The stunning country of Bosnia and Hercegovina is one of my favorite places in the world. Here, a tragic past collides with a beautiful present. In Sarajevo, the scars of war are fresh. Any walking tour will clearly point to the roses which stand to remind people of the tragic deaths that took place during our lifetime.
It is the same in Mostar, if not worse. The city, which is the focal point of the Hercegovina region of the country, is intersected by the Neretva River. Beyond the beauty of the bluegreen water lies constant reminders of the battles fought in this charming town during an 18-month siege. Buildings stand like skeletons, pockmarked and shattered.
Then, just outside of the old city is a bank. Or what used to be a bank. Today, all that is left of the massive structure are the ghosts of war. A walk inside the shell of the walls gives visitors a heartbreaking look at a Serbian sniper’s point-of-view. Shattered glass, bullet casings and remnants of office life lay intermingled on the dirty, cement floor. Walls are gone. Windows are gone. Elevator doors are gone. Now home to squatters at night and tourists by day, visiting the old bank serves as a reminder of the country’s recent history and its path to independence and life.
D Travels 'Round 
Hauntingly Beautiful!
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Thank you!!
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What an awesome shot!
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Thanks, lovely!
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One picture captures a lot about the country. Cool pic.
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Thank you. Bosnia and Hercegovina is definitely one of my favorite places. And stunning to photograph.
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Great shot, really heartbreaking story. This is the kind of place I’d like to visit and just feel the emotion of the space.
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Thank you. There were a lot of places like this in the country. Definitely one of my favorite places to sit, ponder and appreciate life and the freedoms we have.
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It’s a sad story, one I don’t think has been told enough here in the US. I’m glad to see them having some prosperity.
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I agree. I remember growing up and hearing about the war, but never fully understood what was going on. Being there and seeing the lasting effects, and the resiliency of the people, was eye-opening.
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