Last Trip In The Balkans

After my dear wife is about to end her engagement in the Balkans, I was in the Balkans for the last time over the Christmas holidays and on the first weekend in January.

Impressions from Mostar
This time we stayed in Mostar and in between made a trip to Cavtat in Croatia.
Mostar is an impressive cultural melting pot. Christian Orthodox and Muslim populations live in this city partly separated by the river that runs through the city. The old town is very impressive!
Unfortunately, the air quality is extremely poor in the winter months, since heating and exhaust gases from cars and industry lead to artificial fog when there is no wind. That's why we always went to the surrounding mountains or to the sea in Croatia to relax.

Last impressions from Sarajevo
On the first weekend in January we had interesting experiences in Sarajevo around the Orthodox Christmas festival.
Traditionally, dried oak branches are placed in front of the front doors of all Christian houses and apartments. Our landlady was busy all day on January 6th preparing for the family dinner the following Christmas Day, which is the annual highlight of Orthodox Christmas.
We enjoyed various culinary highlights in the city, since all the bars and restaurants were open here.

After about 20,000 km in and from the Balkans I can say that it is definitely worth a trip. Impressive in terms of landscape, culture and cuisine. Very nice people and interesting gas prices. Currently premium petrol €1.20 and diesel €1.40.

In the follwing some impressions.

Part 1:

The famous "Bridge of Mostar" which was rebuilt after the war.




The bridge by night


The cross, a war memorial on the mountain Hum


Use only cleared and signed ways and paths through the former minefields!!!


You can find such signs all along the way up to the top of the mountain Hum.


Do not touch!!!


The view from the Hum into the city of Mostar. From there artillery attacks took place in war times.


Impressions in the city of Mostar

 

Part 2:
Some impressions of Cavtat and Sarajevo.

On the beach in Cavtat.


My first snowman on the seaside at about 20 degrees.


Christmas stockings on the beach!


Brunch in a small cafe in Sarajevo. Club sandwich, salmon croissant, fresh pressed oranga juice and an americano. Delicious!!!




Temporary ice rink in the city of Sarajevo. We had our ice skaters with use and did a one hour turn on it.


My best burger ever!!! With the local price of the burger a can only buy a small burger in Austria at McD.


Artificial fog caused by air pollution.

 

@Mrs Visor: Thanks for your posting. After 7 months abroad she came home and will stay in Austria now.

 

You're right. It really was a long time. I was a total of 57 days with her in Bosnia and Herzegovina or in Montenegro on the road, but together at home is of course something completely different!