Monday, October 8, 2007

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Sarajevo is the saddest place we have ever been. Bullet holes in all the buildings, kids cant be in playgrounds because there could be a land mine, nobody smiles, there is a look of hurt and depression in many peoples eyes, mafias control small businesses, and graveyards everywhere. Walking through the city you are constantly reminded of war. The most obvious signs are the Sarajevo Roses - mortar blast holes in the pavement filled with red cement. Its certainly not the place we all saw in the 1984 Olympics. I think PTSD is rampant here and they need more psychological services.

That being said, the scenery is fall-like with the leaves changing color and emerald green rivers are sparkling. This is a place of churches and mosques where east meets west with caution, fear, and respect. We met with a couple from the US State Dept that have been in the Balkans for years and their perspectives awakened us to the reality of life on the streets in Bosnia. We leave for Belgrade, Serbia tonight and then off to Sofia, Bulgaria.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi!! Just wanted to say how happy I am for you two! Giving yourself this gift (again :) of really "living your life!" Is the best gift... I love it! In reading your thoughts and empathizing with your emotions while in Sarajevo, it reminded me of how I was feeling when I was in Cambodia for over a month. Visiting the children in orphanages and seeing the beggars on the streets (who had lost a limb or more due to land mines), and yet most of them were still smiling. A true inspiration. Traveling gives you such a sense of understanding and appreciation... I miss it... and look forward to reading more of your stories. Thank you for letting us be a part of your adventures because that, too, is a gift! Good luck and be safe!! ~Kelly B

lil-chris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lil-chris said...

Wow, what a powerful posting. Especially to read about the children who cannot play for fear of land-mines. Its beautiful that you are broadening your view of the world. Power on...be safe...keep on sharing.