Cultural barbarism

After Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia, the town of Mostar was subjected to a bloody siege that left the town’s cemeteries filled with young men. In 1993 the city was surrounded by Croat forces for nine months and much of it was severely destroyed by shelling. Residents were cut off with no electricity or food duringContinue reading “Cultural barbarism”

Marvellous Mostar

Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina situated on the Neretva River. Its quaint cobbled streets are lined with colourful stalls and converge on the main focal point of the town, the (newly restored) old bridge. From multicoloured scarves, bags and wallets, wooden instruments to shiny copper jugs, the bazaars are a cornucopia ofContinue reading “Marvellous Mostar”

Losing the plot in Bosnia

My grandparents visited Mostar, formerly in Yugoslavia, over 25 years ago and I had always been charmed by the photographs of the old bridge that is its most famous image. Sadly the grand old bridge was completely destroyed in the 1990s during the Bosnian war but I have always wanted to take a trip to see theContinue reading “Losing the plot in Bosnia”

Perfection at Plitvice National Park

From our base at Split we were perfectly placed to visit some of the stunning natural scenery that Croatia has to offer. And where better to see some of the very best on offer than at some of the country’s national parks. First up was the three and a half hour trip to Plitvice Lakes, theContinue reading “Perfection at Plitvice National Park”

Split sights and beachlife

After surviving the climb to the top of the bell tower, we headed out and about to grab a snapshot of the sights of Split. Artwork nestles against the ancient mellow stones while a shoal of rainbow fish wiggle tantalisingly for shoppers. Bouganvilla blazes on every house and hides even the most broken down ofContinue reading “Split sights and beachlife”

Head for heights in Split

Pretty Split is a maze of little back alleys, sun drenched courtyards and cosmopolitan feeling harbour front. Here’s Neil, making it all slightly less classy with his beer. . The city lives cheek by jowl with its history thanks to the main attraction the Diocletian Palace. The palace was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian at theContinue reading “Head for heights in Split”