I have spent the last 4 days here in Sarajevo, a city of contrasts, with a history steeped in WWI, Yugoslavia and Tito, the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the Serbian siege in the early 90’s. The weather here has been quite pleasant and this is supposed to be the coolest, wettest destination on my trip.

I spent much of today exploring the city,  trying to understand the complexity of life in Bosnia during the fighting in the early 90’s and life today. Trying to blend so many religions and cultures with so much attachment to the pain of the past in order to build a beautiful future…they are flourishing and struggling.

Ah, the imam  is singing the call to prayer. It’s 8:30pm. The first call was this morning at 4:30!! I always love it-even at 4:30am!!

Tomorrow I go to a small town with lots of medieval roots to spend the night then on to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia for one night, doing my best to avoid the tourist crowds in mid-day. Then to Cres Island to relax for a few days, enjoy the beach, explore and see the rare and recently re-introduced Griffin Vultures.

Ah, now a young imam-in-training is singing the call to prayer! He has such a beautiful voice!!

I am sad to leave Sarajevo, a compelling city about the size of San Francisco built on the banks of the Miljacka River and picturesquely climbing the steep, green mountains on both sides. A city of people who are quick to smile, of profound resilience and inner strength, who seek a Western life style, and enjoy leisure at the many sidewalk cafes.

A city filled with mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches, and Jewish temples. Buildings with bullet and shrapnel holes that have not been rebuilt. Here is a link with more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Sarajevo

Today I saw the 800 meter tunnel the people of Sarajevo built under the airport runway that allowed food, weapons, electricity and phone lines into the city during the approximately 1400-day siege by the Serbs. I also saw the Holiday Inn where media reporters stayed as they reported the events of that siege.

I have felt so safe here and have seen local women of all ages walking past my hotel window in the darkness. Crime is almost non-existent.

Time to pack my bag and get some sleep so I can be rested for my early 3-hour bus ride in the morning.

I have been gone one week today! My time has been so full it feels longer than that. And I have so many places yet to explore before I return home.

Joy to you and your family!!