I lived in the beautiful country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I explored this country and saw all of its treasures. One treasure, Banja Luka, is to the northwest of the country. Banja Luka is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unfortunately, I was not given much time to explore this city. However, I found some interesting sites with a clear blue sky on one cold October 2010 morning. I have one picture of the downtown area of Banja Luka and, along the riverbanks, an ancient castle fortress that has been turned into a park.
Rumours abound that Banja Luka has seven women to every man. I do not know if this rumour is true, but if you come and visit, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- The country's area spans 19,767 square miles, making Bosnia the 127th largest country in the world.
- The currency is the Convertible Mark.
- The capital is Sarajevo.
- In 2009, the population was estimated at 4.6 million, making Bosnia the 128th most populous country in the world.
- Sarajevo is the largest city and the country's financial, manufacturing, and political hub.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federation of two states: The Republic of Srpska and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation.
- The tourist destination for foreigners is Sarajevo.
Mostar is an old city located in the western part of Herzegovina. The climate is dry with poor soil, and vineyards are scattered throughout the countryside. Although this region produces wine, it is the poorest in an economically depressed country.
The main attraction is Old Mostar's downtown area. Pedestrians and tourists walk along the old stone streets, which are too narrow for cars and trucks. The old town has many restaurants, shops, and coffee bars.
The old town is spread over a small stream that cuts through the centre. A five-hundred-year-old bridge connects the two halves. The Old Mostar Bridge survived World Wars I and II but was destroyed during the Bosnian War.
If my guide is correct, the Bosnian War started in Mostar in 1990. The Herzegovinians first fought the Serbs. Then the Herzegovinians allied with Serbia and fought the Bosnians. Herzegovinians are Catholics, the Serbs are Orthodox, and Bosnians are Muslim. The War was intense, and Mostar suffered heavy casualties and destruction. Some of this destruction is still visible today.
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and lies toward the country's centre. Sarajevo is the largest city in Bosnia, with a population of 430,000 in 2010. Sarajevo is also the country's capital and financial hub. Many foreigners tend to live in this large city because of the access to many amenities.
Most of the tourist attractions are in the old city. The old city is amenable to pedestrians and shoppers with ample spacious sidewalks and open malls and is away from the constant roar of traffic. It has clubs, restaurants, gift shops, and coffee shops. Many gifts are handmade, and the tradesmen take great pride in their workmanship.
Although Sarajevo has many attractions, I would not want to live in this city. The city appeared to be disorganized and grew too fast. The city is sprawled out and over the tall mountains. Many roads have curves and steep inclines. All over, people are in a rush to get somewhere, and the constant exhaust of cars and trucks chokes pedestrians. Cars and trucks are everywhere. Then add a plethora of stray dogs, cats, and beggars. Although Sarajevo has a low crime rate, pickpocketing is an epidemic here. Some consider Sarajevo the pickpocket capital of Europe. The Gypsies work in teams and may have scouts keeping their eyes on the ATMs. I already know three foreigners who have been picked-pocketed.
I do not know if Bosnia and Herzegovina will make it. The country has three ethnic groups who do not like each other. The Serbs are Orthodox Christian and dominate the Northern part of the country. The Bosnians are Muslims and dominate the South, and Croatians are Catholic and live in western Bosnia.
These three groups formed a government that can be described in one word: dysfunctional. The government dominates the economic and business environment. The government is determined to stop all progress and keeps a tight rein over markets and free enterprise. The political situation is so bad; the Serbs (in Bosnia) talked about breaking away and forming their own country, the Republic of Sprska (i.e. the Republic of Serbia). They believe the Bosnians are holding them back. Unfortunately, the only group getting rich is the politicians.
Tuzla lies in a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. Tuzla is the third largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and lies in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. The Balkan Mountains are majestic and magical, surrounded by nature. Although the mountains stand over 1,000 feet tall, the millennia of rain and snow soften the mountains' rough edges. Trees grow over every square inch on this mountainous terrain.
I lived in Tuzla in 2010 and 2011 and had a wonderful time. The cost of living is low, and the food is natural and good. I am losing weight without breaking a sweat or a hunger pang in my gut. I spend $400 monthly for a two-room apartment with a new wooden veneer floor that has been freshly painted. The furniture is new. A house cleaner cleans my place monthly, including utilities like high-speed internet. The only utility I pay is the electricity.
Tuzla has numerous coffee shops. Bosnians are heavy coffee drinkers, and one can find a coffee shop on every street corner. The baristas usually make the standard espresso. However, the typical Bosnian coffee is similar to Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is finely ground and repeatedly boiled in a cezve or, in the Bosnian language, "džezva, " pronounced "Jez-Vah." As usual, I found two annoyances with the coffee shops:
The only problem with Tuzla is how everyone knows everyone. Although the city has around 180,000 residents, everyone is packed in densely. Consequently, Tuzla has a small-town feel with 800 residents. Then, compound this smallness with the three favourite Bosnian pastimes: drinking coffee at the coffee shops, prolific smoking, and gossiping like teenage girls. Of course, Tuzla has few foreigners, and they stick out like sore thumbs. Everything foreigners do in the city may get back to their employers.
