A Pass Through Visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina
July 6, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under European Travel, Things to See & Do
If you had asked me to list my must-see vacation spots, Bosnia-Herzegovina wouldn’t have been in the top 10. Truth told, it probably wouldn’t have made the top 50.
Bosnia-Herzegovina was formerly part of Yugoslavia, and became an independent country in the breakup of the latter country. While the country is predominantly a mountainous one, it has a very small spot of land that is along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It was that small bit of coastline where I found myself about a week ago.
This wasn’t my final destination, I was merely passing through these few miles traveling from Split to Dubrovnik, and the highway goes right through Bosnia-Herzegovina. WOW! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this part of the country is beautiful. Of course, with the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic, it’s hard not to be beautiful.
Once we arrived at the checkpoint, a border guard got onto the bus and checked everyone’s passport, then passed us on through. You don’t need a visa if you’re a citizen of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the European Union. I’m told that border crossing are rarely an issue, and sure enough, on the return trip, the border guard just poked his head into the van smiled and waved at us, then motioned us on through.
Heading toward Dubrovnik, our bus made a short rest stop, giving passengers a chance to get out and stretch. There was a small restaurant there, so I took the opportunity to try out the Bosnia ice cream, a sweet confection touted by people who had been through before. The texture was a thick-like gelato, rich and creamy like we’re used to here at home, but not quick as thick and gooey. Quite yummy, and I ordered more of it during my time in Croatia.
Prices are cheap. A large double scoop of ice cream cost a little under one dollar. The convertible Mark is the official currency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Euros are accepted most places.
I didn’t see much else of the country, just this little slip of land, but it was enough to count as a visit for the Century Club. It also sparked my interest to learn more about this controversial, and at times difficult, corner of the world.
Photo credit: personal collection
What a great post MJ! And I love your new haircut.
I have never been to Bosnia, but it looks beautiful. The ice cream you described reminds me of the ice cream in Slovakia. I used to live there and I think I had a scoop everyday for the year and a half of my stay. So addicting, cheap and yummy!
I bet it is the same ice cream! At first I was a little disappointed because it wasn’t like the gelato that I had been used to in Italy. But you just have to appreciate it for being totally different, yet equally yummy.
Dobra Utra (good day), Mary Jo,
I led a group to Medugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, last March. I will lead another group in March, 2010. The country is indeed beautiful, the people are among the friendliest I have met anywhere, and the ice cream is, indeed, yummy.
American currency is also accepted in Bosnia, although you won’t always receive change, or if you do, it won’t be what you think it should have been. I spent dollars and euros in B-H for run-of-the-mill expenditures, and used my credit card for major items (Christmas shopping, ya know).
Did you kick around Dubrovnik’s Olde Town? Beautiful medieval walled city. And the color of the Adriatic has got to be the most beautiful deep blue I have ever seen. In Dubrovnik, I spent Kroners and Euros.
For wonderful, interesting excursions in B-H there are Herzegovina wineries, the Kravici waterfalls, Humac Franciscan Monastery (Ljubuški), Old Bazaar and Fransiscan Church (Mostar), river rafting (Neretva), the largest bird preserve in Europe (the national park in Hutovo Blato) and crossing the border, St. Blaise Cathedral (Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Anyway, I just wanted to drop a line, because I am thrilled when I find someone on this side of the water who has visited the region. It is truly beautiful, and worth a visit.
Melani
Oops…I meant to say Konvertible Marks instead of Kroners.
Thanks for the suggestions Melani.
We weren’t able to see as much as we had hoped. We spent a day in the Walled City, exploring and sightseeing, and a day in Cavtat (which is where we stayed). And, of course, we spent some relaxation time on the beach.
Although that’s all we had time for this trip, everyone in the group seemed to agree that we’d like to return. In addition to convincing everyone to do a little exploration in B-H, I’d also like to go to Montenegro as well.