed your welcome by the set that was used to serve you in the morning.
After admiring the tea sets, we watched a video about war time in Mostar. It was sobering to see the destruction they lived through during the war. It was heart breaking to watch the footage of this beautiful bridge being bombed over and over until it fell into the river on 9/11/93. It was rebuilt near the end of the 90’s.
A stone on the end of the bridge.
We had time to take in what we had just learned and try some local food. We sat down at the perfect time to get to experience the Call to Prayer. We were very close to the Mosque and could it hear it so clearly. It was beautiful.
A stone on the end of the bridge.
We had time to take in what we had just learned and try some local food. We sat down at the perfect time to get to experience the Call to Prayer. We were very close to the Mosque and could it hear it so clearly. It was beautiful.
Another couple pics of Mostar
This building is still in rubble surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Our tour guide rearranged our trip in hopes we could see Kravica falls without rain. He did it! We saw the sun for the first time as soon as we arrived at the falls. I threw in a few different vantage points. From far above...
From the top, one side of the falls right before it makes it descent.
And from the bottom
With a standard waterfall selfie of course...
Along the route to and from Mostar, there were protected waters just for oyster and mussels farms. The rock looking things in the water are where the farms are. These bays are specifically for this and motorized watercraft are not allowed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was a great surprise. We almost didn’t do it and are so glad we did! Next and last stop, Barcelona!
Love all of your blogs!
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