Sarajevo

Sarajevo was beautiful. It was cold and snowy, but beautiful. We took a short tour of the city. We saw the various architectural styles (influenced by the different empires present in the city throughout the history) and the more famous buildings. We visited several mosques and tried to enter one, but were unable to enter since it was the call to prayer was just about to begin. We saw the infamous library (from which many irreplaceable books were burned during the war), but we did not enter. Our guides informed us some about the current debate in regards to the future of the building. Apparently, there is a political debate (and a debate among the citizens) as to whether or not the library should be restored. It is currently in the same condition it was left after the war (burn marks, bullet marks, and a general postwar look). Some people think it should be restored since it is a symbol of Sarajevo, but others think it should remain as it is as a symbol and a constant reminder of the war and the past.

Our tour of the city was shortened by the cold snow and the fact that several of the other BVSers did not bring proper footwear (several were wearing mary janes or an equivalent in which their socks were exposed to the snow and slush). I was lucky to be wearing my boots. We all stopped in a cafe for coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. I personally had two hot chocolates; others chose to mix it up by getting a coffee and a hot chocolate or a espresso and a coffee. Each of our drinks came with a complimentary chocolate.

We went out to dinner that evening with a local NGO worker (he was previously connected to the Quaker organization with Sarajevo). He was very interesting and gave us some his own personal opinions about the current situation in Sarajevo. On Friday morning (before we returned on the bus to Belgrade), we listened to another speaker who is the coordinator of the Mennonite Central Committee's activities in the Balkans. He shared with us his personal experience of the war. He was within the region during the war working with refugees and various aid organizations. He also shared with us about his current work, and his thoughts on the political situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina (he boiled it down to they are at a political standstill), Kosovo, and Serbia. It was very interesting to hear what he had to say.

Overall, I recommend a visit to Sarajevo to everyone who comes through the city. It was a beautiful city and I look forward to visiting it again. It will be nice to visit when I have more time to see the different parts of the city. I'm sure I will be going back again within the next two years to visit Tory, the BVSer who was placed in Sarajevo.

In other news, I added a second portion on to the bus ride blog entry. Check it out if desired.