Sarajevo, BiH

(see on map) mike: The capital city, Sarajevo, still feels rough around the edges following the three year siege that began in 1992. That being said, after an eye opening visit the National Museum's siege exhibit (I was nearly clueless to the details) we had a much greater appreciation of the city's resiliency and rebirth. For example, during the siege residents planted gardens on nearly every inch of usable land, flower pots on balconies, parks, etc, in order to survive. While signs of the war are still very visible today, the city has made dramatic progress considering the extensive destruction of the city and its infrastructure.

Our walking tour took us past the Yellow Holiday Inn, the last functioning hotel during the siege and home of international wartime journalist.

Now:

Then:

The burned out National Library of BiH.

The infamous Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip in 1914 sparking WWI. It is actually quiet plain considering its massive historical significance.

Countless churches and mosques, side by side, see the guy on the minaret?

Many of the sites had US AID (I had never heard of it) funded plaques describing its significance.

And last but not least, sampling of tasty Balkan food called cevapi, minced meat with onions in flatbread. The restaurant we were at only served cevapi with the option of 6, 9, or 15 pieces of meet.

Both nights we quenched some homesickness by watching Hollywood movies, Ironman and Vantage Point. In the latter, we were two of just six attendees.

In summary, Sarajevo is certainly not a care free tourist destination, like say Cinque Terra, but looking back on our Europe experience it stands out for me as one of the most educational and rewarding visits we had.