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Sarajevo is one of the most fascinating cities I've ever had the good fortune to experience. And to think we almost missed it! It was a fifty fifty decision to travel eastwards through Bosnia or Montenegro, and good reviews from a handful of people we met in Dubrovnik just swung it in Bosnia's favour. In my ignorance, I was completely unaware of Sarajevo's unofficial status as "The Jerusalem of Europe", but as I'm writing from our hostel, which sits half way up one of the surrounding hills, overlooking the old city centre, the singing of Muslim prayers are echoing all around us from the many mosques, and I can see Catholic cathedrals and a Jewish synagogue amongst the city centre buildings.
Really good atmosphere here, and I'm sure in no small part helped by the bonding of the people in a city under siege for four years, less than a generation ago. I remember finding Poland fascinating a few years ago because it's most prominent history was recent enough to directly affect some of the people we spoke to (one particular fact sticks in my mind, that of a Russian speaking population in denial of their ability to speak Russian, post Cold War era). But here the history is so recent, I was actually at university when the atrocities took place (which, alright, before anyone points it out for me, is quite a while ago, but it doesn't seem like it!)! Naturally we've learnt a lot about what took place in a short space of time, and I could write about it for a couple of hours. But instead of doing that, I'll simply recommend that anyone who hasn't already should visit Sarajevo themselves.
I should add that our time here was certainly enhanced by the hostel we've stayed at (and are still at, in fact - finally up to date with the blog for the first time!), where our host AK runs a walking tour of the city in the evening. 5 hours worth, and not a hint of a yawn for a second. Can't beat local knowledge!
Finished my second book in what I thought was a short time, but still well behind Neildy's rate! James, you didn't perchance include the Mr Men series in your feat, did you?...
Hostel dorm-mates review, Hostel SA: cracking bunch of people, several of whom, like us, extended their stay beyond prior plans, on account of loving the place so much. Highest proportion of English so far, but also Annie from Hong Kong, a Slovenian girl called Petra, Malen from Sweden, and a bunch of guys who've just arrived from Finland (which means I officially declare the girl from Dubrovnik to be Estonian!).
Bus to Belgrade tomorrow morning.
Additional fact to add to the Sarajevo blog, that I heard and quite like but forgot to include. McDonalds opened up in the city a few years ago, but all the locals tried it for a short while then simply decided that they preferred their own kebab shops. So they stopped going to it and McDonalds had to just pack up and leave. Result: no McDonalds presence in Sarajevo! An excellent example to all cities!
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Gemma Top banana!.... down with the golden arches I say! ;0) x