And shockingly, not enough time here. For such a small city, I ran out of days. I feel there’s more to discover here. Ahhh, someday, maybe.

Well, for my final day, I spent it outside as much as possible. A little rain cooled me while I ran around, which was great.

This area is a valley, which we know from the name. It’s small enough that I’ve basically seen three sides of it. Just missed the NW corner. 

That means hills. Oh man, we’ve got great hills here. Surprisingly easy to conquer if you cheat a little like me today on the way to the bobsled track. 

It was so cool up there. After the first 100 yards, just one couple and I had the place to ourselves. I guess the locals have seen it and the tour groups don’t go so far. Some internet folks have said it wasn’t super safe. BS. Those guys left fancy cameras in their backseat. Of course they’ll get robbed. If you’re like me and have nothing expensive, no problem!

The forest is quiet but for the birds and things. I looked hard for a Yeti, I must be on the wrong continent or something.

Just a nice time in the woods with neat graffiti to look at.

After a steep walk down, some dinner and a small art gallery. I got a piece of baklava from this shop that sells 16 different kinds. It was good, nothing spectacular.

On to Belgrade and Serbia tomorrow!

❤

Wanted to get out of the city today. There’s a park out of town that can be reached by a bus and tram ride, called Bosna Springs. It took a bit of figuring out at the bus station. There’s not any actual signs or anything that tell you which buses leave from where lol.

The park was nice. Not a lot going on, but it was nice to have my picnic in the park.

Took a nice long nap when I got back to town, waiting for the ballet later. The tickets were only 7.50, so I was happy about that. It was a ballet troupe,  but the dancing was mostly modern. Really neat. It made me want to reread the story of Alice in Wonderland. In this version, tweedledum and tweedledee are spandex clad go-go dancers.

Tomorrow I’ll finish up with the museums. A few still look interesting, and maybe a short hike?

Mary

Bad allergies today, so I didn’t have a lot of energy. I just saw a gallery and did one tour. 

The private Bosniak Institute is an old hammam, or bath house, and art gallery. The hammam part had a lot of historical furnishings and decorations. It was made up to look like a private home. Wealthy home, of course lol. The art was good. Lots of locals-only galleries are just so-so. Many good lithograph specifically.

For lunch, more burek. It gets better the further away from old town you get.

The walking tour was about the war. The same guy from yesterday led the group. It was neat to hear about what went on from someone who lived here. 

The remainder of the day I just sat and read at a coffee shop.

Hopefully the pollen count will be lower tomorrow!!

So, it’s Ramadan here. 

Have you ever wondered exactly how Muslims break their fast? I have.

It’s awesome.

At almost sunset…..dozens of diners sit in restaurants…staring at their food-covered dinner plates….the seconds tick by…..

A firework goes off, on a loudspeaker something in Arabic is said (I’m guessing something like…it’s sunset now), and theres a flurry of chewing and happy sounds.

Also, I thought it would be a bigger deal with the no eating and drinking in a strongly Muslim community. Not so. Visitors are asked to be more sensitive in visiting the holy places (women be extra modest, for example), and no eating and drinking in the courtyard. That’s all.

In other news, I had a lovely day sightseeing. Restaurant food is reasonably priced and the coffee delicious. With the abundance of water fountains everywhere, I’m well hydrated for once!

Have a good one, everybody!