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

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

I’ve been interested in Dubrovnik for years, long before Croatia separated from the former Yugoslavia.  The area was, at least I was led to believe, the area the maternal side of my family hailed from.

I have lots of restaurant, hotel, and attraction recommendations that I’ll be sharing over the next couple of months.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Dubrovnik has a history based in large part on the maritime trade, making it, through the years, a fairly prosperous city.  With prosperity came an appreciation for the arts, literature, science, education, history, architecture and scholarship.  In 1979 the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I’ve heard that there’s lots to do in Dubrovnik. from sightseeing in the Old City, to visiting nearby islands, to walking and hiking, to enjoying the clear, blue Adriatic Sea.  I’m soon to find out, and I can’t wait!

Post from: Fly Away Cafe