It was our last night in Bosnia as we ascended the hills above Mostar and drove along the coast toward Croatia.
The sea was smooth and gray like polished steel, and the sky glowed softly in gentle, velvety colors. The dramatic scene seemed the perfect way to leave this country that had so surprised, gutted and thrilled me. I didn’t want to leave but other countries, stories and adventures beckoned me on, so I left, carrying a heart full of memories and a camera full of pictures.
After the devastating conflict that left communities shattered, families torn apart, and thousands of people struggling to rebuild their lives, a new national anthem for Bosnia Hercegovina was adopted on June 25, 1999.
It had a melody but no words, for no words could be agreed upon.
For ten years there was only a tune but finally, in February 2009, the national parliament settled on lyrics. I found several translations that differ slightly in everything but the last few lines. To me they are the most important:
“We go into the future together!”
How I wish that for Bosnia. May it continue to grow into a place of peace, healing, and much hope.
This is stunning in its serenity. May the Lord bless your journey home…its lovely to connect with you and your writing and life. I look forward to many more visits.
Emmanuel.
With love,
Hillary
what a beautiful country!! thanks for sharing your great pictures…I hope they enjoy the peace and prosperity their cuontry deserves after so long a struggle.
Beautiful photos!!!
Beautiful country and gorgeous post Krista. Goodbyes are always hard…
Krista – thanks SO much for all these posts about Bosnia. A place that most of us know so little about and that seemed to be so quickly forgotten after the wars. The pictures are gorgeous as always! Glad to hear it was a better week, and that barbecue!!!! As much as I like fancy food……maybe my ideal “last supper” really would be a nice juicy sausage and an endless pile of guacamole and chips! What a dream to be able to eat as much of all that as I want and not have to worry about the calories (cause tomorrow I would be dead!)
p.s. lucky brother to be in Paris – I know there must be a good reason why you are not there with him this summer….but would have loved to compare notes!
Oh, my. The photos are more than beautiful. They are breathtaking. What a visit this must have bee. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary
Ooohhhh, what beautiful landscapes! they remind me of Greece…
Cheers,
Rosa
It sounds so lovely! Very magical.
Gorgeous photos! I came for the food and was seduced by the landscapes.
🙂
What a beautoful postcard to Bosnia Krista! 😀
I’m so glad you like it, Hillary. 🙂 I love the serenity too. It’s wonderful to meet you! 🙂
I hope so too, Dennis. 🙂 I’m so glad you like the photos. 🙂
Thank you, Zizi!! 🙂
I agree, Deeba. 🙂 It is an amazing country and I’m so glad I got to visit it.
You are so welcome, Paradis! I love Bosnia so much and am happy you like it too. 🙂 Hope you’ve had a MARVELOUS time in Paris! 🙂
Thank you so much, Mary! I’m delighted you’re enjoying them. 🙂
Thank you, Rosa. 🙂 Yes!! They remind me of Greece too. 🙂
Stunning scenery… I hope I get to go to Montenegro again this autumn.