Sign in with Facebook"Healing in Mostar" Top 5 Page for this destination Mostar by acemj
Mostar Travel Guide: 690 reviews and 1,482 photos
This trip was about Croatia. Bosnia-Hercegovina was merely a point of reference on a map. When asked about my plans, I sometimes had to say, "Croatia. It's the skinny country that runs along the Adriatic coast across from Italy and next to Bosnia-Hercegovina." They spell it with a "c" locally, so I'll use that instead of the VT spelling. They also refer to it with the abbreviation, "BiH" (the "i" is for the Slavic word for "and").
My Croatian adventures were going great until an unfortunate incident in Split where I was robbed and roughed up a bit by three thugs. The next couple of days were spent hobbling about trying to recover from the experience, both physically and mentally. I replayed the whole indicent in my mind a thousand times imagining all of the things I could have done differently in order to yield a more positive outcome. After beating myself up enough, I decided to get back on my horse and do something unplanned, completely spontaneous and just maybe a little dangerous. After all, any conversation with a local that lasted more than ten minutes, almost always brushed over the war and something that impactful warranted my exploration.
So, I boarded a bus in Dubrovnik and headed for Mostar, the scene of some of the bloodiest battles of the recent war. I was short on cash, carrying only a small amount of the Croatian currency, the Kuna, a problem considering it was Croat fighters who did most of the damage to the historic Muslim Quarter of the city over a decade ago.
I was glad that I had come here to gain a better understanding of this terrible conflict. Though I did not leave my room after night fell on Mostar, I slept soundly knowing that I, like the city itself, was undergoing a healing, and that a few kicks and punches would not be enough to take away my traveler's spirit. I hope that Mostar itself will one day regain all that it once was, a charming town situated in a beautiful valley full of diverse and unique people that I believe are capable of more than mere coexistence.
Reviews (28)
Neum Corridor
Off The Beaten Path
(1)
When driving or taking the bus along the Croatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik, you'll have to pass through the... more travel advice
Look for the bombed out mall . . . .
Favorites
(7)
. . . and you'll find a place to surf the net. I needed to get online to monitor my accounts after having been robbed... more travel advice
Shades of the past
Favorites
(7)
I can see why Mostar was a major tourist destination for many Eastern Europeans before the war. The area around the Old... more travel advice
Some touches of modernity
Favorites
(7)
Not all of Mostar is Ottoman inspired and old in appearance. I also noticed some rather bland looking, more modern... more travel advice
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Nightlife (1)
Not a clue -
Transportation (4)
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Hotels (2)
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Mostar Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "Mostar - Bosnia and Herzegovina"
- "The heart of Herzegovina"
- "Mostar - A bridge between east and west"
- "Healing in Mostar"
- "Mostar, the pearl of Herzegovina"
- "Ancient Mostar"
- "Mostar pilgimage"
- See All...
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- 28 Reviews
- 29 Photos
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- 37 Comments
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Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Mostar
- Commented on TheWanderingCamel's Mostar Page
- Wrote a Review Neum Corridor in Mostar Off The Beaten Path
- updated a Mostar Travel Page "Healing in Mostar"
- Uploaded a Photo to "A city still divided"
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Comments (34)
Mostar was totally safe. I didn't feel any anti-western feelings, and walked around the Muslim and Croat side at all hours. The Kuna isn't accepted (they prefer Euros) but I don't think it's political. But I can understand your sensitivity after Split :).
We were in Mostar last month . Happily the bridge is now reconcstructed.I was interested in seeing your before pictures!
Mostar was looking lovely this summer. Interesting to read hear and realize how things are moving on for the town. leyle
beautifully written. I too hope that Motsar will on day heal itself from these atrosities and smile again. The country is jsut so beautifully tragic. The people- perfect.
Pleased to report that Mostar has cheered up considerably since you saw it. The joint was jumping last month.
Luckily, the situation has improved since your visit. In 2005, we were short of time to visit Mostar but plan to do it in 2006.
Nice tips about my hometown.it's even more beautiful now,with the 'new'old bridge.I'm sorry for the bad things in Split,mostar is even more dangerous....Lejla
Very good page about Mostar. I am sorry for the bad experience in Split.
Mark, fabulous page with impressive photos and very interesting stories. Bosnia is still on my "Must-Visit" list and your page makes me really want to go there ...Keep on travelling ... :o)
it was good to see the restored bridge a couple of months ago
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