Globe Corner Blogs

So, I decided to tear myself away from Dubrovnik and make the trip to Sarajevo. I absolutely adore Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is one of those unforgettable cities that always leaves a lasting impression. Unfortunately, a lot of the attention seems to be on the recent history and the siege of Sarajevo, as almost all visitors are quite curious about what happened. The city is still visibly scarred, but it wears its scars with a bit of elegance. Every year it seems like there are new renovations and construction around the city. The Old Town is inviting with its leisurely pace and seems to be like a smaller Istanbul, but on Valium. The Turkish influence is quite profound, and it seems worlds apart from the Dalmatian coast, even though it is only a six hour bus ride away. Just a block away from the Old Town, you seem to step into the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and then a few blocks down the street you step into the days of Communism. (I am not the biggest fan of the architecture of this area, but it is there.) Sarajevo seems to be gaining more interest as a tourist destination and even has an eco-tourism agency. Check out the slightly expensive, but wonderful, Green Visions if you want to go hiking or whitewater rafting. But when chatting with fellow travelers in the Balkans, we seem to unanimously agree that we love Sarajevo.

I firmly believe that one of the best times to become smitten with Sarajevo happens to be during the Sarajevo Film Festival, which is taking place this week. Not that I am by any means a film festival aficionado, but this particular one is absolutely extraordinary. Perhaps it because of the history of the festival, or maybe because it is such a wonderful showcase for regional films. Or it could be the atmosphere of the city during the festival. Instead of being slightly sleepy, the entire city becomes consumed by the festival. But it stays relaxed, and you never know which celebrity you might bump into while you are strolling by the river. (Last year I saw Juliette Binoche. This year I hope to catch a glimpse of Kevin Spacey!)

In the meantime, I am just happily eating cevapi (little sausages), drinking my turkish coffee, and trying to reread one of my favorite books, Sarajevo Marlboro, but this time in Bosnian! And then it is off to the cinema!

Read more: Eastern Europe, Festivals, News, Outdoor Recreation, Sarajevo, Travel, Travel Tips and Resources


Lisa says "blah, blah, blah, Croatia, blah, blah, blah, Dubrovnik, blah, blah, red wine, blah." non-stop.

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