We were late leaving Sarajevo. Detlef made arrangement to have his van washed and cleaned. After hundred of miles traveling, it was in a appalling state. True what Fatahyah said that Mostar is a beautiful place and not to miss it. The drive towards Mostar in Herzagovina was sheer delight. We were treated with picturesque turquoise coloured lake and river all along the road. The blue-green mountains, dotted with houses completed the scenic scenery. I was in awe. We stopped at a lookout point where the restaurant roasted lambs/pigs in the open, operated by the mill powered by clear running river water. I was fascinated. I just wished I am a good photographer and could produced better photos.
Reaching the town of Mostar with 50% Muslims and 50% Christians, we were met by Jasmina, a Muslim Bosnian local guide. She talked a bit about the war when she and her family had to move to Norway. After living there for 13 years they decided to come back where home is. Being blonde and green eyed, she could blend nicely with the people there but when she told them her name, they turned cold. What a judging attitude!! Mostar is not moving forward. The unemployment rate is so high, about 40% and the people struggle to make a living. We should be thankful that Malaysia is a prosperous country with abundant employments. Please Malaysians, do not destroy your country due to your personal and emotional political beliefs that create racial prejudice and tension. If you are not happy with Malaysia, you should leave and I would say 'Good riddance'.
Mostar was reconstructed after the war (1992-1995). They called Mostar the City of Poetry. It's situated in Neretva River Valley. When we arrived, the weather was hot, 30 degrees Celsius and dry. Jasmina took us to the old city crossing the most magnificent stone monument - the Stari most or the Old Bridge, built on the narrowest canyon of the Neretva with large stone arch. It was entered on UNESCO World Heritage List. I didn't enjoy walking across this bridge as it is so slippery and I had to watch my steps, leaving me far behind the others. The old town is paved by river stones polished by the constant feet/shoes of people walking on them. It's like reflexology to the feet but I didn't enjoy it either - slippery!
We did our Jama' prayer at an old historical mosque in Mostar, the Koski Mehmed-pasina mosque. Small in size but stunning in the inside. Unfortunately I left my camera outside in my handbeg with Jasmina while I did my prayer. So no photos to show the inside of the mosque.
Another walk to the Turkish museum in the hot sun ended our tour. Detlef has trouble with his feet and he lagged behind. We bade goodbye to Jasmina and drove to our next destination about 400 miles away - Plitvice.
Thank you Jasmina and I hope you'll find a job you're trained for soon - as an English teacher.
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