Mostar: thank you Majda

Smaller than Sarajevo, divided by the jaw-dropping Neretva River and the infamous Stari Most watching over, is stunning Mostar.

We hadn’t initially planned to come and visit but after hearing about Majdas Hostel, a second home were you receive more of the warming Bosnian welcome, we had to include this in the plan.

But like the rest of the country during the 1990s, the area is also still showing signs of wounds slowly healing after the war.

Arriving late morning we were welcome by Bata, Majdas brother at the train station who leaped into the Bosnian version of “Whaaatssss up...”

I liked him already.

The hospitality didn’t end there with a breakfast of French Toast washed down with Bosnian coffee.

Under the sweltering 38 degrees we’ve continued to follow the complex history of this country. New Zealand born Wade Goddard first arrived in the area back in 1992. As a young 22 year old, he retells his account of the war through the lens of his camera at the War Time exhibition. It’s very moving, again giving you a parting gift of such admiration for the local people’s stoic attitude to keep charging on.

Stari Most, the bridge dividing the East from the West is a living piece of history. I’m sure if it could talk, over a Café Latte it would have a long tale to share. Between sips, it would delve into the initial construction in the 1400s finishing off with a story of happy days before it's destruction with little to no remorse (or thought) by the Croats.

But back to why Mostar is Mostar today. That’s the credit of the local people, and in particular Majda and Bata who run the home we stayed in. They’re forever smiling and joking. Today we met her Mother, who was the one that initially encouraged opening a hostel 8 years ago. Afterwards, Majda thanked us for talking to her.

Bata runs a tour that has received international fame. You just need to set aside 13 hours and be prepared to be continuously laughing throughout the day.

We had initially only booked 1 night in Mostar. This quickly tuned into 2 and now we are on our 3^rd and final night. I don’t want to leave, especially now that we are getting served homemade vegetable soup for dinner. Call it mad Bosnians as who eats soup in 38-degree weather or just another sign of the welcoming Bosnian hospitality.

Toodle pip x

Neretva River.

Stari Most.

Bazzar

Stari Most.

The infamous bridge divers.

Snipers overtook this building (previously a bank).

Bata's famous tour.

Literally running for the bus as Bata decides to play a trick on us.

Disco time on Bata's bus.