Bridges (and Tunnels) in Bosnia (and Herzegovina)

Recognised as a country by the UN in May 1992, FIFA in July 1996 and the World Bridge Federation in 2005, it is surprising to learn that Google doesn't believe in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As of 8/12/12, there are no detailed maps of the country. Sarajevo incredibly has only four roads.

Nonetheless, we managed to find our way to the old town of Mostar.

The city, which is situated in Herzegovina (an historic region with little political significance) is famous around the world for it's old bridge, known locally as Stari Most, which means "Old Bridge".

The Koski Mehmed pasa Mosque

The old town

The gymnasium

The test model for the Old Bridge.

The Old Bridge was built in 1557 by the Ottomans, but destroyed 427 years later, by the Croatian Defense Council during the Bosnian War. The reconstruction was completed in 2004.

Here's how happy Josh was after getting the above rainbow bridge shot.

Despite new beginnings, there are still plenty of examples of the war left in Mostar and all around Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Our second stop was the capital city, Sarajevo (Or Сараjево in Cyrillic)

The old neighbourhood Baščaršija (pronounced Bashkablahblah) has a strong Turkish vibe.

A cool pedestrian bridge which somehow fits into today's theme.

The Sephardic Synagogue built in 1581.

So on day two, it snowed.

Mmmmm... snow.

Nonetheless, we continued to visit the sights. Starting with Svrzo House, a survining mansion from the Ottoman days.

The famous site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip on 28 June 1914.

A rare photo of us together at the source of the Bosna River.

Before leaving the city we paid a visit to what remains of the Sarajevo Tunnel. During the war, this cramped tunnel beneath the UN controlled airport was the only way to get weapons and humanitarian aid into the besieged city of Sarajevo.

We then entered the Republika Srpska (an autonomous region with a majority Serbian population) and visited the town of Višegrad. We visited the town because its bridge features rather prominently in the book Josh is currently reading, Ivo Andrić's "The Bridge on the Drina".

We then drove over the mountains and far away.