... This for the girl who hadn't travelled at all before the age of 32!
Heading north from Dubrovnik we travelled along the Dalmatian coast. The over one thousand islands that 'spot' the coastline were the inspiration for the name of the dog breed. Stunning scenery. Eventually we left the coast and headed east entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unlike the 'soft' borders we had passed through yesterday this was a much more serious one. Checks, particularly of a loaded coach from Turkey, were taken very seriously. Drug and people smuggling from Albania and Turkey particularly an issue. The armed guards would not allow us to get off the bus nor could the driver leave the coach running for the air con. The temp was about 30 by this stage. It was about an hour twenty minutes before we could leave. Not a pleasant experience. Over so many years of travelling together a bit of an in joke is for me to launch into I Spy to indicate I am now officially sick of waiting for something. Today's was a first. .... " I spy with my little eye something beginning with g ..... Gun!"
In less than an hour we arrived in Mostar. A city very badly damaged by the recent war. The bullet/shrapnel marks on buildings was everywhere. Many buildings bombed and abandoned. In sharp contrast, again, was the meticulously restored old city. The highlight if this the bridge which was reproduced as accurately as possible. Only difference is the stone is too clean. It was suggested by our excellent guide that we return in 500 years and then it would be perfect! The Turkish/Muslim influence in the area makes a difference to the architecture and also the wares for sale in the markets. All very interesting.
The arrival at our hotel was a welcome relief from the heat. The five star luxury is a stark contrast to the homes/apartments in the city. Feeling very fortunate.
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